OT | Cars

[JackSIKMA43]

Hey truck owners - anybody drive a Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon? If so, what are your thoughts? When Mrs. Finn lets me buy a new vehicle (hoping next year), I think it'll be one of the two. Have gone from a new '88 Silverado, to a new '99 Silverado, to a used '07 Envoy. Ready for another pickup.

Both of those are nice trucks, but since you've had two Silverado's, are you sure you'd be happy with the smaller, mid-sized truck? There's no comparison. The Colorado or Canyon - you will absolutely feel every bump in the road, etc. - they're pretty rough. I test-drove a Colorado - great truck, all the amenities, etc, but not the soft, smooth ride I wanted at all. I bought a 2015 Silverado and it's like floating on air - totally different shocks/suspension, etc. Obviously, the Silverado costs a lot more, so if it's a budget issue, I get it. But, don't expect the same ride you had in those Silverados.

[fam3381]

I'd favor the S5 or M240i, though all of these cars are obviously great and have their own pros/cons. I have a 2013 135is, previously had an '09 135i, and have test driven the M235i -- all super fun, super quick little cars that have a great mix of sportiness and luxury. You can use the backseats but they're anything but family cars. I'd love to make an M2 my next car but seems like dealers are marking them up like crazy...maybe in a year or two they'll be back to MSRP. Of course, you could also argue that an M240i/235i is way more car than a normal person needs anyway (0-60 in 4.6s)!

When I rode in an S5 it felt like a bit different kind of car -- more of a grand tourer, longer, and a few hundred pounds heavier but a really beautiful car. I'd rather spend 8 hours driving in an S5 than an M240i, but it's not quite as quick and probably not as fun throwing into a corner. Also will probably cost you $8k more than a comparable M240i, which isn't trivial given you're paying for sheet metal rather than performance or build quality. I know some people preferred the pre-2013 model with the V8 rather than the turbo V6, so that might be worth considering if you were open to buying used. If I switched brands this would definitely be at the top of my list.

[humanrefutation]

It's that time again. Looking for opinions on these:

RC 350 F-SPORT


C43 AMG


S5


M240i


I do have a favorite, but I'm hoping a smart car person has some thoughts.

...you're already buying ANOTHER fancy car? Damn, gimme some of that Hollywood money.

[SupremeHustle]

It's that time again. Looking for opinions on these:

RC 350 F-SPORT


C43 AMG


S5


M240i


I do have a favorite, but I'm hoping a smart car person has some thoughts.

...you're already buying ANOTHER fancy car? Damn, gimme some of that Hollywood money.

Sure. No problem! Do you use Venmo? Anybody want some?

[humanrefutation]

...you're already buying ANOTHER fancy car? Damn, gimme some of that Hollywood money.

Sure. No problem! Do you use Venmo? Anybody want some?

[smauss]

How about a Subaru WRX? Will handle the MN roads and is fast.

STI

2015 fully loaded Stage 2 plus STI here. Oh and my wife's Outback and Sons STI hatch.

Subaru FTW

Nice... Love it! WRX STI is on my wish list when my '05 Forester finally bites the dust. I'm hoping to get a couple more years out of her tho.

[Finn]

Hey truck owners - anybody drive a Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon? If so, what are your thoughts? When Mrs. Finn lets me buy a new vehicle (hoping next year), I think it'll be one of the two. Have gone from a new '88 Silverado, to a new '99 Silverado, to a used '07 Envoy. Ready for another pickup.

Both of those are nice trucks, but since you've had two Silverado's, are you sure you'd be happy with the smaller, mid-sized truck? There's no comparison. The Colorado or Canyon - you will absolutely feel every bump in the road, etc. - they're pretty rough. I test-drove a Colorado - great truck, all the amenities, etc, but not the soft, smooth ride I wanted at all. I bought a 2015 Silverado and it's like floating on air - totally different shocks/suspension, etc. Obviously, the Silverado costs a lot more, so if it's a budget issue, I get it. But, don't expect the same ride you had in those Silverados.

No, I don't think it'll bother me. My cheeks aren't as refined as a lot of the people around here! I wanted full size when I was RVing but now that I'm fixing up a lake property I don't need such hauling capacity. Lower cost doesn't bother me either. Thanks for the reply.

[JackSIKMA43]

Hey truck owners - anybody drive a Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon? If so, what are your thoughts? When Mrs. Finn lets me buy a new vehicle (hoping next year), I think it'll be one of the two. Have gone from a new '88 Silverado, to a new '99 Silverado, to a used '07 Envoy. Ready for another pickup.

Both of those are nice trucks, but since you've had two Silverado's, are you sure you'd be happy with the smaller, mid-sized truck? There's no comparison. The Colorado or Canyon - you will absolutely feel every bump in the road, etc. - they're pretty rough. I test-drove a Colorado - great truck, all the amenities, etc, but not the soft, smooth ride I wanted at all. I bought a 2015 Silverado and it's like floating on air - totally different shocks/suspension, etc. Obviously, the Silverado costs a lot more, so if it's a budget issue, I get it. But, don't expect the same ride you had in those Silverados.

No, I don't think it'll bother me. My cheeks aren't as refined as a lot of the people around here! I wanted full size when I was RVing but now that I'm fixing up a lake property I don't need such hauling capacity. Lower cost doesn't bother me either. Thanks for the reply.

Indeed. All good, man. Again .., it's all about having the drive and ride that you want. By far, I am the last person who "needs" a pickup truck at all. I live in the NW suburbs of Chicago. I ain't exactly baling hay, getting stuff from Home Depot every weekend, or any of that. Unless the wife and I get a vacation home someday and a boat, I highly doubt I'll ever pull or tow anything, ever. I got this truck on new year's eve last year, so I've had it for just over 7 months, and I've only used the bed once - for luggage, coolers, etc. to Green Bay last weekend for the preseason game. I got it purely for one reason ... it's the closest thing to the big, fat old Cadillac/Lincoln cars of back in the day. They don't make sedan cars like that anymore, so ... this is it. I do like Chevy. Here's my two vehicles - 1965 Chevelle Malibu (my mom bought it new in '65, kept it in the family) and the '15 Silverado. To each their own - I can't do these modern cars with 22-inch rims, low-profile tires, and bumpy-assed rides, sorry. Never again. I'm staying with the "boat" ride forever.

[chuckleslove]

In June my wife and I bought an RV and now live in it full time, not something you normally do in your 20s/30s but we like to travel and both have jobs that will allow us to do it. Traded both of our cars in for a Ford Explorer Platinum for flat towing behind us. I thought the sales guy was joking when he said the car had everything including massaging seats. Love it so far, didn't realize Ford had made the explorers so nice.

[MartyConlonOnTheRun]

Random but any idea where there's a self service car cleaning place that has a shampoo handle? I have an older car and don't have a desire to get a full detail (I got camping and running a lot so a lot of dirt gets in monthly negating the cleaning). I just want to clean the seats a bit. I haphazardly came across one self service place in Denver and it worked perfectly but I can't for the life of me find one near Milwaukee.

[SupremeHustle]

I'd favor the S5 or M240i, though all of these cars are obviously great and have their own pros/cons. I have a 2013 135is, previously had an '09 135i, and have test driven the M235i -- all super fun, super quick little cars that have a great mix of sportiness and luxury. You can use the backseats but they're anything but family cars. I'd love to make an M2 my next car but seems like dealers are marking them up like crazy...maybe in a year or two they'll be back to MSRP. Of course, you could also argue that an M240i/235i is way more car than a normal person needs anyway (0-60 in 4.6s)!

When I rode in an S5 it felt like a bit different kind of car -- more of a grand tourer, longer, and a few hundred pounds heavier but a really beautiful car. I'd rather spend 8 hours driving in an S5 than an M240i, but it's not quite as quick and probably not as fun throwing into a corner. Also will probably cost you $8k more than a comparable M240i, which isn't trivial given you're paying for sheet metal rather than performance or build quality. I know some people preferred the pre-2013 model with the V8 rather than the turbo V6, so that might be worth considering if you were open to buying used. If I switched brands this would definitely be at the top of my list.

Thanks, Fam. I just caught this response. I'm driving the S5 Tuesday. I'll likely go new, but I was temporarily tempted by this RS5 http://www.searsimports.com/search/used-audi-rs_5/tp-mk6-md1195/s:pr0/

I'm leaning toward the M240.

[fam3381]

Thanks, Fam. I just caught this response. I'm driving the S5 Tuesday. I'll likely go new, but I was temporarily tempted by this RS5 http://www.searsimports.com/search/used-audi-rs_5/tp-mk6-md1195/s:pr0/

I'm leaning toward the M240.

If I was going to spend $80k on a new daily driver I'd probably go with an RS5. Those things are monsters. And if you get an S5/RS5 you have to get the gunmetal-colored rims...DO IT FOR ME MIKE

[MikeIsGood]

I'm considering a new car. I've had mine for 5 years now (2012 Elantra) and am approaching the point that I feel like it's going to start depreciating much more quickly. I don't want to drive it into the ground, so it seems like the right time.

I want a small four-door. The #1 thing I care about is technology and gadgets.I'd also like good gas mileage if possible (considering hybrids, including Prius), and am also considering entry-level luxury. I'm thinking I'll get more for what I want to pay if I stick with getting a non-luxury but fully loaded. For example, I was looking at the Audi A3, but you couldn't get heated seats and nav without spending close to 40K. So I've been looking at the new Civic, and even just a new Elantra. I also was checking out the Mazda3, but I hate the nav screen and dash overall.

If anyone has any suggestions/opinions I am all-ears. Going the used route is not high on my list, though, so not much persuasion to be done there. It might make sense, but just not my preference.

[MickeyDavis]

I'm considering a new car. I've had mine for 5 years now (2012 Elantra) and am approaching the point that I feel like it's going to start depreciating much more quickly. I don't want to drive it into the ground, so it seems like the right time.

I want a small four-door. The #1 thing I care about is technology and gadgets.I'd also like good gas mileage if possible (considering hybrids, including Prius), and am also considering entry-level luxury. I'm thinking I'll get more for what I want to pay if I stick with getting a non-luxury but fully loaded. For example, I was looking at the Audi A3, but you couldn't get heated seats and nav without spending close to 40K. So I've been looking at the new Civic, and even just a new Elantra. I also was checking out the Mazda3, but I hate the nav screen and dash overall.

If anyone has any suggestions/opinions I am all-ears. Going the used route is not high on my list, though, so not much persuasion to be done there. It might make sense, but just not my preference.

I have a '16 Civic Coupe Touring. It's a pretty good bang for the buck. I enjoy driving it quite a bit. The sedans are pretty nice as well.

[bigkurty]

Thanks, Fam. I just caught this response. I'm driving the S5 Tuesday. I'll likely go new, but I was temporarily tempted by this RS5 http://www.searsimports.com/search/used-audi-rs_5/tp-mk6-md1195/s:pr0/

I'm leaning toward the M240.

If I was going to spend $80k on a new daily driver I'd probably go with an RS5. Those things are monsters. And if you get an S5/RS5 you have to get the gunmetal-colored rims...DO IT FOR ME MIKE

Then you might as well wait for the new ones with twin turbochargers and 6 cylinders. Maybe you can order one right now. I am not sure. Then get the APR tune that will inevitably come out for that and some new high flow down pipes and murder 300k Ferrari's.

I did basically that to my car. Here are some estimated numbers
https://www.goapr.com/products/ecu_upgrade_40tfsi_rs6rs7.html

[Sauce Boss]

I'm considering a new car. I've had mine for 5 years now (2012 Elantra) and am approaching the point that I feel like it's going to start depreciating much more quickly. I don't want to drive it into the ground, so it seems like the right time.

I want a small four-door. The #1 thing I care about is technology and gadgets.I'd also like good gas mileage if possible (considering hybrids, including Prius), and am also considering entry-level luxury. I'm thinking I'll get more for what I want to pay if I stick with getting a non-luxury but fully loaded. For example, I was looking at the Audi A3, but you couldn't get heated seats and nav without spending close to 40K. So I've been looking at the new Civic, and even just a new Elantra. I also was checking out the Mazda3, but I hate the nav screen and dash overall.

If anyone has any suggestions/opinions I am all-ears. Going the used route is not high on my list, though, so not much persuasion to be done there. It might make sense, but just not my preference.

Look into the 2016 Prius Four with the technology package. It's what I am currently leasing and I went for it because of the technology. It has a HUD that's projected into your windshield to show your speed and the speed limit of the road you're driving on, it can wirelessly charge your cellphone, it has some lane guidance to readjust you if you're veering into another lane too much, and a bunch of other really nice features. I'm getting around 80mpg on my morning commute using the eco mode and I fill up maybe once a month. It's been a great upgrade over my '02 Grand Prix GTP that carried me through college.

[Lippo]

I'm a SUV guy now when I went from my ES300 to the FX35. Love my FX35 but the dash started bubbling, its almost 10 years old.
Was looking for a nice SUV you don't see on the road to often & I get a corporate 10% off on Jags and Land Rovers, The Evoques are too common now, so I'm getting quotes together for a new F-Pace. Love that it reminds me of the F-Type, but big enough for me.

[chonestown]

I've just never gotten into cards that much. It's not so much that I think gambling is vice, but I'm inconsolable if I lose five bucks at the tables. I don't begrudge others who play cards, but cards just isn't for me. No biggie.

ETA: I will play sheepshead on occasion like any good Wisconsinite.

[humanrefutation]

I'm considering a new car. I've had mine for 5 years now (2012 Elantra) and am approaching the point that I feel like it's going to start depreciating much more quickly. I don't want to drive it into the ground, so it seems like the right time.

I want a small four-door. The #1 thing I care about is technology and gadgets.I'd also like good gas mileage if possible (considering hybrids, including Prius), and am also considering entry-level luxury. I'm thinking I'll get more for what I want to pay if I stick with getting a non-luxury but fully loaded. For example, I was looking at the Audi A3, but you couldn't get heated seats and nav without spending close to 40K. So I've been looking at the new Civic, and even just a new Elantra. I also was checking out the Mazda3, but I hate the nav screen and dash overall.

If anyone has any suggestions/opinions I am all-ears. Going the used route is not high on my list, though, so not much persuasion to be done there. It might make sense, but just not my preference.

I come from a family that's pretty much all about Nissans. My pops bought a 2016 fully loaded Maxima that, honestly, is nice as ****. Love the cockpit seating especially. That's probably towards the top end of your price range, so you could step down a bit and still get an awesome car.

I'd recommend looking at Altimas. I leased one for three years before I bought a Rogue a few months ago. They're nice. They're reliable. They're comfortable. They're affordable. And while the city gas mileage was average, I was pulling 37-40MPG on the highway. They're about to release the 2017 Altima which is supposed to have a mid-cycle refresh look, so you might want to check that out.

[MikeIsGood]

I'm considering a new car. I've had mine for 5 years now (2012 Elantra) and am approaching the point that I feel like it's going to start depreciating much more quickly. I don't want to drive it into the ground, so it seems like the right time.

I want a small four-door. The #1 thing I care about is technology and gadgets.I'd also like good gas mileage if possible (considering hybrids, including Prius), and am also considering entry-level luxury. I'm thinking I'll get more for what I want to pay if I stick with getting a non-luxury but fully loaded. For example, I was looking at the Audi A3, but you couldn't get heated seats and nav without spending close to 40K. So I've been looking at the new Civic, and even just a new Elantra. I also was checking out the Mazda3, but I hate the nav screen and dash overall.

If anyone has any suggestions/opinions I am all-ears. Going the used route is not high on my list, though, so not much persuasion to be done there. It might make sense, but just not my preference.

I come from a family that's pretty much all about Nissans. My pops bought a 2016 fully loaded Maxima that, honestly, is nice as ****. Love the cockpit seating especially. That's probably towards the top end of your price range, so you could step down a bit and still get an awesome car.

I'd recommend looking at Altimas. I leased one for three years before I bought a Rogue a few months ago. They're nice. They're reliable. They're comfortable. They're affordable. And while the city gas mileage was average, I was pulling 37-40MPG on the highway. They're about to release the 2017 Altima which is supposed to have a mid-cycle refresh look, so you might want to check that out.

Both the Maxima and Altima are quite a bit bigger than what I was ideally looking for (by about a foot in length), but I'll check them out. Haven't even given them a thought. Thanks!