OT: Talking Cars Tuesday - Shopping Lists
You're always shopping for your next car. Even if you just bought a car, you're shopping for your next one. Credit is cheap, new cars are as good as they've ever been, it's a good time to be a car buyer.
What are you looking at for your next vehicle purchase? Is another kid on the way so you're thinking of expanding? (Get a van, not a crossover http://jalopnik.com/if-youre-a-real-grown-up-minivans-are-cooler-than-cros-1764226230)
Did the kids graduate so you're an empty nester and thinking of downsizing? Are there no kids so you've always had fun cars?
What's next? Why? Maybe someone on the board made a similar shopping choice soon and you'll get some semi-solicited advice. Maybe you're my sister and you got a Highlander instead of a van and we'll all ridicule you.
(Sorry for missing a few weeks, I'll try to have a thread every tuesday until the end of OT season)
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August 2nd, 2016 at 11:43 AM ^
Don't baby the car, hammer down on the throttle on on ramps (which is fun and always how you should use them) and you should be fine. I have 140,000 miles on my Mazdaspeed 3 and the turbo works fine. People have issues with turbos when they don't use them. When moving parts sit in the same position for a long time, then they can break easier.
August 2nd, 2016 at 12:44 PM ^
It's not the 80s anymore. Turbos last much longer now-- I used to have a couple of old SAABs and, yes, when they let go, look out. But the technology has evolved so much that I don't consider it a repair waiting to happen anymore.
until I get my student loans paid down a little bit more (damn myself for going to private, liberal arts school) but I am very interested in Chrysler coming out with the Cuda. Luckily, by the time it comes out, I should be in a better position financially.
August 2nd, 2016 at 10:38 AM ^
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August 2nd, 2016 at 10:55 AM ^
they'll still make a limited amount of performance cars but it won't stun me if they never enter this into production. Then again, it only took them six years to start producing a Jeep Truck.
August 2nd, 2016 at 11:06 AM ^
but I can't but help think this is a mistake. The 300/Charger/Challenger is a nice car. But abandoning the smaller segment just seems like its going to bite them in the ass.
We purchased a new Honda Accord Sport in June of 2014. Planning on keeping it around for a long time. Next vehicle purchase will be when our 2005 Chevrolet Equinox gets to the point where it's not worth repairing.
Cars we are considering to replace the Equinox:
Subaru Forester - I've been a loyal Subaru supporter. Have owned 2 of them and loved them. The newer Foresters are rated very well and keep a good resale value. Also very good in crash test ratings and I'm a big fan of Subaru's AWD platform.
Ford F-150 - My wife has always wanted a F-150 Quad Cab short bed.
Just leased a 2016 Malibu yesterday. I love it!
OK, so I've got 2 kids (10.5 & 7.5), playing sports off and on thru the year - a short commute and need something roomy that can fit all their shit and is reasonable priced. I get the minivan arguement on both sides and can be convinced to get one. So what's the best one then?
C&D just reviewed the new Chrysler http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2017-chrysler-pacifica-test-review
and they did a minivan test last year: http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2015-honda-odyssey-elite-vs-2015-kia-sedona-sxl-2015-toyota-sienna-limited-comparison-test
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Looking to replace my '01 TT with a '16 or '17, depending on when I buy it. Also need to replace my son's Pontiac G5 with something a bit more mountain-friendly for Winter Park, CO. There were weeks at a time that he was unable to get out of his driveway.
August 2nd, 2016 at 11:04 AM ^
a Forrester with a 5 speed. Great CO car.
Spent the weekend in CO and our rental was a Forrester. I was pretty impressed with the performance and the gas mileage. Drove around the state for three days and paid $23 to fill up. That Subaru is definitely on the list.
August 2nd, 2016 at 10:49 AM ^
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August 2nd, 2016 at 11:10 AM ^
August 2nd, 2016 at 12:02 PM ^
August 2nd, 2016 at 12:41 PM ^
I've had 2 GM cars in my life and experienced the same thing as HHW to a t. Not trying to start anything but it would take a lot to look at anything ever GM again. Glad your experience is better than mine.
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August 3rd, 2016 at 12:02 PM ^
My wife's car which we bought new. Now that the kids are grown and out of the house, we don't need that big car anymore. But I like that big car ride and power it brings. It's been a great vehicle for us. Starting to look again just not sure what we want. We live in northern climate so 4WD is a must.
'06 4 Runner in the next year. My daughter drives it now and takes it to college about 900 miles from home. Still a great vehicle with 119K on it, but know it's getting to the point where major things could start happening to it and don't want it to happen when she is so far from home.
Would like to get something 5-6 years newer, with a lot less miles and a little smaller so easier on gas. Something like RAV 4 size. Anyone have luck with a midsize SUV they would suggest?
Tiguans are expensive and small for the segment, but she's a big fan (we got a great deal on it and she likes small since we live in Chicago and she parallel parks like 10 times a day).
I'm a fan of the Mazda CX-5, Jeep can't make enough Cherokees.
August 2nd, 2016 at 10:09 AM ^
I was so pissed when the stopped making the old classic Cherokees. They were a bit boxy, but that was the appeal. I don't think I ever road in one with less than 150k miles on it. That would be a great old car for a kid to drive around and not have to worry too much about.
August 2nd, 2016 at 11:03 AM ^
I could have seen a couple improvements (a 60/40 rear split would be nice) but other than that its iconic.
The death of the 4.0 liter was tragic. My family has put a million miles on those things. I wish they could have figured out a way to make them meet emissions.
August 2nd, 2016 at 10:09 AM ^
I was so pissed when the stopped making the old classic Cherokees. They were a bit boxy, but that was the appeal. I don't think I ever road in one with less than 150k miles on it. That would be a great old car for a kid to drive around and not have to worry too much about.
August 2nd, 2016 at 10:11 AM ^
A 4 Runner with 119K miles is just getting broken in. They're good for 200K+. Let me know when you're selling because I need a 2nd car for my wife. Honestly you shouldn't worry about major repairs because Toyota's don't break.
I am driving my 6th Toyota - 3 Camry's and 3 4 Runners. I'm spoiled by driving an SUV - really like driving above the traffic. Honestly, all of us should consider Camry's - best sedan ever. I grew up in Detroit and was fanatically loyal to American cars until one year when shopping for a sedan. I drove a Camry, then spent most of the Summer trying to find something better. Then and only then did I switch and have never regretted the decision.
The thing about Toyota's is - just make sure you change the oil and it'll never let you down. Now I know other Japanese cars are also very reliable, like Honda's, but I've had such good luck, why change.
August 2nd, 2016 at 11:19 AM ^
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August 2nd, 2016 at 11:56 AM ^
and have driven them for a long time. My story is similar to yours, coming from Detroit and family who worked in the auto industry out there. But then bought a Toyota and was blown away by how good of a product they make and have been a loyal consumer ever since.
Besides the 4 Runner I have a '13 Camry and my wife has an '11 Lexus RX. The 4 Runner is still a great vehicle, I think I would just like to get her something a little smaller for better gas as the V8 in that 4 Runner isn't exactly economical for driving. I figure another year of driving it out to school and back and running around out there and it will be time to replace it and was wondering what other types of vehicles people have driven that have been good for them. Will probably look at Toyota's first, but if there is another make and model that is really good, would be willing to give it a shot.
August 2nd, 2016 at 12:39 PM ^
Honest question, not trolling... did you have any problems with engine oil sludge with your Toyotas?
August 2nd, 2016 at 10:50 AM ^
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August 2nd, 2016 at 10:56 AM ^
to not over-exaggerate. But I agree, they basically run forever.
August 2nd, 2016 at 11:10 AM ^
doesn't always excite me. But I often recommend them because their engineering is rock solid.
August 2nd, 2016 at 11:12 AM ^
I drove my '98 CRV until it had 458,000 miles on it - and was still in great shape when I sold it. Easy to maintain, rarely had problems. The only negative for me was 26mpg. Coming from a 4Runner, that might be great, but I drive 120 miles every day. I switched to a Civic that gets 38mpg. Otherwise I'd still be happy driving that CRV.
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August 2nd, 2016 at 10:02 AM ^
I'd recommend driving something else too though (never hurts, unless the dealership you visit sucks).
I have a GTI, the base VW Golf is great, as is the Cruze, and the Mazda 3. If you look at the Focus, see if you like the transmission, the dry DCT has had some issues.
August 2nd, 2016 at 10:37 AM ^
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August 2nd, 2016 at 10:53 AM ^
And they're bringing this generation R over from Europe too
August 2nd, 2016 at 11:10 AM ^
I love pocket rockets. Ever since the day my uncle drove up in a GLH Turbo.
I like the Focus RS too.
is nearing the end of its life I think. It's at about 170k miles and the transmission (auto) slipped out of drive when I was stopped at a light the other day. The car has been awesome to me, but if the tranny goes I don't think I'll get it fixed.
Not sure what I want to get next. If the I35 lasts long enough for me to get the G37 paid off that gives me a lot more options. I hate having a car payment at all and certainly don't want two at the same time.
I'm thinking maybe a crossover of some sort. Or something tiny that gets great gas mileage (I drive a lot).
August 2nd, 2016 at 11:09 AM ^
What about a Pius or a Volt? Both are nice and get ridiculous mileage.
August 2nd, 2016 at 11:12 AM ^
But it has to be at least a little fun to drive.
August 2nd, 2016 at 12:07 PM ^
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Fun and "manly" to drive.
Yeah yeah yeah, I realize there is a Miata SCCA division but I stand by my point.
I know what you are saying, but I got over it downshifting around corners with the engine screaming got me over it.
I'd drive it if it was pink with fuscia wheels.
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August 3rd, 2016 at 10:23 AM ^
I've had two and they were both awesome. I'm going to treat myself to another one after my daughter finishes college.