Cheap money is gone now though. The FED should have just ripped the bandaid off instead of this stupid incremental rate rises. Prime rate here is at 5.25%.
You should see the vehicle tax and interest rates over here in Europe, you'd probably die from the shock. Not to mention the price of gasoline/diesel.
As the wise (*cough*) Lunatic pointed out, you lot have it easy.
For example: a decently equipped XC90 with the T6 engine costs $149605. If you'd bought the exact same car in the US then it'd be almost β of the cost.
As the wise (*cough*) Lunatic pointed out, you lot have it easy.
For example: a decently equipped XC90 with the T6 engine costs $149605. If you'd bought the exact same car in the US then it'd be almost β of the cost.
Boooy, the new Audi interior is much more my style over the Mercedes. Both the RS5 (which I will test drive this Saturday) and the A6 interiors are sublime. The Nappa leather package makes me weak in the knees. The MMI interface feels more well thought out as part of an interior that doesn't overwhelm you with buttons and overabundance of detail. And the diamond stiched sport seats are great to look at and sit in.
I also got a demo of the B&O sound system and it's ridiculous how well it sounds.
The car wasn't really on my radar before, but I am itching to drive one now. Hopefully it doesn't disappoint as it feels more attainable price wise (and a bit rarer to see on the road) than the C63 S. It's also a stunner in person and pics don't do it justice.
I also got a demo of the B&O sound system and it's ridiculous how well it sounds.
The car wasn't really on my radar before, but I am itching to drive one now. Hopefully it doesn't disappoint as it feels more attainable price wise (and a bit rarer to see on the road) than the C63 S. It's also a stunner in person and pics don't do it justice.
The lease rates for an RS5 are something absurd. Not worth to lease it at all when it's almost the same to finance, sheesh.
By reilo Go To PostThe lease rates for an RS5 are something absurd. Not worth to lease it at all when it's almost the same to finance, sheesh.
Just get the C63. It's such an awesome car especially compared to the previous gen.
No reason to get an older C63 when the new ones start hitting dealerships in January (ish). At least in my mind. And obviously I'm biased at this point but Audi interiors and technology are pretty much top tier right now.
Those are some of the same things I went through when I was making my decision. The Merc would be more fun to drive but the new ones were dropping after I needed a car and would be more expensive for no more performance while having a worse interior and tech. I may still look at a C63 someday but the TTRS is keeping me well satisfied and is an absolute champ in poor weather conditions (ask me how I know - we got 4 inches of rain yesterday).
Those are some of the same things I went through when I was making my decision. The Merc would be more fun to drive but the new ones were dropping after I needed a car and would be more expensive for no more performance while having a worse interior and tech. I may still look at a C63 someday but the TTRS is keeping me well satisfied and is an absolute champ in poor weather conditions (ask me how I know - we got 4 inches of rain yesterday).
That's my thought process, too. I need to investigate the C63 refresh.
I'm also seeing F Type Rs with low miles for like $60k nowadays, and eventhough the interior isn't the most incredible, I like it plenty enough to get pretty much 95% of what I want with a stupid amazing engine.
Also, F Types and RS5s are pretty damn rare find, whereas C63s and M4s are all over the Bay Area. That's both a good thing as far as being able to find the right match but also then I'd be just another C63/M4 on the road.
I'll see what I think after I test drive the RS5.
I'm also seeing F Type Rs with low miles for like $60k nowadays, and eventhough the interior isn't the most incredible, I like it plenty enough to get pretty much 95% of what I want with a stupid amazing engine.
Also, F Types and RS5s are pretty damn rare find, whereas C63s and M4s are all over the Bay Area. That's both a good thing as far as being able to find the right match but also then I'd be just another C63/M4 on the road.
I'll see what I think after I test drive the RS5.
The new M340i xDrive is going to do 0-60 in 4.2sec and and they all come with an electronically locking rear differential. The M3 is going to be stupid fast.
By reilo Go To PostThat's my thought process, too. I need to investigate the C63 refresh.
I'm also seeing F Type Rs with low miles for like $60k nowadays, and eventhough the interior isn't the most incredible, I like it plenty enough to get pretty much 95% of what I want with a stupid amazing engine.
Also, F Types and RS5s are pretty damn rare find, whereas C63s and M4s are all over the Bay Area. That's both a good thing as far as being able to find the right match but also then I'd be just another C63/M4 on the road.
I'll see what I think after I test drive the RS5.
I've never understood the thought process of others having a certain nice car, so I don't want said nice car. You're basically basing a potential buy off what others may think or say about you no matter how good the car is.
Who gives af π€·ββοΈ
By Smokey Go To PostI've never understood the thought process of others having a certain nice car, so I don't want said nice car. You're basically basing a potential buy off what others may think or say about you no matter how good the car is.Exclusivity is appealing in some regard. It's not about what others might think, it's about whether you have something that someone might not.
Who gives af π€·ββοΈ
By reilo Go To PostExclusivity is appealing in some regard. It's not about what others might think, it's about whether you have something that someone might not.And thus begins the end of America.
Are European windshields made of paper?
A month ago I got a couple of chips on my windshield... I haven't had the chance to get them fixed since I was in the Philippines but that recent cold snap here in Dallas just screwed things up even more. There's now a crack that spans from the bottom drivers side of the glass all the way to the middle of the glass. Smh....
Meanwhile, I never got a chip in my Miata in the 5 years I've owned it. Wth lol.
A month ago I got a couple of chips on my windshield... I haven't had the chance to get them fixed since I was in the Philippines but that recent cold snap here in Dallas just screwed things up even more. There's now a crack that spans from the bottom drivers side of the glass all the way to the middle of the glass. Smh....
Meanwhile, I never got a chip in my Miata in the 5 years I've owned it. Wth lol.
By Adam Go To PostRaise your hand if you can't fit in a Miata or MX-5 ποΈI fit but the comfort and driving position was never quite right. My legs are too long so I had to put the seat all the way back but that made the steering wheel farther away than it should have been (all cars should have telescoping steering wheels, just sayin').
In other news I just got off of the phone with Audi and Roadside Assistance. The TTRS is making a noise in the left front suspension when accelerating and turning left at the same time. Reminds me of the sound that cars make when the CV joints are bad. They told me not to drive it so a tow truck is on the way. Hopefully I'll know something definitive by tomorrow.
The good news is that I still have my Lexus GX to drive and they have already said they will be providing a loaner if they need to keep it. It is somewhat annoying for a car with only 4700 miles but hey, stuff happens.
I fit perfectly in mine. π
Lmao... mine specifically was 1.5-inches lower compared to stock. πππ
So yeah, that may have been the case.
Dang, hopefully it's nothing serious.
By Pine Go To PostThe Miata is just so dang low that the debris and stones fly right over it
Lmao... mine specifically was 1.5-inches lower compared to stock. πππ
So yeah, that may have been the case.
By matmanx1 Go To PostIn other news I just got off of the phone with Audi and Roadside Assistance. The TTRS is making a noise in the left front suspension when accelerating and turning left at the same time. Reminds me of the sound that cars make when the CV joints are bad. They told me not to drive it so a tow truck is on the way. Hopefully I'll know something definitive by tomorrow.
Dang, hopefully it's nothing serious.
By reilo Go To PostThe new M340i xDrive is going to do 0-60 in 4.2sec and and they all come with an electronically locking rear differential. The M3 is going to be stupid fast.But will it be fun?
What isn't fast nowadays?
By Evo X Go To PostDrove it 50 miles so far. It has exceeded my expectations in just about every regard. Seats, steering, brakes, and shifter are top notch. Power comes on strong. Handles like a go kart. Suspension is smooth in comfort mode. It's quite, economical, and has tons of trunk space. Android Auto works flawlessly. Even the styling is starting to grow on me. Its unapologetically Japanese.There is no better winter tire than the Nokian Hakkapelitta.
Cant wait to give it a proper go once its broken in. Its about to snow here anyday now so I need a set of winter wheels and tires. Low profile Pirelli Sottozeros in 20" OEM fitment are almost $2k so it makes no sense. Looking to get some 18"s for better grip and ride. Anyone got suggestions?
It's like when people pose the question, "should I get the PS4S, or (fill in the blank)." Answer is always PS4S. Same with Hakkapelittas.
Get some rally wheels to complete the look. https://fifteen52.com/collections/cast-wheels/products/integrale?variant=12911569600578
By zfzmikey Go To PostBut will it be fun?All early impressions of the new 3-Series platform is indicating that it's much more fun to drive than the F30, so we'll see.
What isn't fast nowadays?
mmmmmmmmmmmmhmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
meanwhile, the guy from BMW that got it:
https://jalopnik.com/the-2019-hyundai-veloster-n-actually-kicks-ass-1827804312
It's like they have a group of people that chased the times that all the magazines, journalists, and forum warriors pushed, but were fed up with the process and wanted to get back to making enjoyable cars. It's nice that there seems to be a glimmer of hope for *new* cars, rather than just cycling through the greats that already exist.
I have a friend who fell in love with cars when he had a highly tuned MR2 Turbo. He's since turned into the prosumer type, always in love with numbers and features. He tried his hand at a WRX that he tuned to well over 300whp, had a nice wrap, sounded okay. But it was a CVT, and it's a WRX. Unless you're hammering it down dirt roads it's not a particularly engaging car, especially with the CVT. He fell out of love with the car. He just put in an order for a Model 3 Performance, again chasing after those stats.
Don't get me wrong, it's amazing what that thing can do on the track, and that piece with Randy Pobst was awesome to read. But who is going to love a car that not only doesn't have a manual, but just one gear, with no exhaust noise, and no real drama to it? Are mountain roads and canyons really going to be something you push yourself to go drive when it's such a sterile experience?
That being said, I'm definitely excited to give it a go on track next spring :)
meanwhile, the guy from BMW that got it:
What they focused on was making the car as fun as possible, as accessible as possible. Itβs simple and even tail-happy, and strong enough to take lap after lap on track. The car did 10,000 kilometers of testing at the Ring, only for the team to discover that the wheel bolts would break after changing tire after tire on a hot track. They had to change them to make them as strong as possible but also not over budget. Eventually they changed the coating on the metal, and sent the car back out for another 10,000 km of certification. (That extra testing was the idea of Biermannβs Korean employees. He himself figured nobody would have the time to get it done.)
βWe didnβt go to the extreme,β Biermann put it. βWe knew that fun is lost.β
And it fucking worked.
https://jalopnik.com/the-2019-hyundai-veloster-n-actually-kicks-ass-1827804312
It's like they have a group of people that chased the times that all the magazines, journalists, and forum warriors pushed, but were fed up with the process and wanted to get back to making enjoyable cars. It's nice that there seems to be a glimmer of hope for *new* cars, rather than just cycling through the greats that already exist.
I have a friend who fell in love with cars when he had a highly tuned MR2 Turbo. He's since turned into the prosumer type, always in love with numbers and features. He tried his hand at a WRX that he tuned to well over 300whp, had a nice wrap, sounded okay. But it was a CVT, and it's a WRX. Unless you're hammering it down dirt roads it's not a particularly engaging car, especially with the CVT. He fell out of love with the car. He just put in an order for a Model 3 Performance, again chasing after those stats.
Don't get me wrong, it's amazing what that thing can do on the track, and that piece with Randy Pobst was awesome to read. But who is going to love a car that not only doesn't have a manual, but just one gear, with no exhaust noise, and no real drama to it? Are mountain roads and canyons really going to be something you push yourself to go drive when it's such a sterile experience?
That being said, I'm definitely excited to give it a go on track next spring :)
The Audi dealership texted me a couple of pictures of something they had never seen before. The little red plastic cap that covers the positive battery terminal had fallen down and lodged itself in the undercarriage and that was what was making the noise. Besides the plastic cover being all scraped up nothing else was damaged so the car is on the way back to me. Talk about freakish. At least it was nothing serious.
I test drove the RS5 yesterday. Some thoughts...
The interior truly is sublime. It looks and feels extremely well built. The virtual cockpit is well thought out and does an excellent job. I didn't get much time to mess with it but I wish there was an option to customize how your speedometer and rev dials looked ala smartwatch faces. That's neither here nor there. The customization is great, the fact it supports Google Maps along with CarPlay and Android Auto makes it killer.
The seats are beautiful and comfortable to sit in. I wish they were an inch lower. The steering wheel is a proper driver's car pleasure. But what the hell about those paddle shifters? They feel like such an after thought. They're cheap and lack an enticing feedback that wants you to use them.
If I were to stack rank it, I would argue it's a better interior than the C63 AMG's I drove last week. That thing speaks out to you the moment you see it, but the more I messed with it, the less I liked it. Not so with the RS5.
The car drives really really well. It's supremely practical. It's bigger than I thought it would be but doesn't necessarily drive as such. Even then, the overall interior feels roomier than my E92 M3 and the C63 AMG. It feels and moves like what you want out of a Grand Tourer. Once you move it into Comfort mode, it is such a bliss to drive on even roughshod roads, so commuting in it would be a pleasure.
However, I wanted a little bit more of feedback from the steering. Maybe I am just not used to electronic steering yet but it is what it is. The chassis was nonetheless responsive and did what you wanted it to.
The engine is probably the one thing I cannot wrap my mind around. It's stupid fast. It puts you in control. It even sounds good! ... when you can hear it? Maybe there needs to be a few options to let that thing roar but it just lacks the same character the C63 boisterous V8 has. And that's a shame.
So, about character in a car. Character ultimately means different things to different people, and that brings me to the real reason I was at that specific Audi dealership:
The Jaguar F-Type R.
More on that in an upcoming post
The interior truly is sublime. It looks and feels extremely well built. The virtual cockpit is well thought out and does an excellent job. I didn't get much time to mess with it but I wish there was an option to customize how your speedometer and rev dials looked ala smartwatch faces. That's neither here nor there. The customization is great, the fact it supports Google Maps along with CarPlay and Android Auto makes it killer.
The seats are beautiful and comfortable to sit in. I wish they were an inch lower. The steering wheel is a proper driver's car pleasure. But what the hell about those paddle shifters? They feel like such an after thought. They're cheap and lack an enticing feedback that wants you to use them.
If I were to stack rank it, I would argue it's a better interior than the C63 AMG's I drove last week. That thing speaks out to you the moment you see it, but the more I messed with it, the less I liked it. Not so with the RS5.
The car drives really really well. It's supremely practical. It's bigger than I thought it would be but doesn't necessarily drive as such. Even then, the overall interior feels roomier than my E92 M3 and the C63 AMG. It feels and moves like what you want out of a Grand Tourer. Once you move it into Comfort mode, it is such a bliss to drive on even roughshod roads, so commuting in it would be a pleasure.
However, I wanted a little bit more of feedback from the steering. Maybe I am just not used to electronic steering yet but it is what it is. The chassis was nonetheless responsive and did what you wanted it to.
The engine is probably the one thing I cannot wrap my mind around. It's stupid fast. It puts you in control. It even sounds good! ... when you can hear it? Maybe there needs to be a few options to let that thing roar but it just lacks the same character the C63 boisterous V8 has. And that's a shame.
So, about character in a car. Character ultimately means different things to different people, and that brings me to the real reason I was at that specific Audi dealership:
The Jaguar F-Type R.
More on that in an upcoming post
So, I had been crazy about the F-Type since Jaaag showcased the CX-16 concept back in the day. That thing was immediately one of the most beautiful cars designed, and it was showcased in what I consider a transition into the 2010s era of prettier, more refined, and well thought out industrial design. Yes, engines were starting to be downsized, but they were also becoming more powerful and efficient, and the era of V8s was starting to be left to the $100k club if you wanted something European.
I have been car dreaming for a while now but I started to finally get an itch again. Hence the recent test drives. I was looking at new but even Audis and C63s were starting to push into the $85-95k range. Nuts.
Last weekend I spotted a used 2015 F-Type R with 7,000 (!) miles on it. And so yesterday I decided to test drive it.
I'm going to get the bad out of the way: the MMI interface is terrible. I'm kind of shocked such a UI made it into a 2015. Maybe it was just another sign of the transition from the 2000s when infotainment systems in cars were still in its infancy.
But the rest? Lawd, this engine! This 550HP of bruteforce V8 that sounds like the best of big American muscle and European love-to-rev attitude. It's glorious. It's fast. It's somehow more efficient than my old E92 M3s V8 π
I'm 6'4 so initially the interior felt a bit cramped but once I adjusted the seats I felt like in a true cockpit, in stark contrast to the roomy and airy interior of the RS5 where you could feel its more humbler A4 origins.
It doesn't have all of the perfect furnishings but the interior quality is still top notch. The seats ate great and pretty. The steering wheel is excellent. The leather wrapped bits with hand stitching look and feel premium. I love the waterfall design and integrated touchscreen -- unlike the Germans that are just plopping it on top of the HVAC like a sore thumb.
The car definitely drives like a Grand Tourer but it has better feedback than the RS5 and a steering wheel that feels connected to the rest of the car. It's DUMB fast, joyously loud, and intoxicating. Off Dynamic Mode and it's... comfortable! Even on rough San Francisco streets and turn the exhaust off and its a mostly quiet car.
But oh my is it such a beautiful car. It looks perfect from every angle. The red paint with the shadowline trim makes it a great combo.
And so, because of all that, I bought it.
It came in within budget, $25-30k less than the brand new Germans (not a 1:1 comparison but 7,000 miles is truly nothing).
We back.
I have been car dreaming for a while now but I started to finally get an itch again. Hence the recent test drives. I was looking at new but even Audis and C63s were starting to push into the $85-95k range. Nuts.
Last weekend I spotted a used 2015 F-Type R with 7,000 (!) miles on it. And so yesterday I decided to test drive it.
I'm going to get the bad out of the way: the MMI interface is terrible. I'm kind of shocked such a UI made it into a 2015. Maybe it was just another sign of the transition from the 2000s when infotainment systems in cars were still in its infancy.
But the rest? Lawd, this engine! This 550HP of bruteforce V8 that sounds like the best of big American muscle and European love-to-rev attitude. It's glorious. It's fast. It's somehow more efficient than my old E92 M3s V8 π
I'm 6'4 so initially the interior felt a bit cramped but once I adjusted the seats I felt like in a true cockpit, in stark contrast to the roomy and airy interior of the RS5 where you could feel its more humbler A4 origins.
It doesn't have all of the perfect furnishings but the interior quality is still top notch. The seats ate great and pretty. The steering wheel is excellent. The leather wrapped bits with hand stitching look and feel premium. I love the waterfall design and integrated touchscreen -- unlike the Germans that are just plopping it on top of the HVAC like a sore thumb.
The car definitely drives like a Grand Tourer but it has better feedback than the RS5 and a steering wheel that feels connected to the rest of the car. It's DUMB fast, joyously loud, and intoxicating. Off Dynamic Mode and it's... comfortable! Even on rough San Francisco streets and turn the exhaust off and its a mostly quiet car.
But oh my is it such a beautiful car. It looks perfect from every angle. The red paint with the shadowline trim makes it a great combo.
And so, because of all that, I bought it.
It came in within budget, $25-30k less than the brand new Germans (not a 1:1 comparison but 7,000 miles is truly nothing).
We back.
That little Russian devil on your shoulder always win...remember that.
So happy we're Jag bros now.
Not a single wrong line on the F-Type. Not one.
So happy we're Jag bros now.
Not a single wrong line on the F-Type. Not one.
So I shared this with Reilo already, but I came across something that opened my eyes to what it means to be a Lamborghini Huracan owner:
Voluntarily getting ripped off. Spending waaaaaaaaay too much money.
Who remembers that the Audi R8 RWS only costs a meager $140K? It's the same 5.2L V10 that's been software detuned to 530HP from the Huracan's 602HP.
The average Huracan sells for $280K new. Mechanically, it is the twin of the Audi. Down to the suspension. Styling is all that separates them. This is badge engineering at its finest.
For a $1500 tune, you can buy that Audi R8 RWS and unlock all of the horsepower, and actually get the power up to Performante's 640HP. You get a lighter vehicle, and rear wheel drive. The mindblowing part is that Lamborghini owners are literally paying 100% mark ups for the badge. The margins must be through the fucking roof on every Huracan sold. Think about that.
Voluntarily getting ripped off. Spending waaaaaaaaay too much money.
Who remembers that the Audi R8 RWS only costs a meager $140K? It's the same 5.2L V10 that's been software detuned to 530HP from the Huracan's 602HP.
The average Huracan sells for $280K new. Mechanically, it is the twin of the Audi. Down to the suspension. Styling is all that separates them. This is badge engineering at its finest.
For a $1500 tune, you can buy that Audi R8 RWS and unlock all of the horsepower, and actually get the power up to Performante's 640HP. You get a lighter vehicle, and rear wheel drive. The mindblowing part is that Lamborghini owners are literally paying 100% mark ups for the badge. The margins must be through the fucking roof on every Huracan sold. Think about that.
By reilo Go To PostJAAAAAAAG
Today, I went to Panera. Ordered a Cherry Cheese pastry to go...machine asked if I wanted to tip on my debit purchase. I hit 'no tip'.
Forgot to order coffee...went to pay for the cup...cashier told me not to worry about it. Got the coffee for free.
All because I drive a Jaaaaaaaaag.
Let's take moment to realize that Alpha drinks swill from Panera they call coffee.
That's okay, you drive a jaaaaaag.
That's okay, you drive a jaaaaaag.
Oh yes, we've talked about this, right?
@Alpha: if you need some bags of Philz for free, LMK lol
Also recommend Stumptown, Sister's Coffee, Four Barrel, Allegro
@Alpha: if you need some bags of Philz for free, LMK lol
Also recommend Stumptown, Sister's Coffee, Four Barrel, Allegro
Damn, congrats reilo!!
Can I get in on this Philz for free? It's one of the things I miss about LA lol.
Can I get in on this Philz for free? It's one of the things I miss about LA lol.
I don't drink "coffee". I can only drink decaf now, and that goes for all beverages. I like the decaf at Panera.
I developed a medical aversion to caffeine in my mid-20s. I've dropped all caffeinated drinks.
I developed a medical aversion to caffeine in my mid-20s. I've dropped all caffeinated drinks.
By AlphaSnacks Go To PostSo I shared this with Reilo already, but I came across something that opened my eyes to what it means to be a Lamborghini Huracan owner:
Voluntarily getting ripped off. Spending waaaaaaaaay too much money.
Who remembers that the Audi R8 RWS only costs a meager $140K? It's the same 5.2L V10 that's been software detuned to 530HP from the Huracan's 602HP.
The average Huracan sells for $280K new. Mechanically, it is the twin of the Audi. Down to the suspension. Styling is all that separates them. This is badge engineering at its finest.
For a $1500 tune, you can buy that Audi R8 RWS and unlock all of the horsepower, and actually get the power up to Performante's 640HP. You get a lighter vehicle, and rear wheel drive. The mindblowing part is that Lamborghini owners are literally paying 100% mark ups for the badge. The margins must be through the fucking roof on every Huracan sold. Think about that.
They do drive different tho or at least they feel diff.
And wtf nearly 300k for a huracan I know that's $ but that's toppy, you can't be talking base model?