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What car are you buying/test driving?

R RothkoMember
quote:
Originally posted by Board-O:
Driving down to Florida next week. Normally I fly, but I'm bringing a lot of things for the new house plus four cases and the magnums of wine. The drive is kind of miserable, but in a new CTS-V Coupe, I'll manage.


As you probably know, a lot of snowbirds will ship their cars down in 18 wheelers, rather than drive them down for the season.

You can load up the car with your stuff, and then the car-carrier loads it up and delivers the car to your house in Florida. You can just fly down on Jet Blue and be comfortable.

It's actually one of the ways I can tell when the seasons change: when the 18 wheelers start showing up in Palm Beach in the fall, you know the snowbirds are a'comin. And when the 18 wheelers show up again in the spring, you know they are all leaving.
board-oboard-oMember
Understood, but I'm not really a snowbird. We come down for vacations but don't spend the winter. When I retire, we're down full time. I'm driving with four cases of wine and three magnums and things we'll want in the new house, like China and silverware, some pans, lamps, art, etc. The weather should be fine for the wine in insulated cases.
flwinoflwinoMember
quote:
Originally posted by Rothko:
quote:
Originally posted by Board-O:
Driving down to Florida next week. Normally I fly, but I'm bringing a lot of things for the new house plus four cases and the magnums of wine. The drive is kind of miserable, but in a new CTS-V Coupe, I'll manage.


As you probably know, a lot of snowbirds will ship their cars down in 18 wheelers, rather than drive them down for the season.

You can load up the car with your stuff, and then the car-carrier loads it up and delivers the car to your house in Florida. You can just fly down on Jet Blue and be comfortable.

It's actually one of the ways I can tell when the seasons change: when the 18 wheelers start showing up in Palm Beach in the fall, you know the snowbirds are a'comin. And when the 18 wheelers show up again in the spring, you know they are all leaving.


Love the spring 18 wheelers
P parcivalMember
Probably not going to buy for at least another year because my 8 year old car is in good shape and looks like it's going to hang in there for at least a few more years with no need of significant repair

BUT, in case something happens sooner, going to be test-driving the new model Mercedes C-class and the Jaguar XF (in anticipation of their smaller C-class car coming out in ~12 months) right after Christmas. Had given up on Jaguar when they were under Ford(?) ownership but they're putting out some nice looking cars again
K ksc02Member
quote:
Originally posted by Parcival:
...going to be test-driving the new model Mercedes C-class...

I had an '07 C-class for 5 or 6 years. A nice enough car but unimpressed overall. Repairs, maintenance and insurance were high. I wouldn't repeat. I appreciate my current Acura MUCH better.
Just a past user's input...
P parcivalMember
quote:
Originally posted by Parcival:
Probably not going to buy for at least another year because my 8 year old car is in good shape and looks like it's going to hang in there for at least a few more years with no need of significant repair

BUT, in case something happens sooner, going to be test-driving the new model Mercedes C-class and the Jaguar XF (in anticipation of their smaller C-class car coming out in ~12 months) right after Christmas. Had given up on Jaguar when they were under Ford(?) ownership but they're putting out some nice looking cars again


Jaguar XF turned out to be quite a fun test-drive. I test drove the largest engine that came with AWD. Not incredibly fast, but certainly a well appointed car that can be configured to have a fun, sporty ride.

Ruling this out though because not as fun to drive as an Audi / BMW / Mercedes. Admittedly, I did not drive the larger engine XFs becaues they do not come with AWD but I'm guessing they would kick-up the sport-aspect of the car several notches. But, it's nice to see this brand coming back to life
robsutherlandrobsutherlandMember
quote:
Originally posted by Parcival:
quote:
Originally posted by Parcival:
Probably not going to buy for at least another year because my 8 year old car is in good shape and looks like it's going to hang in there for at least a few more years with no need of significant repair

BUT, in case something happens sooner, going to be test-driving the new model Mercedes C-class and the Jaguar XF (in anticipation of their smaller C-class car coming out in ~12 months) right after Christmas. Had given up on Jaguar when they were under Ford(?) ownership but they're putting out some nice looking cars again


Jaguar XF turned out to be quite a fun test-drive. I test drove the largest engine that came with AWD. Not incredibly fast, but certainly a well appointed car that can be configured to have a fun, sporty ride.

Ruling this out though because not as fun to drive as an Audi / BMW / Mercedes. Admittedly, I did not drive the larger engine XFs becaues they do not come with AWD but I'm guessing they would kick-up the sport-aspect of the car several notches. But, it's nice to see this brand coming back to life


The big engines are fun. I had an XJR and it was a blast, though hard on rear tires. Made me feel like an old man though (especially as it was claret over parchment).

There is a new C-Class competition Jag coming out this year I believe. If you're looking for a medium sized sedan with 4 wheel drive you can't beat a E63 4-Matic though.
bomba503bomba503Member
quote:
Originally posted by Parcival:
quote:
Originally posted by Parcival:
Probably not going to buy for at least another year because my 8 year old car is in good shape and looks like it's going to hang in there for at least a few more years with no need of significant repair

BUT, in case something happens sooner, going to be test-driving the new model Mercedes C-class and the Jaguar XF (in anticipation of their smaller C-class car coming out in ~12 months) right after Christmas. Had given up on Jaguar when they were under Ford(?) ownership but they're putting out some nice looking cars again


Jaguar XF turned out to be quite a fun test-drive. I test drove the largest engine that came with AWD. Not incredibly fast, but certainly a well appointed car that can be configured to have a fun, sporty ride.

Ruling this out though because not as fun to drive as an Audi / BMW / Mercedes. Admittedly, I did not drive the larger engine XFs becaues they do not come with AWD but I'm guessing they would kick-up the sport-aspect of the car several notches. But, it's nice to see this brand coming back to life


We are in the same boat driving the same car. Im starting to think in terms of a new BMW/Mercedes/Audi too. The only thing that extended my window for my 335 is Bridgestone's new run flat touring tires. I was getting tired of the new $1500 tires every year or so. The new ones (Driveguard) last more than twice as long and cost about 1/3rd less than the old ones.

Really thinking about the Benz too but that was my dad's car. Are we really getting this old? Keep me posted about what you learn.
S SarbuzeMember
Currently have a 2012 BMW X5 35d. Love it, great for road trips with the dogs but expecting our first kid this summer and need something bigger. Thinking GMC Yukon or Tahoe, possibly Toyota Land Cruiser.

Wife needs a new car- we're open minded here and in the last month or so have driven:
Audi A4, Audi A5
VW Jetta (she loves this car for some reason, though I want her to have something with AWD) and Passat
BMW X1
Volvo XC60

I didn't like the A4, the A5 is sexy and fun to drive by doesn't compare with a 335xi IMO.

Leaning towards the X1- but I hate the BMW navigation/entertainment systems.

Will probably end up leasing her the X1, then when my X5 lease is up in July going for a used Land Cruiser/Yukon for dog/baby long trips. I am mostly on trains and airplanes, so just need something for getting to/from the airport and for road trips with 2 big dogs, a baby, wife and all our stuff!
S SarbuzeMember
quote:
Originally posted by Bytown Rick:
quote:
Originally posted by sarbuze:

VW Jetta (she loves this car for some reason, though I want her to have something with AWD)


If she likes the Jetta, she might also like the VW Tiguan with AWD. My new winter car.

Rick


Great advice, she loves the Tiguan! It's a nice ride and she's had one before! I actually enjoyed driving it a lot- very "zippy" as I always said and excellent in the winter (here in New England). We might end up getting that again, but I think she first wanted a car (non-SUV), then drove the X1 and considered it a bit more sporty.
robsutherlandrobsutherlandMember
quote:
Originally posted by sarbuze:
Currently have a 2012 BMW X5 35d. Love it, great for road trips with the dogs but expecting our first kid this summer and need something bigger.


An x5 is plenty big for baby and dogs (unless you have a couple great danes or something... For long road trips get a thule. Dogs in the back, baby in the middle and "stuff" on top.

We've got two in baby seats in our e-class wagon and outside of going to the cottage for 2 weeks would be able to schlep everything (including a dog) in it.
robsutherlandrobsutherlandMember
quote:
Originally posted by FL Wino:
Benz and corvettes are for old fa$t$
Audi and BMW for younger
Prius for senile citizens


I would say Corvettes are for larger middle aged men and above but

1,2,3,4 series BMW; A3 & A4 Audi and B & C class Benz's are all for the same demographics. Just like A6, E-Class and 5 Series are all for the same and S Class, A8 or 7 Series are all the same.

NO ONE looks young driving a 7 Series or A8. And no matter how old you are, you're going to look somewhat hip driving a CLA45 or C63.
B bigfoot003Member
quote:
Originally posted by sarbuze:
Currently have a 2012 BMW X5 35d. Love it, great for road trips with the dogs but expecting our first kid this summer and need something bigger. Thinking GMC Yukon or Tahoe, possibly Toyota Land Cruiser.

Wife needs a new car- we're open minded here and in the last month or so have driven:
Audi A4, Audi A5
VW Jetta (she loves this car for some reason, though I want her to have something with AWD) and Passat
BMW X1
Volvo XC60

I didn't like the A4, the A5 is sexy and fun to drive by doesn't compare with a 335xi IMO.

Leaning towards the X1- but I hate the BMW navigation/entertainment systems.

Will probably end up leasing her the X1, then when my X5 lease is up in July going for a used Land Cruiser/Yukon for dog/baby long trips. I am mostly on trains and airplanes, so just need something for getting to/from the airport and for road trips with 2 big dogs, a baby, wife and all our stuff!


Yukon/Tahoe for big dogs. I've tested mine with a Pyr and a Leonberger (both males), so consider that choice battle-tested! Banana
B bigfoot003Member
quote:
Originally posted by Rob_Sutherland:
quote:
Originally posted by sarbuze:
Currently have a 2012 BMW X5 35d. Love it, great for road trips with the dogs but expecting our first kid this summer and need something bigger.


An x5 is plenty big for baby and dogs (unless you have a couple great danes or something... For long road trips get a thule. Dogs in the back, baby in the middle and "stuff" on top.

We've got two in baby seats in our e-class wagon and outside of going to the cottage for 2 weeks would be able to schlep everything (including a dog) in it.


Have to respectfully disagree - with my 270 lbs of dog (2), the X5 was a no-way-in-Hell choice! Devilish Had to be a Tahoe/Yukon/'Burban. Even so, still pulling fur off the headliner...
S SarbuzeMember
quote:
Originally posted by Rob_Sutherland:
quote:
Originally posted by sarbuze:
Currently have a 2012 BMW X5 35d. Love it, great for road trips with the dogs but expecting our first kid this summer and need something bigger.


An x5 is plenty big for baby and dogs (unless you have a couple great danes or something... For long road trips get a thule. Dogs in the back, baby in the middle and "stuff" on top.

We've got two in baby seats in our e-class wagon and outside of going to the cottage for 2 weeks would be able to schlep everything (including a dog) in it.


For local stuff, maybe. But driving home to Michigan (10-12 hours) to see family we need to fold the seat down for the huskies (around 65lbs each) to have enough room (the back seat of the X5 is at an angle backwards, if it was a square I would maybe agree it could work, but not ideal IMO)! I had an LR3 before this, was the perfect size for 2-3 dogs, with gear and road trips. Just too many issues with that thing to consider Land Rover again.
E emarkMember
I replaced my Honda Accord with a Civic last week. Right-side blind spot camera is awesome. 1.8L 4-banger is perfectly acceptable for the local driving that I'll be doing in it.

We bought an Infiniti QX-50 for my wife last summer. The 360 degree camera view and front/rear proximity sensors that make parking amazingly easy. 3.7L six is strong. And I truly love rear-wheel drive. I don't like the Nav system as much as I like the Honda's.
S SarbuzeMember
Quick update: We ended up getting two cars this weekend after a lot of test driving:

2014 BMW 335xi w/ M Sport package (and M Brakes) - needed an AWD car since we live in New England and as far as comfort and some performance goes, this was my favorite of what we test drove. Scored a manual transmission and some nice customization (and a "good" deal)- some guy ordered this custom and never took delivery in late 2014.

2015 GMC Acadia - actually loved this when we drove it (so did my wife). Got the captain chair second row, took it out yesterday in the snow and it did great, and our dogs have double the space they had in the X5. Am very impressed with this thing so far and should be good for our new baby (July) and our huskies on long road trips.
Last edited by Sarbuze
T tpewinedrinkerMember
quote:
Originally posted by sarbuze:
Quick update: We ended up getting two cars this weekend after a lot of test driving:

2014 BMW 335xi w/ M Sport package (and M Brakes) - needed an AWD car since we live in New England and as far as comfort and some performance goes, this was my favorite of what we test drove. Scored a manual transmission and some nice customization (and a "good" deal)- some guy ordered this custom and never took delivery in late 2014.

2015 GMC Acadia - actually loved this when we drove it (so did my wife). Got the captain chair second row, took it out yesterday in the snow and it did great, and our dogs have double the space they had in the X5. Am very impressed with this thing so far and should be good for our new baby (July) and our huskies on long road trips.

nicely done and congrats on the baby!
P parcivalMember
quote:
Originally posted by sarbuze:
Quick update: We ended up getting two cars this weekend after a lot of test driving:

2014 BMW 335xi w/ M Sport package (and M Brakes) - needed an AWD car since we live in New England and as far as comfort and some performance goes, this was my favorite of what we test drove. Scored a manual transmission and some nice customization (and a "good" deal)- some guy ordered this custom and never took delivery in late 2014.

2015 GMC Acadia - actually loved this when we drove it (so did my wife). Got the captain chair second row, took it out yesterday in the snow and it did great, and our dogs have double the space they had in the X5. Am very impressed with this thing so far and should be good for our new baby (July) and our huskies on long road trips.


Sarbuze, we'll need to get an offline planned soon. I have the same exact car (but the 2008 model). Bummer is that as of 2015 BMW has discontinued manual transmissions except for their M-series cars. I actually have not been able to find any AWD car with a manual transmission as I anticipate replacing my car at some point in the next few years when the repairs start coming in. Fortunately, my car has been problem free for 8 years
S SarbuzeMember
quote:
Originally posted by Board-O:
Why do you want a stick? Modern automatics shift faster.


Good question. For me it's more about the enjoyment of driving it. I'm very against people texting and driving, reading a book and driving, and doing anything stupid other than driving...when driving (this doesn't include drinking coffee). I like the feeling that I am actively doing something and don't mind the small performance I'm missing out on. Even if I'm a bit slower than the auto, I like the feeling that I am faster!

Then again I haven't had a manual transmission in about 10 years, so we'll see if this sentiment remains after a few months of CT traffic on I-95!

Parcival: ha, awesome, looks like we should arrange the New Haven Pizza offline. I wasn't aware that 2015+ were only auto, it's a shame as I'm guessing this is only in the USA market. Not that I am in the budget of an M3 or M5 (maybe an M6 Big Grin), unless I lived in FL, CA, AZ, etc...I don't see that as a viable option due to the rear wheel drive. Glad to hear your car has had a clean bill of health!
winetarelliwinetarelliMember
quote:
Originally posted by Parcival:
quote:
Originally posted by sarbuze:
Quick update: We ended up getting two cars this weekend after a lot of test driving:

2014 BMW 335xi w/ M Sport package (and M Brakes) - needed an AWD car since we live in New England and as far as comfort and some performance goes, this was my favorite of what we test drove. Scored a manual transmission and some nice customization (and a "good" deal)- some guy ordered this custom and never took delivery in late 2014.

2015 GMC Acadia - actually loved this when we drove it (so did my wife). Got the captain chair second row, took it out yesterday in the snow and it did great, and our dogs have double the space they had in the X5. Am very impressed with this thing so far and should be good for our new baby (July) and our huskies on long road trips.


Sarbuze, we'll need to get an offline planned soon. I have the same exact car (but the 2008 model). Bummer is that as of 2015 BMW has discontinued manual transmissions except for their M-series cars. I actually have not been able to find any AWD car with a manual transmission as I anticipate replacing my car at some point in the next few years when the repairs start coming in. Fortunately, my car has been problem free for 8 years

Audi S4 (and A4) come in AWD (S4, standard) and both are available with sticks.

And, yes, it is about the control over the car and the love of driving... though I live in LA, so a stick was pretty much out of the question.
P parcivalMember
quote:
Originally posted by winetarelli:
quote:
Originally posted by Parcival:
quote:
Originally posted by sarbuze:
Quick update: We ended up getting two cars this weekend after a lot of test driving:

2014 BMW 335xi w/ M Sport package (and M Brakes) - needed an AWD car since we live in New England and as far as comfort and some performance goes, this was my favorite of what we test drove. Scored a manual transmission and some nice customization (and a "good" deal)- some guy ordered this custom and never took delivery in late 2014.

2015 GMC Acadia - actually loved this when we drove it (so did my wife). Got the captain chair second row, took it out yesterday in the snow and it did great, and our dogs have double the space they had in the X5. Am very impressed with this thing so far and should be good for our new baby (July) and our huskies on long road trips.


Sarbuze, we'll need to get an offline planned soon. I have the same exact car (but the 2008 model). Bummer is that as of 2015 BMW has discontinued manual transmissions except for their M-series cars. I actually have not been able to find any AWD car with a manual transmission as I anticipate replacing my car at some point in the next few years when the repairs start coming in. Fortunately, my car has been problem free for 8 years

Audi S4 (and A4) come in AWD (S4, standard) and both are available with sticks.

And, yes, it is about the control over the car and the love of driving... though I live in LA, so a stick was pretty much out of the question.


Good to know. I was at an Audi dealer the other day and the sales person said that the A6 and S6 did not come with stick so I assumed that would be the same for the A/S4. But, online they let you build a manual. Good to have that option because otherwise I'd be extremely reluctant to give up my 335xi anytime soon
robsutherlandrobsutherlandMember
quote:
Originally posted by Board-O:
Rolls-Royce is going to make an SUV. Any of you DRC-buying guys going to get one?


It's not an SUV it's "A high-bodied car... A car that offers the luxury of a Rolls-Royce in a vehicle that can cross any terrain."

And no, I would not buy one or a Bentley Bentayga or a Maserati Ku-BANG! (As Top Gear correctly pointed out, that's also the sound it will make once the warranty is over).
K ksc02Member
quote:
Originally posted by Rob_Sutherland:
quote:
Originally posted by Board-O:
Rolls-Royce is going to make an SUV. Any of you DRC-buying guys going to get one?


It's not an SUV it's "A high-bodied car... A car that offers the luxury of a Rolls-Royce in a vehicle that can cross any terrain.".

It may not appeal to the general demographic on these boards but I applaude the announcement, the way it was crafted and the language used. It truly reached out and touched to its' true audience, very successfully. A superb piece of writing.
J jorgerunfastMember
quote:
Originally posted by KSC02:
quote:
Originally posted by Rob_Sutherland:
quote:
Originally posted by Board-O:
Rolls-Royce is going to make an SUV. Any of you DRC-buying guys going to get one?


It's not an SUV it's "A high-bodied car... A car that offers the luxury of a Rolls-Royce in a vehicle that can cross any terrain.".

It may not appeal to the general demographic on these boards but I applaude the announcement, the way it was crafted and the language used. It truly reached out and touched to its' true audience, very successfully. A superb piece of writing.


Big Grin
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