Lexus LS 2007+ :: Mounts Of Air And Non-air Models
Just wanted to clear it up for ones with stock air suspension who has (or hasn't) swapped out for aftermarket air. The mounts and everything else are the same for both Air and Non-air models, correct? So a coilover made for a 460 would fit a 460L with no issues? To my knowledge, the 460L basically just has bags and a sensor but share the same top and bottom mounts.
View 6 RepliesPrius (2010-12) :: Comparing With Subaru
These are the things I like about my Prius:
gas mileage
being able to open the door by touching the handle
heated seats
I get free parking at meters in my hometown for having a hybrid. (This is a major convenience!)
What I dislike:
Ground clearance of 4 inches. I have destroyed the engine shield once by parking in a normal spot at the library and having it ripped off, another time when the road flooded while I was driving. 4 inches of water was enough to rip off the shield, although I was driving 5 mph (couldn't just park, or the car would have been flooded). This repair will involve replacing the whole bumper. I have now officially lost all gas mileage savings and more in repairs.
Blind spot the size of Rhode Island. I have put little bug-eyes on my side mirrors, but it's still not great.
Brakes do a weird shimmy whenever I hit a bump.
If there is snow on the ground, it shimmies like crazy, and it is scary how long it takes to stop. Of course, if there are more than 3 inches of snow, I can't drive the damned thing without big problems...this car is an absolute HOG on the ice when its snows.
The GPS---to update, I have to buy a new disc for almost $300. If I had a Garmin stuck to my dashboard, I could update on the net for free. Clown move, Toyota.
Not a comfortable car. Any drive longer than 120 miles I feel stiff and achy. And I'm not particularly tall. No lower back support, and car bounces harshly.
So I am thinking the Subaru Crosstrek hybrid when it becomes available. I'm not worried about the decreased mileage figures, as with 7 1/2 inch ground clearance, I won't be paying for ripped up undercarriage repairs. And with all-wheel drive, I should be able to use the vehicle when it snows. If I were happy with the Prius, I would think its appearance was cool. But as is, I think it is squat and unattractive.
Prius Plug-in 2012-15 :: Comparing With Lexus ES 300h
As other manufacturers match up with the Prius, it is interesting to see how this affects purchasing decisions.
The 2013 Prius Plug-in Advanced lists for $40,320:
It gets 95 MPGe for its 11 miles of battery power and 50 MPG in hybrid mode. The engine has 138 total horsepower = 98 HP Gas + 78 HP Electric engine 0-60 MPH is 10.6 seconds.
The 2013 Lexus ES 300h Hybrid lists for $39,725:
It gets 40 MPG city, 39 MPG highway, 40 MPG combined. The engine has 200 total horsepower = 150 HP Gas + 141 HP Electric engine. 0-60 MPH is 7.6 seconds. Top speed is 112 MPH.
Lexus dealerships will give you a free loaner Lexus while your car is in for maintenance or repair. Lexus mechanics are also sticklers for perfection. (After tune-ups, the car simply feels brand new - owning 5 Lexus cars myself).
Toyota - Venza :: Models That Offer Sunroof
I am looking to purchase a Toyota Venza but can not find what model offers the sunroof. This is a make or break deal for me.
View 2 RepliesPrius Plug-in 2012-15 :: Difference Between Two Models?
Is there any difference between the 2012 and 2015 plug inprius?
View 4 RepliesPhaeton :: Difference Between 2005 And 2004 Models?
My 2004 Phaeton was totaled and I am thinking of purchasing a 2005 that is for sale. What are the differences, if any, between the two models?
View 4 RepliesPassat (B7) :: Comparing 3.6L With 1.8 Jetta
I'm considering moving from a 1.8T Jetta to a 3.6L Passat. I know my Jetta had several generational problems, but mine, in particular, seemed to have most things sorted by the time I bought it in 2004. Are there any glaring problems with the 3.6L or the B7 Passat in general?
I don't mind doing spark plugs, oil and replacing a pipe now and then, but something like broken engine internals or premature rust would give me pause.
Phaeton :: 2004 V8 Vs Infiniti M45 - Comparing?
I've had my Phaeton for about six weeks now, and I thought it would be interesting to compare it to the car I switched from:
The Infiniti M45 was the marque's second-best car available in 2004. Really, the only things it lacked from the Q45 flagship were a rear sunshade, backup camera, and electronic suspension. It had the same 340HP V8 VK45DE engine but weighed about 1000 lbs less. It's been pegged by Jalopnik as a future classic and it's one of the best cars I have ever been in, and certainly the best I've ever personally owned before the Phaeton. The most apt description I've heard is "Japanese muscle car" and I completely agree; Nissan even made a goofy video to that effect starring Chris Mulkey from Twin Peaks.
The car also probably matches the Phaeton in terms of rarity, if not being even more rare. It was sold for only two years, had less than 8,000 imported, and has an understated but unique look.
Here's how I think they stack up:
- Cooled seats: M stomps the Phaeton here. From what I know the VW system just recirculates cabin air through the seat; this appears accurate from when I've had the seat apart. The Infiniti system actually has a cooling element within the seat to further cool the air. The end result is leather that actually feels cool to the touch and makes hot interiors bearable more quickly.
- Rest of the seating: The M featured an exclusive grade of Japanese leather which is both comfortable and durable. However, VW's "comfort leather" is definitely softer (though I worry about marring it) and you can't beat 18-way adjustability. The M seats are more supportive with better bolsters, fitting its more sporting nature, but the Phaeton is definitely the winner in comfort and personalization.
- Driveline: No one buys a Phaeton to race, but the M really shines here. It's been timed at around 5.6 seconds for the 0 to 60 MPH sprint and if you've ever driven one it seems believable. This makes it quite fun as most people see it and assume it to be a "grandpa car;" they're in for a surprise when you floor it and the dual-stage exhaust opens up. Plus, I absolutely love RWD cars. The Phaeton will keep me safe and sound through winters in the mountains, but little else puts a smile on my face like flooring it through a turn and feeling the rear end begin to break loose. Just can't do that with AWD. It also gets a couple MPG better fuel economy. Add in Nissan's version of Servotronic and this was a car that begged to be driven, and driven hard.
- Gadgets: This one is probably a tie. The Phaeton has so many little things: the vent covers, the rear headrests, the self-folding mirrors, heated steering wheel, etc. There's all kinds of things to show passengers and discover when new. However, the M had a number of features that my Phaeton lacks; some were available as options from VW and some weren't. For instance, the M had a voice recognition system to control climate, stereo, and navigation systems. It also had a radar-controlled "Intelligent Cruise Control" shared with its big brother, the Q. The navigation system was DVD-based, which means no disc-swapping or slow reads, and satellite radio was an available option. I also don't understand why the Phaeton's easy entry function doesn't move the seat; the M would move the seat when getting out and in as well as the steering wheel. For me, I feel that the Phaeton has lots of subtle features that bring a smile, but the M had more features that I actually used and got benefit out of.
- Ride quality and sound level: Without question, the Phaeton is the winner. The M makes for a great highway cruiser, though it's ride is a bit stiffer and can't be adjusted. It's by no means bad, but nothing can compete with the silence of the Phaeton cabin and the stability of the 'Comfort' suspension setting. There's just no contest.
- Fit and finish: Again the Phaeton pulls ahead. The M features birds-eye maple trim throughout and high quality leather upholstery, but the rich finish of the eucalyptus in the Phaeton and the buttery smooth feel of the Vienna leather are unbeatable. The M was by no means cheap, but the Phaeton is of course in a class of its own.
- Roominess: I don't know why, but the M actually had its fuel tank in the trunk. This meant no pass-through between the rear seats and a disappointingly small trunk. It was also large by Japanese standards but at 6' 1" my head just grazed the roof, and this when I had the seat adjusted as low as possible. Plus, I could hold a conference in the back of the Phaeton if I so desired.
I hope no one thinks I'm picking on the Phaeton; I just think it's fascinating to compare what different manufacturers were doing in their best vehicles at the same time. As my signature belies I enjoy Nissan vehicles, and I would personally pull the trigger on an Infiniti before any Acura or even Lexus (I thought the LS 430 was a huge let-down after all the hype when I finally drove one).
The Phaeton was without question an upgrade, but there will always be a special place in my heart and wistful pangs for the M45 (more pics of mine).
What other cars have you all owned and loved?
Tiguan :: Comparing 2016 R With Other Brands
I fell in love with the 2016 Tiguan R... until I found out about the new upcoming 2017 model. I'm now in love with the 2017 and want no part in the 2016.
On the other hand, it looks like I'll have to wait more than a year for the 2017 to come out in the U.S., so I was wondering what you guys were considering when you ultimately decided on your Tiguan. Here's a list of what I considered, but haven't really found a great alternative for me.
Subaru Forester - I like the 2.0XT model but kind of pricey and interior is very bland. Probably the one I considered the most though.
Subaru Outback - prefer the boxier look of the forester. Too boring.
Mazda CX-5 - pretty good option and great price for grand touring, but not a fan of the new Mazda styling.
Honda CR-V - way too common and bland.
Ford Escape - not a fan of the styling and of ford in general.
Acura RDX - not bad but crazy styling and too expensive.
Audi Q3, BMW X3, MB GLK and GLA: too expensive and don't want the luxury badge anyway. Same with the crossovers from Lexus and Infiniti.
What are the best competitors that I'm missing?!
Avalon 2005-12 :: Struts And Springs Could Be Replaced From Previous Models?
Can the struts and springs from the 2006-2008 Avalon with the TOURING suspension be put on the 2010-2012. Went to the local Toyota dealer. They had the struts for a 2007 Touring model. We compared them to some from a 2011 , and they looked physically the same.
View 1 RepliesNissan - 350Z :: Comparing With Mitsubishi Eclipse
I am thinking of buying a car but can't decide between a 2003 Nissan 350Z with 87000 miles on it, or a 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse with 57000 miles on it. It will be a commuter car for me. I don't know a lot about Mitsubishis.
View 8 RepliesCamry :: Comparing Model 2009 With 2007
I bailed on 2012 as I didn't want to make any payments and figure prices will go down once 2014 hit the market. SOOOO I am looking at
2007 black on black Toyota Camry SE leather 86,000 km OR
2009 white SE 102,000 km. leather SE with navi for 14,500 plus taxes. (12% whatever that is)
I have seen cheaper but I don't want grey. I love black so i'm jammed.
Nissan - Juke :: Comparing 2002 Pathfinder With 2006
I have a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder and I love it. I bought it in 2006 and it has 156,000 miles on it. I am ready for something and here are the options. Buy another 2002 with low mileage for all the reasons you all know about that year and the 2003.Just great years. I have found a couple with mileage around 75,000 for around 8,500. My daughter wants my car and I am going to have a tune up done on it for her. Nothing wrong with it at all, Or get for me a 2011 Juke. I don't know why but I love that car. Been told I won't get much better gas mileage unless it stays in the eco mode. I can pay cash for the Pathfinder. Will have to finance the Juke. Makes me nervous that it's sort of new but I have heard from those who know that it's a good car.
View 14 RepliesPrius 2016 (Gen 4) :: Trunk Space Area / 12v Outlets Touring Vs Non-Touring Models
I'm a rideshare driver who drives about 1000 miles/week. I currently have a Gen 2 which I love, but I'm looking to upgrade to a Gen 4 pretty soon.
-Does the Gen 4 have the same kind of under-trunk storage area in the hatch/cargo area? This is important for me on the Gen 2 because it allows me to carry equipment while having an empty hatch space for passengers luggage. Does it depend on if you have a spare tire or not?
-Real-world MPG in extended city driving with A/C on?
-Where are the 12v outlets? And extend one into the hatch area?
-Is there a notable difference in comfort for touring vs non touring models?
-Does the driver's seat with lumbar support make a significant difference in comfort?
Lexus GX 2010+ :: RR IS Lower Than LR
Bought a new '14 GX a few weeks ago. I noticed the rear is not level. The RR is 1" lower than the LR. This is true with the vehicle running (air suspension charged) or off. When standing behind the vehicle, it is very noticeable.
View 14 RepliesLexus RX 2010-15 :: Odor When Outside Air Is On
I've noticed that if the fresh/recirc is set to fresh so that outside air is being drawn in, even without the fan or AC on, there's a mildew like smell in the car. I picked the car up about 10 days ago, but it's a 2013 with 13K miles. Is this a matter of cleaning or replacing the cabin air filter? DIY?
View 14 RepliesLexus RX 2010-15 :: Windows Come Down On Their Own
This is a first, for any vehicle I've owned. When my wife went out to the car Sunday AM she found all of the windows on our 2010 RX350 down and the moon roof open. The doors were locked from the night before, and I know for certain all of the windows/moon roof were closed. The only thing I can think of is we are in a flight path for the GSP airport. Our garage door used to go up, from time to time, when planes would fly over.
One other thing I forgot to mention. I replaced the batteries on both of our key fobs Saturday. I hit the lock button to make sure the fob worked, but that was all I did. You can't do anything with the windows or moon roof with the key fob. But what else could trigger them to go down? We've had the car about 6 months.
Lexus RX 2010-15 :: RX350 - Driving Off Without Key Fob
I find it a little concerning that I can actually drive off in our RX350 without the key fob in it. I know there is a warning on the dash, but that doesn't stop someone from stealing it. May be a park lock out would be a better solution.
View 14 RepliesLexus RX 2010-15 :: 350 / What Buttons Go In The Blanks
Me and the wife are on the hunt for a RX350. (2010-2012) I'm trying to figure out what buttons should be in the blanks on the dash to the left and right of the steering wheel. I know to the left are headlight washers, tailgate, and fuel door. To the right in the biggest blank is where HUD should be. But what is all the other ones for? I have yet to find one that has all of them filled.
View 11 Replies