by "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
Published 12/06/2017 at 23:43
by "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
Published 12/06/2017 at 23:43
Tags: Road trip
STARS: 5
Or at least most of it. Nevertheless, I safely traversed the wasteland to arrive safely in Houston. This is my first road trip in the K900. Summary to follow.
This car is smooooth and quiet. Not sensory deprivation chamber quiet, but quiet enough that I could really enjoy that Haydn cello concerto. Also, the sound system is great. Good bass without sounding muddy or losing the midrange. Texas has these stretches of highway with a ripple in them that sets up some kind of sympathetic vibration in the car, kinda like in Jodie Foster’s bubble in Contact . Still, car did a good job of making it comfortable.
The adaptive cruise control was flawless. We hit construction and it slowed from 75 to 5 all in its own, all while maintaining an appropriate distance from the car ahead, depending on the speed. It kept creeping along in line on its own until I took over. Funny thing though, it doesn’t modulate it’s own brakes get well. Braking is kind of abrupt.
Rain sensing wipers did the job well. They are kind of aggressive and speed up or slow down based on some algorithm I can’t figure out. Still, I didn’t have to keep fiddling with the wiper timing the whole trip, and that is gold.
With a stop for gas, one for cash, and one at the Wendy’s drive thru, and a jam 20 out for an accident, I made it in about 4:15, leaving Dallas at about 3:45. As I was entering the hotel, there was my colleague talking to the shuttle driver. She had taken a 6:30 flight to get there at the same time. Not much time saved by flying.
HER: but you had to drive.
ME: but I got to drive.
I win.
"deprecated account" (savethei4s)
12/07/2017 at 00:08, STARS: 1
Did you get it used, new, or a new, never-sold 2014? My dad got a Cadenza in the summer of ‘14 and it’s served him quite well.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/07/2017 at 00:25, STARS: 0
It’s a used 2015, one owner with warranty left on it. Here’s the post where I announced it. I have been pleased so far.
http://oppositelock.kinja.com/oppo-meet-genie-genie-this-is-oppo-1795944939
"deprecated account" (savethei4s)
12/07/2017 at 00:26, STARS: 1
Cool beans. Wonder why he’d get rid of it with resale being as low as it is.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/07/2017 at 00:36, STARS: 1
First driver was a lease. I assume he wanted to move into something else like most people who lease. These cars are going for around $30k with lower miles, but with this many miles, it sat on the lot for a while and got price reduced. Doesn’t bother me. That NA V8 will last as long as I’ll ever need it to. It’s essentially a new car to me.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/07/2017 at 00:39, STARS: 1
Also, I like those Cadenzas. They’re supposed to give me one for a loaner every time I go in for service. Haven’t had one yet though.
"Svend" (svend)
12/07/2017 at 00:44, STARS: 1
The wipers should change speed depending on how fast the car is going and how heavy the rain is.
"deprecated account" (savethei4s)
12/07/2017 at 00:50, STARS: 0
Nice!
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
12/07/2017 at 00:55, STARS: 1
That seems really slow for an interstate in Texas. All I know is in the panhandle area I kept driving on basic two Lane roads with driveways and intersections that were 75mph! I knew there were 85mph interstates but I did not expect the 75mph local streets at all. It made sense considering how flat it was but it was not a deserted area either. Made me miss those very much once I got to new Mexico and was stuck with 55mph highway through literally the middle of nowhere
"Xyl0c41n3" (i-am-xyl0c41n3)
12/07/2017 at 01:01, STARS: 3
You’re in Texas and you stopped at a burger joint whose name starts with W but it WASN’T Whataburger?
Dude. DUDE!!!!! Big mistake!!!
Next stop you make, make it a Whataburger. They’re everywhere and they’re all open 24 hours. :)
"pip bip - choose Corrour" (hhgttg69)
12/07/2017 at 05:19, STARS: 1
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
12/07/2017 at 07:05, STARS: 3
Me: But you had to deal with airports.
Yeah, you win.
"TheRealBicycleBuck" (therealbicyclebuck)
12/07/2017 at 08:19, STARS: 1
We were in Houston at the same time! I made the trip from Baton Rouge on Sunday and returned yesterday. It’s about the same distance as Dallas. My ride was a Chrysler 300. I meant to take a picture of it, but I forgot.
It’s surprising how nice these low-end luxury rides can be. The 300 was quiet and fast. It coddled me in leather and soothed my jangled nerves with the dulcet sounds of my latest audiobook. In other words, it was a completely uneventful experience, just as one would hope .
"haveacarortwoorthree2" (haveacarortwoorthree2)
12/07/2017 at 09:10, STARS: 1
The Dallas to Houston highway has lots of places where our friends the police like to sit to raise revenue — oops, I mean, protect the people. And Houston traffic sucks — you never know when you are going to come to a complete stop for no apparent reason. I’ve made it from downtown to downtown before in 3 hours, but those experiences are rare.
"SpeedSix" (speedsix)
12/07/2017 at 10:10, STARS: 1
Funny thing though, it doesn’t modulate it’s own brakes get well. Braking is kind of abrupt.
When Volvo unveiled the first city collision-avoidance system way back in 2010ish, they specifically mentioned that auto-braking would be slightly late coming and noticeably harsher than normal braking to discourage reliance on the technology for stop-and-go.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
12/07/2017 at 10:53, STARS: 1
I bet people commute doing that every day. Those people are certainly insane but I bet it happens. I am going to Dallas for my first time next week, I imagine there is traffic there too but being in LA now, certainly nothing can be worse than here lol.
"haveacarortwoorthree2" (haveacarortwoorthree2)
12/07/2017 at 11:15, STARS: 1
Well, we don’t have fires burning right next to the highway. And Dallas traffic can be bad, but it’s predictable. I’ve been in Houston on Saturday and the interstate is completely stop and go traffic for seemingly no reason at all. Yell if you have time for a drink with Dallas Oppos.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/07/2017 at 11:17, STARS: 0
Well I don’t agree with that strategy if it’s intentional.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/07/2017 at 11:19, STARS: 1
Ships in the night.
I’ve always wanted to experience a 300. My mom almost got one, but Dad convinced her it was too gangster.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/07/2017 at 11:21, STARS: 0
Precisely. I absolutely hate all the crap that goes with flying.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/07/2017 at 11:25, STARS: 0
I am ashamed.
I shall atone at my earliest opportunity. Hopefully before I get deported!
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/07/2017 at 11:26, STARS: 1
Oh, I had plenty of 75 stretches. One of the best things about driving Texas.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/07/2017 at 11:26, STARS: 0
Truth.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/07/2017 at 11:27, STARS: 0
Ours isn’t nearly as bad as yours.
"TheRealBicycleBuck" (therealbicyclebuck)
12/07/2017 at 11:28, STARS: 1
I’m glad you didn’t write “Strangers in the night.”
I thought the 300 felt more R apper than G angster.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/07/2017 at 11:31, STARS: 1
Yeah, but it seems to be more complicated than that. Sometimes it just speeds up for no reason and then slows. Still keeps my visibility though. So I’m happy.
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
12/07/2017 at 11:32, STARS: 0
Say no more. I’ve made that drive more than I care to remember.
Not looking forward to driving to H-town for Christmas again this year. Psh! Family!
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
12/07/2017 at 11:33, STARS: 0
I do too. I also find planes wildly uncomfortable, being a very big dude (who can’t afford to fly first class). I haven’t flown since 2008, and I hear it’s gotten worse since then.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/07/2017 at 12:01, STARS: 1
I like you, but not that much.
Gangster/rapper. My dad is decidedly white. I’m not sure he knows the difference.
"Straightsix9904" (Straightsix9904)
12/07/2017 at 12:35, STARS: 1
Driving to big bend and Marfa is pretty great. Speed limit of ??? You can cruise at 90 and nobody blinks.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/07/2017 at 12:38, STARS: 0
That’s because if you blink at that speed you find yourself in another state.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
12/07/2017 at 12:43, STARS: 0
I should have time, I am there Monday-Thursday and cant imagine wanting to spend every night with coworkers, I can see enough of them during the day! No idea how busy I will be there but I imagine I wont have much to do any of the days after 5 or so.
Anything that I absolutely have to see in Dallas that I couldnt find elsewhere? I probably will be traveling there quite a bit but who knows how often.
"Xyl0c41n3" (i-am-xyl0c41n3)
12/07/2017 at 16:07, STARS: 0
...
Yeah, the deported part of your comment is not appreciated.
-a Latina who was born and raised in this state and vehemently opposes SB4 and other xenophobic legislation and attitudes here, a state that is nearly 40 percent Latino.
"haveacarortwoorthree2" (haveacarortwoorthree2)
12/07/2017 at 16:35, STARS: 1
There’s the GWB Presidential Library at SMU. Regardless of politics, presidential libraries always are kind of cool. Then there is the JFK stuff, including the 6th Floor Museum
Other than those two things, not really — Dallas has the all the standard big city stuff (museums, restaurants (great Tex Mex, some good BBQ actually in Dallas)).
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/07/2017 at 17:00, STARS: 0
Oh, right. I didn’t even think of it in that context. Sorry. I was thinking about being deported from the Republic of Texas back to the North. Since visiting the Bullock museum in Austin, I’ve been on a mini Texas history kick. I didn’t mean to be insensitive. I sincerely apologize.
-American born white guy who honestly believes all races are created equal and should have the opportunity to contribute to the country’s greatness.
"Xyl0c41n3" (i-am-xyl0c41n3)
12/07/2017 at 17:39, STARS: 1
No worries. Dissing Whataburger is a felony offense, after all. (Kidding). BUUUUUUUTTTT.... the Texas State Legislature (both houses) DID declare Whataburger an official state treasure. You’ll see a seal stating just that on the doors of every Whataburger. (I may know a little too much Whataburger history).
If you have a chance, you should take some time to visit the state Capitol, too. It’s a rather beautiful building, and since the lege has adjourned until the next session in 2019, you can kinda have free run of the place right now, including exploring the House and Senate floor in as much detail as you want. Also, take a look at the door hinges anywhere in the building. You’ll find that they’re all cast bronze with ornate scrollwork and “State of Texas” (IIRC) embossed on them. :)
And when you’re done touring the Capitol, head a couple of blocks down Congress Avenue to Home Slice Pizza. They make a terrific pie.
Hope you enjoy your stay in the Lone Star State!
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/07/2017 at 18:08, STARS: 0
Didn’t know about whataburger. Did spend a lot of time at the Capitol. Took pictures of the hinges the moment I saw them. The legislative chambers and their furnishings are particularly interesting. The fact that they built 4 additional modern levels below ground puts the lie to all the contractors moaning about not wanting to put basements in Texas clay.
We decided to take the weekend before thanksgiving to take a trip to Austin and see as much as we could. We wanted to learn and have our daughter learn about the state she lives in so she could see the reality of what she is getting in school books.
As an aside, anyone who takes even a cursory look at Texas history will see instantly that diversity has always defined it from its very beginnings.
"gmporschenut also a fan of hondas" (gmporschenut)
12/07/2017 at 22:01, STARS: 1
while on a business trip in the idwest I had a coworkerd who wanted to do the same thing.
While on the drive from one city to another, “Hey.... in 20 miles we get to make a slight left!”