New car advice
#360827
September 09, 2011 08:09 pm UTC
September 09, 2011 08:09 pm UTC
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,914 Toronto, Ontario
Jakub Kowalczyk
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I will be in a market for a new car soon. I will be replacing a 2005 TSX, 6-speed. I wanted a little more luxury and the following are the choices I've narrowed my search down to: 2008-09 MB C300 sport (6-speed) 2009 Audi A4, S-line (6-speed) 2009 BMW 335, (6-speed) I've thought about Infinity, Acura and Lexus, but this time around I would like to experience the German brands. I want to import one of those from US, to save some money. I understand that warranty is still valid for all three. My question is what is your experience with each vehicle in terms of reliability and maintenance cost. What would your choice by and why?
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Re: New car advice
[Re: Jakub Kowalczyk]
#360834
September 09, 2011 09:04 pm UTC
September 09, 2011 09:04 pm UTC
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,749 Belleville, Ontario
Ryan Laliberte
No-Lift-To-Shift.... Stock. :)
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No-Lift-To-Shift.... Stock. :)
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Well, we own a VW GLI 6 Speed (Same as Audi A4 2.0L Turbo) and it's a blast to drive. The advantage with the Audi is the AWD. They are comfortable, and well trimmed out.
JMHO.
AWDAuto 1996 TSi AWD Automagic12.24 @ 113 - Small 16G FP Green HTA - 11.42/123 Team Pump Gas and Meth RTMRacing - Your Canadian source for DSM Parts "Every moment you live is pregnant with the next moment of your life" --Jim CarreyLast Login: September 28, 2021
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Re: New car advice
[Re: Blayne Byrne]
#360840
September 09, 2011 10:45 pm UTC
September 09, 2011 10:45 pm UTC
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,796 Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Brandon Clement
Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
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Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
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Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
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No more Jetta! Tattoo Artist at Lost Anchor
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Re: New car advice
[Re: Brandon Clement]
#360841
September 09, 2011 11:22 pm UTC
September 09, 2011 11:22 pm UTC
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,809 Ottawa, ON
Mike Eng
Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
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Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
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Ottawa, ON
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If this car made your list, I could sell it to you for a good price because I sell Acura's in Ottawa. http://www.insideline.com/acura/tl/2012/2012-acura-tl-sh-awd-first-drive.html6 speed, AWD and 305hp..plus it's comfy as hell to cruise in. Acura is also offering 2 years free maintenance for all 2012 models sold between sept 1st - feb 29th.
Last edited by Mike Eng; September 09, 2011 11:24 pm UTC.
'99 GSX GT35R '03 CBR 600RR
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Re: New car advice
[Re: Mike Eng]
#360842
September 10, 2011 12:04 am UTC
September 10, 2011 12:04 am UTC
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 758 Peterborough, ON
Mark Bondy
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Peterborough, ON
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I've driven the audi a4, two thumbs down. Feels like a jetta to me, looks like a box on wheels. One of my friends has the s-line and is always going on about it... meh. Even my car's better imho.
The 335i bimmer is in a completely different league - twin turbo, luxury and performance, hands down one of the quickest cars I've driven recently... loved it.
How about the saab turbo X? AWD, turbo 6cyl, 300horse, lotsa torque... what with their low residual value you could probably get one for a steal! However, out of your list I'd pick the 335i.
Sometimes I use words I don't understand in an effort to make myself sound more photosynthesis.
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Re: New car advice
[Re: Mark Bondy]
#360843
September 10, 2011 12:17 am UTC
September 10, 2011 12:17 am UTC
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,809 Ottawa, ON
Mike Eng
Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
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Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
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Ottawa, ON
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speaking of lease, you're already an Acura owner so you qualify for loyalty incentives, rate reductions and discounts.
'99 GSX GT35R '03 CBR 600RR
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Re: New car advice
[Re: Mike Eng]
#360846
September 10, 2011 12:53 am UTC
September 10, 2011 12:53 am UTC
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,914 Toronto, Ontario
Jakub Kowalczyk
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Thanks for the suggestion on the Acura, but I don't want to buy brand new (can't afford it in other words). I like the BMW mainly for the power, but I've heard that these turbo engines have a lot of problems. In addition, it's the smallest interior out of the three. I've read a bit about the A4, and I am aware that it's underpowered, and it's nose heavy. I was actually leaning towards the MB, although it's a bit underpowered (around 226hp out of a 3.0 v6 is not a lot). I just accidently came accross Volvo S60 R, turbo 5 cyl, over 300hp AWD, 6-speed. The last year they made it I think was 2007. The Saab looks pretty sexy as well. They both seem like a good option.
How are they for reliability?
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Re: New car advice
[Re: Jakub Kowalczyk]
#360851
September 10, 2011 01:46 am UTC
September 10, 2011 01:46 am UTC
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 758 Peterborough, ON
Mark Bondy
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Thanks for the suggestion on the Acura, but I don't want to buy brand new (can't afford it in other words). I like the BMW mainly for the power, but I've heard that these turbo engines have a lot of problems. In addition, it's the smallest interior out of the three. I've read a bit about the A4, and I am aware that it's underpowered, and it's nose heavy. I was actually leaning towards the MB, although it's a bit underpowered (around 226hp out of a 3.0 v6 is not a lot). I just accidently came accross Volvo S60 R, turbo 5 cyl, over 300hp AWD, 6-speed. The last year they made it I think was 2007. The Saab looks pretty sexy as well. They both seem like a good option.
How are they for reliability? Okay, I'm completely biased. I drive an 07 saab 9-3 aero and I have nothing but good things to say. It's an amazing car, power is immediately available, luxury is comparable to mb and bmw, all the bells and whistles and next to volvo, some of the best seats in their class - not to mention fanatical safety consciousness... I've got 10 frickin air bags for the two front seats alone. I can only imagine what awd and 50 more hp add to the turbo x. Just buy from one of the few remaining reputable saab dealers and you'll be okay. Aside from a mechanic's error when I first bought the car, I have had zero problems and I've put 20k on it so far. This is just my $0.02. Instead of the 335i, you could always check out the 135i. Entry level series but still twin turbo etc. I happen to really like the smaller look but it's not for everyone and perhaps everything would be shrunk down too much for your liking.
Sometimes I use words I don't understand in an effort to make myself sound more photosynthesis.
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Re: New car advice
[Re: Ju Chen]
#360856
September 10, 2011 03:13 am UTC
September 10, 2011 03:13 am UTC
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,796 Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Brandon Clement
Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
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Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
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Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
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From riding in an Audi A4, and my dad is looking at buying one. The sound quality of the stereo is absolutely amazing, runs so smooth, the interior and the exterior is so clean.
The 335 is a nice car as well. Great power, great style.
No more Jetta! Tattoo Artist at Lost Anchor
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Re: New car advice
[Re: Brandon Clement]
#361130
September 14, 2011 06:50 pm UTC
September 14, 2011 06:50 pm UTC
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,809 Ottawa, ON
Mike Eng
Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
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Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
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Ottawa, ON
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http://www.camcoacura.com/used/BMW/2008-BMW-328-498c7e07404638d5014d3b519c646788.htmCame in on trade a couple of days ago, thought I would share it with you. I know there's no pics on our website, but I can snap some from my phone if you like. Mike
Last edited by Mike Eng; September 14, 2011 06:53 pm UTC.
'99 GSX GT35R '03 CBR 600RR
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Re: New car advice
[Re: Jakub Kowalczyk]
#362082
September 26, 2011 02:16 pm UTC
September 26, 2011 02:16 pm UTC
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,914 Toronto, Ontario
Jakub Kowalczyk
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Ok, I found a 2008 Saab Turbo X Sport Combi, 6-speed with 60k. I test drove it, and fell in love. The 2.8l Turbo v6, pumps out a cool 280hp and 300ft/lb of tq. Stage 0 ECU upgrade gets the power up to 320hp. It handles amazing due to the XWD and lowered suspension, and 18 inch wheels from factory. It also stops pretty well due to larger brakes. The 6-speed tranny is a bit sloppy. The car was only produced in 2008, and is a special edition, only 600 units were shipped to NA. And I mean what other cool looking AWD wagon options are out there? Given that the car is pretty rare, I am seriously considering this car. It's from Quebec, off lease. It runs fine, holds boost fine, but the body is a little rough. The hood/bumper has lots of rock chips, the rear bumper is scratched and the roof has some marks from a roof rack. I will try to get the dealer to fix the body.
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Re: New car advice
[Re: Jakub Kowalczyk]
#362084
September 26, 2011 02:29 pm UTC
September 26, 2011 02:29 pm UTC
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,796 Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Brandon Clement
Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
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Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
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Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
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A wagon, really?
other cool awd wagon options? How about Subaru?
No more Jetta! Tattoo Artist at Lost Anchor
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Re: New car advice
[Re: Jakub Kowalczyk]
#362091
September 26, 2011 03:17 pm UTC
September 26, 2011 03:17 pm UTC
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,914 Toronto, Ontario
Jakub Kowalczyk
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I am not a big fan of Subaru, the WRX is too small. The only thing that comes close to 300HP is the STI, it's not really a family car. You need to keep in mind that I have two small kids, and a wife that would chop man manhood off if I brought home an STI.
I will continue on negotiating with the dealer, and hopefully I can pull the trigger on this. It's still under the warranty, 5 years/120k.
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Re: New car advice
[Re: Jakub Kowalczyk]
#362170
September 27, 2011 04:06 pm UTC
September 27, 2011 04:06 pm UTC
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,914 Toronto, Ontario
Jakub Kowalczyk
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Thanks for the hint. They want $23800, the retail vaue listed is $26250. In anycase, I really wanted a sportcombi, not the sedan. The exhaust sounds pretty amazing when you punch it, and there is virtually no turbo lag. We'll see what happens...
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Re: New car advice
[Re: Jakub Kowalczyk]
#362401
September 30, 2011 05:30 pm UTC
September 30, 2011 05:30 pm UTC
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,914 Toronto, Ontario
Jakub Kowalczyk
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Sorry Grant, I've already decided it's going to be the Saab Turbo X, as long as I can negotiate what I want from the dealer. I am going there on Saturday for a second look and to make a laundry list of things that I want done. I can't wait to get in it.
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Re: New car advice
[Re: Jakub Kowalczyk]
#362487
October 01, 2011 08:00 pm UTC
October 01, 2011 08:00 pm UTC
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,914 Toronto, Ontario
Jakub Kowalczyk
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Ok, I just pulled the trigger on the Turbo X, sportcombi, 6-speed. [img] http://ps1.cdnmedia.autotrader.ca/8...918232311169420-orig.jpg?w=800&h=600[/img] I'll be picking it up next weekend. I am excited and kind of nervous at the same time....
Last edited by Jakub Kowalczyk; October 01, 2011 08:43 pm UTC.
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Re: New car advice
[Re: Jakub Kowalczyk]
#363160
October 12, 2011 01:45 pm UTC
October 12, 2011 01:45 pm UTC
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,914 Toronto, Ontario
Jakub Kowalczyk
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So I picked it up this weekend...very happy to be back in the turbo world. This beast pulls pretty hard, with quite a bit of turbo lag. I am curious what sized turbo it's packing, since it's a v6 spooling it and it's still got quite a bit of lag.
Can't wait for the tune, 320hp and 400ft/tq .. I've read that someone with a tune only, pumped the new S4 (blown v6?).
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Re: New car advice
[Re: Jakub Kowalczyk]
#363241
October 13, 2011 06:13 pm UTC
October 13, 2011 06:13 pm UTC
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,914 Toronto, Ontario
Jakub Kowalczyk
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Mark, I can't thank you ehough for recommanding the Turbo X. I have never heard of this model before you mentioned it. It's a blast to drive, once you hit full boost and the VTEC (can't remember the exact term) this thing screams. It's a little scary on the highway. The suspension is pretty stiff, which I like. I tried to fishtail in the wet, but there is no way. Now, how do I disable the traction control? ;o) The XWD launches just as hard in the wet and dry. There are many little gadgets that I am yet to figure out what they do. For example, there are what looks like two fog light switches, one turns the fog lights on, the second turns on the fog light icon to amber on the dash, but nothing seems to happen. Short of S4 wagon, this has got to be the coolest wagon out there!
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Re: New car advice
[Re: Jakub Kowalczyk]
#363244
October 13, 2011 06:14 pm UTC
October 13, 2011 06:14 pm UTC
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,914 Toronto, Ontario
Jakub Kowalczyk
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Oh, I think I will travel to get the V-tune...I kind of like the fact that this guy does it on each car individually, and tests it for sometime.
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Re: New car advice
[Re: Jakub Kowalczyk]
#363273
October 13, 2011 11:40 pm UTC
October 13, 2011 11:40 pm UTC
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 758 Peterborough, ON
Mark Bondy
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Peterborough, ON
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Mark, I can't thank you ehough for recommanding the Turbo X. I have never heard of this model before you mentioned it. It's a blast to drive, once you hit full boost and the VTEC (can't remember the exact term) this thing screams. It's a little scary on the highway. The suspension is pretty stiff, which I like. I tried to fishtail in the wet, but there is no way. Now, how do I disable the traction control? ;o) The XWD launches just as hard in the wet and dry. There are many little gadgets that I am yet to figure out what they do. For example, there are what looks like two fog light switches, one turns the fog lights on, the second turns on the fog light icon to amber on the dash, but nothing seems to happen. Short of S4 wagon, this has got to be the coolest wagon out there! Hey Jakub, no worries! I think it's really cool that you actually went through with it, it's an awesome car and yours looks really cool for a wagon! You can disable traction control with the press of a button on the dash next to the radio BUT it comes back on automatically after you hit... 60km/hr I think? The second fog light switch is for the rear fogs... they light up red in the back, makes it easier for people to see you when they're coming up from behind you in bad weather. Does your car have the little button under the side mirror switch that tilts the passenger mirror down to the curb for parallel parking? That's pretty cool. Or seat memory? Love that feature. Or the cooled area in the glove box? Can't live without that on long trips. Or the Nightpanel feature that turns off all interior lights except the speedometer!? Must have! Enjoy it, man. And update when you get the Vtuners!! I like the fact that he can tune for lower octane gas, as I mostly use 91 AND that he tunes every car individually which is awesome!! Doesn't he just do it remotely though? I don't think you need to travel there to have it done...
Sometimes I use words I don't understand in an effort to make myself sound more photosynthesis.
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