Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

The Car Thread ... !

Now that I've drive Honda Fits since late 2011 (originally a 2012 Fit Sport AT until it was wrecked in an intersection accident, and since April 2015 a 2015 Fit EX), I'm thoroughly convinced many people drive too big a car for their personal needs.

I love my current Fit: plentiful power for acceleration, amazingly roomy inside, gets over 40 miles per US gallon on the freeway and small enough to get into parking spaces that would defy many cars. The only thing I wish is that the car have a more compliant suspension, though.
 
Just picked it up from the dealer.

lexus_front.jpg lexus_side.jpg

Well...time to be extra OCD about everything.
 
  • Like
Reactions: determined09, JamesMike and D.T.
SactoGuy18 said:
Now that I've drive Honda Fits since late 2011 (originally a 2012 Fit Sport AT until it was wrecked in an intersection accident, and since April 2015 a 2015 Fit EX), I'm thoroughly convinced many people drive too big a car for their personal needs.

I love my current Fit: plentiful power for acceleration, amazingly roomy inside, gets over 40 miles per US gallon on the freeway and small enough to get into parking spaces that would defy many cars. The only thing I wish is that the car have a more compliant suspension, though.
Click to expand...
The Fit is such a clever little car, especially the flip up back seats.

They need to bring us the JDM ones with the faster engines and sporty suspension
 
Went grocery shopping today and on the way to the store noticed a banner sign outside a Mazda dealership the city over. Drove in to see what it was about -- they were holding preorders for the upcoming CX-9. They didn't have a floor model yet but had larger posters of the Signature lined up. I haven't paid attention to Mazda in many years, but ever since they've dissolved their partnership with Ford, their cars have become more eye catching. I did speak to a service manager who said the current Mazdas are all from Japan and so are the parts. I'm not sure how true that statement is, but she did state that due to that, the parts during servicing out of warranty are slightly more expensive. Can anyone confirm? I did look at and sit in a loaded Mazda 6 and was surprised at the quality of the interior. It sported the Bose sound system too. There was leather or leatherette in all the right places, the console was padded so your knees don't knock about, same material on the dash, etc. I was very surprised. But I'm even more impressed at the MPG figures, even for the upcoming CX-9. Going over various Mazda boards, it appears they're not fudged numbers. The car, the CX-9 looks incredible from the front and the rear. The interior looks nice as well. However, I have a feeling the exterior color makes or breaks the way the car will look. I can't imagine white looking aggressive as say red or dark metallic grey. My only complaint would be that I was told the head unit does not retract. I'm a stickler for keeping things clean and feel it would make it hard to clean around without possibly breaking it or hitting it accidentally. According to the woman I spoke with, it's for space saving reasons, though I wonder why they didn't simply make it a flip up screen. Which is the only "bad" thing I can say about the CX-9. I don't think I've ever been as impressed with a car in that price range before. Going back to the 6, I think it looks better than the Accord or the Camry, interior as well. Likely drives better too. The head unit software was also fast in the 6, no lag, very intuitive. I have no idea what the road noise is like and it's difficult to tell with YouTube videos since mics will pick up noise far better than the human ear. I had no time to test drive the car because I also had to go the my butcher as they were closing soon.

My only experience with Mazda was a 2nd gen RX7 I bought second hand in the mid 90s that was a garage queen in terms of repairs. And a short term lease on a Mazdaspeed 6 in the mid 2000s as a weekend car. Fun little car. That car had a better interior than a Accord EX V6 I bought in 2002 as a weekend car. Great except for the transmission failing at 22K miles and leaving me stuck on the road for a few hours, and then being totaled by a careless driver a few months later.


Edit: According to certain YouTube videos, there is a Skyactiv-D making 180 or so HP with over 300 lb torque. Which apparently won't be brought over. So again I have to ask, is this new for Mazda or have they been doing this since they dissolved their partnership?

Alphazoid said:
Averaged 36mpg on my way back from the dealer, which was a 60mile drive. Was doing 80-90mph mostly. I'd probably get more if i 'drove more responsibly'.

Will of course keep monitoring.
Click to expand...
What's the diesel mpg like? That's a brilliant color. It won't show dirt or scratches easily. I picked mine out in starfire pearl white which is a safe color but shows dirt and scratches quickly. I take it you're on a budget, but if you took up your own auto detailing, it does certainly help extend the visual aesthetics of any car. The biggest cost outside polishing compounds and waxes will be your PC orbital, which will set you back around 92 quid including VAT. You can practice on an old car before taking it to your Lexus. If you can invest in about 300 quid of equipment, it should last you a few years.
 
Last edited:
Zenithal said:
What's the diesel mpg like? That's a brilliant color. It won't show dirt or scratches easily. I picked mine out in starfire pearl white which is a safe color but shows dirt and scratches quickly. I take it you're on a budget, but if you took up your own auto detailing, it does certainly help extend the visual aesthetics of any car. The biggest cost outside polishing compounds and waxes will be your PC orbital, which will set you back around 92 quid including VAT. You can practice on an old car before taking it to your Lexus. If you can invest in about 300 quid of equipment, it should last you a few years.
Click to expand...

People are quoting anything from 38-44mpg for the 220d. The consensus seems to be that its not a great diesel engine and isn't helped by the fact that its manual transmission only, which pales in comparison to the 6-speed auto. Lexus has never really been invested in the diesel market like the Germans. Opting for Hybrid technology instead.

As for detailing i've already started thinking about maintenance (both interior and exterior). So leather cleaners, and most likely polishing and waxing compounds.

Funny enough Lexus has been trying to sell me care premiums. One for the alloys which allows 17 fixes of any scratches or scuffs. Then another for body work which covers any minor scuffs, scratches, dents or chips for 3yrs.

Told i'd read the leaflets and think about it.
 
Alphazoid said:
People are quoting anything from 38-44mpg for the 220d. The consensus seems to be that its not a great diesel engine and isn't helped by the fact that its manual transmission only, which pales in comparison to the 6-speed auto. Lexus has never really been invested in the diesel market like the Germans. Opting for Hybrid technology instead.

As for detailing i've already started thinking about maintenance (both interior and exterior). So leather cleaners, and most likely polishing and waxing compounds.

Funny enough Lexus has been trying to sell me care premiums. One for the alloys which allows 17 fixes of any scratches or scuffs. Then another for body work which covers any minor scuffs, scratches, dents or chips for 3yrs.

Told i'd read the leaflets and think about it.
Click to expand...
I have to admit I was surprised too. I'd never heard of a Lexus featuring diesel, but I was also under the impression that Lexus cars weren't as popular in Western Europe as they are here. I wish diesels were more common place here in America. The only issue with diesel in certain areas is that you have to scope out if there's a petrol station that has diesel. I've driven American big truck diesels but have also driven the old Merc turbo diesels, which give off wonderful clouds of smoke. Usually if you have a diesel in the states, you want to carry mechanics style gloves because the petrol stations have a lot of gunk and grime on the nozzles. Petrol station owners don't seem to care about their cleanliness. I carry a pair in all my cars because even regular gas nozzles are disgusting. After you see drivers doing strange things whilst driving like adjusting themselves or picking their nose, the idea of wearing gloves is fantastic. Especially during the cold/flu season.

You can check out Autopia. I believe they have more European members than other sites. You might have trouble finding some of the stuff we Americans get, but there's a lot of leather conditioners. I've heard of people using BMW's leather cleanser which has a strong leather smell. I've never tried it myself, and instead of opted for various brands over the years. If I can recommend one product for any car owner it's Iron X. I know that's available in Europe. It's a fantastic product to use on wheels and your entire car.

There are polishers made for wheels as well, but I've never curbed my wheels before. One thing with Lexus is that because of how they paint their cars, should something happen, it's difficult to redo certain colors. The white I've got is simple, but if it were sprayed, I'm sure I could tell the different with a halogen lamp. You can google it yourself and see complaints. I've heard Lexus dealers can order you a factory painted panel if you're willing to pony up the difference, but I'm fairly certain that's BS because I've only heard it a few times.

If they haven't given you a time window, I'd simply sit on it. As for cleaning dust on control buttons... I'll be quite honest here, the best brush I've found for those is a soft nylon based mushroom brush. It's not fancy, but it beats any specialized brush I've used.
 
Last edited:
Zenithal said:
I have to admit I was surprised too. I'd never heard of a Lexus featuring diesel, but I was also under the impression that Lexus cars weren't as popular in Western Europe as they are here. I wish diesels were more common place here in America. The only issue with diesel in certain areas is that you have to scope out if there's a petrol station that has diesel. I've driven American big truck diesels but have also driven the old Merc turbo diesels, which give off wonderful clouds of smoke. Usually if you have a diesel in the states, you want to carry mechanics style gloves because the petrol stations have a lot of gunk and grime on the nozzles. Petrol station owners don't seem to care about their cleanliness. I carry a pair in all my cars because even regular gas nozzles are disgusting. After you see drivers doing strange things whilst driving like adjusting themselves or picking their nose, the idea of wearing gloves is fantastic. Especially during the cold/flu season.

You can check out Autopia. I believe they have more European members than other sites. You might have trouble finding some of the stuff we Americans get, but there's a lot of leather conditioners. I've heard of people using BMW's leather cleanser which has a strong leather smell. I've never tried it myself, and instead of opted for various brands over the years. If I can recommend one product for any car owner it's Iron X. I know that's available in Europe. It's a fantastic product to use on wheels and your entire car.

There are polishers made for wheels as well, but I've never curbed my wheels before. One thing with Lexus is that because of how they paint their cars, should something happen, it's difficult to redo certain colors. The white I've got is simple, but if it were sprayed, I'm sure I could tell the different with a halogen lamp. You can google it yourself and see complaints. I've heard Lexus dealers can order you a factory painted panel if you're willing to pony up the difference, but I'm fairly certain that's BS because I've only heard it a few times.

If they haven't given you a time window, I'd simply sit on it. As for cleaning dust on control buttons... I'll be quite honest here, the best brush I've found for those is a soft nylon based mushroom brush. It's not fancy, but it beats any specialized brush I've used.
Click to expand...

The Germans overwhelmingly rule the market here. The Japanese have small niches they cater to. Honda with the civic for young folks and the Jazz for older folks, Toyota with the Prius for cab drivers and hybrid hatchbacks for those who want economy and reliability, Mitsubishi with the Evo for enthusiasts, Lexus with the IS/CT hybrids for those looking for an alternative. Volvo has regained some popularity due to its new XC90.

For every other segment the Germans own the market. Mostly because they offer something for most people, and made pricing/financing accessible for those aspiring to own one of their badges. BMW is the most popular, followed by Audi and MB respectively.

Diesel stations are ubiquitous here, in fact it'd be more strange for a station not to have a diesel pump. Also complementary disposable gloves are provided in stations...at least where i am.

Part of the reason i'm considering the care premiums is because i know Lexus do things a certain way that many ordinary garages couldn't fully replicate. My color isn't a standard, common affair either which adds to the difficulty of a 3rd party replicating it. I also live in a city so wheel curbing is almost inevitable.

I'll do some research on the good stuff thats available here and see how it goes.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: 0388631
My mother previously owned an '09 ES350 through 2014/15. A few years back some snow/ice dumped off a building roof during a thaw and slammed onto the roof of her Lexus- denting the roof, breaking the windshield and sunroof, and ruining the headliner and sunroof mechanism.

The dealer (Lexus of Greenwich, COnnecticut) ended up doing the repair. I believe they painted the replacement roof. They seemed to get the color perfect from what I could see upon close inspection. I believe it was "smokey granite mica" (dark grey with a tinge of navy blue). Granted, even if they screwed up the roof paint job it would be difficult to notice.

5-6 years and 140k miles, not a single issue -not even a lightbulb needing to be changed. Only required routine maintenance (fluid changes, brakes, tires). You can't beat Lexus reliability.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 0388631
A.Goldberg said:
My mother previously owned an '09 ES350 through 2014/15. A few years back some snow/ice dumped off a building roof during a thaw and slammed onto the roof of her Lexus- denting the roof, breaking the windshield and sunroof, and ruining the headliner and sunroof mechanism.

The dealer (Lexus of Greenwich, COnnecticut) ended up doing the repair. I believe they painted the replacement roof. They seemed to get the color perfect from what I could see upon close inspection. I believe it was "smokey granite mica" (dark grey with a tinge of navy blue). Granted, even if they screwed up the roof paint job it would be difficult to notice.

5-6 years and 140k miles, not a single issue -not even a lightbulb needing to be changed. Only required routine maintenance (fluid changes, brakes, tires). You can't beat Lexus reliability.
Click to expand...
I've just awoken, but that wouldn't be too hard a paint to match. That color is a further development from graphite gray pearl from the 1IS line IIRC. It was a very popular color, too. And as you said, it would be hard to see from the roof. Aside from the development of one paint to another, I'd imagine the darkness of the paint making it difficult for one's eye to discern a difference. SGM was a paint scheme I originally wanted until I realized it would show scratches and dirty fairly easily, not to mention get very hot during the summer, not like the fair summers of New England. Reading around, the most unfortunate choices for Lexus repaints are Riviera Red, Molton Pearl and USB 2. I've seen some repainted Fire Agate RXs and you can tell where the resprayed areas are. It looks off once you look at it enough.

Anyway, while I was shopping for mine I wanted the saddle interior the most. Unfortunately, they seemed to be rare at the time and I went with the charcoal/black interior which is more convenient as grime won't show up as easily. I'm expecting three letters this week or next week asking me to see my dealer to replace the defective airbags. I wonder how long it'll take for me to get the defective airbags replaced. I was chuffed I didn't get caught in the wave of initial recalls thinking I was good to go.
[doublepost=1464611682][/doublepost]
Alphazoid said:
The Germans overwhelmingly rule the market here. The Japanese have small niches they cater to. Honda with the civic for young folks and the Jazz for older folks, Toyota with the Prius for cab drivers and hybrid hatchbacks for those who want economy and reliability, Mitsubishi with the Evo for enthusiasts, Lexus with the IS/CT hybrids for those looking for an alternative. Volvo has regained some popularity due to its new XC90.

For every other segment the Germans own the market. Mostly because they offer something for most people, and made pricing/financing accessible for those aspiring to own one of their badges. BMW is the most popular, followed by Audi and MB respectively.

Diesel stations are ubiquitous here, in fact it'd be more strange for a station not to have a diesel pump. Also complementary disposable gloves are provided in stations...at least where i am.

Part of the reason i'm considering the care premiums is because i know Lexus do things a certain way that many ordinary garages couldn't fully replicate. My color isn't a standard, common affair either which adds to the difficulty of a 3rd party replicating it. I also live in a city so wheel curbing is almost inevitable.

I'll do some research on the good stuff thats available here and see how it goes.
Click to expand...
Well I know from my travels to Europe for work and having spoken with the people there is that the big 3 make something for just about everyone. And I believe Benz offers good deals for taxi cab drivers and has models specific to the role. You haven't experienced the dark side of diesel until you drive a 2.4 liter from the W123 platform. It's practically a deathtrap in today's world thanks to its ultra smooth 67 hp engine.


I have to admit I did hold my tongue, so to speak, and recommended you sit on it. I know for a fact that particular color is difficult to respray. Honda had, for a very long time, two colors that were a PITA to replicate; Whistler Silver Metallic and Glacier Blue Metallic. Toyota, had something similar to the latter but more on the silver side. I've seen resprays of the Honda, and you can instantly tell a difference where factory spray meets respray. So if you're quite worried about paint and wheel issues down the line, get the care warranty. I'm under the impression that even a dealer would have trouble replicating factory level standards of each coat. Regardless, get the warranty.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Alphazoid
So, this is only cursorily related, but I still want to vent about it 🙂

While the MG is down and I'm waiting on the Pertronix unit to arrive(electronic unit to replace mechanical points in the distributor) I decided to attack the rack gaiter boots and tie rod ends. I've had the parts for ages, but had been putting the job off for a while.

So, I went to work, first on the passenger side. There are plenty of pieces of advice on the internet on how to separate ball joints, most of which involve striking various parts of the assembly with a large hammer(aka BFH). I have one such hammer in the form of a 4lb handheld sledge, but couldn't mange to get anywhere-even with using a hydraulic jack to work against the suspension and hoping that would break the joint loose. Granted, the fact that the ball joint is so tight is a good thing except for when you need to take it apart.

In any case, I finally went to NAPA and borrowed a set of pickle forks. Like most shops' tool loan programs, they charge you the full price of the tool, and then refund it when you return the tool(complete and in good condition).

The pickle forks made quick work and split the joints with only a few blows from the BFH. Replacing the gaiter boots was a bit fiddly as I ended up removing the old ones in a half dozen pieces, but aside from that it wasn't a big deal. Once I had the pickle forks, it took me well under an hour to complete the job on both sides. I still need to get some more oil in the rack(the specs call for 200-300ml of hypoid gear oil, and I'd guess I have about 100 at the moment), but aside from that, it's all fine. The only other issues was that I tried to also center the rack in the process by setting one tie rod end in a full turn and the other out a full turn-I ended up going the wrong way.

In any case, I returned the fork to NAPA the next day. In looking over my bank statement, it seems as though they'd actually CHARGED me twice rather than refunding me on return...fortunately the store was fine about it and caught it immediately without my even telling them who I was(I've become a bit of a regular there 🙂 ) but of course can't fix it today since it's memorial day. I can't complain too much as NAPA has always done me right and, IMO, carries the best aftermarket parts of anyone in the business, but it's still just a bit annoying.

Now, I just need to go back and give each of my tie rods two turns in the OTHER direction and stick some more oil in the rack.
 
AutoUnion39 said:
Mark Levinson Audio System
[doublepost=1464015938][/doublepost]

Waze is my go-to because it shows police and road hazards, but its routing is not always as good as Google Maps. Really weird.
[doublepost=1464016693][/doublepost]
Click to expand...

Yeah, you would think that Waze routing would be as good as Google Maps, since Google Maps did purchase Waze a few years ago.

http://techcrunch.com/2013/06/11/it...a-boost-to-its-location-and-mapping-business/

When I'm backing up this car, sometimes I forget about the back up camera on the Lexus, so I usually looking out the back window still. 😀 In addition, when I have the rear power shade up and I put this car in reverse the power shade will come down. Sweet!! I love this car more and more each day. I still trying to remember not to push so hard on the accelerator because this is a V6. This things just takes off like a rocket.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Weaselboy and 2298754
So I test drove the 6th gen Camaro SS today. OMG what an amazing car. It had the magnetic ride control, dual mode exhaust and the 8 speed auto. It drove great, handled the curves with ease, and the sound is freaking amazing. Had it in track mode most of the time. Despite putting the magnetic dampers in their stiffest setting, the ride remained comfortable. The feeling of acceleration was somewhat hidden due to the smoothness of the shifting from the 8 speed auto and the fact the body remained perfectly level during somewhat hard acceleration( kept it under 4000 RPM) due to MRC. The steering had a good weight to it, but was surprised a few times making low speed turns at how heavy it was( not a bad thing, just caught me off guard). Steering is lighter when in tour mode.

The interior was of good quality. The only time the visibility issue came into play on this test drive is when I tried to back the car back into the spot at the dealer and I couldn't see the parking spot lines( I parked it in a row that didn't have any cars to use as reference), but the camera was a big help. Other than that, with properly adjusted mirrors, the blind zone alert system, and remaining situationally aware of your surroundings and traffic around you, the visibility issue is really a non-issue.

Overall, my pennies are being saved for this car. 🙂
 
  • Like
Reactions: Muscle Master
I'd kill for a 1959 MG MGA in dark silver metallic. It would sport a two-tone hazelnut leather with a maroon soft-top with white stitching.

determined09 said:
Yeah, you would think that Waze routing would be as good as Google Maps, since Google Maps did purchase Waze a few years ago.

http://techcrunch.com/2013/06/11/it...a-boost-to-its-location-and-mapping-business/

When I'm backing up this car, sometimes I forget about the back up camera on the Lexus, so I usually looking out the back window still. 😀 In addition, when I have the rear power shade up and I put this car in reverse the power shade will come down. Sweet!! I love this car more and more each day. I still trying to remember not to push so hard on the accelerator because this is a V6. This things just takes off like a rocket.
Click to expand...
It's often better to rely on what you learned than always rely on cameras. Though I'm a little miffed. Did Lexus stop including auto tilt down side mirrors in the ES line?
 
  • Like
Reactions: determined09
Zenithal said:
It's often better to rely on what you learned than always rely on cameras. Though I'm a little miffed. Did Lexus stop including auto tilt down side mirrors in the ES line?
Click to expand...

Yes, Lexus still does include the auto tilt down side mirrors in the ES. I just have the mirror toggle pushed to the right side or the left side, so that the side mirrors will tilt down. But I have the mirror toggle in the center. Position.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back