Like a Rock

"SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
09/23/2019 at 13:40 • Filed to: None

I have put on about 3000 miles on my work ‘rado so I figured it would be a good time to type up a quick review.

The good: It cruises really nicely, returns decent mileage, fits 4 adults with ease, and makes transporting my bike or boards too easy.

The bad: still a bitch to park around LA, there are a few pieces of plastic trim that are already broken, and since it’s not a crazy high trim, there is very apparent cost cutting.

Cruising: this is the first automatic I’ve driven as my own. I didn’t hate it, but it shifts too damn much to stay in the lowest gear possible. This wouldn’t be a big deal if it was snappy like a dsg but this is a slush box. However! I figured out a work around on my Yosemite trip last weekend. When cruising, or in hills, I keep it in tow mode. This holds gears and gives you a bit of engine braking. Honestly, it makes the transmission shift exactly like I would. It also fixes another minor nag. Tow mode increases the turn signal bump from 3 blinks to 6. I think 5 is my ideal number of blinks but 6 is better than 3. Other than that, it rides smooth and quiet, and has plenty of power for normal things. Apple car play is very nice on a trip as well

Mileage: I’ve been averaging about 20 mpg with a mix of hwy and LA traffic. This was calculated, not using the trip computer. It seems like the truck calculates about 10% better than actual mileage

Parking: this isn’t really the trucks fault. It’s just big and I’m used to driving small cars. Also spaces are tight here. My parking skills are improving by the day, though.

It didn’t fit in my friend’s driveway without blocking the sidewalk

Poor quality: I don’t know if this is the trucks fault or the dude that drove the truck for 6 months before I had it. Whatever, I’ll get it fixed.

Cost cutting: Missing the in bed lights the 2019's and higher trims had along with some other little things like that. Not a huge deal at the end of the day. I do wish it had more tie down points in the bed. My coworkers ugly 19 has at least double. Oh well, a small price to pay to have a pre-ugly version.

Overall, I really like having a truck. I get why they sell so well. Even if I didn’t like the truck, though, I can’t complain. It is a perk of my new job and any car that is paid for by someone other than you is a good car.

I apologize for any syntax errors. I’m on mobile and honestly can’t see the whole screen haha #kinja

DISCUSSION (12)

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor
09/23/2019 at 13:53

I love Yosemite...

M.T. Blake > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor
09/23/2019 at 14:00

My buddy has a ‘19 All Star edition and the trans knocks hard when downshifting in tow mode! It didn’t like towing my empty flatbed . Trailer brake controller worked well enough thank god!

Urambo Tauro > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor
09/23/2019 at 14:12

Tow mode increases the turn signal bump from 3 blinks to 6. I think 5 is my ideal number of blinks but 6 is better than 3.

This would irk me a great deal. There’s a way t o c ha nge that though , right? If so, great- but it still bugs me that somebody at GM thought 3 would be a good default setting .

Cuz I’m inclined to agree- 5 (at least) blinks feels right (a nd that’s without a trailer!) . You really need 2-3 blinks to establish a rhythm that other drivers will recognize as intentional. And then another 2-3 blinks as you merge from t he center of one lane to the center of t he next.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
09/23/2019 at 14:12

This was my first time going up there. I will be back!

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > M.T. Blake
09/23/2019 at 14:14

The downs certainly are not smooth but in line with any other auto I’ve driven that wasn’t the zf8. I just assumed that's how autos work lol. Luckily I won't have to tow anything with this v6 haha

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > Urambo Tauro
09/23/2019 at 14:16

You can still use the turn signals normally so not all is lost. Every car I've driven with the quick turn signal bump thingy seems to be 3. I don't get it haha

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor
09/23/2019 at 14:18

I’ve been quite a few times, despite living in Oklahoma/Missouri my whole life. My brother used to live in Merced, in the central valley, and my sister lives in Oakley, east of SF. Last time was on a 5000+ mile road trip last summer (visiting her family in the middle).

M.T. Blake > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor
09/23/2019 at 14:29

I told him to take it back to the dealer.

We would have used my 12-valve but the A/C needs to be recharged.

Ash78, voting early and often > Urambo Tauro
09/23/2019 at 14:58

The correct amount is zero to prevent false alarms, especially on the highway. It’s not hard to hold the stalk against the detent without interfering with your driving.

Some cars don’t have a detent, which is crazy. It’s either fully on or fully off.

liam > Urambo Tauro
09/23/2019 at 18:41

3 is the default on my F-150 (first thing I am going to change on it when I get Forscan sorted out), and the number on the Town and Country. It’s like they all had a meeting...

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
09/23/2019 at 23:26

I live way too close for going for the first time lol

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > M.T. Blake
09/23/2019 at 23:27

That is essential this time of year haha