"notsomethingstructural" (notsomethingstructural)
08/13/2020 at 09:30 • Filed to: None
2
100|
"notsomethingstructural" (notsomethingstructural)
08/13/2020 at 09:30 • Filed to: None | 2
| 100 |
in its native habitat
nss recently lost his job due to coronavirus, but landed on his feet and is putting on the miles. Now he needs something a little flashier - but still practical - to avoid being the odd man out at his field meetings with all the other sales people. What car should he buy?
Here is the scenario:
Hi Oppo, long time reader here.
I recently was forced to switch career paths by coronavirus, but had toyed around with a change of scenery for a few years anyways. My new job is selling construction rebuilding services to owners filing insurance claims. It’s pretty typical for me to put on a couple hundred miles on days where I’m in the field checking in on projects or estimating a loss. I have an older G35x, and a RX-8.
I love driving the RX-8 but between 2500 mile oil changes, yearly spark plug changes, terrible economy (on premium, no less), and a pretty harsh ride, I’m finding I prefer to take the G35x when my fiancee isn’t using it now that I’m really “daily driving” instead of taking the subway. Since the Infiniti takes regular, it’s far less than half of the cost to run. And given that I’m piling on miles now, I think the Mazda’s time is running to an end.
I’d want to replace it with something that’s way less expensive to run (I’m saying a G35x is “cheap” by comparison). Regular gas is definitely preferred. The other sales guys at these meetings are usually in late-model luxury brands on lease and I’d rather not stand out too much. Leather and factory bluetooth are musts, as I’m usually on the phone when I’m on the road. I don’t need AWD so it seems like a waste of performance and gas. Reliability is important, and preferably not domestic. I’m planning on getting a weekend car in the next few months, so I don’t need something fast, but I don’t want something soul-suckingly slow or unable to corner (the G35x is actually right in the sweet spot for performance). A quiet, comfortable ride is preferred to something aggressive. No preference for auto or manual since the future weekend car will be stick.
I’m comfortable with around $15k including any maintenance I have to do upon purchase... what car should I buy?
Quick Facts:
Budget: “Around $15,000"
Daily Driver: Yes
Location: NYC Tristate area
Wants: Quiet, well-built luxury car, good mileage, regular gas preferred. Bluetooth.
Doesn’t want: Something notably slow, prefers not American.
Thanks oppos!
bob and john
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 09:36 |
|
fuck the regular gas, get a diesel VW.
they are eager, the interiors are silly nice for them, quiet, and you can get a KILLER deal on them
Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 09:36 |
|
Found it! A nice Buick.
MonkeePuzzle
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 09:38 |
|
review this film for details
https://jalopnik.com/this-uk-documentary-about-company-cars-puts-american-ps-1744270834
SiennaMan
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 09:39 |
|
This is probably too pedestrian, but my first thought is a gently used one of the following:
Sonata w/ 2L turbo
Camry/Accord with the V6
Should have enough power to get out of their own way, should be plenty reliable and should have a good balance of cornering vs ride comfort for a DD that is going to rack up the miles. Also, should be cheap enough on gas given that you specifically don’t want slow..
Tripper
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 09:40 |
|
One for an E38 7. Short wheelbase sport pkg
I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 09:43 |
|
What Peter said. But if you’d prefer gas, just get a GTI. One of those Golf/Jetta wagons too, if you’d like the cargo space. Used or even CPO, an early Mk7 or a Mk6 is in your budget.
BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 09:43 |
|
I personally don’t like them (though I’m in the minority), but you can get a 2010-2013 GS350 for about that price. I think that checks off all your boxes. Step your price level up a few thousand and you can get into a 2015.
I, on the other hand, bought a early BMW F10 535 for $11k, put about $2k in preventative maintenance into it, and it runs like a top. Still takes premium though.
I guess you could get an Acura?
|
notsomethingstructural
> bob and john
08/13/2020 at 09:43 |
|
A shade slower than what I’m looking for and I’d probably step up to the Audi but worth considering
|
notsomethingstructural
> Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
08/13/2020 at 09:43 |
|
Forgot to say no crossovers / SUVs but that’s on me
Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 09:44 |
|
There are a lot of options in that price range. You could go boring and get something like a Ford Fusion hybrid or maybe a Chevy Impala. Good cars that just eat up the miles, but you seem to want just a little bit of excitement in your drive.
Unfortunately, I would recommend staying away from the successors to the G35. Modern Nissan has really lost its way. In this application, you could probably get a Hyundai Genesis, but still maybe a little sedate for you unless you get the coupe.
Hmmm, this is hard in that budget. Is RWD a must? Because the obvious choice is a 3 or 5 series BMW. But you wouldn't come here to ask us that if you thought that was what you wanted.
Tristan
> Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
08/13/2020 at 09:45 |
|
This. Then pocket the extra $13,800.
Future next gen S2000 owner
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 09:46 |
|
A company car.
Really though, I’d jump into a lightly used compact of your prefer red brand.
|
notsomethingstructural
> SiennaMan
08/13/2020 at 09:47 |
|
I mean both of these marquees also have a luxury division, I’m just not sure what their contemporary is in those brands. I want to look a little more into the Korean brands as Thats admittedly a huge blind spot for me
|
bob and john
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 09:48 |
|
go drive one if you can. They have their entire power band low down where you actually use it, and having THAT much torque hit off the line make it feel WAYYYYY faster then it actually is.
+ you can get it tuned :) 170 HP and almost 300lb-ft of torque.
|
notsomethingstructural
> Future next gen S2000 owner
08/13/2020 at 09:51 |
|
I get IRS mileage rates at least, I just need a car that isn’t more expensive than that to operate.
|
notsomethingstructural
> bob and john
08/13/2020 at 09:52 |
|
This is good advice. Gold star.
diplodicus forgot his password
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 09:55 |
|
f10 535i, although I think youll have to go over 15k to get a good example. Also tough to find just the i, seems like they’re mostly ix models these days.
If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 09:56 |
|
I know you said not American but...
Go look at an MKZ. It's stylish without being flashy and will be very respectable to pull up to meetings in. You won't find a facelifted model at that price point but you can definitely snag one still under warranty.
Ssfancyfresh
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 09:57 |
|
Toyota Avalon. Low key, actually pretty quick, luxury without luxury tax. Crushes highway miles
CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 09:58 |
|
A gently used 2018 Kia Forte!
davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 10:03 |
|
I’d see what newish Kia/Hyundai might be available in your price range.
Not luxury, but nice enough with leather, etc.
Arrivederci
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 10:05 |
|
GS350 - built like a tank, the right amount of horsepower, comfy, quiet and spacious.
Deal Killer - Powered by Focus
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 10:05 |
|
If you want near luxury and decent MPG’s, maybe a late model Acura ILX. Basically a Honda Civic with a better interior. Not too many on the road, so you’d stand out from the crowd a bit. You might even find one with a manual transmission.
MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 10:06 |
|
I know you said not American, but there are some good options that also aren’t all that common
hike
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 10:07 |
|
Get something with a good adaptive cruise. I average 100+ miles a day when I'm on the road and having a good adaptive cruise system makes it far less taxing to be on the road constantly. I only really have experience with Subarus and FCAs systems, but both performed pretty well (aside from the Challenger, which shuts off what's it drops below 15mph, which is fairly annoying in traffic).
|
notsomethingstructural
> Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
08/13/2020 at 10:09 |
|
FWD, RWD, AWD, I’m open to anything. The only gripe I have on the BMW is they take premium and get good-not-great mileage . They’re also generally more expensive on the resale market out here - lotta bridge-and-tunnel types scoop em up.
You are right I do not want something as boring as those two , and I’ll look more out of place rolling up to a sales meeting in a Fusion hybrid than in an RX-8.
nerd_racing
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 10:12 |
|
Keep the RX8.
Or... Genesis might be a good choice
|
Arrivederci
> MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
08/13/2020 at 10:16 |
|
As someone who formerly owned an IS250, it’s an absolute dog.
|
notsomethingstructural
> BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
08/13/2020 at 10:18 |
|
In the like 2 hours I spent considering this yesterday, the ES 350 actually jumped out to an early lead because those are factory supported to run regular. The GS cannot. But supposedly the ES350 only handles well if you drive it straight. I had a RX300 for a bit and was blown away by the Lexus build quality, so thats definitely something I want to look into more.
Yeah, the only downside on the BMW’s is they all take premium, and 93 is VERY expensive out here. Ultimately I’m gonna need to make a table of all the BMW’s and all their mileages and all their 1/4 mile times to figure out which 3 or 5 series I’d be able to live with. It’s not impossible that’s what I’ll get, but I’m trying to look at non-premium options first.
Acura can’t seem to make up its mind on whether you can run 87 or not, so I’m not sure what to think of that.
|
notsomethingstructural
> If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
08/13/2020 at 10:19 |
|
I’m so reluctant to do late model domestics man. My brother got a Buick, it blew a trans like 2 k later, then blew the second one inside of a year. The dealer took it back because they didn’t want to lose my family as customers. I just dunno...
|
notsomethingstructural
> diplodicus forgot his password
08/13/2020 at 10:20 |
|
Yeah, especially in the northeast, the i is a dying breed. I’ve heard this a few times, so might be worth taking a look at.
Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 10:21 |
|
?
|
If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 10:21 |
|
So one bad experience with a car discounts an entire slew of automakers? That’s not a very logical take. Every brand has their issues, and you’ll still find lemons withi n brands that are supposed to be “reliable”.
|
Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 10:22 |
|
This is a mini van!
|
notsomethingstructural
> Deal Killer - Powered by Focus
08/13/2020 at 10:24 |
|
Yeah, I have to look into the ILX a little more. I think they came with a few engine options and all but the 2.4 are too slow. The later 2.4's seem to have improved on efficiency, but not sure how much speed they left on the table as a result.
themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 10:24 |
|
It’s a bit on the soft side, but an E-Class coupe from the past ten years wouldn’t be an awful choice. Especially if you get the 350 model with the no n turbo V6. I forgot who it was on here, but a Mercedes technician on here recommended them to someone else as they ate up miles like crazy without any issues. His quote was something like “I’m not saying we don’t see them come in when compared to other benzes , I’m saying we don’t see them come in for repairs at all. Just maintenance and a few recalls ”
|
Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
> Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
08/13/2020 at 10:25 |
|
A U Body? Why recommend the second worst minivan platform you could have bought at the time?
Victorinoo
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 10:26 |
|
Toyota Camry. Buy a good used one with leather seats and enjoy the care-free driving. When you’re done with it sell it for almost what you bought it for. The last thing you want if you’re traveling for work is dealing with the headaches of a vehicle being down for service. I would not consider any BMWs or Audis . They are completely awful when it comes to maintenance (failed turbo waste gates, vanos, water pumps every 60k, self exploding coolant systems, etc). Toyotas almost never need more than basic maintenance and their interiors hold up better to abuse.
|
notsomethingstructural
> Arrivederci
08/13/2020 at 10:26 |
|
Faster than I need and *probably* thirstier than I’m looking for. I’d probably prefer to take back like 4MPG and get like a 528i. But I do love Lexus, so never know.
|
nerd_racing
> CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/13/2020 at 10:26 |
|
Without AC!
|
Tristan
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 10:27 |
|
PERFECT! That’s a minivan! ;)
|
Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 10:27 |
|
The Genesis isn’t half bad though. RWD and good interior and build quality plus they could get out of their own way. Just not in the most exciting way.
I've got nothing. Lexus or Acura something or other might be too boring but everything interesting takes premium.
|
notsomethingstructural
> MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
08/13/2020 at 10:28 |
|
Yeah, I think I’m looking for a little more spirited than these. I wish the Mazda 6 was a little more fleet of foot as I do like the current Mazda design language a lot.
|
CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
> nerd_racing
08/13/2020 at 10:29 |
|
Superleggera
|
Arrivederci
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 10:29 |
|
MPG is probably on par with your G35, though my Lexus drinks premium. On the highway I generally get mid to high 20s on cruise.
|
Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 10:30 |
|
Sorry to reinforce your idea if American build quality, but really Ford is the worst offender and Lincoln suffers by proxy. The MKZ is absolutely perfect for you EXCEPT for the fact that it falls apart.
I wrote a review about the MKZ. Great car that can’t not break.
https://oppositelock.kinja.com/lincoln-mkz-belated-impressions-from-a-brief-drive-1844227321
|
notsomethingstructural
> hike
08/13/2020 at 10:30 |
|
I thought about how I wanted this last night and immediately forgot this morning. It’s more of an option for me than a must-have, but it would be one of the top options for me.
|
Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
> If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
08/13/2020 at 10:31 |
|
Sorry, but you choose Ford to be the ambassador for American build quality?
I wrote a review for the MKZ. Fantastic car that handle, does straight lines, does everything but hold together we ll.
https://oppositelock.kinja.com/lincoln-mkz-belated-impressions-from-a-brief-drive-1844227321
|
notsomethingstructural
> Victorinoo
08/13/2020 at 10:33 |
|
Are they really that bad? I was hoping if I went like later model maybe 70k miles I could get something that skipped a bunch of those headaches. Is it routine maintenance or unexpected failures? For all the shit that RX-8's get, it’s been one of the most reliable cars I’ve ever owned.
|
notsomethingstructural
> Ssfancyfresh
08/13/2020 at 10:34 |
|
Takes regular too. Worth looking in to. The Avalon is a boat of a car though.
Discerning
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 10:35 |
|
If you can withstand the beak, a first gen Acura TLX with the 4 cylinder should do the trick. Pretty decent fuel economy, OK chassis, and I'm fairly certain it can run on 87 by retarding timing
|
notsomethingstructural
> Tripper
08/13/2020 at 10:37 |
|
Cool car but no bluetooth or fancy dashboard stuff. Bad mileage too. Expensive to run. This isn’t the one for me.
|
notsomethingstructural
> davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
08/13/2020 at 10:38 |
|
Have to look into them more. I don’t have enough knowledge of the more luxury side of these brands. Thanks though.
|
If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
> Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
08/13/2020 at 10:38 |
|
Don't know what to tell ya. I've got close ties with a business that has a fleet of Fords (Transit Connect, Fusion Hybrid, couple last-gen F350s) and they've been rock solid for them.
|
MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 10:41 |
|
I haven’t driven these, but none of them have a reputation for being “notably slow”, but if you’re looking for something more spirited then yea, these aren’t exactly corner carvers.
jminer
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 10:43 |
|
It’s a bit odd ball but not enough to stand out in a bad way . You might want to look at a TDI Sportwagen. Quick look on autotrader and there are a bunch there Certified near you which gives you an unlimited mile 2 year warranty in addition to the crazy good extended emissions warranty that covers the engine and fuel system.
I bought a 2014 one with a 6 speed 18 months ago and love it. It’s nearly premium on the inside, has few driver nannies (good in my book), has excellent gas mileage (assuming you have diesel stations nearby) and I have had zero problems with it in 20k miles.
|
davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
> MonkeePuzzle
08/13/2020 at 10:45 |
|
Oh man, such a ridiculous doc...
|
davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 10:46 |
|
On second thought...
|
Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
> Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
08/13/2020 at 10:47 |
|
Because it’s the second worst, not the first worst.
|
bob and john
> MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
08/13/2020 at 10:59 |
|
the IS250 is VERY slow. (I have one ...its sad)
|
notsomethingstructural
> If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
08/13/2020 at 11:00 |
|
OK, me or my family have also owned a ‘96 chevy, an ‘01 pontiac, an ‘03 ford, an ‘03 chevy, an ‘05 chevy, a like ‘14 buick, and a like ‘14 jeep. Aside from a 96 Chevy Venture, all of these cars have been enormous hunks of shit. I was trying to give the benefit of the doubt by only looking at late-model domestics, but the fact is, I now own a Mazda and Infiniti, my parents own a Lexus and a Nissan, my brother and his wife own a Mazda and a Nissan. We gave them almost 20 years to get their shit straight and they couldn’t. I’m not inclined to go back to that well.
|
notsomethingstructural
> Tristan
08/13/2020 at 11:03 |
|
Forgot to say no minivans but that’s on me
This is what we'll show whenever you publish anything on Kinja:
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 11:04 |
|
Keep the Infiniti and get a bluetooth dongle. 15k buys a lot of gas.
|
notsomethingstructural
> Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
08/13/2020 at 11:05 |
|
Yeah the Genesis is something I want to look into a little more. I’m not gonna shut the door on premium, just want to see what’s out there that takes regular first. Picking out an exciting car that runs on premium isn’t remotely as hard to do.
|
notsomethingstructural
> Arrivederci
08/13/2020 at 11:07 |
|
Premium is a good $1 a gallon more expensive out here. So if it’s not getting good mileage, that’s a good $600+ / year more expensive. Not the end of the world, but a cost I’d prefer to avoid if I can.
|
notsomethingstructural
> Discerning
08/13/2020 at 11:09 |
|
It’s really hard to say whether Acura covers 87 octane or not. They “recommend it” for stated performance and “ longevity” but say it can still do 87. What the fuck am I supposed to do with that. “You can try to use this gas and if the car breaks you’ll know why.” What the fuck kind of OEM guidance is that
|
MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
> bob and john
08/13/2020 at 11:09 |
|
Compared to what though ? It’s not winning any drag races, but it’s certainly not economy car slow. My Matrix has 50 less hp and I wouldn’t call it “notably slow”, not spirited, but not slow.
Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 11:09 |
|
Ok I brushed this off at first but actually this is a hard question. If you’re selling something, especially unsolicited, IMO car matters. Turn up in 2004 Equinox I’ll assume you’re bad at your job. Turn up in a 2020 BMW 7-Series and I’ll assume you’re margins are way too high and you’re screwing me. (Fun fact: I disqualified a contractor from a bid because he showed up in a new F150 Raptor and parked on the wrong side of the road. )
My initial thought was F150 as they’re basically cars at this point and pretty much the most anonymous vehicle you can choose. Not the best on gas and you’d need an older one to get in budget, but certainly doable. Really any “small” truck would do OK too. Frontier, Tundra, Tacoma, etc. Plus side would be utility of said vehicle outside your normal duties and since you’re selling construction services I feel like it adds cred.
On the practical side, a Volvo S60 or S80 might be interesting as they’re great mileage munches , but you’d better find a mechanic you like as the dealers are notoriously crap. I think you might have a bit of the “makes too much money” vibe there as they’re smart looking cars with heavy depreciation , but I don’t think most people really think about Volvos. Also might be just as thirsty as a small truck so....
Hmmmm.... other non-domestic sedans... Yeah I agree with others that a good looking Kia or Hyundai (Genesis, Stinger) would be a good choice too. Especially the ones that don’t have Kia of Hyundai badges might be confusing enough for people not to make judgement calls.
So... I think my first instinct is my recommendation. F150 or equ. Not bad to drive, neutral impression on customers, OK mileage .
|
bob and john
> MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
08/13/2020 at 11:10 |
|
its 50 less HP, but a LOT less weight. a IS250 AWD is a 3800lbs car :( that about 1000lbs MORE then a matrix
dogisbadob
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 11:12 |
|
Genesis sedan
CT200h
HS250h
ILX
Regal
Verano
The
2013-17 Accord is also a good choice. It’s a really good car available with lo
ts of features and good gas mileage and no problems
Also, you can get Bluetooth even on
a really
really old car. Anything with a DIN slot can take an aftermarket radio :p
|
notsomethingstructural
> themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
08/13/2020 at 11:14 |
|
I really don’t know much about M-B and their models, but this is a good jumping off point. This is the kind of inside scoop I’m looking for right here.
ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 11:17 |
|
That close to 3-4 year old Jag XE territory, with say 60-80k (which is just off warranty, bumper to bumper runs 5 years/60k). This is a lot of not very old luxury car for the money. I tremendously enjoy driving mine to work. Current Tata era Jag reliability looks to be on par with any other modern euro offering. Even with just the turbo 4, the car is legitimately quick. Takes premium, but I get 25-26mpg around town (If you’re judicious with the turbo usuage) and 31-34 on the interstate with the cruise set in the low to mid 80s.
Not the best interior in the class, but it is still a nice place to spend time and the infotainment is... fine, but is one of the areas that shows just how small an automaker JLR. Not a bad angle on the exterior looks, uncommon, torque vectoring rear diff does the good magic, and, by far, the best handling car in the class. 3300lbs via all aluminum, the engineering budget spent on the chassis and suspension (classic Jag, handles like a sports car, rides like a luxury car) and the torque vectoring magic make it an astonishingly good car around a corner. I bought mine because of this on a test drive I took out of curiosity, not because I was looking for a Jag.
This concludes my XE/XF/F-Pace (they’re all slightly different sizes/shapes of the same platform) for today.
|
MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
> bob and john
08/13/2020 at 11:18 |
|
Yes, so they should be pretty comparable speed wise. 1000 lbs is around a 30% increase in weight and 50HP is around a 30% increase in power.
The IS250 AWD has a 0-60 of 7.3 seconds
The Matrix XR S has a 0-60 of 7.6 seconds
|
diplodicus forgot his password
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 11:19 |
|
Had some other ideas, since a 100k mi BMW might not be the best idea for a road sales job.
https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/1LN6L9PK9H5624371
https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/1LN6L9HK4H5606326
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-Hyundai-Genesis-d1510#listing=278483262
I don’t think those continentals photograph well, but everytime I see one on the road I think they’d be nice to own if I could afford it.
|
notsomethingstructural
> Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
08/13/2020 at 11:23 |
|
I totally agree with you, but these are insurance claims (and we’re usually solicited, it’s not exactly ambulance chasing) . So the people we’re meeting aren’t paying for shit. My boss drives a S550 coupe. The adjusters and building consultants I’ve met looking at recent storm damage all lease Land Rovers, Cayannes, S-Class, 7-series, etc. I could show up in a 6 year old 5-series and have the worst car there. This is definitely an industry where you have to project success. If you aren’t paying for the repairs regardless , are you gonna give the job to the guy in a 2019 7-series or a 15 year old G35?
The Volvos are something that’s sort of on my list, was hoping to get some firsthand feedback on those. The Korean options, too. But it seems like one of those cars everyone recommends, and no one actually buys. No trucks for me.
|
notsomethingstructural
> This is what we'll show whenever you publish anything on Kinja:
08/13/2020 at 11:25 |
|
My fiancee takes the Infiniti like 4 days a week, so it’s really a question of keeping the RX-8 and everything that comes with it.
|
notsomethingstructural
> davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
08/13/2020 at 11:25 |
|
16/24 mileage on premium ain’t gonna cut it. Like where your heads at though.
|
notsomethingstructural
> Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/13/2020 at 11:27 |
|
Holy crap these are slow. I respect your commitment to your #brand though.
Jim Spanfeller
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 11:29 |
|
I think I’ve heard that on average, people pay more for BMW maintenance than any other car brand. Definitely not a good fit for you in this case.
|
This is what we'll show whenever you publish anything on Kinja:
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 11:30 |
|
Does she not enjoy Rotary life?
|
notsomethingstructural
> diplodicus forgot his password
08/13/2020 at 11:30 |
|
QUILTED FLOOR MATS?!?! That’s a new one for me. I’m really leaning away from domestics, and if I own a Co ntinental in NYC people are gonna assume I drive for Uber. Especially in a Livery trim.
|
notsomethingstructural
> MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
08/13/2020 at 11:31 |
|
Yeah, the G35 sedan is a reasonable ballpark for performance for me, and these are all a whole step down unfortunately.
|
davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 11:33 |
|
Yeah, was afraid of that.
|
notsomethingstructural
> dogisbadob
08/13/2020 at 11:34 |
|
The Lexus hybrids are all too slow for me. My brother had a Verano that blew two transmissions in a year so that’s also a no. The Regal too, for that matter. The ILX and the Accord are still in contention.
As to the bluetooth, I hear you, I just want something integrated. It’s also just as good a benchmark as any for how modern I want the car to be.
|
Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
> If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
08/13/2020 at 11:35 |
|
I have had a lot of experience with Fords and very little of it makes me want to own one.
|
Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
> Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
08/13/2020 at 11:36 |
|
**glances at Windstar**
|
notsomethingstructural
> jminer
08/13/2020 at 11:37 |
|
I’m on the fence about VW. I’m not opposed to getting one in this price range, but I’d probably prefer to badge shop and go up to the Audi. Ironically, VW’s seem to have an improving reputation on their reliability while Audi still has plenty of detractors. I’m not sure what to think about that. I probably don’t want a wagon, as we’ll probably get some sort of SUV in a few years when the G35 is due for another major round of servicing. And we have a kid, presumably.
|
notsomethingstructural
> ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com
08/13/2020 at 11:38 |
|
This is a good post. Gold star.
|
notsomethingstructural
> Jim Spanfeller
08/13/2020 at 11:39 |
|
Guess I’ll have to look into that more. No, it’s not an ideal fit, and is some of why I’m reluctant to go to BMW or M-B. Audi seems marginally better but not great. If VW’s are doing well, Audi’s should be doing fairly well.
|
notsomethingstructural
> This is what we'll show whenever you publish anything on Kinja:
08/13/2020 at 11:40 |
|
She doesn’t drive manual yet. Nor is NYC a great place for her to learn. Nor is the RX-8 a great car to learn on because the flywheel is made out of tinfoil.
|
notsomethingstructural
> davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
08/13/2020 at 11:41 |
|
Yeah, a couple hundred bucks a year isn’t enough of a savings for me to give up the Mazda.
|
Tripper
> bob and john
08/13/2020 at 11:48 |
|
My best pal has a 13 Golf TDI w a tune it is torque machine
|
davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 11:48 |
|
What’s
the nicest Mazda 3 or CX-5 you can buy for ~$
15k? I’d consider those near-lux.
|
themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 11:49 |
|
Found the thread! AMGtech provides the details. I think someone else got one after this thread too. He specifically names the “276" V6 engine and warns that the V8 models had the troublesome suspension and electronics that cause big repair bills.
https://oppositelock.kinja.com/1836761349
|
jminer
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 11:51 |
|
Wagons aren’t for everybody, there’s a reason only a couple companies build them anymore here.
I like the practicality of it, but coming from an RX8 I can see it being excessive.
Reliability wise I’ve had zero issues and feedback from Oppo when I bought it was that many had owned them in the past with no or few issues but most traded them in with the buyback.
|
Victorinoo
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 11:52 |
|
I’ll have to throw on my flame suit here because I know others will contest what I’m saying. Yes they really are that bad.
|
MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 11:55 |
|
Is the CTS really a step down? HP and weight are pretty comparable.
The others definitely are though.
|
notsomethingstructural
> davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
08/13/2020 at 11:55 |
|
The 2.5L is pushing the limit on what’s acceptably fast for me, and I’d have to drive one again. I took a courtesy car when the RX8 was in the shop and I feel like it was a little cramped. I’m a big guy.
|
Ssfancyfresh
> notsomethingstructural
08/13/2020 at 11:56 |
|
In size, it’s a living room. But that bitch hustles. I’d take a Toyota Avalon over a Mustang (V8 models excluded) through twisty canyon roads every time. Hit a PR through Angeles Crest in a Toyota Avalon years ago. Great car. Great great car.
|
notsomethingstructural
> themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
08/13/2020 at 11:57 |
|
Hey thanks for this