The New Car Fanatic Thread

[CooterBrown 17,807]

4 hours ago, smuggs said:

My van.

 

It's a bit odd that you're nostalgic about being kidnapped and buggered but you do you, smuggs.

[Buzzrock 14,790]

[Buzzrock 14,790]

Well it was inevitable I guess but my 8 year old Audi needs repairs that total more than half its value. Bunch of suspension work and leaking seals and gaskets. I love the car but not sure it’s smart to dump that kind of money into it when I’m sure other things will break for similar costs.

Car deals are getting good. Gotta decide what I want to do. Leaning towards 4Runner as Jr is getting to hunting/fishing age but I’ve read they suck as commuter cars.

[tbone_ 14,016]

I’ve found over the years that what I’ve read in reviews generally does not match my experience. Like every review said the Expedition was much better than the Tahoe last year. I drove both and liked the Tahoe better. So that’s what I bought.

 

There are a shitload of 4 Runners on the road. They can’t be that bad as commuters.

 

[Chewbacca 7,664]

Well it was inevitable I guess but my 8 year old Audi needs repairs that total more than half its value. Bunch of suspension work and leaking seals and gaskets. I love the car but not sure it’s smart to dump that kind of money into it when I’m sure other things will break for similar costs.

Car deals are getting good. Gotta decide what I want to do. Leaning towards 4Runner as Jr is getting to hunting/fishing age but I’ve read they suck as commuter cars.

Compared to your Audi, a 4Runner will suck as a commuter. Why not another A6?

[Pato del Muerto 52,184]

What’s a commute?

[mr.goodkat 464]

On 4/8/2020 at 7:41 AM, smuggs said:

My van.

 

that is fucking awesome . my buddy had a 81 or so that was a 4 speed on the floor with a 351w . 

[Okie State 3,732]

4Runners get shitty mileage so I assume that's what you mean by a bad commuter. Also it will drive like a truck, not a car.

[TwiceHorn 30,971]

23 minutes ago, Okie State said:

4Runners get shitty mileage so I assume that's what you mean by a bad commuter. Also it will drive like a truck, not a car.

And slowly.

[TwiceHorn 30,971]

1 hour ago, Buzzrock said:

Well it was inevitable I guess but my 8 year old Audi needs repairs that total more than half its value. Bunch of suspension work and leaking seals and gaskets. I love the car but not sure it’s smart to dump that kind of money into it when I’m sure other things will break for similar costs.

Car deals are getting good. Gotta decide what I want to do. Leaning towards 4Runner as Jr is getting to hunting/fishing age but I’ve read they suck as commuter cars.

What's it's value?

[Chewbacca 7,664]

31 minutes ago, Okie State said:

4Runners get shitty mileage so I assume that's what you mean by a bad commuter. Also it will drive like a truck, not a car.

I was referring more to the driving experience, not the mpg.  

[Chewbacca 7,664]

Buzzrock,  you can also look into a Landcruiser or Lexus LX if you want offroad capability but a nicer drive than a 4Runner.  They're pricey, though.  

[Okie State 3,732]

I was referring more to the driving experience, not the mpg.  

Agreed. Some people take both into account though. Personally I value driving experience much more than mileage, but most are probably the opposite.

 

At $1 gasoline who gives a shit about mileage though!?

[Chewbacca 7,664]

1 hour ago, Okie State said:

At $1 gasoline who gives a shit about mileage though!?

Is it that fucking cheap down there.  Shit is still ~$1.80 around here as of yesterday when I had to go to the post office.  And that's regular, not premium.  Premium is still $2.40 or so.

Edited April 10, 2020 by Chewbacca

[Okie State 3,732]

Is it that fucking cheap down there.  Shit is still ~$1.80 around here as of yesterday when I had to go to the post office.  And that's regular, not premium.  Premium is still $2.40 or so.

It's around $1 for regular at some places. Premium is still much more expensive though. Gone are the days of a 20-30 cent variance for premium.

[Buzzrock 14,790]

What's it's value?

Probably 12-15K

[Buzzrock 14,790]

Compared to your Audi, a 4Runner will suck as a commuter. Why not another A6?

See the part about hunting and fishing.

[Chewbacca 7,664]

See the part about hunting and fishing.

See the part about Landcruisers and Lexus LXs. You don't have to buy them new. These fuckers run forever. I have a 2002 LC with 220k that i would drive cross country tomorrow. Am also looking for a 2015 LX to replace wife's QX80 once the lockdown lifts even though her Infiniti is a 2017.

[mr.goodkat 464]

13 hours ago, Okie State said:

13 hours ago, Chewbacca said:

Is it that fucking cheap down there.  Shit is still ~$1.80 around here as of yesterday when I had to go to the post office.  And that's regular, not premium.  Premium is still $2.40 or so.

It's around $1 for regular at some places. Premium is still much more expensive though. Gone are the days of a 20-30 cent variance for premium.

1.95 premium yesterday  in liberty hill

Edited April 11, 2020 by mr.goodkat

[TwiceHorn 30,971]

10 hours ago, Buzzrock said:

 

Probably 12-15K

 

Yeouch.  Because I tend to run my rigs to 7-8-9 years that would be sub-optimal.

[Buzzrock 14,790]

See the part about Landcruisers and Lexus LXs. You don't have to buy them new. These fuckers run forever. I have a 2002 LC with 220k that i would drive cross country tomorrow. Am also looking for a 2015 LX to replace wife's QX80 once the lockdown lifts even though her Infiniti is a 2017.

Definitely a possibility

[Chewbacca 7,664]

Definitely a possibility

Drive one. And the best part is that the LXs are cheaper than LCs even though they have more features and cost more new. ML stereo should be comparable to what you have in the Audi. And women like the air suspension that only the Lexis has because it makes it easier to get in the truck. Air suspension is also better for offroading since it gives you more clearance.

[G650 13,739]

On 4/10/2020 at 5:24 PM, mr.goodkat said:

that is fucking awesome . my buddy had a 81 or so that was a 4 speed on the floor with a 351w . 

Three on the tree or gtfo

[TwiceHorn 30,971]

12 hours ago, Chewbacca said:

13 hours ago, Buzzrock said:

Definitely a possibility

Drive one. And the best part is that the LXs are cheaper than LCs even though they have more features and cost more new. ML stereo should be comparable to what you have in the Audi. And women like the air suspension that only the Lexis has because it makes it easier to get in the truck. Air suspension is also better for offroading since it gives you more clearance.

Wow, you aint kidding.  Looks like a lot of the LXs have lower miles than LCs, too.  It's kinda crazy how many people really rack up the miles on SUVs, particularly the big ones.

Edited April 12, 2020 by TwiceHorn

[Gravy Train 970]

On 4/10/2020 at 3:47 PM, Buzzrock said:

Well it was inevitable I guess but my 8 year old Audi needs repairs that total more than half its value. Bunch of suspension work and leaking seals and gaskets. I love the car but not sure it’s smart to dump that kind of money into it when I’m sure other things will break for similar costs.

Car deals are getting good. Gotta decide what I want to do. Leaning towards 4Runner as Jr is getting to hunting/fishing age but I’ve read they suck as commuter cars.

2012 A6 3.0T?  I don't see where your totals could get that high, even on an aging car.  What does it need and who came up with the diagnosis?  Parts are cheap and if you're interested in keeping the car, just get an independent shop to do the work.   You're not missing out on much from a newer model anyway.

Near-nobody maintains their Lexotas to same standard over that time period-- that entire segment is bemoaned to do anything more than an oil change under the guise that Toyotas are designed to just gas-and-go, like the souless appliances they are.  You're still likely tasked to do a cooling system overhaul, replacement of key suspension bushings, shocks/struts, brakes, all the shit that was overlooked as a truck passes the 60K-mi mark.

[Chewbacca 7,664]

2012 A6 3.0T?  I don't see where your totals could get that high, even on an aging car.  What does it need and who came up with the diagnosis?  Parts are cheap and if you're interested in keeping the car, just get an independent shop to do the work.   You're not missing out on much from a newer model anyway.
Near-nobody maintains their Lexotas to same standard over that time period-- that entire segment is bemoaned to do anything more than an oil change under the guise that Toyotas are designed to just gas-and-go, like the souless appliances they are.  You're still likely tasked to do a cooling system overhaul, replacement of key suspension bushings, shocks/struts, brakes, all the shit that was overlooked as a truck passes the 60K-mi mark.

People who can afford $100k vehicles tend to maintain them.

[Anton Chigurh 3,318]

FYI, if you sign up for an account on the Toyota/Lexus owners site, you can add a VIN and see all of the dealer service history.

[Pato del Muerto 52,184]

4 hours ago, Chewbacca said:

5 hours ago, Gravy Train said:

2012 A6 3.0T?  I don't see where your totals could get that high, even on an aging car.  What does it need and who came up with the diagnosis?  Parts are cheap and if you're interested in keeping the car, just get an independent shop to do the work.   You're not missing out on much from a newer model anyway.
Near-nobody maintains their Lexotas to same standard over that time period-- that entire segment is bemoaned to do anything more than an oil change under the guise that Toyotas are designed to just gas-and-go, like the souless appliances they are.  You're still likely tasked to do a cooling system overhaul, replacement of key suspension bushings, shocks/struts, brakes, all the shit that was overlooked as a truck passes the 60K-mi mark.

Read more  

People who can afford $100k vehicles tend to maintain them.

How about people who can’t afford them but buy them anyway?

[Chewbacca 7,664]

How about people who can’t afford them but buy them anyway?

Most luxury cars have free/ reduced maintenance during the warranty period these days.

[Buzzrock 14,790]

2012 A6 3.0T?  I don't see where your totals could get that high, even on an aging car.  What does it need and who came up with the diagnosis?  Parts are cheap and if you're interested in keeping the car, just get an independent shop to do the work.   You're not missing out on much from a newer model anyway.
Near-nobody maintains their Lexotas to same standard over that time period-- that entire segment is bemoaned to do anything more than an oil change under the guise that Toyotas are designed to just gas-and-go, like the souless appliances they are.  You're still likely tasked to do a cooling system overhaul, replacement of key suspension bushings, shocks/struts, brakes, all the shit that was overlooked as a truck passes the 60K-mi mark.

Where are you finding cheap Audi parts?

I’m taking it to my independent mechanic for a 2nd opinion this week.

Got a Q3 loaner. Not a bad little grocery getter but the 2.0 motor sucks and the suspension is much firmer, like they are trying to convince people it’s a truck.

[TwiceHorn 30,971]

17 hours ago, Chewbacca said:

17 hours ago, Pato del Muerto said:

How about people who can’t afford them but buy them anyway?

Most luxury cars have free/ reduced maintenance during the warranty period these days.

That was true for a while, not so much anymore.  BMW does three years, everyone else does one oil change or nothing.

Edited April 13, 2020 by TwiceHorn

[Buzzrock 14,790]

That was true for a while, not so much anymore.  BMW does three years, everyone else does one oil change or nothing.

I bet that will change.

[Gravy Train 970]

4 hours ago, Buzzrock said:

Where are you finding cheap Audi parts?

All the good stuff is online.  There are some not-so-nice parts of our cars that are fairly expensive and warrant replacement after 60K, like the active motor mounts.  Brake rotors, shocks/struts, control arm bushings and stretch bolts are reasonably priced-- even the DSG fluid change isn't so bad considering the engineering involved in those parts.

Edited April 13, 2020 by Gravy Train

[Buzzrock 14,790]

Replaced motor and trans mounts already.

My local guy is going to do all the aforementioned work for $3K. Sucks but way better than what Audi quoted, and he says he doesn’t see any more big stuff on the horizon. I love the car and the only thing I’d add would be Apple Car Play (I don’t think anyone has figured out how to retrofit the Audi MMI).

[Gravy Train 970]

You could add the RSNAV fixed screen upgrade.  Runs wireless AA/Carplay and adds a number of other functions as an overlay to the MMI:

https://rsnav.com/products/10-25-1920x720-hd-android-7-1-2-4gb-64gb-s2-navigation-system-for-audi-c7-a6-s7-s6-s7-rs6-rs7

[Buzzrock 14,790]

Thanks, after I made my last post I did some googling and it does seem that here are some aftermarket options. Will be calling around to the local shops.

[Assman 1,830]

My cars have never been in better shape due to the stay-at-home order.  In the last 2 weeks I've done out of complete boredom:

-4 oil changes

-2 air filter changes

-2 cabin filter changes

-1 trans fluid drain/refill

-1 coil pack & plug change

-1 brake pad & rotor change

-Replaced a coolant level sensor

All this plus it's now socially acceptable to start drinking at 11am on a Wednesday?  I think I could do this forever.

 

[tbone_ 14,016]

4 oil changes? How many slabs are you rolling?

[Anton Chigurh 3,318]

4 oil changes? How many slabs are you rolling?

Maybe one was one of these:

[52-80 19,024]

its the celebratory bi-annual tire change day!  summer michelins going on the car today!

[ChickenSandwich 9,777]

I would like to change my high school dream car vote. 
 

well I need both. This and 300zx. Gonna need a bigger garage 

[Prepuce of Doom 20,948]

Ha! 

I got high in the bathroom this afternoon (hiding from the Doomlet...) and while on the toilet, I read an infographic citing the Typhoon as one of the contributing factors to the prevalence of SUVs today. Decided that maybe our family might need one.

Looks like ~$18k gets you the nicest one (only 36k miles) on BaT over the past two years. 

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1993-gmc-typhoon-7/

I'm not as baked right now and my interest has waned. 

A little bit. 

[tbone_ 14,016]

Do it

 

[Assman 1,830]

On 4/18/2020 at 11:27 PM, tbone_ said:

4 oil changes? How many slabs are you rolling?

Four,  with a combined value of the change in ChiTownDoc's couch cushions.

[Pato del Muerto 52,184]

Not really a high school dream car, but I recall a kid at my HS having an XJS...with a Chevy 350. 

[Prepuce of Doom 20,948]

I had a '91 Chevy Blazer that looked very similar to this Typhoon in profile. 

If I don't have an AMG wagon by the time our kid has a defined hobby or two that requires hauling around some variety of crap, I may seriously pursue a Typhoon. 

 

[conVINCEd 21,468]

40 minutes ago, Pato del Muerto said:

Not really a high school dream car, but I recall a kid at my HS having an XJS...with a Chevy 350. 

Buddy of mine had a Brit stepfather who imported RHD XJS from across the pond.  I asked him what he did at toll booths, “hook shot” was his answer.

[ChickenSandwich 9,777]

3 hours ago, Prepuce of Doom said:

Ha! 

I got high in the bathroom this afternoon (hiding from the Doomlet...) and while on the toilet, I read an infographic citing the Typhoon as one of the contributing factors to the prevalence of SUVs today. Decided that maybe our family might need one.

Looks like ~$18k gets you the nicest one (only 36k miles) on BaT over the past two years. 

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1993-gmc-typhoon-7/

I'm not as baked right now and my interest has waned. 

A little bit. 

 

I was lucky enough to get a ride in a sea foam green typhoon back in the day. Think I had a chubby. 

[ChickenSandwich 9,777]

 

[G650 13,739]

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