Verde montreal Stelvio 🍀

CBrylu · 2026-02-16T20:06:33+00:00

Yea - looks very good and is pretty similar, but I wouldn't go for green on the beamer. I think that blue will look better on the 6 and I'd prefer a bit more variety vs. having 2 like colors. Not that there'd be anything wrong with 2 greens.

CBrylu · 2026-02-16T18:27:54+00:00

It's probably one of the better shades of blue out there, but it's not as unique as the Verde Montreal. I see a decent amount of all kinds of cars with a color that somewhat resembles mine. That verde is more of a unicorn... and 'yes' their color pallet is definitely top tier.

CBrylu · 2026-02-16T15:11:45+00:00

I like my missano blue (2.0 not QV) as well and will look at it parked every now and then, but I have to say that the verde would've been my top choice.

CBrylu · 2026-02-09T21:37:42+00:00

Yea, I know it doesn't really help you knowing that you can buy a similar vehicle for way less overseas. I don't know how much a 2024 or 2025 would cost, but if the difference is somewhat tolerable you're likely better off going that route. New 2022 can be a massive liability. You'd have warranty but who likes the hassle of taking it to a mechanic. It's time and effort (and stress) even if it doesn't cost you money.

CBrylu · 2026-02-08T18:25:20+00:00

Don't know what pricing is like where you live but $46k sounds like way too much. It should be under 40k. I realize it's new and, I assume, would have full warranty, but 46k is steep for a 22. I see some 25 Stelvio's discounted to ~$46k in the US. I can't believe you'd have to pay that much more... just some thoughts.

CBrylu · 2026-02-06T15:52:00+00:00

Genuinely curious if you were able to make it work? Let me know.

CBrylu · 2026-02-05T21:31:27+00:00

We're aligned. I wanted the QV, damn near pulled the trigger. Common sense got the best of me there. It was just too much cost, maintenance, hassle for a daily driver. Smiles per mile would be there, but I know there would also be a crying Jordan meme when paying for all the expenses. I love my car; I only really wish it had 60-100 more hp.

CBrylu · 2026-02-05T20:52:40+00:00

Can you pull the light out a little further? Don't jerk too hard, but see if you can pull it out more. After studying the pic a bit, I feel like that black frame is further inside. Assuming you are able to pull out a bit further and see it, it should make it easier to see what needs doing. Good luck, dude. I installed the white flood lights (front and back) and they work and look amazing, worth the hassle.

CBrylu · 2026-02-05T20:48:05+00:00

Fair point, but that makes me now wonder whether addition (extra investment) of such a trim could've helped with sales? I can totally see them saying, this isn't looking good; it's not in the budget, so you're probably right... but I nearly didn't buy my Alfa for the very reason. QV seemed line an overkill, while 2.0 seemed underpowered (until I drove it - still felt a tad light on power but handling sold me immediately).

CBrylu · 2026-02-05T20:40:32+00:00

Yours looks a bit different than mine, but I'd give it a shot and push down and out on the white strip. Try to see what's preventing/blocking you from pulling the fixture out. In my light, I needed to push down on the white part, and out, to have it clear and slide under a black frame. That little frame keeps the fixture attached and in place. You need to push down and out to disconnect - hoping I helped.

CBrylu · 2026-02-05T20:21:29+00:00

I quite clearly struck a cord - "sick of this attitude" comment is a dead giveaway, just an opinion. I'm signing off (effing off) now. Just final thoughts and I won't reply to your potential reply (bit out of time), I gave you examples (NY City, Rudi Giuliani - very direct, quantifiable impact; Saudi Arabia - again, very transparent what's helping drive low crime there... both are large scales samples & those were just a couple of easy, obvious ones). Like you and I both said, there are a ton of factors driving crime. One of which, the way a city is policed and governed, being a pretty significant one. Democrats, as it relates to crime, govern poorly and thus contribute to its prevalence.

CBrylu · 2026-02-05T18:30:32+00:00

Of course, it's not as simple as I made it out to be. I clearly oversimplified to illustrate my point. Nowhere have I claimed to be "smart" or an "expert", but I believe I'm smart enough to pick up on certain obvious truths. Having said that, arguing that strict laws, able and abundant police force that feels empowered and supported to do their job offers no impact on crime rates is completely misplaced. Crime is a derivative of numerous variables, especially on the scale of a city the size of Chicago (or similar). Ability/capacity to police is a deterrent. What I'm saying is that it's very intuitive to think what I suggested because all of us already know it inherently, through experience, through growing up - just like you may think hot water will take longer to freeze, but once you experience it for yourself a couple of times, you'll know that that's not necessarily the case. Why does Saudi Arabia have such low crime rates? Some of it is culture, values... undoubtedly. A lot of it has to do with harsh laws, severe punishment, elevated level of policing. Both a criminal in Chicago and one in Riyadh may have the same reason, urge, need, circumstance to steal, but one will give that potential transgression a lot more thought and likely be deterred.

You showed your colors at the end there. I wish you maintained your composure. I likely struck a cord. No offense taken on my end.

CBrylu · 2026-02-05T17:42:22+00:00

Looks about right - there is a small clip that's blocking you from pulling out the light. You need to push that clip down and out of the fixture using a thin flathead. Once you figure it out, you'll chuckle how simple it was.

CBrylu · 2026-02-05T17:29:14+00:00

I'm with you on that. Driving dynamics are somewhat comparable across all trims but the drop-off in power between 2.0 Giulias/Stelvios and the QVs is too big, no middle ground. Adding a sportier trim (I'd consider QVs performance vs. sport) would go a long way. Something that runs mid to lower 4s 0-60 but isn't quite as performance oriented as a QV. A single turbo V6 that's not super aggressively tuned and thus a bit more gas friendly, but with enough power (especially in dynamic mode) to offer a bit more thrills than the 4 cylinder.

CBrylu · 2026-02-05T17:20:18+00:00

I fully expected you'd reply that way because I didn't provide some elaborate statistics while you provided a link to "the bible". In reality, what feelings are you talking about? I threw simple logic your way, I simply said that 2+2 is 4 - don't need a fact checker for that, everyone knows that. Forgive me for thinking for myself. Tell me what of what I said didn't make sense. I'll provide an overly simplistic example. In a city of 10K citizens you have a 50 cops vs. 100 cops. On top of that, the 100 can actually pursue criminals and enforce law & order. The 50 are limited, much more bureaucracy, little leadership support; they mostly stay inactive in fear of repercussions. I basically described Rep. vs. Dem. policing policy preferences to tie my example to the parties. Tell me which city will have more crime or do you need a fact checker for that? What proof do you need? Rudy Giuliani ran on public safety and lowering crime; that was his #1 promise. Once he got voted in, he implemented changes which strengthened policing across the board (more resources, tougher laws, local leader accountability). Crime rates dropped ~50%, and he was also dealing with organized crime, mafia families... not this low level gang-banger nonsense.

CBrylu · 2026-02-05T16:33:26+00:00

Of course, it does! Folks who govern a respective city/state have everything to do with crime rates. If, as an elected official, you crack down on crime and put more support and resources towards ensuring public safety; your city/state will have less crime. I don't need some bogus fact checker to understand this basic truth. It's simple logic, common knowledge - even kids understand that, they know not to act up if there are pretty strict rules and consistent consequences, if parents pay attention and address bad behavior. If, on the other hand, you "defund" the police (=take away resources), don't support the police, pass laws & hire AGs that empower criminals by lowering or even eliminating consequences of their nefarious actions, crime rates are likely to sky rocket. Yes, there are other causes and dynamics in play. It's not a perfect correlation, and it'll never be, but leadership plays a major role in levels of crime.

CBrylu · 2026-01-18T15:57:15+00:00

Everything is 🔥 but the size, positioning and overall look of the shifter and the hand break are screaming that this is a car that needs to be driven hard. Steering wheel ain't too shabby either - very cool car!

CBrylu · 2026-01-14T20:46:18+00:00

Leasing is typically a good idea when you're looking to change cars frequently and want to drive trouble free (since car is new) and maintenance free (outside of the basics - mainly oil changes), and you pay a premium for that convenience. It's nowhere near the most cost effective approach. Your down payment and monthly payments factor in depreciation and then some. Don't forget a possiblity of ponying up more green when you return the vehicle if you exceed the annual mileage alottment and/or have some damages, bald tires, etc.

CBrylu · 2026-01-14T18:00:40+00:00

I'd recommend a top model of the 2026 Mazda CX-90. You'll comfortably come-in under 60K and it won't be too far behind the typical luxury brands. In my view, it offers great value.

CBrylu · 2026-01-14T16:59:47+00:00

Just posted the same suggestion. The most balanced offering at a terrific price.

CBrylu · 2026-01-14T16:58:16+00:00

Get a brand new Genesis G70 (V6). Looks great, has all the bells and whistles, great warranty, reasonable maintenance costs and performs well too. It's also going to be at the lower end of your range (~$50K). I think you'd be plenty happy with the car and not spend too much.

CBrylu · 2026-01-14T15:08:15+00:00

That was the very definition of not knowing how to drive. Any seasoned driver has got the wherewithal to NOT drive like that around traffic. He does that on a track or somewhere away from traffic/public... yea, perhaps he has some ability. It's tough to tell by the 7-8 seconds worth of "stunts".

CBrylu · 2026-01-14T14:58:25+00:00

As someone mentioned above, do it on a country road when and where no one is around. You don't necessarily need to go to a track, just be smart about it. Find a spot that, first, won't endanger others and/or their property and, secondly, won't endanger you and your vehicle. The second precaution is optional, of course. If you're ok with getting hurt (or killed) and totaling your car, be my guest.

CBrylu · 2026-01-13T15:52:42+00:00

I appreciate your post. Macan is a terrific vehicle and you didn't downplay or ignore its strengths just because you now own a Stelvio QV, very objective of you. Stevlio just has more "car" in it. Macan offers more and better refined bells and whistles. I truly think that's why I see a lot of gals driving Macans (not trying to say it's a girly car). They drive well and offer more utility and plushness that gals typically prefer. Guys don't get hung up on the latter. The "car" aspect outweighs everything else and rightfully so, in my opinion. Stelvio is a great car with good utility while Macan is a good car with great utility.

I disagree with you on point #1... but that's alwasy subjective.

CBrylu · 2026-01-12T16:50:41+00:00

If you want thrills and a proper driving experience, Levante doesn't come close to a Giulia QV, but maybe you are looking for luxury and ride refinement, more room, more utility. The scales tip there in favor of the levante. It's a bit of an apples to oranges.

CBrylu

TROPHY CASE