Random Thoughts Thread

[Robert Hall]

I've had mixed results with Goodyears...some of the Wrangler variations I've had were very good and got a long life--IIRC, the OEM Wranglers my '00 GC had went for about 50k miles.   The Triple Tread ones were good also.   The Forteras, on the other hand, weren't so good...soft and quick wearing.    My '14 GC had OEM Forteras that were pretty worn at 32k (I don't think they had been ever rotated--the rears were more worn than the fronts). 

[ccap41]

Soft isn't always bad and just getting long life doesn't make it a good tires unless that's all you're really looking for though. 

[trinacriabob]

Goodyear has gotten worse.  They came with the 90s Regal coupe.  They went quite a ways ... over 60,000 miles.  And this was on a 15" wheel.  This time around, the OEM tires on the LaCrosse were the Goodyear Integritys.  I squeezed every last mile out of them and they only made it to 46,000 miles.  They sure looked meaty when they were brand new.

Let's see what these Michelins do.  If I can get 70K out of 90K, I'll be happy.  The third time around, I usually go with the secondary product Costco carries and some a little bit of coin.  That would be Bridgestone.  When I did this with the last car, the Bridgestones were just about as good as the Michelins that preceded them.  Currently, Bridgestone's smooth riding tire is called something like Turanza/Serenity.  There is one with an asymmetrical tread pattern and one with a normal tread pattern.  Depending on how my current Michelins fare, I will either get Michelins or Bridgestones the next time around.  Who doesn't want the $70 special they flip over to every other month (alternating between Michelin/Bridgestone)?

Edited April 20, 2018 by trinacriabob

[ccap41]

The Integrity is sold at Walmart for well under $100/tire... 

[ykX]

35 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Soft isn't always bad and just getting long life doesn't make it a good tires unless that's all you're really looking for though. 

Exactly. My current Max Performance Summer tires handle substantially better on dry and wet when it is warm than the all seasons I had.  However, they last about 20-30k max.  I can't handle it on a daily driver considering I am driving close to 30k a year, will have to go to high performance all-seasons next time, either Michelin or Continentals.

[David]

45 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Goodyear isn't sucky, they just make a few sucky tires that they sell at the cheap-o stores like Walmart(Like John Deere selling at Home Depot/Lowes). they still make very high end stuff to compete with Michelin, Bridgestone, and Continental. People just tend to talk about their bad experiences more than their good ones.

Also, fwiw, saying a whole brand is good based on a couple models is like saying all of Ford is great because they make the GT. I've heard plenty of complaints about OE Michelins, Cotinentals, Pirelli, and Bridestones as well... Some people just don't like OE tires and will complain no matter what. 

Have to disagree, I have had Goodyear on Chevrolets to Jeeps and especially my Escalade which it was OEM standard on. The tires especially on Concrete scream noise. Worse yet is get them in a parking garage with polished cement and they scream on top of groaning in pain with just gentle turns. 

I have never had this with Michelin, Bridgestone or BF Goodrich tires on my auto's.

Have to pass on anything from Goodyear. Not impressed.

[David]

23 minutes ago, trinacriabob said:

Goodyear has gotten worse.  They came with the 90s Regal coupe.  They went quite a ways ... over 60,000 miles.  And this was on a 15" wheel.  This time around, the OEM tires on the LaCrosse were the Goodyear Integritys.  I squeezed every last mile out of them and they only made it to 46,000 miles.  They sure looked meaty when they were brand new.

Let's see what these Michelins do.  If I can get 70K out of 90K, I'll be happy.  The third time around, I usually go with the secondary product Costco carries and some a little bit of coin.  That would be Bridgestone.  When I did this with the last car, the Bridgestones were just about as good as the Michelins that preceded them.  Currently, Bridgestone's smooth riding tire is called something like Turanza/Serenity.  There is one with an asymmetrical tread pattern and one with a normal tread pattern.  Depending on how my current Michelins fare, I will either get Michelins or Bridgestones the next time around.  Who doesn't want the $70 special they flip over to every other month (alternating between Michelin/Bridgestone)?

I have liked the Bridgestone tires I had on my SS that replaced the terrible Goodyears, but in researching the tires and comparing them. Bridgestone only sipes their tire to the 50% tread level and you end up loosing considerable traction. The Michelin defenders I have on the SS now are siped down to the 10% mark with a sipe inner lock to give maximum traction while giving what I have come to respect as superior snow / rain handling.

Michelin to me is still a gold standard and the rebates that Costco, Discount Tires and La Schwab have had on them got them into price equal to the Bridgestone tires that Cadillac uses as OEM on the current SUV/CUV auto's. 

So this is why I went with Michelin and been very happy.

[David]

Seems Mercedes-Benz Maybach SUV photo's leaked in China and while some in China are saying Daring and beautiful, I have to say GROSS!  

https://jalopnik.com/the-vision-mercedes-maybach-ultimate-luxury-suv-is-way-1825413827

[Robert Hall]

Woooow...groundbreaking..paradigm shifting...a new niche is being created--the first ever luxury SUV sedan!!!!!!

[David]

 

Very cool how well these handle in the snow.

[ccap41]

44 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Have to disagree, I have had Goodyear on Chevrolets to Jeeps and especially my Escalade which it was OEM standard on. The tires especially on Concrete scream noise. Worse yet is get them in a parking garage with polished cement and they scream on top of groaning in pain with just gentle turns. 

I have never had this with Michelin, Bridgestone or BF Goodrich tires on my auto's.

Have to pass on anything from Goodyear. Not impressed.

So you haven't even driven anything on their car line and you're discrediting them based on a few truck tires? 

Have you used any that weren't OE or all season? 

Would you discredit all of Chevy because the Cavalier was junk?

That Maybach SUV looks atrocious from the back. 

[David]

@ocnblu Here is a low cost SUV option for you.

 

 

[trinacriabob]

1 hour ago, dfelt said:

NOT a nice looking vehicle but I do love me some hood ornament ... on the right car. 

Or, if not a hood ornament, a hood medallion.

I wonder if hood ornaments will come back into vogue.

[David]

7 minutes ago, trinacriabob said:

NOT a nice looking vehicle but I do love me some hood ornament ... on the right car. 

Or, if not a hood ornament, a hood medallion.

I wonder if hood ornaments will come back into vogue.

I agree that while I am not a fan of hood ornaments, I do love a good quality hood medallion. I hope they do make a come back, but I have to wonder if they will due to EV auto's. Course it could be set into the hood so it flows smoothly. A quality Hood Medallion would be awesome to have.

[balthazar]

1 hour ago, trinacriabob said:

I wonder if hood ornaments will come back into vogue.

The 1970s is alive & well at the mercedes dealership- they have a few models with cheesy stand-up hood ornaments still. Wave some dollars around and I'm sure you can get Vogue striped tires and fender skirts.

- - - - -
As teeth-gnashingly gruesome as that mercedes SedanUtilityXrossover pictured above is, I strongly believe this is where auto design is heading; a merger of sedan & SUV. I've predicted it here in years past. As the gap between a given Brand X mid-size sedan & SUV narrows with each generation... features, MPG, AWD, etc... as these attributes are found comparably in each version, what's the point about having 2 versions when 1 will do?

Edited April 20, 2018 by balthazar

[David]

4 minutes ago, balthazar said:

The 1970s is alive & well at the mercedes dealership- they have a few models with cheesy stand-up hood ornaments still. Wave some dollars around and I'm sure you can get Vogue striped tires and fender skirts.

- - - - -
As teeth-gnashingly gruesome as that mercedes SedanUtilityXrossover pictured above is, I strongly believe this is where auto design is heading; a merger of sedan & SUV. I've predicted it here in years past. As the gap between a given Brand X mid-size sedan & SUV narrows with each generation... features, MPG, AWD, etc... as these attributes are found comparably in each version, what's the point about having 2 versions when 1 will do?

So your saying the merge is gonna give us Total Recall like EV's?

LOL

[balthazar]

Where did I mention motive power?

[trinacriabob]

4 hours ago, dfelt said:

I agree that while I am not a fan of hood ornaments, I do love a good quality hood medallion. I hope they do make a come back, but I have to wonder if they will due to EV auto's. Course it could be set into the hood so it flows smoothly. A quality Hood Medallion would be awesome to have.

I was reminded of the transition from hood ornament to hood medallion by this.

Mine had the hood ornament, which I didn't mind.

In 1995, they also shelved the very horizontal "ravine" dash for this one, which wasn't all that bad.

The big bucket seats on the GS were especially comfortable.

Edited April 20, 2018 by trinacriabob

[ocnblu]

9 hours ago, dfelt said:

Seems Mercedes-Benz Maybach SUV photo's leaked in China and while some in China are saying Daring and beautiful, I have to say GROSS!  

https://jalopnik.com/the-vision-mercedes-maybach-ultimate-luxury-suv-is-way-1825413827

Clearly inspired by...

[trinacriabob]

Great news!  Just 3 days ago ...

On November 26, 2008, the QE2 (Queen Elizabeth 2) arrived to Dubai to become a centerpiece hotel at the entrance to Palm Jumeirah, the palm shaped development in Dubai's harbor.  We lapsed into a serious global recession shortly thereafter and the ship remained idle.

The ship went into disrepair.  It was moved around a few times.  A British consortium wanted to buy her back and dock her on the Thames.  The Chinese were said to be interested in her for scrap.  Well, out of the blue, we learn that the QE2 has survived.  It has in fact become a hotel, all of the tacky things they wanted to do with it, including removing the trademark Cunard funnel, did not materialize, and the interiors are very tasteful, blending aspects of both the ship and a hotel.   The ship looks a little strange without its lifeboats.  The Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA, also a floating hotel, retained hers.

The ship will stay in the harbor at Port Rashid, near the cruise terminal.  It was not moved to Port Jumeirah.

The ship's history is long and she sailed for some 40 years, if you count sea trials.  It officially left Southampton on May 2, 1969, arrived in New York on May 7, 1969, and then "retired" in Dubai on November 26, 2008, so that's almost 40 years in actual commercial service.  That's impressive.  In people years, that's like living to be over 100!

This is great news.  Fans of the QE2 are relieved that the ship lives on!  I first saw the ship in the port of Los Angeles when it arrived to dock for its first annual world cruise.

Edited April 21, 2018 by trinacriabob

[Robert Hall]

Good to hear...love these ships.   I've visited the Queen Mary in Long Beach many times, stayed on it at least 1/2 dozen times (would always stay there when I drove over for the Long Beach Grand Prix). 

[trinacriabob]

5 hours ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

Good to hear...love these ships.   I've visited the Queen Mary in Long Beach many times, stayed on it at least 1/2 dozen times (would always stay there when I drove over for the Long Beach Grand Prix). 

The original Queen Mary was "rescued."  She found a home in Long Beach, CA.  The original Queen Elizabeth, of roughly the same vintage as the first Mary, did not fare as well.  Its last stint was as "Seawise University" in Hong Kong, and it then suspiciously caught fire and capsized in Hong Kong harbor.  The hull remained there for quite a long time before it was removed.

Also, I was able to sail on the QE2 once, out of Manhattan, so it's nice to know it's conceivable that I might be able to see the ship again, even though that's a stretch.  A trip on the QE2 is an unforgettable experience.  I only wish Fort Lauderdale had bought the ocean liner to put it in its harbor.  It would then be much easier to see it (hello Southwest!) and make for sort of a "symmetrical" situation with Cunard and Long Beach, CA!

[balthazar]

GET IN HERE

Edited April 22, 2018 by balthazar

[daves87rs]

2 hours ago, balthazar said:

GET IN HERE

That can be taken in so many different ways....😜

[David]

 

 
 

[Robert Hall]

Feels like Spring today...sunny and 60s.  Yesterday was cooler and overcast, but had some really interesting lighting around sunset...love that it's not getting dark until 8ish now..

 

[balthazar]

This house is about 10 mins from me. For about a year plus, I've been keeping an eye on it, have dubbed it 'The Mannikin House'.

I scrolled side-to-side before I took this screenshot; there's 16 mannikins posed all around the house. Maybe there's more out back. Most I've ever counted is 17. They change frequently in number, position & dress. Sometimes during hard/long rainstorms, those staying outside cluster on the 2 porches.

Recently my son was sitting in his car in front of the house, waiting for the light to change. The guy was getting out of his PT Cruiser. He saw my son looking at him, pulled his passenger mannikin out of the car and made it wave at my son. Between my wife & son, he's always seen wearing a 'Deny Reality' t-shirt (I've yet to see him).

Don'tcha just love characters?

[trinacriabob]

I don't know if we are supposed to talk about "the past" on here but, over the last week or so, I was thinking about interesting people in C&G's past.

Very few women have showed up to join the forum over the years.  One once did and, in BOTH her av and signature, she had a photo of (what was supposedly her) ample cleavage with an arm covering up the "a(u)reas" that would constitute nudity. 

When the boys of C&G got frisky, and it had nothing to do with her, she'd call us on it.  She didn't stick around very long and I believe a few of us confronted her on her strange and unwelcome M.O.  Having a better handle on life and armchair psychology, there are two words for what was occurring - CONTROL ISSUES.

Regardless, we did have one woman who stuck with us for quite a while, hailed from Oklahoma, actually worked for a GM dealership, and loved Cutlass Supremes.

What a long, strange trip it's been!

Edited April 23, 2018 by trinacriabob

[ocnblu]

Beliefs, firmly held:  My dad and brother are staunchly pro-Chevrolet.  When I told my dad I was considering a Jeep, he let me know what Consumer Reports had to say about it.  I brushed it off and went ahead with my plan.  Yesterday, I let my brother know I am looking at pickup trucks... he asked me what brand.  Now we're in an argument because I told him the beercan Ford is not bad (but it won't fit in my garage) and the Tacoma eats the Colorado's lunch when it comes to sales.  Ford and Toyota are BAD, you know, when it comes to pickups.

So then I reminded him that he bought a Kubota instead of a John Deere and I supported him in his decision to save money.

This prompted him to leave our Facebook conversation because he "had to go to work."

Does anyone else go against the grain on vehicles, based on family tradition?  Or am I the only one?  Do you drive something different from what your parents drive?  Is it a cause of friction?

[balthazar]

Well, toyota is probably a poor decision based on all their quality/engineering issues, but you're free to buy what you want.

I got my Buick when I was 23, but it was only coincidence it was the same year my father got his first Buick, as his was an '89 and mine was a '59. I'd liked the B-59 for years beforehand. However, I will say I very likely came to Pontiac thru my family: grandfather: '55, '57, '63, '66, '69, '72, '76, father: took his father's '63, then '70, '77. After all of that, me: '64, '64, '64, '65, '65, '66, '65, '60... but you can see by the above I'm in for the specific car, not the brand per say, otherwise I would've had '80s & '90s Pontiacs (no thanks).

[Robert Hall]

My folks were Ford/Lincoln/Mercury owners for most of their 51 years together with only 4  non-Ford products.   My older brother similarly has mostly had Fords in 50+ years of driving, with a few Chevy and Pontiacs and a BMW mixed in.    My sister has been all over the place--a couple Fords, a couple Chevys, 2 Mercedes, an Acura, 4 Datsun/Nissan Zs, a Jeep, a Saab, a Cadillac..

I started out driving Fords--Escort, 2 Mustangs, a Bronco II before getting a BMW in 1998 and then my first Jeep in 2000.   Not really a cause of friction, but my brother does give me a hard time occasionally about driving a Chrysler product (always pointing out Jeep recalls, etc).    Live and let live.. 

[trinacriabob]

Well, my parents' car ownership history wasn't as long as some of you folks' parents because of when mine emigrated.  My dad first owned a Ford, which was a lemon, a Chevy Impala 283 which was fairly reliable, then a Dodge, which we called "the bomb" and which was also problematic in the starting and fuel delivery system while decent in the powertrain, and ultimately the very first quad rectangular lamp, waterfall grilled Cutlass Supreme.  (Which was "supposed" to be a new Buick Regal of the same year.)  Partly because they got it new and partly because it was "America's sweetheart," they got quite a few compliments on it.  I, too, loved that car, used it quite a bit, and, mostly, helped them maintain it.  Hence, it was NO lemon.  We bought another Cutlass Supreme (Brougham) new and then, alongside these, gently used, very low mileage cars like these:  a Pontiac LeMans coupe with a 250 inline 6 (our most reliable car by far), an Olds Omega coupe with a 260 V8, and a Buick Regal coupe with the odd firing 231 c.i. V6. 

At the end, we were B-O-P all the way.  My dad always eyed Buicks ... more so than Oldsmobiles.  He finally learned Oldsmobiles were just as good, if not better.  He never wanted a Cadillac  ... too expensive and too pretentious. 

I'm probably even more B-O-P than they were!  Other family members have gone foreign, though.  I once visited a family member in upstate New York and saw that they owned a Subaru.  I call that blasphemy.

Edited April 23, 2018 by trinacriabob

[David]

I grew up with my dad always reminding me that every dog has its day. He also reminded me that if your neighbors have jobs, as do I then things are pretty solid. Buy American first when you can to support the local companies, jobs and keep the profits here, then when needed go outside the country.

As we all know, many things we have no choice but to buy Asian or European on based on them being the only source for the products. 

I have stayed true to this with buying American auto's only. Yes, many components are from around the world, but the companies at least are headquartered here, engineering is done mostly here and the profits stay here.

My first auto out of college was a Ford 1991 Escort GT. Awesome car, rock solid and a blast to drive and I would probably still have it if it was not for a commercial truck not paying attention on the freeway and rear ending my wife and totaling it.

I have tried to buy ford multiple times and did help a friend buy a family sedan, the Ford Contour which she had for a long time before letting her son take it to college where it got trashed and then totaled.

Since then the only other auto's I have had that are not GM is Jeep Wrangler, 1993 and Jeep Grand Cherokee 1995. 

Since then, I have stayed GM for now, but will be looking around and comparing when I do end up buying my next auto.

Interesting story, America's Longest lasting Auto's on MSN. Quoted from the story, interesting consistency here!  

Here are the 10 longest-lasting vehicles along with the percentage of each that have clocked more than 200,000 miles. The average percentage of all vehicles lasting longer than 200,000 miles is 1.2%.

1. Toyota Sequoia: 6.6%
2. Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) Expedition: 5.4%
3. General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) Chevrolet Suburban: 5.2%
4. Toyota 4Runner: 4.2%
5. GMC Yukon XL: 3.9%
6. Chevrolet Tahoe: 3.8%
7. GMC Yukon: 2.8%
8. Toyota Tacoma: 2.6%
9. Toyota Avalon: 2.4%
10. Honda Motor Co. Ltd. (NYSE: HMC) Odyssey: 2.4%

The list of longest-lasting luxury vehicles was led by GM's Cadillac with the Escalade ESV and the Escalade both lasting 1.6% longer than the 1.2% average for all vehicles.

Interesting that the Germans have no Luxury auto's on the lists. American and Asian plus Volvo.

iseecars original story

[David]

Very cool comparison between the Audi and Jag EV CUV's battery pack. Seems they are both using the same LG battery cells that the Chevrolet Bolt is using.

https://electricrevs.com/2018/04/21/audi-e-tron-vs-jaguar-i-pace-battery-pack-comparison/

On top of this, Seems the VW subsidery Electrify America is busing installing the XFC chargers now.

https://electricrevs.com/2018/04/20/electrify-america-construction-underway/

[David]

@Drew Dowdell Thought you would find this interesting. a good read on investment opportunities as we enter the great battery race for EV's.

This was done by Barings and covers your traditional executive summary, background info, the manufacturing, the future, Cathode Manufactures, Separator Manufactures, Commodities and their conclusion.

For anyone else that wants to get a better understanding of the top 3 battery cell tech, chemistry, materials, potential disruptors, and the cathode manufacturers this is a good review even if you are not interested in investment options.

Charging Ahead November 2016.pdf

[balthazar]

"Is there Yooni-body out there?"

[David]

1 hour ago, balthazar said:

"Is there Yooni-body out there?"

Totally sweet, talk about total protection.

[daves87rs]

13 hours ago, dfelt said:

I grew up with my dad always reminding me that every dog has its day. He also reminded me that if your neighbors have jobs, as do I then things are pretty solid. Buy American first when you can to support the local companies, jobs and keep the profits here, then when needed go outside the country.

As we all know, many things we have no choice but to buy Asian or European on based on them being the only source for the products. 

I have stayed true to this with buying American auto's only. Yes, many components are from around the world, but the companies at least are headquartered here, engineering is done mostly here and the profits stay here.

My first auto out of college was a Ford 1991 Escort GT. Awesome car, rock solid and a blast to drive and I would probably still have it if it was not for a commercial truck not paying attention on the freeway and rear ending my wife and totaling it.

I have tried to buy ford multiple times and did help a friend buy a family sedan, the Ford Contour which she had for a long time before letting her son take it to college where it got trashed and then totaled.

Since then the only other auto's I have had that are not GM is Jeep Wrangler, 1993 and Jeep Grand Cherokee 1995. 

Since then, I have stayed GM for now, but will be looking around and comparing when I do end up buying my next auto.

Interesting story, America's Longest lasting Auto's on MSN. Quoted from the story, interesting consistency here!  

Here are the 10 longest-lasting vehicles along with the percentage of each that have clocked more than 200,000 miles. The average percentage of all vehicles lasting longer than 200,000 miles is 1.2%.

1. Toyota Sequoia: 6.6%
2. Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) Expedition: 5.4%
3. General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) Chevrolet Suburban: 5.2%
4. Toyota 4Runner: 4.2%
5. GMC Yukon XL: 3.9%
6. Chevrolet Tahoe: 3.8%
7. GMC Yukon: 2.8%
8. Toyota Tacoma: 2.6%
9. Toyota Avalon: 2.4%
10. Honda Motor Co. Ltd. (NYSE: HMC) Odyssey: 2.4%

The list of longest-lasting luxury vehicles was led by GM's Cadillac with the Escalade ESV and the Escalade both lasting 1.6% longer than the 1.2% average for all vehicles.

Interesting that the Germans have no Luxury auto's on the lists. American and Asian plus Volvo.

iseecars original story

I so remember those Escorts everywhere back in college...more of those than my Cavalier....

I have a soft spot for Ford....might help I am down the road from them......

Family is pretty die hard GM...(not counting my mom's 2012 T&C minivan)

Not so sure what I am going to do this time......

-wanted Jeep-but insurance is through the roof...

I do know I want something family in my driveway....Could still end up with a Nox or Terrian (like the room and drive)....or an Escape. Even a certain new minivan is not too far off the radar....

Only time will tell though.....

[trinacriabob]

On 4/23/2018 at 9:16 AM, dfelt said:

My first auto out of college was a Ford 1991 Escort GT. Awesome car, rock solid and a blast to drive and I would probably still have it if it was not for a commercial truck not paying attention on the freeway and rear ending my wife and totaling it.

 

I remember these!  Rarely did I see them then and rarely do I see them now.  But, good God, who can forget those funky diagonal slats that went only partway across the front fascia ...

[trinacriabob]

So, I had a Costco visit to rotate the Michelins.  In 24,000 miles and with rotations every 6,000, they went from 10s to 7.75s, which is pretty much on target wear for the tire.  If you take it out ratably, they will fall a little short of the 90,000 mile mark.  But that's o.k.

I think this might even improve somewhat when I change out the OEM struts during the summer and have the ISS replaced at roughly the same time, along with a wheel alignment.  I am looking forward to elimination of the minor ISS clunk that has been pestering me.

And, because it was Costco, I did do the "sample lunch."  Out of guilt or embarrassment, I tell each and every one of the demo people that "I'm in the tire shop." 

Edited April 24, 2018 by trinacriabob

[daves87rs]

On 4/23/2018 at 6:22 AM, ocnblu said:

Beliefs, firmly held:  My dad and brother are staunchly pro-Chevrolet.  When I told my dad I was considering a Jeep, he let me know what Consumer Reports had to say about it.  I brushed it off and went ahead with my plan.  Yesterday, I let my brother know I am looking at pickup trucks... he asked me what brand.  Now we're in an argument because I told him the beercan Ford is not bad (but it won't fit in my garage) and the Tacoma eats the Colorado's lunch when it comes to sales.  Ford and Toyota are BAD, you know, when it comes to pickups.

So then I reminded him that he bought a Kubota instead of a John Deere and I supported him in his decision to save money.

This prompted him to leave our Facebook conversation because he "had to go to work."

Does anyone else go against the grain on vehicles, based on family tradition?  Or am I the only one?  Do you drive something different from what your parents drive?  Is it a cause of friction?

 

I hear ya.....considering both sides of my family were part of the UAW family, you could pretty much predict a GM or Ford car coming.....

I have always been open to other makes and models, but it seems that the "other guys" seem to catch my eye for and more. Which of course is a good thing! Never thought I would consider a Civic over a Cruze until this year. Think it is also why I tend to flop between stuff sometimes. But it is good to have an open mind..😀

But right now (an watching stuff go on), I might swing more toward the deal as well. Also helps that the Nox has grown on me as well.

So we will see.....

[A Horse With No Name]

On 4/23/2018 at 6:22 AM, ocnblu said:

Beliefs, firmly held:  My dad and brother are staunchly pro-Chevrolet.  When I told my dad I was considering a Jeep, he let me know what Consumer Reports had to say about it.  I brushed it off and went ahead with my plan.  Yesterday, I let my brother know I am looking at pickup trucks... he asked me what brand.  Now we're in an argument because I told him the beercan Ford is not bad (but it won't fit in my garage) and the Tacoma eats the Colorado's lunch when it comes to sales.  Ford and Toyota are BAD, you know, when it comes to pickups.

So then I reminded him that he bought a Kubota instead of a John Deere and I supported him in his decision to save money.

This prompted him to leave our Facebook conversation because he "had to go to work."

Does anyone else go against the grain on vehicles, based on family tradition?  Or am I the only one?  Do you drive something different from what your parents drive?  Is it a cause of friction?

Yeah I get lots of flack from my kids. My middle daughter is vehemently anti GM for whatever odd reason.  We had lots of GM vehicles when she was growing up, not sure where this comes from.  She is dating a guy who wants a Focus Rs but otherwise loves imports.

Daughter and Son (oldest son) are pretty much convinced life on the planet as we know it will end if I buy a GTI.  And yet they like the Wife's Beetle R Line. Go figure.

 

Found a few gently used Acura and Honda vehicles...slight patina included.

[ocnblu]

New Silverado and Sierra information is up in the GM Online Order Guide.

[A Horse With No Name]

1 hour ago, ocnblu said:

New Silverado and Sierra information is up in the GM Online Order Guide.

Yeah that is going to be one honey of a truck.

[balthazar]

[ccap41]

On 4/23/2018 at 5:22 AM, ocnblu said:

Beliefs, firmly held:  My dad and brother are staunchly pro-Chevrolet.  When I told my dad I was considering a Jeep, he let me know what Consumer Reports had to say about it.  I brushed it off and went ahead with my plan.  Yesterday, I let my brother know I am looking at pickup trucks... he asked me what brand.  Now we're in an argument because I told him the beercan Ford is not bad (but it won't fit in my garage) and the Tacoma eats the Colorado's lunch when it comes to sales.  Ford and Toyota are BAD, you know, when it comes to pickups.

So then I reminded him that he bought a Kubota instead of a John Deere and I supported him in his decision to save money.

This prompted him to leave our Facebook conversation because he "had to go to work."

Does anyone else go against the grain on vehicles, based on family tradition?  Or am I the only one?  Do you drive something different from what your parents drive?  Is it a cause of friction?

I've always just bought what I wanted because the're not driving or paying for it anyway... 

[ccap41]

On 4/23/2018 at 7:15 AM, balthazar said:

Well, toyota is probably a poor decision based on all their quality/engineering issues, but you're free to buy what you want.

What quality/engineering issues is the new Tacoma having?

[balthazar]

Talking about the company's recent history overall- the level of recalls to fix poor engineering is just mind boggling.
Frankly, as a wandering consumer, the recent 'coma rotting frame thing would turn me off to the brand permanently all by itself.

[ccap41]

That's like saying you're completely turned off by the whole GM ignition switch situation which is way worse of a recall. 

I don't mind recalls. Every company has them and they're taking care of a problem. 

Interesting article in 2016 when we were in peak recall times.

http://wardsauto.com/industry/best-and-worst-automaker-recall-rates

[Robert Hall]

6 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

That's like saying you're completely turned off by the whole GM ignition switch situation which is way worse of a recall. 

I don't mind recalls. Every company has them and they're taking care of a problem.  

Yeah, some people are never able see beyond past issues.. it's like I know Chrysler made some absolutely dreadful cars in the late 70s and 80s, but that's long in the past and literally a different company than it is today. 

Edited April 25, 2018 by Cubical-aka-Moltar