by "Bryan doesn't drive a 1M" (bryantakespictures)
Published 05/03/2017 at 10:43
by "Bryan doesn't drive a 1M" (bryantakespictures)
Published 05/03/2017 at 10:43
No Tags
STARS: 4
My passenger is a guy who had shoulder surgery and wanted to see what autocross is all about before healing and driving himself. He seemed to enjoy himself.
The car was great fun. This was the first time I’ve driven it really hard with traction control off and, wow, I bought the right car. Steering feel and turn-in are fantastic, and the car feels very balanced. Compared to my 135i, this car has much less low-down torque, so I’m trying to learn how to take advantage of the AWD and get on the gas earlier to keep those revs up. Left-foot braking is also an option, but I’m not quite ready for that yet.
I also learned that I have no idea how to launch this car quickly. The first couple attempts were embarrassingly bad, and then I improved up to the “barely acceptable” range by my last run.
Overall, I’m very happy with the car, and excited to keep learning how to get the most out of it.
"Discerning" (discerning2003c5z)
05/03/2017 at 10:45, STARS: 2
I wish someone made an STI equivalent that looks good/more mature and that isn’t an unreliable Audi.
Need some 4-door fun in my life.
SS is out of the question due to a complete lack of availability, making it exceptionally difficult to find exactly what I want.
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
05/03/2017 at 10:52, STARS: 0
You’re describing what I want (need?) in my next DD, too, so you’re not alone. I’m 49 years old and have 1 kid in a backwards facing car seat. I want fun, but *need* practical, and am not willing to buy anything with a giant wing on it...
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
05/03/2017 at 10:52, STARS: 2
4 door, AWD, 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo, 400 HP, 400 Torque, looks like an adult would drive it:
Put some nice tires on it. Wreck fools with your sleeper.
"Bryan doesn't drive a 1M" (bryantakespictures)
05/03/2017 at 10:54, STARS: 2
There’s the STi with wing delete....
There’s the Golf R, which I guess is basically an Audi.
3-series with a manual is always fun.
The Focus RS is fairly mature, depending on color choice, but it’s not nearly as practical as the STi in terms of seating or storage space.
The list is pretty small, especially if you’re looking for a manual trans. All you have to do is realize that maturity is overrated and then you’re golden!
"Arrivederci" (arrividerci)
05/03/2017 at 10:56, STARS: 3
Hmmm... there has to be something ! How about:
- MB CLA45 AMG
- Ford Focus RS
- BMW M3
- Dodge Charger ScatPack
- Chevy SS (keep looking!)
- Lexus ISF
- Kia Stinger GT (coming soonish)
- Caddy ATS-V
Eh?
"Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero" (sampsonite24)
05/03/2017 at 10:57, STARS: 0
the STi doesnt have some sort of launch control system?SAD!
"Bryan doesn't drive a 1M" (bryantakespictures)
05/03/2017 at 10:58, STARS: 3
Ha! The STi is not exactly a modern technology kind of car...
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
05/03/2017 at 11:03, STARS: 0
Yep, your list is pretty much what I keep coming back to, plus the SS. Don’t know about Discerning, but 3 pedals is what I want. On top of that, rear-facing infant seats take up one HELL of a lot of space. FFS, I can’t put the seat behind me in my Lexus GS - so I’m not sure the STi, RS or Golf R would work (but haven’t tried yet).
"Discerning" (discerning2003c5z)
05/03/2017 at 11:06, STARS: 1
I actually got the chance to drive one of these recently.
Here are my notes:
Over $65K for the one I drove. That’s serious money for a Lincoln
Heavy heavy heavy. You could really feel the weight in every situation
Kinda numb handling, but that might just be the heft.
I enjoyed the seats and the interior.
Of course, this is a full size sedan, so it is going to be heavy. But it really isn’t the car for me based on the experience I had.
"Bryan doesn't drive a 1M" (bryantakespictures)
05/03/2017 at 11:09, STARS: 2
I got the STi because it fit the rear-facing seat. The RS and Golf R wouldn’t work for that. Even though the STi gets compared against the RS and Golf R, it feels like it’s in another size category when you sit in it. However, it does not in any way feel mature. It’s loud, stiff, and makes all kinds of Subaru noises. One actual question I got from a Prius-owner riding with me was “Are you making that noise on purpose? Or does the car just do that?”
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
05/03/2017 at 11:12, STARS: 0
$65k??? How is that possible? They start around $35k (not with the TTV6 of course).
"Discerning" (discerning2003c5z)
05/03/2017 at 11:12, STARS: 1
None of those are really in the same price as a new STI unless we’re talking about some seriously used stuff in some cases.
But, I actually have driven most of these. Probably driven close to 50 cars in the last year. Here’s my nitpicky break down of everything you posted:
- MB CLA45 AMG: Drove only once. Shockingly expensive used
- Ford Focus RS: GF hated it. Hates all wagons. Finds them immature
- BMW M3: Loved DSG, disliked manual (resisted high rpm shifting). Cost of parts scares me. Didn’t make an E90 after 2011, which is too old.
- Dodge Charger ScatPack: Heavy, horrendous interior. Dodge reliability and build quality
- Chevy SS (keep looking!): Can’t find one priced right in my area. Pretty much only new examples
- Lexus ISF: Of all the cars, I liked this one the most. I wanted one so bad. It is insanely difficult to find a 2014 with reasonable miles for under 40K. Pretty much doesn’t exist.
- Kia Stinger GT (coming soonish): Meh
- Caddy ATS-V: Expensive new and used. Just a lot of money.
Whatever I get I will probably have for a short period of time and I’d like to keep it under 35K. So few options. The STI is a blast and only 35K brand new. Not sure I want to risk buying an old E90 M3 with 75k miles on the clock to match that price.
Have seriously considered a CPO 435i or 335i though.
"Discerning" (discerning2003c5z)
05/03/2017 at 11:13, STARS: 1
My bad! Thought that was a continental at first glance. Haven’t had a chance to drive an MKZ. Wonder if it pushes as hard as the continental did.
GF wasn’t too psyched about me owning a Lincoln either, but I might check this one out.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
05/03/2017 at 11:14, STARS: 1
Whoa, we’re not talking about the same car. Definitely not.
I’m talking about the Lincoln MKZ. Sounds like you’re referencing an MKS or a new Continental. You can get the MKZ with AWD and the 3.0L 400/400 motor for 42k. Even the Black Label MKZ AWD 3.0 is 53K. And it’s definitely not a full size sedan. Mid-Size. This is the car that compares to a Fusion (though completely different Lincoln exclusive motor that is more powerful than the Fusion Sport even).
I’m not saying it has Sport suspension or top level handling, but it certainly isn’t a full sizer
"Justin Hughes" (justinhughes54)
05/03/2017 at 11:15, STARS: 2
The best way to launch a WRX/STi is to abuse the hell out of the clutch. Without wheelspin something has to give, and that something is the clutch. It’s a choice I generally choose not to make.
I haven’t had the chance to go balls to the wall in my WRX yet. My first opportunity will probably be the Wicked Big Meet autocross. No pressure, embarrassing myself in front of legions of loyal Subaru owners, right?
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
05/03/2017 at 11:15, STARS: 0
That’s helpful, thanks! With the wing delete, it would at least look a little more age-appropriate for me. At least worth a test drive, when the time comes— although my mind keeps wandering back to a 3 series sedan, special ordered with the good stuff I want, for now—
"Discerning" (discerning2003c5z)
05/03/2017 at 11:16, STARS: 0
You’re right. I did a quick look and thought it was a continental.
Haven’t had the chance to drive an MKZ. GF isn’t too psyched about the idea of a lincoln but I might check this out.
"Discerning" (discerning2003c5z)
05/03/2017 at 11:17, STARS: 1
Ditto. I have a dog and need to maintain a professional appearance because of my job. Also don’t really want to have the whole boy-racer look going on with my car. Ha
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
05/03/2017 at 11:18, STARS: 0
Ah, I suspected you mistook it for a Continental. When I see the new grille on the MKZ, I tend to do the same at first glance. I’d be worried about it pushing, too, but the last time I drove one was several years ago, and I’ve forgotten it. My wife feels the same about Lincoln - I’m trying to get her to look at the new MKX, and she’s having none of it. Personally, I could care less what the brand was, as long as I like driving it—
"Arrivederci" (arrividerci)
05/03/2017 at 11:18, STARS: 1
Well, if you’re only going to keep it for a short period of time, how about a CPO S4? I know Audi=unreliable, but if it’s warrantied, who cares, amirite?
Tons of them for sale under $40k, with a few even below $35k .
"Justin Hughes" (justinhughes54)
05/03/2017 at 11:18, STARS: 0
IMO, the Golf R might as well be an Audi. A friend of mine upgraded from an S4 Avant to a Golf R last year. The VW was a lot newer than the Audi, but to me it felt as much or more like an Audi than the actual Audi did.
"Discerning" (discerning2003c5z)
05/03/2017 at 11:19, STARS: 0
My GF is completely and entirely anti-wagon. I’m not a huge fan of them myself either.
CPO 3 series is likely my best bet if I don’t just give up entirely and buy a 4runner. But, GF doesn’t like BMW, especially 3 series. So the struggle is very real.
"Discerning" (discerning2003c5z)
05/03/2017 at 11:20, STARS: 0
S4 sounds very very tempting. I would hate to be in the shop all the time, even if it was covered under warranty, but there are so few alternatives that it might be my best bet.
"Bryan doesn't drive a 1M" (bryantakespictures)
05/03/2017 at 11:21, STARS: 1
...and with European delivery, I hope.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
05/03/2017 at 11:21, STARS: 0
I think the quick look making you think it’s a Continental is exactly the point lol.
But, it gets you a car that’s more reliable than an Audi, doesn’t look like a boy racer, and tons of power.
"Discerning" (discerning2003c5z)
05/03/2017 at 11:23, STARS: 0
I’ll check one out. The 3.0 looks intriguing. Surprised how heavy it is on paper, and there’s the whole transverse AWD thing, but it could surprise me.
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
05/03/2017 at 11:28, STARS: 0
What is it about the SS that you can’t find? Is it the manual, or a pricing issue? If it’s the former (and that’s really the car you want), I would just broaden your search geographically. A very quick search shows 4 within 15 miles of me, and 1 of them even has 3 pedals. I’m in a major metro area, but they are around.
"Bryan doesn't drive a 1M" (bryantakespictures)
05/03/2017 at 11:30, STARS: 2
You have to go STi Limited to get the wing delete, so at that point you’re in the $40,000 range.
I’d go CPO BMW if I were you. The N55 engine, which I had in my 135i is such a beautiful thing. It’s worth getting just about any car wrapped around an N55. It’s fast, smooth, reliable, economical, and it can even sound nice with a decent exhaust, unlike the latest M3 fart machine. The only problem with buying a CPO BMW right now is the Takata airbag recall. BMW won’t buy or sell anything with that open recall, so the selection is extremely slim from 2008 onward.
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
05/03/2017 at 11:30, STARS: 0
Ideally, yep—
"Discerning" (discerning2003c5z)
05/03/2017 at 11:32, STARS: 1
It’s a pricing issue due to the fact that most all of them are new. Trying to stay under 35 since I won’t keep it very long and want to eat as little depreciation and taxes as I can.
"AM3R, lost another burner" (am3r17)
05/03/2017 at 11:32, STARS: 1
Look into the 335i BMW. A very nicely optioned CPO with around 20-30k on it should be cheaper than a new STI.
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
05/03/2017 at 11:34, STARS: 0
My wife has a 2015 X3 with the N55 and the ZF auto. It’s an absolutely brilliant drivetrain. Theoretically, my GS and her X3 both have 300 HP, 4,000 lb, and AWD. A drag race between them would be absolutely no contest. My butt dyno says the BMW is a LOT quicker.
"Discerning" (discerning2003c5z)
05/03/2017 at 11:34, STARS: 0
The STI is likely out of the question. It isn’t exactly attractive (IMO) and it still looks a bit boy-racer-ish with the wing removed.
CPO BMW likely is my best bet. Or CPO S4. I have encountered some issues with the BMW’s, but most of them seem to have been taken care of in my area.
"Bryan doesn't drive a 1M" (bryantakespictures)
05/03/2017 at 11:34, STARS: 1
My brain and wallet probably prevented me from doing too much clutch torture. Good luck at the autocross, I doubt you’ll embarrass yourself too much. If you do, just take a long drag on your vape pen, pull down your flat-brimmed hat, get out there and try again!
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
05/03/2017 at 11:35, STARS: 0
Patience may pay off then - at one point, Chevy was putting 10k cash on the hood of the prior year models to move them (2015 MY IIRC?). I never saw a 3 pedal car at that price, but I wasn’t in the market, either—
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
05/03/2017 at 11:36, STARS: 1
Yeah - it’s a drivetrain I love (see my comment elsewhere here), and it would be a matter of trying to find a 3 pedal CPO. Difficult, but not impossible—
"DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back" (karsonkinja)
05/03/2017 at 11:53, STARS: 0
I accidentally launched mine the other day. It was in a moment of frustration when someone couldn’t decide if they wanted to exit the shopping center parking lot in front of me and the light ahead had turned green. I got mad, revved it and dumped the clutch. I didn’t realize how much I had revved it; the traction control light flashed on and off rapidly and the whole car juddered and took off.
I relearned not to get mad on the roads again...
"Bryan doesn't drive a 1M" (bryantakespictures)
05/03/2017 at 12:40, STARS: 1
That’s because BMW is lying about the 300hp.
"uofime-2" (uofime-2)
05/03/2017 at 12:41, STARS: 0
it has a revlimiter and 3 pedals. What else do you need?
"WRXforScience" (WRXforScience)
05/03/2017 at 12:43, STARS: 1
There is a no cost wing delete option.
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
05/03/2017 at 12:45, STARS: 0
The transmission is a contributor, also. But yeah, ONE of those cars isn’t making 300 HP.
"WRXforScience" (WRXforScience)
05/03/2017 at 12:47, STARS: 0
I had a 2010 WRX I autocrossed for 4 years, the launch takes some time to figure out. Basically, rev to around 4-5k and quickly let out the clutch with as little clutch slip as possible. Too little rpm and and you bog (same if you side step the clutch entirely, which can really only be done above 5k rpm), too high of an rpm ruins the clutch (I went through my first clutch just under 30k miles, but the second clutch was like new when I got rid of the car at over 75k miles).
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
05/03/2017 at 12:50, STARS: 0
Yeah, and I would definitely need that if I were to get one—
"uofime-2" (uofime-2)
05/03/2017 at 12:58, STARS: 0
There are droves of WRX owners who would happily swap trunks for an STI wing, you can probably get a couple hundred buck on top too.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
05/03/2017 at 13:38, STARS: 0
Launching is entirely unimportant in autox generally. Unless of course you are doing the ProSolo format with the christmas tree and dual courses. But normally, you have a short section before the timing lights so you have time to save your clutch and still accelerate briskly. I only ever do a launch because smokey burnouts are more fun lol.
"Bryan doesn't drive a 1M" (bryantakespictures)
05/03/2017 at 13:40, STARS: 0
Yes, thankfully that is true. Going with a smooth take off was much easier and less embarrassing.
"AM3R, lost another burner" (am3r17)
05/03/2017 at 13:52, STARS: 1
I got lucky and found a nice E92 335i right off CPO a while back. Still love it. My local dealer always has a few nice 335i 6MT sedans, always kinda tempting haha.
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
05/03/2017 at 13:58, STARS: 0
It would just take some patience on my part, which isn’t a big deal. Adding to the complexity, though, is that I think I’d prefer RWD to AWD. The luxury dealers absolutely DO NOT stock RWD around me - unless it’s an RWD model (M3/M4/M5, some AMG cars, etc.). I’d probably just have to look in a warmer climate, is all.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
05/03/2017 at 13:58, STARS: 0
I’ve seen people stall out at the start. I do find it kind of funny when that happens. I have also seen people take out cones before even entering the course. Also, Ive had some really sketchy shifts to second right near the start with cold tires where I went sideways through one of the first gates. Shit happens!
"Arrivederci" (arrividerci)
05/03/2017 at 14:20, STARS: 0
Probably worth checking out - their track record isn’t great, but it’s not like every single car is bad, you just have a better chance of getting one that could have issues. If CPO, at least it won’t cost you anything and you can drive new Audis frequently.
Can’t say I’d own one out of warranty though.
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
05/05/2017 at 11:37, STARS: 0
BTW, I just went to Lincoln’s website to see this for myself. They’re selling a 4 door sedan with 400 HP, AWD and leather for under $43k??? Why is no one talking about this??
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
05/05/2017 at 12:25, STARS: 1
THANK YOU
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
05/05/2017 at 12:27, STARS: 0
Well, it just got added to my ‘must test drive’ list for next spring.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
05/05/2017 at 13:02, STARS: 1
Awesome. Let me know how it goes! I’ve been ranting about it everywhere I can because you’ll see the FP post an article about an “amazing new Audi A4/S4 with 385 hp” or something of the sort and I’m like HELLO - MKZ.
Also remember that a few years back (prior generation) beat an M5 on the slalom course with just summer tires. They are surprisingly capable cars.
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
05/05/2017 at 13:11, STARS: 0
Part of it is that I don’t see Lincoln pushing it that hard, either, though? For me, it will come down to whether a) I can convince my wife to let my next DD be a stick (she doesn’t drive stick and likes having my DD as backup) and b) how it handles. I sat in the new MKX at the auto show and loved the interior - did the same in the MKZ a few years ago and liked it, too. I’m skeptical of FWD chassis with the engines way up front (so Audis too), but have an open mind.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
05/05/2017 at 13:36, STARS: 1
they don’t push much of anything that hard honestly.
It is auto only tho, so the wife should like that!
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
05/05/2017 at 13:51, STARS: 0
Except for Matthew McConaughey, that is. They’re pushing him more than the cars. Yes, the wife would approve!
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
05/05/2017 at 14:14, STARS: 1
Hahahaha, well I’m sure they paid a lot for him.
They’re trying to sell a lifestyle, not cars right now is my take on it.
They’re quite performance and luxury. They aren’t going to put out anything like a CTS-V. Not their thing.
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
05/05/2017 at 14:34, STARS: 0
“Selling a lifestyle” is what got Subaru and BMW where they’re at now, so I can’t blame them for that, I guess. Lincoln and Cadillac both have a tough path ahead - they were sleepwalking for far too long. I’d personally prefer the direction Cadillac is going, but I’m glad that the two are headed in slightly different directions. I don’t see them both succeeding if they’re moving in parallel. Seems like Cadillac is looking at BMW (who is stumbling quite a lot IMHO) and Lincoln is looking at Lexus (who isn’t stumbling). Would be great t o see both win.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
05/05/2017 at 14:44, STARS: 1
Yep, I say they’re more focused on the Asian luxury and Caddy more focused on German Luxury/Performance.
Lincoln’s prime targets (in my personal opinion) should be Acura, Infiniti and Lexus. And Genesis, I’ll include that because if there’s a customer willing to take a risk on a non-traditional luxury car these days, Lincoln needs to be after them.
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
05/05/2017 at 15:14, STARS: 0
Agreed on all points- - and with good products (and marketing) they can steal sales from Acura and Infiniti, and at least make inroads against Lexus. It’ll be a while, but I’m looking forward to test driving the MKX.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
05/05/2017 at 15:45, STARS: 1
I actually really like the MKT. If I go crossover I’ll have to bite the bullet and get 3 rows.
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
05/05/2017 at 15:56, STARS: 0
Doh! Typo by me - I meant MKZ. I prefer cars. But I am trying halfheartedly to get my wife to test drive the MKX.