SSOTT

[minn19]

Originally Posted by Arcades

It was fun. Basically my home.

I go back basically for my cousin now so. It has its perks, things are close and handy.

What isn't fun is the long ass flight. Ugh

I've got a coworker/buddy whose wife is Taiwanese and he has told me about the flights to get there. it doesn't sound fun at all. That's a good one to save miles for an upgrade to or splurge for first class.

[Arcades]

Originally Posted by minn19

I've got a coworker/buddy whose wife is Taiwanese and he has told me about the flights to get there. it doesn't sound fun at all. That's a good one to save miles for an upgrade to or splurge for first class.

I flew back in Economy Premium this time so it was slightly better. I have had always done window seat but I realized this time in my flight back that, in my age I really cannot sit for 10 - 14 hours anymore. It actually harms my body. Had a fun little visit to the hospital because of it on the way there (more on that later). If I am to do this again I need isle seat so I can get up and move otherwise the trip is too much.

Also seeing "real" 2er and a bunch of hatchbacks are fun. I actually saw a RS3 Hatchback, which I have never seen. The car looks actually a proper size. Then there are the BMW 2er Active Tourer aka BMW Mini Van. A lot more of the 2er Active Tourer than the Benz counter parts, so that's fun. Just.. a lot of hatchbacks. Also the great Benz A45, which I want... arg. Saw 1 GLA 45 too which is neat. They have both there.

P.S. I flew to and back in Economy Premium

[Arcades]

Since everyone is busyish, I'll do a bit of… posting today~ I'll start with my daily search. I started aiming at Accord 2.0T, primarily because there is a Honda dealership that is owned by a friend of mine and I figured, why not? It is a daily, I prefer it not to be something I cherish so I won't be as overly anal about keeping it pristine. As I returned from Taipei, I figured to go visit and see how the car is.

After a much longer than anticipated Apple Store visit, I dropped over towards the dealership, spoke with a few of my contacts and got into an Accord Sport 2.0T w/ 10 Speed Auto. Few thoughts!

- Car is noticeably long. As in I definitely notice the length of the car. You won't feel it while driving in a straight line (obviously) but any sort of turns, or parking or any of that sort, you immediately feel the size of the car. Just as an info, a 440i is a 182.6", a BMW 540i is about 194.6" long, and an Accord is 192.2" long. So yes, the Accord is nearly as long as a 540i, short by 2 inches. Noticeably longer than a 4er and you most definitely feel the car as it turns. It's long.

- As a lot of little perks I like. 10 Speed Auto is okay but it definitely doesn't shift like a ZF Auto. In just normal, the shifts are good but again due to the size of the car, you feel the car. Accord doesn't hide its size or weight very well. It's a strange feeling. In Sport mode, it does feel better and the exhaust is far more aggressive. It is, sporty lol. If it's in Normal or Eco, the car feels slightly sluggish if you try to punch it (sort to speak).

- Gas and Brake paddle feels stiffer than I had anticipated. That threw me for a loop for the initial drive since I didn't expect it to be weighted so heavily. Not like an old Audi or VW stiff but it is there. Just figured I threw that in there. Though, I definitely wish I had more time with the brake peddle. More and more now a days I been focusing on braking of cars because of the idiotic drivers in LA. I want to be able to brake in a dime of need be. Couldn't really test that with the Accord so that sort of sucked.

- Car looks good from the front angle and side profile, looks strange from the direct rear end.

- Very roomy, like very roomy. Liked that part. Considering how long the damn car is, it better be roomy.

- Android Auto/Apple Carplay seems to be missing from Sport Trim and down. Navigation is on the top trim of Touring. Normally I won't care for Android Auto or Apple Carplay but no Navigation and only BT means you have to just use your phone only. Which, is a bit of a bummer. I mean, I don't tend to complain about Android Auto or Apple Carplay since I think it's completely overrated but, with this, have to complain just a little.

- I like the headlights since it is on the Acura. Really do like the LED design.

- Infotainment is pretty good. The new design is definitely better. Having physical buttons as well as touch seems to be a very good idea. I also like it because it doesn't feel like a cope out like they tried to copy a BMW iDrive like what Mazda did. It is their own design or close to it and that earns a plus in my book. Originality.

- Driving position and cockpit feels good. It is way better than what I have been in with the new Camry. New Camry feels way too enclosed, didn't like that feeling, the car didn't feel roomy. Accord is definitely roomy.

I'm not really sure about the size because with the Accord, I definitely feel the size and I wish that wasn't the case. I think it has something to do with the transmission as it might not be able to completely hide the size of the car. In that regard, I think the German cars will always be better because the transmission is better. No matter what reviewers say, a ZF will be better than a 10 Speed Auto. Who wants to slam past 10 gears anyway? I know it's weird but something about the car bothers me and I can't put my finger on what it is. Maybe it's because I'm used to more nimble cars or German/European cars. Who knows. My complaints are mainly on the small side since, it's all little nip bits here and there but I honestly do not know. There is something small that bothers me.

[Captain Blood]

Originally Posted by Arcades

Since everyone is busyish, I'll do a bit of… posting today~ I'll start with my daily search. I started aiming at Accord 2.0T, primarily because there is a Honda dealership that is owned by a friend of mine and I figured, why not? It is a daily, I prefer it not to be something I cherish so I won't be as overly anal about keeping it pristine. As I returned from Taipei, I figured to go visit and see how the car is.

After a much longer than anticipated Apple Store visit, I dropped over towards the dealership, spoke with a few of my contacts and got into an Accord Sport 2.0T w/ 10 Speed Auto. Few thoughts!

- Car is noticeably long. As in I definitely notice the length of the car. You won't feel it while driving in a straight line (obviously) but any sort of turns, or parking or any of that sort, you immediately feel the size of the car. Just as an info, a 440i is a 182.6", a BMW 540i is about 194.6" long, and an Accord is 192.2" long. So yes, the Accord is nearly as long as a 540i, short by 2 inches. Noticeably longer than a 4er and you most definitely feel the car as it turns. It's long.

- As a lot of little perks I like. 10 Speed Auto is okay but it definitely doesn't shift like a ZF Auto. In just normal, the shifts are good but again due to the size of the car, you feel the car. Accord doesn't hide its size or weight very well. It's a strange feeling. In Sport mode, it does feel better and the exhaust is far more aggressive. It is, sporty lol. If it's in Normal or Eco, the car feels slightly sluggish if you try to punch it (sort to speak).

- Gas and Brake paddle feels stiffer than I had anticipated. That threw me for a loop for the initial drive since I didn't expect it to be weighted so heavily. Not like an old Audi or VW stiff but it is there. Just figured I threw that in there. Though, I definitely wish I had more time with the brake peddle. More and more now a days I been focusing on braking of cars because of the idiotic drivers in LA. I want to be able to brake in a dime of need be. Couldn't really test that with the Accord so that sort of sucked.

- Car looks good from the front angle and side profile, looks strange from the direct rear end.

- Very roomy, like very roomy. Liked that part. Considering how long the damn car is, it better be roomy.

- Android Auto/Apple Carplay seems to be missing from Sport Trim and down. Navigation is on the top trim of Touring. Normally I won't care for Android Auto or Apple Carplay but no Navigation and only BT means you have to just use your phone only. Which, is a bit of a bummer. I mean, I don't tend to complain about Android Auto or Apple Carplay since I think it's completely overrated but, with this, have to complain just a little.

- I like the headlights since it is on the Acura. Really do like the LED design.

- Infotainment is pretty good. The new design is definitely better. Having physical buttons as well as touch seems to be a very good idea. I also like it because it doesn't feel like a cope out like they tried to copy a BMW iDrive like what Mazda did. It is their own design or close to it and that earns a plus in my book. Originality.

- Driving position and cockpit feels good. It is way better than what I have been in with the new Camry. New Camry feels way too enclosed, didn't like that feeling, the car didn't feel roomy. Accord is definitely roomy.

I'm not really sure about the size because with the Accord, I definitely feel the size and I wish that wasn't the case. I think it has something to do with the transmission as it might not be able to completely hide the size of the car. In that regard, I think the German cars will always be better because the transmission is better. No matter what reviewers say, a ZF will be better than a 10 Speed Auto. Who wants to slam past 10 gears anyway? I know it's weird but something about the car bothers me and I can't put my finger on what it is. Maybe it's because I'm used to more nimble cars or German/European cars. Who knows. My complaints are mainly on the small side since, it's all little nip bits here and there but I honestly do not know. There is something small that bothers me.

2 words:
Torque steer

Does the car have a good low end power? Compared to a big V-6?

We've owned a few Hondas, they've actually been good cars.

[Arcades]

Originally Posted by Real Dodger

2 words:
Torque steer

Does the car have a good low end power? Compared to a big V-6?

We've owned a few Hondas, they've actually been good cars.

I wasn't able to get a good idea about the Torque Steer mainly because I never got a chance to. Driving on the street with a lot of traffic doesn't really grant you the ability to test it. I am also not really the type to drive a car hard if it isn't mine (I only do that with BMW Driving Events hehe)

Low end power is good for the street. I won't guess for the freeway since I didn't drive on said freeway. I didn't feel any initial turbo lag but, again not really enough time to test it to see. I have driven enough of my father's "company" Prius, 4th gen, that I get to feel some of the initial torque steer when I put it in Power Mode but it is still a Prius and that car isn't going to blow your mind.

Have read enough that the 2.0T is the way to go for this gen if you come from higher end cars. I won't guess on the 1.5T or Hybrid because that is not even going to be considered in my eyes. I am NOT driving a CVT if it's my actual daily.

I want to see if I can get anything on the Giulia before deciding. Accord is a big car though so.

[Captain Blood]

Originally Posted by Arcades

I wasn't able to get a good idea about the Torque Steer mainly because I never got a chance to. Driving on the street with a lot of traffic doesn't really grant you the ability to test it. I am also not really the type to drive a car hard if it isn't mine (I only do that with BMW Driving Events hehe)

Low end power is good for the street. I won't guess for the freeway since I didn't drive on said freeway. I didn't feel any initial turbo lag but, again not really enough time to test it to see. I have driven enough of my father's "company" Prius, 4th gen, that I get to feel some of the initial torque steer when I put it in Power Mode but it is still a Prius and that car isn't going to blow your mind.

Have read enough that the 2.0T is the way to go for this gen if you come from higher end cars. I won't guess on the 1.5T or Hybrid because that is not even going to be considered in my eyes. I am NOT driving a CVT if it's my actual daily.

I want to see if I can get anything on the Giulia before deciding. Accord is a big car though so.

I had a cvt on my maxima. I had no problems with it. The car was fast, especially on the freeway, and got good gas mileage. I like the idea of the turbo over the 3.5.

[Arcades]

Originally Posted by Real Dodger

I had a cvt on my maxima. I had no problems with it. The car was fast, especially on the freeway, and got good gas mileage. I like the idea of the turbo over the 3.5.

I am not a fan of CVTs. I don't like the feel of it.

[minn19]

Originally Posted by Arcades

I am not a fan of CVTs. I don't like the feel of it.

Agreed.

[minn19]

Lups Kimi!

[Arcades]

Originally Posted by minn19

Agreed.

Guess I am more used to European brands than I thought.

P.S. This dealership near me STILL has a 17 Giulia QV left on the lot.

[MrPrena]

Originally Posted by minn19

Lups Kimi!

I rarely get to watch F1 thesedays (once every year ish), but Kimi really no abolutely shows no emotions. Good to see V10 era driver winning for once.

http://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/...y-life-one-bit

[Lups]

Originally Posted by minn19

Lups Kimi!

My father-in-law is one weird dude.

I have zero voice now, and we are building a floor atm so he is taking this opportunity to do a second by second reenactment of the race. I mean, now he's on lap twenty. He does this with movies too at times, even a soft porn movie he watched the night before (i will never, ever forget that tiling session) and now I can't shout at him to stop talking!

I fucking hate F1 and kimi is now on my permanent shit list.

[minn19]

Originally Posted by Lups

My father-in-law is one weird dude.

I have zero voice now, and we are building a floor atm so he is taking this opportunity to do a second by second reenactment of the race. I mean, now he's on lap twenty. He does this with movies too at times, even a soft porn movie he watched the night before (i will never, ever forget that tiling session) and now I can't shout at him to stop talking!

I fucking hate F1 and kimi is now on my permanent shit list.

Are all of your guys Mr Personality like him in Finland?

At least Granlund and Koivu that play for our local NHL team smile or get mad once in awhile. By the way, my daughter doesn't think Granlund sounds Finnish enough, is it a fairly common name there or not so much?

[minn19]

Installed my AA mid pipe and Remus exhaust combo this weekend. I can finally say that I legitimately like the sound out of a M3/4 now. Nice deep tone and no rasp/drone. I love it and when I get my stereo done and I'll really love the car overall as well.

[Lups]

Originally Posted by minn19

Are all of your guys Mr Personality like him in Finland?

At least Granlund and Koivu that play for our local NHL team smile or get mad once in awhile. By the way, my daughter doesn't think Granlund sounds Finnish enough, is it a fairly common name there or not so much?

Finland has two official languages, Finnish and Swedish. That is a Swedish name, but common in Finland since we all have to study their stupid language, which is cruel because if there is one language anyone can master it's Swedish and we finns on the other hand have the hardest one of them all as our burden.

[minn19]

Originally Posted by Arcades

Guess I am more used to European brands than I thought.

P.S. This dealership near me STILL has a 17 Giulia QV left on the lot.

The dealer I was looking at that wouldn't budge on price still have the same 8 on their lot as well. They've went from the 4-5k off they were offering me to advertising them at 8k off. Too little and to late. It still isn't going to be enough to move them now with winter knocking on the door. Meanwhile, I got a little over 12 off on my M3 with an extra set of tires thrown in in the middle of August when they were standing firm with their offer. Very happy for once with myself/decision.

https://www.schmelzalfaromeo.com/inv.../Quadrifoglio/

Edit: I guess I shouldn't laugh, but they ended up being so arrogant about the car (QV) and how dominant it is/was over the M3 and thus worth the extra money it is a little hard not to. It is overall a better car than the M3, but not that much better etc.

[Captain Blood]

Originally Posted by minn19

The dealer I was looking at that wouldn't budge on price still have the same 8 on their lot as well. They've went from the 4-5k off they were offering me to advertising them at 8k off. Too little and to late. It still isn't going to be enough to move them now with winter knocking on the door. Meanwhile, I got a little over 12 off on my M3 with an extra set of tires thrown in in the middle of August when they were standing firm with their offer. Very happy for once with myself/decision.

https://www.schmelzalfaromeo.com/inv.../Quadrifoglio/

Edit: I guess I shouldn't laugh, but they ended up being so arrogant about the car (QV) and how dominant it is/was over the M3 and thus worth the extra money it is a little hard not to. It is overall a better car than the M3, but not that much better etc.

Better when not in the shop?

[Arcades]

Originally Posted by minn19

The dealer I was looking at that wouldn't budge on price still have the same 8 on their lot as well. They've went from the 4-5k off they were offering me to advertising them at 8k off. Too little and to late. It still isn't going to be enough to move them now with winter knocking on the door. Meanwhile, I got a little over 12 off on my M3 with an extra set of tires thrown in in the middle of August when they were standing firm with their offer. Very happy for once with myself/decision.

https://www.schmelzalfaromeo.com/inv.../Quadrifoglio/

Edit: I guess I shouldn't laugh, but they ended up being so arrogant about the car (QV) and how dominant it is/was over the M3 and thus worth the extra money it is a little hard not to. It is overall a better car than the M3, but not that much better etc.

Giulia QV is better in the sense the car handles the road very well and has some feels to it the F80 M3 lacks.

But that is a very slim margin we are generally speaking about. Very, slim. So dealerships talking up the QV thinking we don't know our stuff always makes me chuckle. Cars like the M3, Giulia QV, C63S are all different in their own way and at the end it's honestly a preference thing. That is really all there is to it.

[minn19]

Originally Posted by Arcades

Giulia QV is better in the sense the car handles the road very well and has some feels to it the F80 M3 lacks.

But that is a very slim margin we are generally speaking about. Very, slim. So dealerships talking up the QV thinking we don't know our stuff always makes me chuckle. Cars like the M3, Giulia QV, C63S are all different in their own way and at the end it's honestly a preference thing. That is really all there is to it.

Agreed, I’ll give the QV the nod to power and acceleration as well. But, as you said IMO the differences between a ZCP M3/4 and a QV really aren’t that large.

[minn19]

Lups, hey I know you are busy as hell with the house, but I could use your help on something. PM me your email if you don’t mind, thanks. If you are too busy with the house, I totally understand.

[Arcades]

Originally Posted by minn19

Lups, hey I know you are busy as hell with the house, but I could use your help on something. PM me your email if you don’t mind, thanks. If you are too busy with the house, I totally understand.

Uh oh! Is this a bad thing too?

There are too many bad news in the world now a days.

I also agree with the QV. I'm more annoyed with people hyping up cars when the difference is minor enough that most general public gives 0 fucks. Remember the Caddy ATS-V? lol Apparently not after every reviewer seem to hype up the car's driving dynamics. Then.... ?!?!

[minn19]

Originally Posted by Arcades

Uh oh! Is this a bad thing too?

There are too many bad news in the world now a days.

I also agree with the QV. I'm more annoyed with people hyping up cars when the difference is minor enough that most general public gives 0 fucks. Remember the Caddy ATS-V? lol Apparently not after every reviewer seem to hype up the car's driving dynamics. Then.... ?!?!

No, just something minorly embarrassing that I need help/advice with.

Agreed on the car thing. Everybody focuses on different things and if you buy into the latest and greatest over what you want/works for you, you’ll probably end up being disappointed in the end.

As I’ve said though, I’m really glad BMW revamped the ZCP suspension and MDM modes so well, because when I left for the GT350, I pretty much ended up hating my 15 M3/4. Couple that with my wife’s boring as hell 428 GC, I was really down on the brand.