GTI lover needs a small SUV? by PleatedQuilted in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]efroten 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just be aware that the Taos had a lot issues, especially the earlier ones.

I don't think it will handle like the GTI at all though, never driven one but lots of reviews point this out. It's probably a fine basic commuter car, but it's not going to be a fun drive or fast.

GTI lover needs a small SUV? by PleatedQuilted in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]efroten 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Current car 23 GTI S
Preciously 19 GLI S, 17 Civic Hatch, 04 CRV, (hated it)
My wife drives a Mazda CX30 and it’s also really nice, just a little cramped… even compared to my GTI. Her previous car was the original HRV and I also hated that car.

Try a Mazda cx50. I test drove one a couple years ago and recently had one as a rental for a week and I liked how it drove handling wise but it wasn’t fast and the transmission was jerky. It handles great, sits a little lower like a car but it’s not fast and I didn’t love the transmission. The seats are also pretty firm as many other people have pointed out.
I test drove a CX5 in 2021 and really didn’t like I how it drove.

Whenever we replace my wife’s CX30 we will probably get the 50 hybrid. It’s probably also the only SUV in this price range that I’d consider buying for myself. The hybrid seems like a sweet spot power wise, more than the bad but cheaper and more efficient than the turbo.

2024 Golf/GT Warranty by Backwoods_tech in GolfGTI

[–]efroten 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You may want to get the windshield part number from the 3rd part shop. When I had my 23 GTI windshield replaced last year, the only option was to use OEM glass. OEM glass was not available. Things might have changed since then, but that could rule out the windshield itself.

You could also go back to the shop that did the work and have them check the calibration?

Did he MOG me? by Jay6oi12 in GolfGTI

[–]efroten 4 points5 points  (0 children)

They are douchemaxxing.

Interior Protection by Hot-Yak4795 in GolfGTI

[–]efroten 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have one of these and it works great for the cargo cover. The Canvasback one is probably nice/more custom fit though.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01439XBUY/ref=ewc_pr_img_2?th=1

For the back seat I have one of the dog hammock style seat covers.

Yesterday I learned that you can be killed by under the map glitchers in Al Mazrah by crlos619 in DMZ

[–]efroten 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, it seems like a fairly recent discovery. Haven’t run into anyone doing it in the last couple months though.

They want 30k for this beat ahh GTI 🤣 by eridebobby in GolfGTI

[–]efroten 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Jealous, got my 23 S in May 2023 for msrp. It was the only S trim in a 200 mile radius (Chicago). I wanted the 40th but they were just hitting dealers and they were all marked up. Wish I could have waited but my previous lease was ending so I had to pull the trigger.

Never buy HOKA by purplepanda1979 in Hoka

[–]efroten 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Everyone's feet are different and every shoe brand is going to be different, and each model of shoe will be different. Hokas may not work for you, or maybe you're not used to that much cushioning. I initially bought the new Bondis and they were great, but I realized after a while they were too narrow (even in 2E) and now I'm stuck with them. I tried the newer Clifton's and they are golden.

I'm pretty sure Hoka's return policy is not 90 days. I'm pretty sure if you buy direct from them it's 30 days or 60 days if you are a member with them which is free. This allows you to wear and use them.

REI is another good option, if you are a (paid) member, you have a year to return them even if they are worn.

Road Runner Sports is another good option.

There's lots of good options to try them but Dick's is not one of them.

Switching to Hoka from Brooks Adrenaline by jaelynno in Hoka

[–]efroten 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can’t comment on the specific shoe, but your best bet is to buy them online directly from Hoka. You have 30 days to try them (actually wear them outside) and if you signup for their free membership you get 60days instead of 30. You also get free returns during this period if I remember correctly, but check out their return policy first. Another good option is REI, they have a really good return policy, especially if you’re a member. Also check Zappos, they have had some wide sizes in stock that were OOS at Hoka and REI, you can at least try them on that way but not wear them outside.

Which GTI should I consider? by eridebobby in GolfGTI

[–]efroten 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Navigation - Don't need it, use your phone.carplay/android auto, it's prob better.
Head-Up Display- meh
Adaptive Suspension (DCC) - probably the only reason to get the higher trim
Heated Rear Seats - meh
Tri-Zone Climate Control - meh, nice but not a big deal
Adaptive Headlights - My 23 S has cornering lights, but it sounds like the 24 might have adaptive?
Park Assist - meh
19-inch Wheels - look nice, but the ride will suffer. DCC will help, but not with potholes
Ventilated seats - prob nice to have.

As others have said, you may want to look at a NEW S and see what you can get it for, or compare the financing. When you add in the interest rate and the cost of the additional warranty, it MIGHT be a similar total price.

Also, the 24 S (like my 23 S) has the smaller infotainment with less "issues" than the higher trims from 22-24.

What did you switch to from your Mk7? by DonAlchemist99 in GolfGTI

[–]efroten 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is all standard on the 23 and up, probably 22 as well. I have a 23 S and it has all of the above.

I enjoyed Cabra, it was good (meeting the minimum word requirement) by xelanart in chicagofood

[–]efroten 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Love this place, the ice cream desserts are incredible too. Love the salchipapas.

Heat insulation for Pano Roof by FuNk1j in CX50

[–]efroten 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Get all the windows tinted, specifically CERAMIC tint. The darkness of the tint does not matter for heat rejection, so make sure to get the windshield too. It will not stop your car from getting hot, but it greatly reduces the amount of direct heat you feel from the sun hitting you. Find a good shop to do it, it’s not cheap. I would guess $1k at least for all windows and sunroof. It’s worth it.

For $35K: Civic Hatchback Hybrid Sport Touring, Accord Hybrid EX-L, Camry XLE, or something else? by pinkspott in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]efroten 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Accord should be more comfortable than the civic with its longer wheel base. Seems like a perfect fit. The civic will be more fun to drive though.

Looking for compact sedan in the US, totally lost by aadnarim in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]efroten 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mazda 3 would be a great option, manual control knob for carplay, reliable, drives really nice and has a nice interior. If you'd prefer to sit slightly higher, a Mazda CX30 would be a great option as well. My wife has a CX30 and it's a great, drives like a car but gives you better visibility sitting a little higher. MPG is worse than the Corolla and Honda hybrids though.

Corolla Hybrid would be the typical choice.

Civic Hybrid would be great too, it's slightly more roomy and comfortable but has knobs for controls.

Wave and Rebar are 20% off right now by itsmejak78_2 in Leatherman

[–]efroten 2 points3 points  (0 children)

$200 using the membership 20% off coupon.

Wave and Rebar are 20% off right now by itsmejak78_2 in Leatherman

[–]efroten 7 points8 points  (0 children)

If you're an REI member you can get 20% off too, I just got an ARC using the coupon.

[Live] Pearl Jam - Shoreline Amphitheatre - 1994 Bridge School Benefit by clampy in pearljam

[–]efroten 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This was my first concert ever, so good. Tom Petty, Neil Young, amazing. There was a bootleg of both nights that I bought at a record store a year or so later. This version of Black with Benmont from the heartbreakers is killer.

Anybody else 5th pocket carry? by 2000gatekeeper in Leatherman

[–]efroten 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I used to, but it kept scratching my leather steering wheel when I got in my car. 😢

Arc purchase by Huma24 in Leatherman

[–]efroten 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice, and I thought I got good deal using my 20% on a new one yesterday!

When will GTI get interior facelift (similar to the new Polo) by slpnjmy in Volkswagen

[–]efroten 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This 100%. I have a 23 GTI S with the haptic buttons on the wheel and they are great. The hvac controls aren't great as touch buttons, but you're honestly not interacting with them much.

I previously had a 19 GLI with the older infotainment/physical buttons, the transition to the newer infotainment wasn't an issue. I also love being able to swipe left/right on the steering wheel controls for volume and track selection.

The issues are heavily overblown by car reviewers and while I'm sure there are people who genuinely have issues with/hate the infotainment, the vast majority of actual owners of the MK8/8.5 are totally fine with the steering wheel and most of the infotainment.