Automobiles

[NYCfixie]

And as seen parked on the street on the walk to the corner bodega on the UES in Yorkville today…

A clue in one of those pics tells me you are about 20 blocks north and 2 blocks east of me..(or I am about 20 blocks south and 2 blocks west of you) when you are here.

[j44ke]

As seen on the drive down to the Southern Country the other day…



And as seen parked on the street on the walk to the corner bodega on the UES in Yorkville today…

I think that's one of the Bugs made later in Mexico. They were made there until 2003, and recently these "newer" ones have been popping up here and there.

[TonyP]

NYPD officers are so afraid of ending up on video and/or the news, as well as being brought up on charges and possibly ruining their careers, they never get out of the patrol cars unless they need to use the bathroom or get food. The city has gone to the wolves.

Not only NY, the new mayor of Chicago has just about apologized for arrests made when gangs of young adults have taken over and terrorized streets or venues, going so far as referring to them as children.

[rec head]

Please keep this thread on cars not cops.

And speaking of cars and thinking of the other thread about LBS vs Direct to Consumer, I went to the local Toyota dealership last week to check out the 2023 Prius. Who would believe that there are actually decent looking Priuses out there? The cars look good but the whole dealership nonsense is not for me. We just wanted to see the car inside and out and hopefully test drive one. It turned into a 3 hour visit that ended with a hard sell. As someone that can be a bit of a contrarian the second the hard sell starts coming the less I want the car. In retrospect I don't know why I didn't just leave when they mentioned the $5,000 premium they are charging because Toyota can't make cars.

The next day I went to the Tesla website and scheduled a test drive. I haven't done it yet but I have a feeling I'll be in and out. If I want to buy a used Tesla I can do it online without dealing with upsells and pressure. It is way more appealing.

So now I have a question. We are looking to get rid of our 2009 Honda Fit and get something more modern but not necessarily new. We want something smallish. We have an EV charger in the garage already so getting an EV is on the table but I'm not against an ICE car and a plug in hybrid would be great. My wife wants AWD and loves all the safety and automation (lane keeper etc.) that we have in our Rivian so that pushes us into higher trim packages on most cars. The cars we have considered are the 2023 Prius, and Prius Prime (plug in hybrid version) and a used Tesla Model 3. What else should we be looking at? Something kinda fun would be nice.

Thanks

[echappist]

Please keep this thread on cars not cops.

And speaking of cars and thinking of the other thread about LBS vs Direct to Consumer, I went to the local Toyota dealership last week to check out the 2023 Prius. Who would believe that there are actually decent looking Priuses out there? The cars look good but the whole dealership nonsense is not for me. We just wanted to see the car inside and out and hopefully test drive one. It turned into a 3 hour visit that ended with a hard sell. As someone that can be a bit of a contrarian the second the hard sell starts coming the less I want the car. In retrospect I don't know why I didn't just leave when they mentioned the $5,000 premium they are charging because Toyota can't make cars.

The next day I went to the Tesla website and scheduled a test drive. I haven't done it yet but I have a feeling I'll be in and out. If I want to buy a used Tesla I can do it online without dealing with upsells and pressure. It is way more appealing.

So now I have a question. We are looking to get rid of our 2009 Honda Fit and get something more modern but not necessarily new. We want something smallish. We have an EV charger in the garage already so getting an EV is on the table but I'm not against an ICE car and a plug in hybrid would be great. My wife wants AWD and loves all the safety and automation (lane keeper etc.) that we have in our Rivian so that pushes us into higher trim packages on most cars. The cars we have considered are the 2023 Prius, and Prius Prime (plug in hybrid version) and a used Tesla Model 3. What else should we be looking at? Something kinda fun would be nice.

Thanks

@Marvinlungwitz did start a discussion re: the 2023 Prius Prime upthread.

The few Chicago dealers I came across were no less scummy and slimey than their NJ counterparts. But I think it's a occupational "badge of honor". Futile to talk in terms of rationale, as they understand only how to extract the most from buyers. Same goes for a lot of commissions-based salespeople (e.g. sellers for new-construction housing). They love to talk of "prices are high because that's what the market dictates", but you really have to get nasty with them when conditions change and the pricing ought to have been different, but they still don't budge. I think they all know that most people don't want to resort to being harsh, and most dealership salespeople I came across (nine out of ten, from four different dealerships) will leverage that to their advantage. And by harsh, I just mean pushing back on dealership spiel re: pricing.

As for other smaller cars, Volvo EX30 perhaps? I know it's not a sedan, and as @j44ke mentioned upthread, doesn't look like a fun car, but I think one could actually buy the car at MSRP, and perhaps even under MSRP were one to do the overseas delivery program (luckily for you, two-flight from ORD to Gothenburg).

[sk_tle]

I am not so fond on buying a car now, and especially an ICE one, but all the ladies I live with would like me to drive them here and there on the weekend and I can't possibly cram everyone on the motorbike. Renting cars works in the coldest months but becomes incredibly prohibitive from may to september as I live in a very touristic place so renting prices climbs 3 to 4x during holidays seasons.

It will likely being used, non electric, because it cannot really work where I live and I am torn between choosing practicality (van, minivan that I would camperize) or spend a little more on a used hybrid like a Toyota Auris and Corolla that will be a bit less earth unfriendly.

I am torn.

[sk_tle]

So now I have a question. We are looking to get rid of our 2009 Honda Fit and get something more modern but not necessarily new. We want something smallish. We have an EV charger in the garage already so getting an EV is on the table b

Where you happy with the Fit? Why wouldn't you consider a newer Fit or Crosstar (its "crossover" sibling) or the Honda E?

I would have proposed the Kia Niro which exist in both EV and hybrid if you want something bigger than a Fit (at least externally, I am not sure it is really more practical than a Fit).

[Saab2000]

Re: Tesla

I have one (2023 Model Y Long Range) and am happy with it as an EV but lukewarm about it as a car. It's an appliance with a lot of technology. That said, it is super efficient and I love charging at home. Electricity is quite inexpensive where I live. I dislike the lack of physical controls, as it forces eyes off the road and onto a screen far too often for my comfort. As a person who had a VW GTI for years and enjoys driving, this one creates no emotion whatsoever. It's a perfectly competent car but inspires nothing.

Buying direct from Tesla was great. Loved it. Honestly, you don't even need to make an appointment for a test drive. Just show up. My Tesla center has been very easy to deal with. I've had just one very small issue and it was resolved in about 45 minutes. They had to reconnect a sensor in the passenger side seat airbag. The car gave me notification that a service was required. I set it up on the app, went in on the day available and got it done with zero drama. That could happen in any car.

I picked mine up on December 8 of last year. No visits to a back office by the sales person (there is no salesperson - just a 'delivery specialist' who shows you around the car and finalizes paperwork) to sell this or that package, no surprise uncharge for pin striping you didn't ask for. One negative is the number of little items that aren't included with the car, like some center console trays, floor mats, Homelink garage door opener, etc. Maybe this is common though. I also don't love Tesla's overall UI and I really dislike the lack of Apple CarPlay. But I suppose you're use to that because the Rivian doesn't have it either. I love it but I know some folks don't care.

Happy to answer questions offline as well since that brand is a trigger for some folks. For the record, the CEO is troublesome in my view but the vision of electrifying large swaths of our society is the right path I think.


This next car lives in my neighborhood part time. I know there are some wagon fans here and this is a rarity in 2023.

[72gmc]

An Accord wagon! Lots of people either had one or want one, it seems.

Rec head: is an Accord hybrid to large and new for you? They get great reviews, and they’re Accords.

[rec head]

Thanks for all the replies already. Part of the problem is that if you aren't into cars its really hard to keep up with everything from every manufacturer. Please keep recommendations coming.

In no particular order.

I'll check out the Accord hybrid. A quick glance tells me it is nothing special in the looks department but it is interesting. Thanks

Re: a new Fit. We've had it for almost 15 years and just turned 46,000 miles on it. No complaints but it doesn't have a screen for nav. It is 2 wheel drive. And it doesn't have the fancy sensor stuff. I would have to check to see how new ones are outfitted. I think the problem that started this whole quest for a new car is that the Rivian is pretty fricken nice. We have never had a nice car before and now we are spoiled. My wife started doing a weekly commute and really prefers taking the truck which is ridiculous and then I'm planning my week around it. We got it because it was the fist EV available that does stuff. When I'm done typing I'm going to go buy 4x8 MDF. It sucks carrying that stuff on top of a small car. Possible, yes and I have done it many times. Then there's bikes. Just throw 'em in back. It has been great and they keep improving the software almost monthly. Then there's the fact that it is fast, comfortable and pretty fun to drive. Oh and comfort, the Fit's seats are fine but I really like more adjustments. I think I move my seat position more often than average.

Re: Tesla. My wife has more of a problem with the CEO than I do. I realize that even if I buy used from a Tesla dealer I'm still giving him my money but at least its a little less. I don't expect the Model 3 to be like a GTI (which I'd also consider) but at least it has pickup. I'm looking at dual motor and enhanced autopilot cars. I think buying from Rivian was probably a similar experience to Tesla. When we did a test drive the guy brought one to us at home. He showed it to us and then we got in and drove. Super cool experience. When even went and did a launch.

Re EX30 - I have put down a deposit for one. I'm not super excited about it. The brandnewness of it and its manufacture in China have me a little worried about getting one right away. I already have the Rivian, not sure if I want to risk it again. I'm in a wait and see on that. If it turns out to be great I'll have no problem selling whatever we get now for it.

Oh, the reason I was ready to buy a Prius was that we are driving from Chicago to Copper Harbor in the U.P. and Wisconsin's EV charging infrastructure blows. We are going to spend a lot of time charging at crappy stations. I even checked Tesla's trip planner and it didn't look much better.

[72gmc]

I'm not a prospective Tesla buyer. But I do wonder about the well-publicized shenanigans around claimed range, and how much the claimed or actual range factors into a buyer's assessment of price and value.

[Saab2000]

Oh, the reason I was ready to buy a Prius was that we are driving from Chicago to Copper Harbor in the U.P. and Wisconsin's EV charging infrastructure blows. We are going to spend a lot of time charging at crappy stations. I even checked Tesla's trip planner and it didn't look much better.

All non-Tesla EV charging blows from what I can tell. It’s why many manufacturers caved and partnered with a competitor to adopt Tesla’s charging connector as well as gain access to their network. Electrify America and other brands trail far, far behind in terms of reliability and consistency of the experience. Tesla chargers just seem to work.

As to driving to the UP, I get that can be a challenge, even in a Tesla. It’s not problem getting as far as Marquette but after that it’s over and you’ll need to rely on level 2 or even Level 1 charging. I’ve used Level 1 with Tesla’s Mobile Connector and it’s fine if you plan to leave the car parked for a day or run short errands at your destination but while the car will only take 4-6 miles per hour of charging, you need to be judicious.

As to range, I haven’t found it to be too troublesome but I don’t need 330 miles of range my car supposedly can deliver. They recommend you keep between 20-80% state of charge for your daily driving, so right there you’re at 60% of the recommended range.

My Model Y is a daily driver and I simply keep it around 50% and plugged in when not driving. I drive to the airport a couple times per week, 27 miles each way. In summer I use as little as 8% each way and in winter as much as 12%. Cold weather rather dramatically affects range.

My Tesla is a great road tripper but I haven’t taken it to remote places. That’s definitely the Achilles heel of EVs, at least today.

[rmplum]

Oh, the reason I was ready to buy a Prius was that we are driving from Chicago to Copper Harbor in the U.P. and Wisconsin's EV charging infrastructure blows. We are going to spend a lot of time charging at crappy stations. I even checked Tesla's trip planner and it didn't look much better.

I was up at our place in Hancock last week and this was the big news locally (well not really but the ribbon still hanging from it a few days later was hilarious):

http://www.keweenawreport.com/news/h...r-in-downtown/

I checked it out, I think it's 60-70kW. Not awesome, but better than level 2 by a good margin. I think Houghton has a few too. My wife thinks she wants a Bolt - I'm fine with it, and it'll be great for her local driving but I'm trying to prep her for the first time she attempts our Ann Arbor to Hancock commute. haha.

[Saab2000]

I was up at our place in Hancock last week and this was the big news locally (well not really but the ribbon still hanging from it a few days later was hilarious):

http://www.keweenawreport.com/news/h...r-in-downtown/

I checked it out, I think it's 60-70kW. Not awesome, but better than level 2 by a good margin. I think Houghton has a few too. My wife thinks she wants a Bolt - I'm fine with it, and it'll be great for her local driving but I'm trying to prep her for the first time she attempts our Ann Arbor to Hancock commute. haha.

I’m sure you’re aware that the Bolt, while pretty good overall, has super slow charging speeds. Great daily driver for commuting. Terrible road trip car.

[rmplum]

I’m sure you’re aware that the Bolt, while pretty good overall, has super slow charging speeds. Great daily driver for commuting. Terrible road trip car.

Yup, only charges at 55 kW I believe to 80% SOC. We are aware.

[sk_tle]

Re: a new Fit. We've had it for almost 15 years and just turned 46,000 miles on it. No complaints but it doesn't have a screen for nav. It is 2 wheel drive. And it doesn't have the fancy sensor stuff. I would have to check to see how new ones are outfitted.

I am pretty sure the new ones do have the screen + android auto / apple whateveritiscall and all the rancy sensors you can think off.

Not sure exactly the obsession some people habe with AWD. It increase traction on acceleration or climbing stupidly steep stuff or on low grip surface but in term of security it provides close to nothing. It won't save anyone's ass if a corner is taken too fast in the wet or snow, or if something suddently appear in front of your car.

[ides1056]

Yep, it's all about the tires your car rides on and the brakes to make you stop.

[rec head]

You guys want to talk to my wife about this AWD stuff? Let the mansplaining begin.

The only time I really liked AWD in our old Impreza was getting in and out of parking spots.

[72gmc]

Aside from AWD's impact on vehicle physics, its impact on the driver may be just as important. Some drivers are really thrown off their game by inclement weather, and their anxiety changes their driving in ways that introduce risk for themselves and others. If the knowledge of AWD helps the driver be more calm and confident (not dumb, but confident) it may also help them be a better driver.

[sk_tle]

I've looked at the second hand market these days for hybrid cars (plugged EV are definitely a no here) and the toyota Auris Tourer seems to be the vehicule that tick the most boxes in term of budget/reliability/aesthetic/practicality.



I can't believe I would rank a Toyota so high in term of aesthetic compared to the competition but it is the 7 to 15y old car in its category that seems to have aged less badly. Most eurocars from 2005-2015 look terrible with eyes of 2023.

I just wish Honda would have made an hybrid replacement for the FR-V. That car may not have won beauty contests but it was so practical. A sort of stretched Honda Fit/Jazz with Accord mechanics and the 3 front seats configuration of a Fiat Multipla sans the beluga aesthetics. Lots of room to put bikes when back seats are folded yet the length of a compact car.









Perfect car for the polyamourous! ;-)