caddycruiser

In Philly on 76 today, a new black Mini Cooper Countryman with temp tags. Coming towards me, the Mini on roids effect was clear...or just Mini with a lift kit, more like it. The Outback Mini. But I liked it, visually at least.

Hah, whenever I go someplace more than once in a week...time to question it Touring what will probably end up being too many places tomorrow. Still, I'm all about parking...can't imagine why. If one of my job offers works out appropriately, I'd have a new Acura demo to figure out what to do with...or what to do with my own vehicle. Shall be interesting. Fun.

That time has finally come, and I'm heading back to my "roots" (well, 4 year kind of roots by way of college)...Philly. I ended my 7 month tenure at the dealer in Maryland I've worked for on the 31st, and while it was a fun ride that I did almost too well at, it was way too far to drive everyday, in the wrong area and other things. As of now I'm going to be doing the same in Philly, for however long it goes, but with nicely improved perks and pay, and 15 minutes from home in the city, I think...as soon as we figure out where that is. I may be working for Acura, or Mazda, stores and have a few different options to pick from after interviewing Friday. Now, if only we could decide on a place to live. We've looked at one place right on Ridge Ave in Manayunk within spitting distance of Kelly Drive and the Schuylkill, that was perfect, from parking garage to huge and open living space almost too much like home, just not sure if we want to spend that much cash to start with on the first move. Heading back up tomorrow and then with my soon to be roomie & friend Saturday. I'm all about the parking...of course. Especially after I had a garage even at my last apartment on the Main Line. Manayunk, East Falls, etc. Of course my priorities are having realistic parking, not on the street, as well as a walkable location to just about anything from bars to shops. I've always wanted better weather, but Philly is my spot. Eastern PA certainly has a population of C&G'ers...

Been so long...hmm...I think there may be one hiding down the road from here somewhere, though likely covered in weeds.

Great car, great color, great wheels. Sweet choice. I fall for them every year even just at the auto show, not moving. Fun.

Concur. I enjoy the Black Betty Bettle "previews". Nicely done. The VW Passat one is something, not sure what, but the end effect is good. It's fun to watch. The Cruze ECO retirement home clip is hilarious. Regardless of what some may think, the Cruze "Facebook updates" should get some interest by gen whatever now...actually showing it working. Cool for the kiddies. I'm ready for a night of game & commercials. Bring it on.

Cold again, but dry. Friend in Chicago said her building was swaying the other night in the storm. Freaky. Then I see a forklift scooping stuck cars up off the road, as quickly as possible, so they could get a path cleared out there, on TV this morning. Yikes. All fine, just stuck in snow. Then damaged underneath...I'd presume...by the equipment. Weird situation. Off to Philly again tomorrow. Hope it's just cold and all cleared. Was just wet on Sunday, but frigid.

Great shots! That reminds me, in Philly I walked right past the Sonic and never officially checked the new little bulldog out

Just a couple hours south...it's wet and 60 degrees (WTF?) in Delaware. Weird doesn't even begin to describe it.

The new 2011 Nissan Quest has arrived, still in plastic. Truck delivered & the Nissan guys ran with keys to put it on display...looked huge driving past me. Very distinctive in person...and large.

I love this car too, and would consider one. Liked the 1st gen LX cars, but they had their foibles. They're a bit bigger, of course, but in a sport model, etc. quite nice. Not the dynamics of my ex G8 GT, which I'll always compare vehicles too, but not meant to be--though I think a Charger RT Track/etc. would get close. Second gen are truly fantastic, with the exception of the old MB 5-speed trans that's durable but certainly doesn't help performance. Just like the reviews say, I'd wait until the 8-spd arrives, to judge. Hopefully comes soon. Great quality, great looks, great space, terrific performance especially now with just the new V6, AWD optional, all the latest tech, etc. Heck, after seeing a few, I'd try a new Chrysler just because of their Garmin Nav software Hope to drive one before long.

1) Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback...never see these, in sedan form even, so struck me as interesting. Weird back profile from the side. 2) Black Chevy Volt. The local GM dealer in Lewes put one "come see it" in their ad, so I did. Parked outside, front plate bracket installed (not a DE car), window sticker, etc. with "for display only" written with Sharpie on the window sticker. I think they bought it from another dealer, for $$$, to be the one to have a showpiece. Nice move. Rainy, so I didn't check up close...but I really loved the look, especially in black. 3) New black Chevy Cruze 2LT with the upgraded wheels, foglights and blacked out windows, in the rain. These still look frumpy dump in light colors and GM photos, but this was an example of the really great and mature presence on the road. Sophisticated, crisp and sporty.

Ebay & swap yourself, and can also check here (nationwide salvage yards that catalog & price every piece of their inventory) for a Freestyle/Taurus X mirror: http://www.car-part.com/ Get one the same color, and be set to go.

No comparison there, especially in rear seating and space, let alone driving dynamics. They're great trucks, but big 'ole trucks if you drive one vs. a Lambda. The 3rd seat & cargo space difference is huge, and the drive very different. Speaking of the 3rd seat & space, nothing can beat the Lambda's for real space. Not mentioned or otherwise, my loaded zoom-zoom CX-9 Grand Touring has a 3rd seat--despite how even I assumed before from the outside size & looks--that I can sit in, normally and comfortably, and be comfortable. At 6'-3". The Mazda doesn't get enough credit in this regard, unless you've tried it. I still hold a special place in my heart for the Lambda's, especially with the upgraded DI engine, etc. But they're a bit too large, for my uses, just as the Flex (other fave) is.

I LOVE Ford's Park Assist...it's so well done and such a CHEAP option on the Flex, Explorer, MKS/MKT and even the old boy Escape...I'd order every one with it. Even if you don't use it, it's there if you want and truly an exemplary feature to have. No issues with curbs, etc., it just works.

I'm uncomfortable in the Taurus because of the monster console vs. seat position, but the inside of the Lincoln feels very different. More upright, more open, and much less console--with better materials. When I was trying to decide what I wanted to buy next, even a Taurus or MKS, I liked the price more on the Taurus...but it was nowhere near as comfortable or open as the MKS. Same platform, etc. but different packaging for sure.

Was outside in Rehoboth for a bit with a friend, then to a construction site to look at some things. Face hurt. Ears hurt. Hands numb. Mouth frozen. Brrrr. Too damn cold, just too damn cold. I've never bought a car in winter before either, and what a mess that's been..."detailed" won't be valid until spring, it seems. Icy dicey doo.

Wow. 2002 is new all over again, 9 years later.

Mazda Millenia's...everywhere. Went for the longest time without a single one, now everywhere. And all in beige...

Odd...since I've been working with Mazda for a while now, the marketing is either on or off, but I've only seen the latest Mazda 3 & CX-7/CX-9 "Driver's Alternative" spots. The Mazda 6 does well for us, but there really has been no marketing whatsoever on the new '09+ model...I want to see this commercial.

Congrats--great choice! An ex co-worker who leased Ford SUV after Ford SUV just turned in her Edge and got a new Terrain, and when (well, still...) my Camaro driving and crazed mother wanted an SUV, I've begged towards the Terrain/Equinox. Great package, and easy to see why they sell in droves. The 3.0L is also a great choice, along with FWD.

Also, and of course, the other nice thing about a GMPP/other warranty is yes, you will pay for it, but say on a whim you do trade/sell/etc. early on a whim (Derek...ahem), just cancel with GMPP and get the refund check back for the pro-rated difference. I was 10 months into my truck, so some was used, but then I got a nice $700+ check back for the unused portion. Always nice, as you're never locked in, should the need arise. And when you do have it, you've prepaid and are covered for repairs. Pay for it once up front and then not have to figure out how you'll pay for random repairs x, y, and z as they arise.

Absolutely positively go for the GM Major Guard. We have on our latest GM vehicles, in the idea of long term, and they cannot be beat. Full factory coverage, rental, roadside assistance, etc. Yes, in the end you're essentially paying up front for $xxx amount of repairs, but that's a nice safety net. Your Envoy will continue to provide many happy miles...but nice to have that umbrella, affordably. Just shop for best price, because yes they can vary widely, and go from there. I'm not a fan of deductibles if you must, but see if the price is any different elsewhere. On a GM vehicle, you simply can't beat GMPP warranty.

Sounds like a blast...I haven't been back to an auto show since Philly in around 2007... For those of you who went, where'd you stay? I'm pondering a last minute, "why the heck not" flight out there to see it for once, over a day or two...

Great review, and nice mention of even the G8. I've taken a break from GM, but if back to a car, the Regal is near one of my top few. Teutonic package, even just without any additional options. DI 2.4L, etc. are a nice mix. I need to get more seat time in one.