Starting to shop for new car

[duccarlos]

I presume Suzy might go. If Suzie goes, then Phil will go. And if Phil goes, then JC will go.

[cyrus buelton]

I figured Suzy will go to see her parents and brother.

[DRKWNG]

For some reason people skip the 5-series here; no idea why.

Because Chris Bangle fuglied them up.  

[Popeye the Sailor]

I thought about it. I don't know enough about how modern engine electronics work...but I think the engine will compensate (retard timing?) for reduced octane in order to prevent pinging (unlike our motos), so you wouldn't hear it. In a $40K car, I'll spend the extra few bucks at each fill-up to follow their recommendations.

Modern engines do retard timing to reduce ping if you use the incorrect octane. I would highly advise using what the manufacturer recommends.

[IZ]

Here you go Carlos.  It should fit you, your family and the extended family! 

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2290586200091834741tqwvQC

[duccarlos]

Here you go Carlos.  It should fit you, your family and the extended family! 

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2290586200091834741tqwvQC

Hellz yeah!

[lethe]

ride in style, import one of those Tata Nanos

[cyrus buelton]

You live in South Florida.


Get a Daihatsu Rocky

[il d00d]

Modern engines do retard timing to reduce ping if you use the incorrect octane. I would highly advise using what the manufacturer recommends.

Ooooh, can we debate octane again!?  Canwecanwe? 

I recall this thread from TOB, and I will take Jim Conforti's word for it

"You can only detect the start of knock using either energy (sound) sensors or piezo chamber pressure sensors. When you hear what you THINK is the START of knocking, it's actually fairly severe detonation.."

Also, I forgot about the Genesis - those appear to get good write-ups, and you could buy a fully loaded one new for your price range.

[duccarlos]

Quick update:

I went out and started test driving cars. I tried the CTS, TL and Accord just because I was servicing my current Accord. These are my impressions:

CTS: Felt kinda heavy, like it was lumbering through the streets. I love the looks and there are certain items, like the battery in the trunk and the On* system that were positive, but in general I will avoid Cadillacs unless I can get the V or I turn 70.

TL: Loved it. Test drove the base model with the tech package. Great car, not so good with gas mileage. Shifters were just ok.

Accord: It is what I've loved about my current Accord. Does everything well. Can get basically the same features as the TL for significantly less. One thing that might tip me over to it is the ability to turn off 3 of the 6 cylinders will in cruising speed. The only thing I can think of that it does not have is the push button start. That would allow my wife to not have to remove the key from her purse and hence lowering the possibility that she loses yet another key.

Upcoming cars I will try: Lexus ES and Infiniti M. Still debating if I should try the Germans even though I know that I will not be buying one.

Any recommendations based on experience is much appreciated.

[Raux]

I will never ever ever buy a honda product again after my 2001 Acura MDX trans. gave up at 117k and even after rebuilt TWICE it's still in the shop.. Honda and Acura are doing crap to help.

Personal experiences...
1992 BMW 7 series.. lasted more than 100k on 1 clutch (5 speed manual). sold with no major issues (well needed a head gasket due to an overheat one time, but that's minor work)
1984 BMW seen 200K plus on odo (both BMW 6cyl)
1994 Lexus ES300... nearly 200k no major issues
1991 Toyota Camry... over 100k no major issues
1990 Mazda miata... nearly 100k no major issues
hell my 91 opel is near 100k no major issues

Honda/Acura... CRAP!

[duccarlos]

That's funny cause my Accord is sitting at 126K and, you guessed it, no major issues.

The Sienna is sitting at around 80K and no major issues either.

1992 Toyota Corolla was around 120K and it had major issues.

[Raux]

what really bugs me isn't so much the trans problem... it's that Honda KNOWS there's a problem and they won't help

[duccarlos]

Honda does not do SUV's very well, or trucks for that matter.

[zooom]

That's funny cause my Accord is sitting at 126K and, you guessed it, no major issues.

what year and motor is your Accord?

and on German suggestions, it was earlier mentioned (rightly so) to look at a C230 or perhaps even an E320 Benz. Not so hateful on servicing regimens and relatively reliable. I am partial to the European vehicles for their design and feel as they are much more conducive to being driven and giving you proper road feel. They are designed for the environment of the road as a driver and not as a passenger to isolate you from the road and driving environment. You quite frankly can't knock an A4 with the 2.0T or the A3 Sportback ( preferably with the S package with the TDi motor). I would also condier a CPO'd 5 series BMW. Something of a 3-5 year old , as they are generally better maintained. The last 2-3 years for that product line, the cars of CPO were probably moreso done so with the free maintenance program done at the dealership, so more than likely, aside from tires, not a penny was spent by the consumer, so therefore, if it needed it, it was done.