Misc Thread VI: Return of the Threadi

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Re: Misc Thread VI: Return of the Threadi

Post by Rope-Pusher »

AHTOXA wrote:
I don't regret owning mine, but I did only keep it for a year and a half or so. And it just didn't speak to me like most of my cars have. Add to that the penchant for burning oil and it's a 'meh'. The oil burning thing isn't really that big of a deal but it's a fact that happens to some, and I personally would have been more tolerant of it if the car was interesting somehow to make up for it.

That said, mine did not burn oil.
An interesting take on oil consumption:


I can see the point that with an extended oil sump, one, or two, could just live with dropping down a couple quartz between oil changes and call that the new normal, except,......the other guy's car isn't even going 1/2 quart low between oil changes. Still seams tummy that if an automaker sticks out like a sore pecker with regard to oil consumption compared to other manufacturers, then they are doing something wrong with respect to meeting customer's expectations. I still look at having an oil level sensor or a higher oil capacity as some sort of a bandage to accomodata a shortcoming.

I also wonder what the EPA thinks about oil burning w.r.t. spark plug and/or catalyst fouling and exhaust emissions.
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Re: Misc Thread VI: Return of the Threadi

Post by Teamwork »

tankinbeans wrote:I am enjoying seeing the responses. It's really helping to open the eyes. Currently I'm enjoying the maximum thrust* in the Chrysler and wonder if a manual Challenger would be a safe bet. Kind of interested in a dirty noise before all cars start whirring aroumd likr food blenders.

Friend has a 5.0 Mustang amd I'm loathe to have the same car, much as I've wanted ome for years. I don't know much about Camaros except that the visibility is some of the worst I've experienced in a car, even just sitting at an autoshow, and I'd be umcomfortable driving it.

I don't really know of much else. Anything I'd think about has the internet reputation of being unreliable trash, whether earned or umearned is beside the point.

*I know there are more powerful cars out there, with much more thrusting potential, but as far as anything I've had, sending the power to all 4 corners when needed, I'm enjoying it greatly.
My friend last year got a 16 Challenger albeit automatic and no V8 (SXT Plus) - I quite enjoy the car. Uconnect is definitely leaps and bounds in front of the competition still in my opinion and really the system shames some "luxury" brands. I like the direction they went with the AWD GT but I'd be a bit skeptical of how that actually translates to the real world. If it was my money, I think I'd go with the RT Plus trim and thoroughly test the manual and 8 TF and see it out. This car has some great color options across the board, I don't think I'd keep up my red trend.

Anyway I bad mouth FCA quite a bit but this car feels pretty well put together honestly. Yeah, it's only like a year old and doesn't have to many miles on it but the interior and amount of content you get at 31k is quite impressive.

I've driven the 2.3L Mustang in manual and the 1LE SS Camaro in manual... I liked the Mustang interior but I wasn't really in love with that engine and the package overall. Ford Sync at this point was still pretty much garbage which put the nail in the coffin for me. The 1LE SS is being used as my friend's daily driver and I would never daily drive this car willingly. It kind of just wears you down overall as it's essentially a track weapon. Yep, visibility out of this thing is still like sitting in a bunker with small slit windows. I'm probably not the ideal muscle car demographic market but I guess with that being said if I was going to pick any of the 3 to deal with on a day to day basis, and wasn't going top of the line, I'd say the Challenger would be a fairly strong bet for me.
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Re: Misc Thread VI: Return of the Threadi

Post by theholycow »

tankinbeans wrote:Anything I'd think about has the internet reputation of being unreliable trash, whether earned or umearned is beside the point.
You already bought a Chrysler. How much worse can internet reputation get?

Anyway, don't let internet reputation drive you. You need not be a slave or a sheep. Think for yourself. Gamble a little.

What are you so afraid of anyway? It's not like you're going to keep the car for 20 years and 500,000 miles...that's for ME to worry about, not you. I'm the guy who does that. Ferchrissake you're driving this year's model and already planning your next car. Live a little, get what stirs your heart since you're going to trade it in while it still has New Car Smell either way...and I thank you for contributing to the used car market for the sake of folks like me (even if, on the rare occasion that I get involved with said market, I'm way at the other end of said market).

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Re: Misc Thread VI: Return of the Threadi

Post by Rope-Pusher »

theholycow wrote:
tankinbeans wrote:Anything I'd think about has the internet reputation of being unreliable trash, whether earned or umearned is beside the point.
You already bought a Chrysler. How much worse can internet reputation get?

Anyway, don't let internet reputation drive you. You need not be a slave or a sheep. Think for yourself. Gamble a little.
Them's pretty brave word, comin' from a cow as they were.

Anyway, w.r.t. sheep, the word is "gambol" , not "gamble"
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Re: Misc Thread VI: Return of the Threadi

Post by Teamwork »

theholycow wrote:
tankinbeans wrote:Anything I'd think about has the internet reputation of being unreliable trash, whether earned or umearned is beside the point.
You already bought a Chrysler. How much worse can internet reputation get?

Anyway, don't let internet reputation drive you. You need not be a slave or a sheep. Think for yourself. Gamble a little.

What are you so afraid of anyway? It's not like you're going to keep the car for 20 years and 500,000 miles...that's for ME to worry about, not you. I'm the guy who does that. Ferchrissake you're driving this year's model and already planning your next car. Live a little, get what stirs your heart since you're going to trade it in while it still has New Car Smell either way...and I thank you for contributing to the used car market for the sake of folks like me (even if, on the rare occasion that I get involved with said market, I'm way at the other end of said market).

Image
That's what kind of worries me a bit that you got a 2017 and are already planning on your next car... What makes it even worse is the fact that the car 300 is probably one of the cars I'd consider when I decide: A) manual is done for daily drive usage and B) I need to upsize class. I figure if I dealt and felt the brunt of "German reliability" that to follow up would possibly be the only time I ever consider an "American" product. I mean if it is somehow worse then the German experience then I know I'll just go crawling back to Germany... if it's better then the German product then I'd chalk it up as a W... Seems like a win/win trial in my book where I can actually afford to make expensive mistakes.

In my mind though Potown still has the Honda Accord Sport (brain can't update for some reason- thankfully he changed his avatar) and you still had the Mazda 3 though...
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Re: Misc Thread VI: Return of the Threadi

Post by tankinbeans »

Teamwork, it's nothing to do with the car itself; it's that it's a lease. I'm interested in what I can get that ticks all the right boxes and warms the cockles that will allow me to break the cycle. I have the auto-ADD and figure if I start thinking now I'll land on something that moistens me.

I will say the power delivery and heft really do it for me with what I feel is a negligible FE penalty.

I may end up just buying it at the end, but know myself well enough not to truly think so.
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Re: Misc Thread VI: Return of the Threadi

Post by Rope-Pusher »

tankinbeans wrote: Image
I have the auto-ADD and figure if I start thinking now I'll land on something that moistens me.
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Re: Misc Thread VI: Return of the Threadi

Post by Teamwork »

tankinbeans wrote:Teamwork, it's nothing to do with the car itself; it's that it's a lease. I'm interested in what I can get that ticks all the right boxes and warms the cockles that will allow me to break the cycle. I have the auto-ADD and figure if I start thinking now I'll land on something that moistens me.

I will say the power delivery and heft really do it for me with what I feel is a negligible FE penalty.

I may end up just buying it at the end, but know myself well enough not to truly think so.
Okay good- just wanted to make sure. The incentives and offers are really aggressive and that would be the direction I'd like to go once I realize: A) I'm tired of daily driving manual (unlikely) or B) I decide I need to upsize (likely). I'm probably in the minority that I'd rather have a full size sedan rather then a midsize SUV in this country. Hopefully FCA keeps these models around though they are pretty dated now at this point. Really the only Chrysler 300's I see in the road seem to be replacements for Town cars in black car service roles.

I do like the pentastar engine but do wish there was a v8 pairing with the AWD option.
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Re: Misc Thread VI: Return of the Threadi

Post by tankinbeans »

The Pornstar is definitely a gem with a filthy noise when one is into it. When driving sedately it's very quiet. I wonder if there's a way to make it a little filthier without destroying the factory exhaust.
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Re: Misc Thread VI: Return of the Threadi

Post by Rope-Pusher »

tankinbeans wrote:The Pornstar is definitely a gem with a filthy noise when one is into it. When driving sedately it's very quiet. I wonder if there's a way to make it a little filthier without destroying the factory exhaust.
Think about the intake side of things. Maybe a low-restriction aircleaner or a cold-air intake might add some jazz to throttle tip-ins. Intake mods tend to be quickly reversible.
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Re: Misc Thread VI: Return of the Threadi

Post by theholycow »

Teamwork wrote:I'm probably in the minority that I'd rather have a full size sedan rather then a midsize SUV in this country.
Me too.
tankinbeans wrote:The Pornstar is definitely a gem with a filthy noise when one is into it. When driving sedately it's very quiet. I wonder if there's a way to make it a little filthier without destroying the factory exhaust.
You could install a noise pipe like in a VW, or just play engine noise through the stereo as has become common lately...
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Re: Misc Thread VI: Return of the Threadi

Post by tankinbeans »

Ewe, Cow, ewe.

I'd rather avoid synthetic filth.

Teamwork, I do too. They're more nimble and don't feel quite as top heavy. Low center of gravity and longish wheelbase is lovely. Then again Boaty weighs more than many midsize SUVs/Crossovers.

So far I've driven a friend's Edge with the 2.0 ecoboost out of the ST and was honestly surprised that the thing could move with aplomb. He says he took it for a trip down into corn country and said he managed 37 mpg. It's nice, but I feel I'd snap its braziere too quickly driving in the fashion I'm accustomed to.
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Re: Misc Thread VI: Return of the Threadi

Post by Teamwork »

tankinbeans wrote:Ewe, Cow, ewe.

I'd rather avoid synthetic filth.

Teamwork, I do too. They're more nimble and don't feel quite as top heavy. Low center of gravity and longish wheelbase is lovely. Then again Boaty weighs more than many midsize SUVs/Crossovers.

So far I've driven a friend's Edge with the 2.0 ecoboost out of the ST and was honestly surprised that the thing could move with aplomb. He says he took it for a trip down into corn country and said he managed 37 mpg. It's nice, but I feel I'd snap its braziere too quickly driving in the fashion I'm accustomed to.
I'm sure there's options everywhere to increase noise and be less restrictive- this is pretty much a community engine for that group as far as I know. Everything from the 200, Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Pacifica, 1500 Ram, to the Charger/300... Wouldn't do it on a lease though.

Yeah maybe this thing could shed a few pounds but we're in a generation now where base model Civic's weigh nearly 3,000 lbs so what is there really to expect. The problem that I guess I truly have is between the Challenger/Charger there's not really an advantage to going either way- it's purely aesthetic and essentially the same exact car with 2 doors added or shaved off. If that is the case- I'll keep the doors... Any issues with the rotary gear selector? I don't actually mind it I don't think but maybe ugly things rear their heads in the long term with it. I mean if it's for saving space- and it's automatic anyway, I'm for it.

Hate to say it but I think the new Buick LaCrosse model is going to really bury these twins though. It comes pretty loaded base and it's not trying to penalize you going lower trims with a 4 cylinder anymore- it's v6 across the board. As far as I'm concerned intellilink / Chevy's UI is pretty good these days though might not be as posh as Uconnect.

Bring's me to a final point here which is probably going to be viewed as unfavorable here but I kind of don't care about car interiors anymore on a modern stand point. Give me whatever touch screen UI which is the best suited, most intuitive, and reliable and the battle is already half way won. I truthfully haven't had a good one in my last 2 cars of 4 year stretch now and it's pretty inexcusable now. I went the route with things that lacked features, wasn't cutting edge, but is semi reliable and sound. When I was in my friend's challenger though going through Uconnect was pretty much the equivalent of using my smartphone and it was almost like I didn't even have to think about anything and everything needed logically made sense. It's probably also one of the systems that is easiest to read in real world driving settings... I find my MIB system in my VW to get washed out in the day light and sometimes isn't bright enough for my eyes at night compared to the instrument cluster. I don't require glasses or anything but I could only imagine what someone would say with poorer eye sight...
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Re: Misc Thread VI: Return of the Threadi

Post by potownrob »

Teamwork wrote: That's what kind of worries me a bit that you got a 2017 and are already planning on your next car... What makes it even worse is the fact that the car 300 is probably one of the cars I'd consider when I decide: A) manual is done for daily drive usage and B) I need to upsize class. I figure if I dealt and felt the brunt of "German reliability" that to follow up would possibly be the only time I ever consider an "American" product. I mean if it is somehow worse then the German experience then I know I'll just go crawling back to Germany... if it's better then the German product then I'd chalk it up as a W... Seems like a win/win trial in my book where I can actually afford to make expensive mistakes.
i don't think i'd easily consider an FCA mobile, despite having had VWs. my experience w/ VW also seems to have been much better than yours, to the point of not considering them (or at least the 2 cars i've had) unreliable. the new dealer is also much better than the one i bought and serviced the jetta at. the golf is also much nicer than the jetta was (higher spec and better quality interior etc.). where i see the bigger cost is on the service side. oil changes, whether done at the dealer, at jiffy lube or at home, are more expensive (MOAR oil, no cheap oil option that i know of, special filter and drain plug). other parts like windshield wipers, filters, etc. are specialized and hard to find cheap. advance auto has had every part listed wrong for the ones i've tried to buy there, and ended up not having any of the right parts. these things are not major to me, since i don't have to replace them every time i turn around. as for the manual thing, i told this to BK in private, that he (and you) should enjoy driving manual while you're able to and while you enjoy it. not that all of you are going to get fat and have joint and other issues like i have, but there will probably come a time when you become less enthustiastic about shifting your own gears. not that you'll truly regret not having driven manual up until then, but this is the time to be doing it, while you can and while you like doing it.
In my mind though Potown still has the Honda Accord Sport (brain can't update for some reason- thankfully he changed his avatar) and you still had the Mazda 3 though...
yeah, accord sport was a good car, but i don't think it was as nice as it looked. it was quick enough, it was quiet enough, economical enough, etc. but it also had its shortcomings. it had a rough ride (this is one area where an SUV like the CR-V is better than the accord, IMO - the higher ride height and softer suspension of the CR-V, while not helping much with handling, made for a much smoother ride. it didn't have comfortable seats - despite the adjustable lumbar support, which did come in handy and helped, the seats were still hard and cheap feeling. the stereo was the lowest end SPL and SQL wise (both power and sound quality wise - plus it just had 4 speakers) but was okay for me. i didn't really think it was bad once i got the EQ setup right, and that was coming from the much more powerful CR-V stereo.
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Re: Misc Thread VI: Return of the Threadi

Post by Teamwork »

potownrob wrote:i don't think i'd easily consider an FCA mobile, despite having had VWs. my experience w/ VW also seems to have been much better than yours, to the point of not considering them (or at least the 2 cars i've had) unreliable. the new dealer is also much better than the one i bought and serviced the jetta at. the golf is also much nicer than the jetta was (higher spec and better quality interior etc.). where i see the bigger cost is on the service side. oil changes, whether done at the dealer, at jiffy lube or at home, are more expensive (MOAR oil, no cheap oil option that i know of, special filter and drain plug). other parts like windshield wipers, filters, etc. are specialized and hard to find cheap. advance auto has had every part listed wrong for the ones i've tried to buy there, and ended up not having any of the right parts. these things are not major to me, since i don't have to replace them every time i turn around. as for the manual thing, i told this to BK in private, that he (and you) should enjoy driving manual while you're able to and while you enjoy it. not that all of you are going to get fat and have joint and other issues like i have, but there will probably come a time when you become less enthustiastic about shifting your own gears. not that you'll truly regret not having driven manual up until then, but this is the time to be doing it, while you can and while you like doing it.
I've been doing my own changes, bought my oil filters in bulk, and even replaced my in cabin filter and nothing has cost really anymore then any other Asian vehicle I ever owned. The one issue I have run into a bit was the windshield wipers- a lot of false information and overall they were probably a bit more money then what I was used to but it wasn't anything outrageous. Buying oil filters in bulk is the way to go if you're going to be frugal about it and in terms of oil well that ranges like any other car. My first change was done with Mobil 1 and cost less then $35 for 5 qt + 1. I pretty much buy everything off of Amazon and fully utilize Prime.

I don't even really feel a "hit" putting in 93 Octane but I genuinely believe and think that this car gets better mileage then my Kia Forte which was an NA 2.4L. I'm averaging after almost 100 fill ups and 2 oil changes now near 30 mpg in the real world. The lowest I ever seen that number drop to is about 22-23 mpg if I am realling wring this car out consistently and doing a lot of short trips. I know people probably put 87 octane in the 2.0TSI but I like the way things are as is.

I don't see myself falling out of manual by heart in the immediate future but I do see myself falling out of manual by default in the "short-term future". Fiancee doesn't have the will to attempt learning and I would never sacrifice form over function. I've also expressed probably for the first time in my life a feeling that a car is actually "too small" for my needs. I've driven mostly sub compacts to today's EPA standards and haven't felt that way before but I think time's are changing.
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