heavy mileage daily Suggestion / comment

"USUSGTO" (ususgto) 08/07/2019 at 10:53 • Filed to: None

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Potential situation changing:

Main purpose:

Current situation: O ccasionally (try to fly most weekends) drive at least 500 miles one way to work. Traffic free always on a weekend. Sometimes drive back another 500 miles too. Would like something comfortable like a CPO E class / Lexus LS / Buick Lacrosse. Have owned E -550 before and own a 7 series and Io understand the long wheel base always helps with ride comfort.   Fuel efficient will help, but it’s not the top priority and cant have a gas guzzler

or

Another job site: 110 miles every other day. Would still like something comfortable.

or

Another job site: 170 miles round trip every day. This is the only position where a Tesla / EV will work. But the range is cutting close.

All above dependent on work location.

Currently use 2010 Mercury Grand Marquis and any rental car AVIS, HERTZ, National gives me. Thanks to work, I have rented some 60 plus times this year alone, so have ELITE status with all, thanks to playing the credit card game and requesting status match. So almost always good cars at cheapest rate and moarrr points..

In the Grand Marquis, I average about 21 mph (80 mph average on Texas highways all day long)

I am looking at the following:

CPO E250 bluetec - Love that

Passat TDI SE 6 speed manual - owned one for 2.5 years and put 75k miles in that time. loved it

RAM 1500 Diesel - 30 mpg. “safe” to drive on Texas freeways

I am also open to other alrenatives like 2017 Buick LaCrosse

I am sure you all will fill me in with more choices. Well that’s the hope. Maybe 328d wagon?

Would like to keep the cost below 25 k. And for the right example stretch to 30k.

- Something with minimal road noise and big and YUGE! minimal road noise is important.

Current Garage:

- 2017 Chevy SS - 6 speed manual

- 2014 BMW 7 series

- 2016 BMW 330i

- 2010 Mercury Grand Marquis

- 2014 Lincoln Navigator L

All Tesla’s are out because of excessive miles I drive occasionally.

For Sweden > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 11:03

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Completely serious suggestion: learn to fly and buy an airplane.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 11:05

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Helicopter

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 11:05

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Lexus CT200h would be a great car for this. A bit slow on accell but near Prius economy in a hatchback package. I kind of want one myself.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 08/07/2019 at 11:07

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Also they are apparently cheap. $15k -20k gets you ones with just 25k miles. 

USUSGTO > For Sweden 08/07/2019 at 11:07

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- maintenan ce will kill the budget.  

- very high cost of entry

- random work sites (refineries) will translate in to lack of r unways.

:)

For Sweden > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/07/2019 at 11:08

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Any helicopter under $1 million would give negligible speed advantages over a car.

Something like a Piper Cherokee or Cessna 172 is perfect for this use case.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 11:08

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What cities are these refineries in ? There’s a chance they may belong to the company I work for.

USUSGTO > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 08/07/2019 at 11:09

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While a good suggestion, it’ s too small. I’d like something YUGE!.

Your suggestio n still led to another opti on: Us ed Avalon Hybrid. I appreciate the effort.

For Sweden > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 11:10

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A single-engine with a fixed gear will have reasonable maintenance costs. And you can get one for cheaper than a new diesel pickup.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 11:10

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I think I got better mileage in an Avalon around town then a Prius. They actually have some pickup. That would be a great option and the 2014 or so ones are actually great looking.

USUSGTO > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 08/07/2019 at 11:10

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Texas. And it’s 2 different states .

- Port Arthur

- Texas City

- Houston

- C orpus Christi

- Midland

- Memphis, TN

Tripper > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 11:12

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Could go with one of the VW diesel buybacks. My buddy just got a 13' Golf TDI with 20k miles for 12k

bob and john > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 11:12

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my dad has a GLK 250 (same drive train as the E 250)

awesome little trucklet. 33MPG and can still tow 3000lbs. great on the freeway. 

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 11:12

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Ah. We have terminals in e very one of those cities but our refineries are in Big Springs TX, Tyler TX, Krotz Spring LA, and El Dorado AR.

USUSGTO > Tripper 08/07/2019 at 11:12

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Yeah I sold my Passat TDi 6 speed back to VW after putting in 75k miles in 2 and a half years of ownership.

Passat TDI is on the list.

MonkeePuzzle > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 11:14

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for that many miles, I’d say that testing the seats in each is worth a rental of any that make it to the top of your list.

stats like MPGs, and details of features like cruise control/lanekeep, etc, can all be acquired online; but several hours in a bad seat can only be determined by some butt dyno time.

412GTI > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 11:14

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ES250h or whatever the heck the hybrid version is called. Can find them under 25k all day. Very comfortable and ride a little better than the Toyota cousin.

Lincoln MKZ Hybrid could also be considered. I was just looking at some yesterday and they are cheap! 

adamftw > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 11:15

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I think the current gen  300C is a nice place to spend time, and its cheap, comfy and eats miles. The 3.6 has enough power and it gets high 20s MPG at 80 MPH.

USUSGTO > bob and john 08/07/2019 at 11:15

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To be honest, as good as it may look on paper. I hate how GLK looks. I o wned a GL450 for 4 years before moving to something bigger (Navigator L). I can onl y own big cars. lol. or small cars with big engines. Owned a C63 P31 for 5 years. Sold it for the 17 SS. same engine (size) bigger car. :)

USUSGTO > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 08/07/2019 at 11:16

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Haha . Delek US. Small wo rld.

I am at Big Spring right no w.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 11:17

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Haha yup! I work in the corporate office. Still have never been to any of the refineries.

USUSGTO > adamftw 08/07/2019 at 11:17

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Y ou are correct. 300C is great value. I get that as a rental 25% of the times. I have managed 31 or so bree zing along 65-70 mph with light foot and cruise control.

USUSGTO > 412GTI 08/07/2019 at 11:19

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yes, ES300H is a good choice. I just like the looks of avalon (I am weird).

The lin coln MKZ 2.0H is another cool choice. But having been in my coworkers mkz, i must say, road noise was an issue. 

USUSGTO > MonkeePuzzle 08/07/2019 at 11:20

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you are correct.

I am test driving an IMPALA this weekend for a 500 mile trip. If I see a Buick La Crosse, I’ll request a switch.

JustAnotherG6 > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 11:22

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Since you are a fav on the TDI Passat have you looked at the Audi A6 or A8 TDI. 3.0 liter V6, 440 ft-lbs of torque, 38 MPG and the A6 I drove seemed awfully nice.

Sammyno55 > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 11:25

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I was going to recommend the Avalon. Last year I drove round trip from Atlanta to Minneapolis in a rental Avalon. I have a Prius and appreciate the fuel economy. If I had to drive long distances, I'd totally rock an Avalon hybrid as long as I could get smaller diameter wheels with more sidewall like my rental car had. 

Snuze: Needs another Swede > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 11:30

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Don’t know that I have any good suggestions, but I do have a warning - be very careful of a used Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, especially if it was built before June 2016. Chrysler was using 0W-30 oil in them, but this was causing them to wipe bearings and ruin the engines. In mid-2016 they released a bulletin to switch to 5W-40, but in some cases it was too late and the damage was done. My friend has had one of these trucks since new, and he switched oil when the bulletin came out , but earlier this year, less than 3k miles after his warranty was up, it gave up on him. He got FCA to defer most of the cost of a new engine ($13k) but it was a huge pain in the ass process that took a few months.

Not saying they are bad trucks, but if you find one ask questions, ask for service records, etc. 

USUSGTO > JustAnotherG6 08/07/2019 at 11:31

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I’d be lying if I claimed I haven’ t looked at those atleast once a week.

It’s just that driving an A8 TDi 30k miles a year won’t be easy on the wallet, more so when I have a 7 series parked in the garage.

The A6 is very nice an d the 3.0 TDi definitely trumps the 2.0 bluetec in the E class but

- I don’t nee d the power (said no one ever)  

- the E-250 is (much) cheaper to buy, last i checked.

- MB’s CPO warranty is unlimited miles and extendab le.

- and I don; t need the quattro and the RWD E-250 is much more efficient.

USUSGTO > Snuze: Needs another Swede 08/07/2019 at 11:32

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I once looked at trading in my all options pristine C63 P31 on a loaded limited ECODiesel. I think that was in early 2016. lol. Oh my god.

point noted, RAM ECO DIESEL 2017 and up only.

412GTI > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 11:33

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That’s a shame about the Lincoln.

I’m sure you’ve rented one of these, but the XTS was also an excellent road trip car. 

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 11:36

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CPO E250 seems like a great idea to me, especially with their warranty 

USUSGTO > 412GTI 08/07/2019 at 11:41

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I am sure L incoln is better than my grand marquis at 85   mph.

XTS is cool. just that it’s a li’l expensive and cadillac CPO warranty is not that g reat.

USUSGTO > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 08/07/2019 at 11:44

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It’s also on the expensive side. But something I will definitely enjoy.

Nibby > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 11:46

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give me your 7 series

Michael > Snuze: Needs another Swede 08/07/2019 at 11:47

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I feel like if your motors grenade from using one grade thinner oil, then your motors are operating on the razor’s edge already.  I feel like my Toyota UZ could survive on anything from 0w20 to 20w50 without issue, as well as most petroleum based lubes and mineral oils.  Probably even water.

gmctavish needs more space > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 11:53

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Why not your current Marquis, SS, 7 or 3? And I’m assuming the Navigator is too bad on gas?

TorqueToYield > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 11:59

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Volvo XC 60 or XC 90.

or the V version if you don’ t want another SUV.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 11:59

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Pictures of SS, please. 

wafflesnfalafel > Michael 08/07/2019 at 12:07

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yeah, that was my initial reaction...

Snuze: Needs another Swede > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 13:06

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That would have probably been bad. Haha

I do know mid-2016 is when they released the bulletin, but I’m just assuming that anything after that is using the right oil, or did from the factory. Who knows if/when FCA updated the owners manual, or even the little oil fill cap (I’m assuming it has the oil weight printed on it)? What if an owner didn’t get the memo and went back to putting 0W-30 in it? I just know I’d do a lot of homework before I dove in on an EcoDiesel.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Michael 08/07/2019 at 13:09

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Have you ever poured 0W-30 oil? It basically is water!

And I think you’re right as far as riding the edge , but it seems like everyone is using thinner oils these days to pick up a little bit of fuel economy. But hey, if that’s what the manufacturer recommends... right?

USUSGTO > Nibby 08/07/2019 at 13:31

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You sure you want a gold 7 series. lol .

Nibby > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 13:34

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for free? yessir

USUSGTO > gmctavish needs more space 08/07/2019 at 13:34

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SS is a weekend toy. Also barely gets 16 mpg and I end up getting into a trouble a lot.

7 series is more of a corporate car, not gonna put 35k miles a year on that. maintenance /parts will be a bitch. I typically drive it when I take family out for dinner. Sometimes wife takes it to her work.

3 series is a good question. road noise and small foot print. I might sell the 3 soon. Sometimes wife takes it to her work. easy to manage in downtown parking structures.

Navigator is family hauler. and gas guzzler. 

USUSGTO > TorqueToYield 08/07/2019 at 13:48

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1) almost out of budget

2) drove the XC90 and S90. Not comfortable with a 2.0T - turbocharged and supercharged bei ng pushed for 35k miles a year.

USUSGTO > Nibby 08/07/2019 at 13:51

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lol. would you like me to deliver it to you. 

Nibby > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 14:45

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Ok thanks

USUSGTO > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 08/07/2019 at 15:15

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davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 15:17

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Niiice. Love the Holden badges.

I’ve considered one of these to take the place of my E90 M3, but going to see if I can get another few year out of the old girl. 

USUSGTO > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 08/07/2019 at 15:25

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your M3 to SS move cou ld turn out either ways.

Going from C63 P31 to SS was a breeze for me.

C63 felt and drove and fit me like a glov e . Sometimes, I f elt like I should be working out to be driving a muscle car as good as C63. lol. it just gave that feeling of invincibility. ALso AMG employs more people in their exhaust dept. than the M division in their handling dept. lol. SEX. C63 always s ounded like sex

The SS - lol. good australian deliciousness. Loaded with everything. big comf y seats. Huge rear seat. Big car. rumbling exhaust. 

Manual transmission is like a dream. I have had LS engines from my GTO and G8-GXP and I enjoy the the bi g motor in the SS. fuckin’ tonnes of torque.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 16:04

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I’m sure I’d love the extra torque around town, but I would miss winding it out to 8000+! Kids would like the bigger back seat, but nobody’s asking them... Cushier ride would be nice most days, too, but I do take mine to the track every once in a while (looks like your car might be a tick faster around a circuit as well, despite the extra lbs).

USUSGTO > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 08/07/2019 at 16:06

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I need to go test drive the 2010-2012 A valon. Only 29 mpg. but if its ride quality is good. I’ll go for it.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 16:17

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My father in law has one and loves it. 

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 16:18

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What is your price range? Because the other great option would be the newest gen of ES and you could get the hy brid.

USUSGTO > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 08/07/2019 at 16:22

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You won’ t need to wind it to 8000. lol.

I find myself speeding up and do wn shifting just to enjoy the ridi culous exhaust crackle and rumble. Neighbor has a 2019 M5 Edition 1 and after listening to the H olden being driven by a few times, he wanted to “upgrade” his exhaust, cause he wanted more rumble in his M5. lol.

Mi ne just comes out for a wash. A nd occasional trip to the corporate office. And maybe a joy ride. lol. I have driven 4200 miles in the last 25 months.

Has never been to a track.

it might be too heavy for a track car. 

USUSGTO > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 08/07/2019 at 16:26

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My wife would kill me if I added another “newer car”

I need to trade- in the Grand Marquis (paid off) and possibly let go off the 330i.

Honestly I’d be super happy if I scored

- a 2017 Buick LaCr osse with decent options for 17k.

- a CPO 250 blutec with wooden steering and the upgraded headed lights for 25k

- a passat TDI SE 6 speed for 15k

- a 2012 Avalon Limited with less than 70k miles for 15k

I am kinda all over the place. but I am definitely trying to stay below 30k .

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 16:34

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Haha - good point.

I loved a good rev-matched downshift, too.

I really like the sleeper aspect of the SS, that the sound and acceleration are a shock to people.

My M3 just rolled 123 456 miles yesterday . Have had it for 7 years (80k are mine) . My first really capable car - drove a Mazda 3s hatch for 7 years before it. N ostalgia may be the thing that makes me keep it. Definitely worth more to me now that what I’d be able to sell it for.

Yours is only a few hundred pounds heavier than mine, but the weight is hell on brakes and tires.

USUSGTO > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 08/07/2019 at 16:47

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A few hundred pounds goes a long way. I have done some dumb / reckless shit on my C63. I won’ t try that in the SS. .  

- doing a complete 180 on the middle of a street changing direction

- drifting thru a corner.

- in mexico, running away from, what looked like law enforcement. that day I realized how important br ake s are.

One of three in the US in this color. Quartz Blue.  

The only one with the white AMG leather.

I used to love washing that car

Do I miss it yes. Will I do it aga in yes. Maybe an E63 this time. C63 was always the naughty one  compared to e63 and S63

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 16:50

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Beauty. 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 17:40

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Here’s mine:

USUSGTO > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 08/07/2019 at 17:57

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So fuckin’ clean. :)

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 20:09

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Old picture. Haha...

Captain of the Enterprise > USUSGTO 08/07/2019 at 20:42

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Current ES350 or Avalon?

USUSGTO > Captain of the Enterprise 08/09/2019 at 16:46

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Will be too exp ensive when all I need it is to be slightly happy on MPG and quiet .

Spanfeller is a twat > USUSGTO 08/14/2019 at 19:43

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Stinger GT, it’s got a very long wheelbase, highway fuel economy is stellar, and it’s very smooth. Downside is lots of tire roar and wind noise.

USUSGTO > Spanfeller is a twat 08/15/2019 at 07:30

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No off ense intended to you or any of the KIA fans / proponents, I absolutely detest both KIA and Hyundai. they’re not there yet.

Putting my personal hatred aside, I hate the Stinger GT the most, for how clownish it looks. I’d rather have a Certified or carmax warrantied K900 (not so great on mpg) or the Cadenza.

I went to test dri ve the Stin ger GT and it seemed kinda cheap and chintzy . T here were two p la ces where the paint had seemingly run-down. K inda unev en panel gap at the rear (a la tesla trademark ) and the interior material appointment just seemed cheap and tacky. I was so put off, that I didn’ t even test drive the damn car. And the sa lesman seemed to think that he had the best toy in the whole world. I just walke d r ight away. 

  T he aforementioned is just my opinion, because perhaps I had just stepped out of the 7 series straight i nto the KIA dealershi p. I was disappointed, because despite the hatred for the brand I wanted to like the GT. I ended up buying a SS 6 speed later.

KIA serves good value as a used car , because how quickly they depreciate . C ase in point K900 / Cadenza .

Spanfeller is a twat > USUSGTO 08/15/2019 at 07:57

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Its okay.

But if you already have a 7er and an SS, why do you want a separate highway car? 

USUSGTO > Spanfeller is a twat 08/15/2019 at 08:58

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Good question:

The highway car visits typical oil and gas infrastructure. Refineries, oil wells, installation sites, construction sites. 30,000 miles a year will cost a lot in terms of maintenance on the 7. I take it to the corporate office. O r the engineering contractor’s office. more “ civil ized” urban destinations.

T he SS, although it’s just a fun weekend toy. it’s a seriously fast long legged cruiser and I find myself doing weird stupid shit in that thing. Last time I drove 120 miles in the SS , aft er the F1 race, from A ustin to my home, I found myself chasing 911s and ended up completing the 120 miles in an hour and 5 minutes.

I will possibly lose my licence in a few weeks if I attempt ed a 500 mile road trip in that car.

I already own the Grand Marquis. So, all I am doing is just replacing it with something slightly

- quieter

- effici ent on hwy

- as comfortable as the Grand Marquis. Fuck, its like a couch. I like couch. :)

Spanfeller is a twat > USUSGTO 08/15/2019 at 09:08

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For that I’d go for the Ram Truck you mentioned 

USUSGTO > Spanfeller is a twat 08/15/2019 at 09:43

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Y eah that truck is $30k used with decent options. At that price, I’d go for Cetified PreO wned E250 bluetec. A few examples at $ 25-$ 26k and its rated for 42 mpg plus. 

Spanfeller is a twat > USUSGTO 08/15/2019 at 09:51

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That is true, but I am supposing that the infrastructure you visit is off road and maybe that’s a bit rough on an E class.

Finn tail has (had?) an E250D, maybe he could guide you through how the car is to live with. 

USUSGTO > Spanfeller is a twat 08/15/2019 at 10:00

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you’d be surpri sed.

T he remotest lo ca tion has HWY s rated for 75 mph (Texas baby! ) and I get a company truck to use on site :)

Drive to site - park car at admin building - use a truck / golf cart / cycle to roam around the actual site. And you are correct, 90% of the vehicles in my admin parking lot at most sites are Ford 250/350, chevy 2500 or Ram 2500 / 3500. or fucking suburbans, Escalades, Yukon Denalis.

My Grand Marquis looks so tiny and elegant among all those trucks. 

Yeah, I did discuss with finntail (more than) a few months back.

Spanfeller is a twat > USUSGTO 08/15/2019 at 10:07

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If you’re keen on the Benz I can only add that you should get the smallest diameter wheels possible. 

USUSGTO > Spanfeller is a twat 08/15/2019 at 10:09

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yes, you are clearly well informed (despite being an owner of a Stinger GT, I kid I kid)

I had a E350 wi th sport package for 5 years and I wanted the one with luxury package just because of 17" wheels.

If I get the E-250 I ’d like one with fatter tires and 17" wheels. and hopefully no inflator bull shit. A prop er full size spare.

But beggers cant be cho os ers. As it is my selection is severe ly limi ted to 8-9 cars thanks to the price. .

Spanfeller is a twat > USUSGTO 08/15/2019 at 10:49

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In serious discussions about car purchases I prefer not to defend the GT; I know its not for everyone 

USUSGTO > Spanfeller is a twat 08/15/2019 at 10:55

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It’s not a bad car. ( I was partly - 10% - busting your balls.) And It’s a serious effort by Kia. I give them props. On that note, I saw the Telluride on fwy this past weekend and holy shit that looks pretty nice.  

Honestly, I wanted a NA V8, 4 doors, and manual. If Kia / hyundai / dodge / chrysler / acura / lexus - offered that for sub 50k I would have jumped on that.

Spanfeller is a twat > USUSGTO 08/15/2019 at 11:36

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Originally I wanted an SS, but the process of importing one to Mexico was  not worth the hassle. I also wanted a Chevy Bolt but it’s too expensive on my side of the fence (no gov subsides) 

USUSGTO > Spanfeller is a twat 08/15/2019 at 11:45

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I had no idea there was a “ process” of importing US vehicles into Mexico. cannot drive ion US plates for a few months up- to a year or something like that?

I would have gone with Dodge charger / V8 300 if I didn’ t care for 6 speed manual . Hell, i’d have rocked a E550 or a BMW 550i if Ma nual T ransmission wasn’t the deciding factor.

When I found out that the Holden unit was shutting down, i had a feeling that maybe they’ll do a lost hurrah model of the SS. something like a supercharged version. or perhaps, a HSV bodykit with the LS7. something special and even more uni que and limited. perhaps at a premium. I know, I was willing to dish o ut $ 70k or so for that Even though at that point a Certified BMW M5 6 speed starts making more sense.

But it never happ ened. And they just shut down production just like that. Talk about a lost business opportunity. Fucking GM knows how not to make butt- loads of cas h. I managed to put my name on a SS sailing on the last ship to US. 

Spanfeller is a twat > USUSGTO 08/15/2019 at 12:12

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For US and EU market vehicles, the rules state that the car must be either new and with less than 600 miles on the odometer, or six years old. In either case you must show proof of ownership, it has to pass Mexico’s emissions standards, and of course, you need to pay the relevant taxes.

In Mexico cars don’t have a title; proof of ownership is the receipt, so there has to be a translation so that you can get your plates and driving permit.

For Asian cars, its a virtual copy of the 25 year rule.

But that’s for me, because I reside in Mexico, thus I cannot permanently drive a car with US registration.

In your case legally, you’re only allowed to drive on US plates in the border region (I think something like 90miles into Mexico), and you need Mexican insurance. But practically I’ve never seen American cars reprimanded on Mexican roads. Perhaps in states with emissions inspections but those are few and mostly south, in the Mexican valley.

Nuevo Leon has emissions inspections but they’re mostly for show, and cops in Monterrey are used to American plated cars.

I wanted the SS specifically because of the box. I don’t like the charger a lot to be honest, and I don’t like the “cop like” look of the car. The reason I didn’t consider luxury brands like BMW or Cadillac is because those are too ostentatious for Mexico City. My mom used to have an E60 550i but it was stolen... I learnt how to drive in that one.

The Stinger was great for me because it has a massive engine, is rear wheel drive, and it’s from a pretty normal brand. Plus, we paid 36k for it, when it sells for 50-ish in the states. Model by model I would’ve ended with a poorly specked 330i for that money. So it was good value too!