regfootball

My lot observation of the 24 Envision turned into a test drive also, last weekend. Nice rig, but like many vehicles, when price creep crowds some other vehicles that are larger and more features etc you have to understand that incentives may be needed to move the metal at some point. 
 

also got to sit in the new Enclave and Acadia both. 

On 8/19/2024 at 1:18 PM, Drew Dowdell said:

Eh, they're getting much closer these days.  A Model-Y and BMW X3/5 overlap in price quite a bit.  Even inside BMW, an i4 beats the performance of the 4-series sedan for just about the same money.

There should be a third option.  Third-party companies like ChargePoint or IONNA should partner with these developers to manage the charging station installs.

Nothing wrong with that idea. 

On 7/29/2024 at 8:04 PM, riviera74 said:

True, but not all Americans can charge an EV at home.  Times do change; apartment complexes and condo complexes don't.

Having previously worked for an apartment developer for almost 8 years in which every project we evaluated what percent of the parking to plan for and economically provide electric service load for......

It's a huge cost to just run service with adequate to a potential outlet.  And our developer was interested in making the push for wiring for them.  Earlier goals were 20% of parking to have future access to charging outlets.  Most projects reduced to 10% of parking due to the extreme cost of the electrical service.  Some even less.  Retrofit installs of adequate charging infrastructure for even 50% of the parking would not be able to be borne but the owner / developer in order to keep rents in check.  In order to drive mass charging locations in multifamily it would end up needing to be either mandated or subsidized or both.  And still it's high cost and someone somewhere is paying for it.  It becomes a question of who.  Most folks will think the property owner should pay for it, which then means the renter pays for it.  If taxes pay for it, then they will say if the apartment owner gets free charging infrastructure, then my house should also.  Then everyone will say, its too expensive it shouldn't be mandatory.

Until the entire electrical grid has been engineered to distribute EV charging to everywhere, you won't see apartments put in much more charging than they are currently.

On 7/22/2024 at 8:08 AM, Drew Dowdell said:

GM's take on this has been better though. The 2.5 Turbo-4s have better horsepower, significantly better torque, and better fuel economy than the V6 they replace. The Infiniti 2.0T does not. I'm betting that this engine will net worse fuel economy in the real world because you need to be deep into the boost all the time to get underway, all for a measly extra 16 lb-ft of torque. 

but it will have lower emissions on the testing which seems to be driving this whole movement.  GM's 2.5 after driving it yesterday does have good power; I cannot for the life of me see how this 2.0 is going to be satisfactory for this Infiniti.  

Have had some test drives and lot pics recently I just haven't had time to write or post about.  It seems like car shopping is even harder than ever.  There should be demo test drive locations where you can simply sample the car and not have to waste so much time.  Reserve a few demos of the most popular configs of a car model and most reasonable people can get the first feel of if they like something or not from a self directed test drive at their leisure and not just a canned 4 minute route without a high speed road.  Post covid also, a seeming drop in attitudes of the collective sales force.  I say that, having done the car sales thing and knowing what sucks about the gig and the things your managers and bosses want you to do.  Customer service in general across sales has been eroding for awhile now.

that said, here's some capsule observations that I can summarize quicker than going to the topics and getting into each one.

Chevy Trax - test driven twice now.

Nice upbeat package and personality.  Good interior space for passengers and cargo.  Still a bit of a low rider but the seats are very sculpted.  Chevy's new dash layouts are almost all universally excellent with the twin flat screens.  Reasonably quiet inside!  Good solid and stable handling and ride.  When optioned lighter, the Trax is very high on the features per dollar scale.  Hatchback is quite versatile.

Where does the Trax falter?  After initial optimism of the powertrain actually performing quite well for what it is, it sets in that yes... more go juice and an extra cylinder would do wonders for the car.  Maybe many won't venture outside metro areas with it, and into higher speed limit roads.  In that context as an urban get about the Trax shines.  But due to the lack of deep lungs in the powertrain and the 'average' to below average mpg (at best) this car achieves.. at least on the testing..... I'd advise those who may put a lot of road miles on to check out other vehicles and ones particularly with more under the hood.  The six speed auto does well in this car and the 3 cylinder at lower throttle push does ok.  It's just raspy when you push it and really needs the 1.5 in this car to realize its whole potential.  A stronger motor would get better mpg as well.  I'm not touching on the all wheel drive topic for the Trax.

Overall though, for a low priced car it does a really good job returning value for the money...if you don't option it up too much.  Chevy could AT LEAST make keyless start standard on this car.

new 24 Chevy traverse

I tested an LS all wheel drive; sticker wasn't much more than 40 I think.  Amazing value for this vehicle at this trim and price.  Sure, no power seats and missing other things but the standard equipment at the LS level is insane.  Heated seats and steering wheel.  Standard HD surround vision.  The cloth is nice! and you get a full console.  I got used to the new shifter pretty quickly and it save a ton of storage room in the console.  The dash layout is insanely good.  I didn't get too intimate with all the displays but Chevy is making the most of digital flat screen to change ways how some things have been displayed for gauges.

Interior seating and cargo space is humungous and seems even more cavernous than before.  Just further proof on how seriously stupid of a mistake it was for GMC to downsize the last Acadia.  Sports weekend travelers will enjoy all the space in these right size three row vehicles.

I dig the new styling; its bold and it seems to be an eye catcher whereas the previous style blended in.

On the road, it's a really good truck / sedan cross as far as feel.  Those who like trucks will think it feels nice and wide and stable like a truck, yet the steering is well weighted and feels like a big stable sedan.  View over the road is very good....I think visibility has improved here.  This does feel exactly like the 'family chariot' vehicle that many are seeking and let's be honest.  The three row crossover today is what the large family sedan and station wagon was decades ago.

new 25 Chevy Equinox

I did not drive the new Equinox but I sat in them and wow what an amazing upgrade.  Wonderful increase in size and space and the interior dash and layout is so much more attractive and useful.  Including the column shifter which frees up several places for your phone on the console.  (PICS later). Really wish the 2.0 and a hybrid option were available for this....as it is for 2025 this will sell huge.

Buick Encore GX preferred

More later on this.  I wanted to like it but it may already be dated and badly needs a four cylinder power plant, just like the Trax.

2024 Buick Envision

Envision has been criticized for being slow to roll out the new model year and front end and interior changes.  However, the new grille and redone interior are big positive upgrades and it feels like an all new vehicle from the showroom impression.  It's one of GM's best interiors, honestly and feels way sportier inside.  The new front end transforms the look into something that make the whole feel look longer and more low slung than before.  And, they have completely redone the trim packages and they all make sense now.  Even the preferred trim is well equipped and a much better value for the money than before.  The Sport Touring trim really does put off a sporty vibe.  Keep in mind you can't get the 2.0 that the Envision has, in the Equinox.  More later.

2025 Buick Enclave

Wow, what an amazing makeover!  In the flesh it looks fantastic.  And the interior looks great; especially in the black sport touring trim.  I have not sat in it yet though.

Dodge Hornet GT

Awesome powertrain in a horribly mispackaged offering but Stellantis.  More to come.

Have had some test drives and lot pics recently I just haven't had time to write or post about.  It seems like car shopping is even harder than ever.  There should be demo test drive locations where you can simply sample the car and not have to waste so much time.  Reserve a few demos of the most popular configs of a car model and most reasonable people can get the first feel of if they like something or not from a self directed test drive at their leisure and not just a canned 4 minute route without a high speed road.  Post covid also, a seeming drop in attitudes of the collective sales force.  I say that, having done the car sales thing and knowing what sucks about the gig and the things your managers and bosses want you to do.  Customer service in general across sales has been eroding for awhile now.

that said, here's some capsule observations that I can summarize quicker than going to the topics and getting into each one.

Chevy Trax - test driven twice now.

Nice upbeat package and personality.  Good interior space for passengers and cargo.  Still a bit of a low rider but the seats are very sculpted.  Chevy's new dash layouts are almost all universally excellent with the twin flat screens.  Reasonably quiet inside!  Good solid and stable handling and ride.  When optioned lighter, the Trax is very high on the features per dollar scale.  Hatchback is quite versatile.

Where does the Trax falter?  After initial optimism of the powertrain actually performing quite well for what it is, it sets in that yes... more go juice and an extra cylinder would do wonders for the car.  Maybe many won't venture outside metro areas with it, and into higher speed limit roads.  In that context as an urban get about the Trax shines.  But due to the lack of deep lungs in the powertrain and the 'average' to below average mpg (at best) this car achieves.. at least on the testing..... I'd advise those who may put a lot of road miles on to check out other vehicles and ones particularly with more under the hood.  The six speed auto does well in this car and the 3 cylinder at lower throttle push does ok.  It's just raspy when you push it and really needs the 1.5 in this car to realize its whole potential.  A stronger motor would get better mpg as well.  I'm not touching on the all wheel drive topic for the Trax.

new 24 Chevy traverse

I tested an LS all wheel drive; sticker wasn't much more than 40 I think.  Amazing value for this vehicle at this trim and price.  Sure, no power seats and missing other things but the standard equipment at the LS level is insane.  Heated seats and steering wheel.  Standard HD surround vision.  The cloth is nice! and you get a full console.  I got used to the new shifter pretty quickly and it save a ton of storage room in the console.  The dash layout is insanely good.  I didn't get too intimate with all the displays but Chevy is making the most of digital flat screen to change ways how some things have been displayed for gauges.

Interior seating and cargo space is humungous and seems even more cavernous than before.  Just further proof on how seriously stupid of a mistake it was for GMC to downsize the last Acadia.  Sports weekend travelers will enjoy all the space in these right size three row vehicles.

I dig the new styling; its bold and it seems to be an eye catcher whereas the previous style blended in.

On the road, it's a really good truck / sedan cross as far as feel.  Those who like trucks will think it feels nice and wide and stable like a truck, yet the steering is well weighted and feels like a big stable sedan.  View over the road is very good....I think visibility has improved here.  This does feel exactly like the 'family chariot' vehicle that many are seeking and let's be honest.  The three row crossover today is what the large family sedan and station wagon was decades ago.

new 25 Chevy Equinox

I did not drive the new Equinox but I sat in them and wow what an amazing upgrade.  Wonderful increase in size and space and the interior dash and layout is so much more attractive and useful.  Including the column shifter which frees up several places for your phone on the console.  (PICS later)

Buick Encore GX preferred

More later on this.  I wanted to like it but it may already be dated and badly needs a four cylinder power plant, just like the Trax.

Dodge Hornet GT

Awesome powertrain in a horribly mispackaged offering but Stellantis.  More to come.

More 25 equinox pics - Chevy got the packing right; size is amazing...nice and large inside.  MUCH improved interior.  Wider, more leg room, seemingly more headroom, nice trunk.  And the inevitable half a dozen places to put your phone.  Drove a traverse with the new shifter, I think people will like the new shifter a lot (although I still dig having a console shifter for a seden or more sporty car).

On 7/18/2024 at 8:12 PM, G. David Felt said:

Are you sure the Hybrid Minivan is a good solution as I keep reading stories on all types of quality issues from the powertrain to interior and now we have this recall with Stellantis telling owners to park outside due to fire risk.

Stellantis tells owners of over 24,000 hybrid minivans to park outdoors due to battery fire risk (msn.com)

hybrid bugs on that vehicle are why I have never taken a deep interest in it.  Maybe as a second vehicle; but even then I don't want to be a beta tester....which, they've been beta testing the pacifica hybrid for like 8 model years now.

On 6/16/2024 at 7:51 PM, Drew Dowdell said:

I’m 99% sure it’s coming, just not officially announced. It might be a 2026 model. They’ve already developed the powertrain for the China market and with Barra’s reversal on PHEVs in the US, it seems logical to not waste development dollars.

bring it on; chevy got this one right!

big up-charge for the hybrid..... waiting for late model year incentives for the hybrids should help equal out the price if you can wait.

Here’s some recent ‘on the lot’ pics of the new Enclave

I've also seen a blue one with the blue/tan interior.  Really nice and functional interior by the looks of it; I haven't been in one of these yet but I was in a new 24 Envision with the big screen makeover and it's a fantastic interior now on that one.  

I've warmed up to this more and more.  Even if the front end / grille is a little extreme and non Trad Buick, it actually comes off like some other brands.  Side profile as well.  I think Buick's distinction with these new front ends is to become sort of anonymously familiar with other brands like Toyota  and Subaru, but different enough so it looks unique vs other GM stuff.

I am ok with the side profile now too, mostly.  It's generic but not badly done.  About as good as you can expect.

The interior looks nice in pictures but I wonder if the dash materials will be cheap looking.  I like the idea of a big screen but it is a bit blob-like in its shape.  But that is the distinguishing feature of Buick interiors now.  I like the Traverse and Acadia interiors also, but the Enclave's is unique enough to appeal to someone who doesn't want the usual Chevy or GMC look.

48 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

The new Traverses make me double take as I think they are a Tahoe at first but then something in the back of my brain will click and say "WRONG".

The difference between Equinox EV and Blazer EV is range, performance, and sportiness. 

That is the 'shark fin' you finally recognize........

I think if the Equinox EV is priced well (considering incentives and subsidized leases) I think it has a real chance to move in some volume.  Its shape is a little more un-GM (looks a bit like the Kia EV6) and may resonate with the lower end EV buyer more.  It appears to have a lot of room inside, and a really good dash layout.

Let's see if GM scales back production numbers WAYYY back or if they decide to subsidize the living daylights out of their EV lines and just produce a lot of them.  They should do the latter, the rate of EV adoption is going to be slow for awhile again but you can win people with incentives.  We are likely to see all of these new GM EV's pretty much untouched for the next ten years (except for batteries and motors).  They can't kill any of these models because they would receive backlash after the EV1 axing.  They'll just have to plan for like a 10 year production run of all of the models.  Which is fine.

They can get some desperate leases on the BlazerEV or Equinox EV set up for like 249 and not much down and I'd get one as a third car / weekly commute / good weather car and just use it to keep miles off my other cars.  Ultimately I'd like a hybrid....gonna look at the 25 Camry when it comes out as a commuter, AWD plus hybrid and 45 mpg I'd be up for that.  The 25 Equinox should have been offered with a plug in hybrid or even a plain hybrid.

I had seen first of the new traverses about 4 weeks ago but forgot to load pictures here . Lot trolling just now. The equinox EV is here now , not sure why we have the Blazer EV then since they are about the same interior size. Silverado EV in work truck trim sure looks meh. 
 

the new traverses here I’ve seen have been front drive only, explains why they haven’t sold yet. Anyone here is snow country will look to get AWD. 
 

On 4/13/2024 at 3:29 PM, riviera74 said:

To answer your question, I have seen videos on YouTube where the 3.6 required more frequent maintenance than any other GM engine in order to run for a long period of miles (say, 150K+ miles).  I suspect that this new Turbo 4cyl should have fewer problems (real or alleged) than the 3.6 High Feature engine.  Then again, the 3800 was bulletproof while the 3.6HF was less so.

https://newparts.com/articles/gm-3-6-v6-problems-and-known-issues/

I thought this was somewhat interesting when reading about the history of the 3.6

RENTAL!!!!!

This will be interesting; since I had a 2016…..

these are some images out there on the net with predictions for the pending Pacifica heavy refresh in 25 or 26.  I sort of dig the red with black roof look.

in two days, THREE year VANIVERSARY!

New cars, buy or lease, are pretty unobtainable nowadays.  Sales wanted me to reup the lease for 300 more bucks /mo.  MSRP's through the roof, for the same thing.

And weirdly, there is not much for color availability for a replacement, in other than black and white these days.  No can do.  Took advantage of the really cheap buyout price and now are owners.

Sitting about 29,000 miles.  Using as a daily driver 2 days a week now, and the Regal 3 days a week.

Still enjoying this ride and its been knock on wood, no issues.

Last fall I bought OEM wheels for cheap for winter rubber... but never did get the tires this year as winter has been so mild and without snow.  But next winter I'll be able to get some X-Ice or Blizzaks.

Love the comfortable seats.  And the higher ride height is a nice welcome contrast vs the Regal.  The Harmon Kardon sound is really good.  Far better than the junk Bose (redundant term, I know) in the Regal.

Pacifica sales were really good last year, and this vehicle will remain in the Chrysler lineup for the foreseeable future.  In fact, there is a major refresh now coming out in 2025 or 2026.  I can't wait to see what it may be.  Some rumor renderings look good, some others don't.  

Part of the reason for the buyout was GM hasn't gotten their new Acadia and Traverse out yet.  Painfully slow getting them to market!  And the Enclave too!  3 times now and technically this is the 4th time we could have looked to get into the GM three row products.  The Pacific is just easy to drive and own.  Rides great, quiet.  May look to replace the TourX one of these days when GM finally gets those new 3 rows to the market.

Our last three vacations, we've rented Pacificas also.  The front drivers pull amazing highway mpg when your doing interstate driving.

Have still had interest in the plug in version.....I think they still have teething issues with them, but also..they are heavy due to the battery and you lose stow n Go as well as all wheel drive.  I was interested in test driving a Sienna hybrid, but you can never find one on a lot.  Plus, the Sienna interior is ghastly.

Recent oil change again. Sitting at about 43,000 miles now. The dealership has a great car wash!

The CT4-V blackwing uses the 3.6 twin turbo v6

On 10/23/2023 at 3:02 PM, David said:

Glad you have not had issues, Jasper and Fraser have been very clear on the motor issues and the updates they did to correct them.

JASPER Remanufactured Engines & Transmissions (jasperengines.com)

This independent review hits the big 4 main issues with the Pentastar 3.6L V6.

The 4 Most Common FCA Pentastar 3.6L Engine Problems (tuningpro.co)

Some of the most common issues with the Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Chrysler 3.6 Pentastar engine include:

• Cylinder head (2011-2013)
• Rocker arms
• Cooling system
• Oil pump

CHRYSLER 3.6L VVT MOPAR CRATE ENGINE | Fraser Engines and Transmissions (fraserengineco.com)

I get it that due to the wide use of this motor, it comes across as reliable, but with Stellantis high Lease rate, I suspect the full picture is not known of the shortcuts Stellantis has taken in the past for the PentaStar 3.6L V6.

At least it is good to be aware of the potential issue with this engine.

On the pacificaforums.com that I go due (due to driving a Pacifica) there are topics of the v6 having issues.  Hard to gauge how prolific it is really but yes, an item of concern.  It was reasoned by a few that the percentage is actually very small (but with vocal impacted owners) and it may be related to either maintenance and general care or believe it or not one theory I read was the stress of the autostart may be causing causing other stress in the powertrain itself.

My lease is ending soon on our 2nd Pacifica and I had fully intended to buy it as the lease end is far less than market value right now.  However, knowing there is a motor with potential issues clouds the issue a bit.  I suppose to include warranty would be most prudent thing.

I even just bought separate wheels for it recently that I intend to put snows on for this winter.  The same 20" OEM's as a matter of fact.  Crazy good deal.

Spark is really good at what it’s supposed to be. But beware it’s not a big rig at all!

On 9/26/2023 at 11:02 AM, ccap41 said:

Little did we know how bad it would get... 

I'll be sure to get back with some updated thoughts on the car.  In the meantime, this evening, the light and sun was hitting the car in an interesting way, so I whipped out the phone cam and took a few more pics.  The camera didn't quite pick up how interesting with the color very well.  A little over 4 years and the odd just passed 37,000 miles.

On 9/15/2023 at 8:38 AM, ccap41 said:

i completely forgot you have a TourX. I want one of those really bad right now. They seem like such a great overall package. 

Just had my four year carversary the other day….just about 37000 on the odometer ….

5 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

I need to look it up, but I think the Traverse and Acadia are back to being the same size again. It looks like the Traverse shrank.  This leads me to wonder what will happen to Enclave and XT6.  Enclave always had the larger body while XT6 is on a very slightly lengthened Acadia wheelbase, but longer overall length.

If this

https://burlappcar.com/2023/06/2024-buick-enclave.html

is accurate to what the new Enclave will be, it can just get in my belly right now

perfect step up for me from the TourX but I might as well dream because can’t likely afford anything anymore