Sold my jeep yesterday - Now I am looking at this:

[DIYMA]

Originally Posted by Autiophile

What?

Why?

and I fucking hate the iDrive system that I've used. The version in the 745Li was awful. Hopefully it's improved, but they've been promising that with every revision.

Eh.. I am 33 years old now.
I have had plenty of standards in my time..
If I found one with a manufal tranny I would take it but at this point I am cool with an automatic. No bog deal to me..

[NOFATTYS]

The 335i sedan in black with an auto and idrive was my last car. only option i didnt have was the sport package...which makes a huge difference in the way the car handles. as for the idrive...it pretty much was the worst nav system ive used...save for the 03/04 nissan nav units. i havent played with the 09 nav units...which are said to be much more intuitive...my favorite is still the tech pack in the new c class...hands down it does nothing wrong.

The autotragic in the bimmer actually nets you a faster 0-60 time than the man pedal...but you lose some of the control of the car, altho the manual mode shifts are crisp and timely. cant go wrong either way.

[ItalynStylion]

Originally Posted by Foglght

Hawt!

Super hot....I think they could do better with the rims but damn that's nice

[Foglght]

Originally Posted by ItalynStylion

Super hot....I think they could do better with the rims but damn that's nice

^ My fav. wagon of all time

I want in this color......

[DIYMA]

I made my decision.. Supposed to pick up tthe car tomorrow or tuesday..

2009 Audio Q5

ANT

[STI<>GTO]

This picture:



just made me want to drive my V70 into a brick wall.

[NOFATTYS]

Nice choice...Audi makes a hell of a car. I was going to buy an A5 until i heard the lease price. The car was 52k, selling it for 50k and they wanted over 1000 a month. My 335i was 49k and bought it for sticker the week it came out and my lease was 580 a month. lol...Audi is nuts!!!

[Foglght]

Originally Posted by STI<>GTO

This picture:



just made me want to drive my V70 into a brick wall.

Que?

That is a V70.

[STI<>GTO]

I know, and it makes mine look like a botched abortion! Hence driving it into a brick wall... I thought my V70 looked okay until I saw the one in your picture.

[fourthmeal]

As one might expect, I don't have any valid info on the Q5 Audi (yet), but as the car ages and we learn more about it, and if you run into any issues, I can search at that time.

The only known issue is the rear brakes, and how to service them. You need a factory compatible scan tool to replace the pads, of all things. The rears use a computer control to run the parking brake on them.

[drocpsu]

Originally Posted by DonovanM

GET THAT CAR THE HELL OUT OF THIS THREAD

I hate it.

x2 They're terrible looking.

[crux131]

Originally Posted by fourthmeal

As one might expect, I don't have any valid info on the Q5 Audi (yet), but as the car ages and we learn more about it, and if you run into any issues, I can search at that time.

The only known issue is the rear brakes, and how to service them. You need a factory compatible scan tool to replace the pads, of all things. The rears use a computer control to run the parking brake on them.

That is about as retarded as Volkwagens use of a sealed auto transmission on my sisters old Jetta tdi.

I don't think I can own a vehicle you have to take to the dealership to check the transmission fluid, or need a freakin' scan tool to check the rear brakes.

If this is the wave of the automotive future, I will stick to used up old American and Japanese cars.

[fourthmeal]

Originally Posted by crux131

That is about as retarded as Volkwagens use of a sealed auto transmission on my sisters old Jetta tdi.

I don't think I can own a vehicle you have to take to the dealership to check the transmission fluid, or need a freakin' scan tool to check the rear brakes.

If this is the wave of the automotive future, I will stick to used up old American and Japanese cars.

Meh... keeps my company in business, that's for sure.

[DIYMA]

So I backed out..

Went to the delership, test drove it again, and I backed out.
I test drove the MB GLK first and it handled loads better, but was fugly.

Guess I have to keep looking.

[NOFATTYS]

check your Pm's Ant

[NOFATTYS]

this is my pick...best vehicle out for the money, and i drove them all 2009 Audi A5 S Line with Audi Drive Select

[audioman42]

Originally Posted by Foglght

Hawt!

is that a volvo? if so, it's the first non-ugly one i've seen.

[Fixtion]

hybrid tahoe, green vehicle of the year.
2008 Green Car of the Year | Hybrid Chevy Tahoe | HybridSUV.com

[fourthmeal]

Ant,

Again I feel you are doing the "Fido Barks the Numbers" act. The raw meaning of that is that you are almost on a random search, looking for what vehicle tugs at your heartstrings, what has really good looks, and what fits your "style". But, nothing has yet set you on fire.

Forgiving looks, brand, and cost, what do you need this car to do? For example, how many people must it carry on average? How much cargo space do you want? Do you prefer Wagons, Crossovers, SUV's, coupes, or sedans? How much horsepower do you want it to have? How good must it handle, and exactly what kind of roads will you take it on? Does it need to get good gas mileage? Are there any amenities that it must have to suit your wants?

Now, once you got the basics, then you should settle on a price range for the given amount of luxury and performance (as well as potential exclusivity) that you've decided is right for you. At that point, then you can whittle the car list down to a few top contenders, and pull the trigger w/ authority.


This process is not near as much fun as buying "Fido barks the numbers" style, but since a car purchase has a REALLY huge impact on your life in terms of practicality, expense, considerations for down time with repairs and maintenance, etc., you're truly better off slowing down and making a more analytical approach towards your new car purchase instead.


For me and my wife, we really like the Flex. It isn't perfect, but it has unique features like the Vista roof, and a squared off style that exudes purpose and would really "pop" with the right color, and it has a hell of an engine for a vehicle in this class along w/ a decent transmission for once in Ford's life...and it handles extremely well for its size, especially when fitted w/ improved suspension components and proper wheels and tires. The fact we get X plan doesn't hurt, either. We're not getting one until the Tribute we have now is paid down quite a bit further, and the Flex has one item on it that killed the deal, the front driver's seat headrest isn't suited for my 6'3" body's neck at ALL, and there is now telescoping wheel. I figure that in a year or two when they wise up to this ergonomic mistake (that most reviewers also complained about) then I'll probably pick one up.

[DIYMA]

Originally Posted by fourthmeal

Ant,

Again I feel you are doing the "Fido Barks the Numbers" act. The raw meaning of that is that you are almost on a random search, looking for what vehicle tugs at your heartstrings, what has really good looks, and what fits your "style". But, nothing has yet set you on fire.

Yup
That is it exactly. I need a new car, but I am ont sold on any specific vehicle at the moment. Nothing is really standing out.

Forgiving looks, brand, and cost, what do you need this car to do? For example, how many people must it carry on average? How much cargo space do you want? Do you prefer Wagons, Crossovers, SUV's, coupes, or sedans? How much horsepower do you want it to have? How good must it handle, and exactly what kind of roads will you take it on? Does it need to get good gas mileage? Are there any amenities that it must have to suit your wants?

Great questions. NOFATTYS send me a PM yesterday encouraging me to think about what features are important to me. I have been thinking about it and here is where I am:
99% of the time I travel alone or with one other person. Very rarely do I drive anyone else around.
I do have a (30 lb) dog that I take on trips sometimes. So and SUV or crossover is appealing for that reason. The longest trip I will make is in to Mexico to the beach. Lots of sand there so again, suv or crossover is appealing. Safety is also a concern so SUV/crossover takes it here too.

That being said I want something that is not too big. Yesterday I drove a MB ML350. Nice vehicle but very bolbus and felt kind of sloppy. I prefer a stiffer/sportier suspension. Something that can corner real well and has some balls to it. This is why I have a boner for the 335i. Nice speed and easy to upgrade with Dinan or Vishnu. Problem there is the car might be too small for me.

So, small Sporty SUV or cross over with Balls, suspension and luxury. Gotta have all the little tech shit. Blue tooth, nav, back up cameral etc.
Prefer a v6 but v8 would do it too.

I was really set on the Audi Q5 but I felt like it needed another 50 hp or so. 270 hp on a 5500 lbs car was lagging a bit for my machismo meter.

Now, once you got the basics, then you should settle on a price range for the given amount of luxury and performance (as well as potential exclusivity) that you've decided is right for you. At that point, then you can whittle the car list down to a few top contenders, and pull the trigger w/ authority.

Just sold my jeep and have a tax refund, so I do have some cash in hand.
There is something very appealing about buying a car for cash and having no payment. Something used that someone has already paid the depreciation on. Private owner is nice too since there is no sales tax on that.
The idea of a brand new car is great as well. Waranty, service, new car smell etc.. All that is cool too.

This process is not near as much fun as buying "Fido barks the numbers" style, but since a car purchase has a REALLY huge impact on your life in terms of practicality, expense, considerations for down time with repairs and maintenance, etc., you're truly better off slowing down and making a more analytical approach towards your new car purchase instead.

True.. I am being very patient about it. At first I was very excited. Now I am emotionaly drained.
I just got a phone call from the girl at the MB dealership. Says she will make me a killer deal on the GLK



Still very open to suggestions!
Thanks for the help!

ANT

[audioman42]

have you checked out the infiniti ex35?

[NOFATTYS]

lol i was thinking ex35 as well...only problem with that car is now they are making it longer because owners bitched about the lack of rear leg room and the lines are all off...and its using an outdated engine with no plans to upgrade to the 3.7. for the month...about 45k full loaded, you can definitely do better.

I failed to point out on the A5, safety is top notch, AWD, ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist, 8 airbags and 5 star crash ratings across the board.

The ML350 is a mommy mobile, go after the 550, its got the AMG body kit and suspension on it...and the 550 engine has serious balls!!! plus its not that much of a price bump from the 350.

After what you just said tho, about the dog, travelling, machisimo, and performance vs safety...i would look hard as the Porsche Cayenne, plus you score with the panty dropping status of the crest. lol

[DIYMA]

Originally Posted by audioman42

have you checked out the infiniti ex35?

No I have not.
Never been a big fan of the Infinity line, but I am very open at this point.

ANT

[Stealthsounds]

Is the economic situation good enough to justify a new car ??? I know people who work for your top banks (US) here in London.And right now they would not think about spending money !!

its amazing how businesses can just stop trading . If i had the money? i would be keeping it .

[DIYMA]

ok guys. Got my new car last night.
After driving:
Range Rover Sport
Acura MDX
Mercedes Benz GLK
Mercedes Benz ML 350
Audi Q5
I decided to go with the Infinity EX35
Had the most power out of all of them. The best interior, and the price came in $10k under most of the others. I never really thought about infinity until audioman42 suggested I look. Once I did I was very impressed. I got a real good price a tthe dealership. Looks like they were practically giving them away..
I really feel like I got a lot for my money with the Infinity and I could not be happier.

Thanks for your help!
ANT