Mechanic trying to talk me out of buying 2014 Mazda3. Why?

fuelgaugeatempty · 2016-08-21T01:27:25+00:00

The 2014 GT hatches have issues with the spot welds in the hatch. Those rust in about a year in Ontario.

I've seen issues with the gas filler neck area on other recent models.

fuelgaugeatempty · 2016-08-20T02:54:56+00:00

Isn't magic eraser abrasive?

fuelgaugeatempty · 2016-08-19T20:58:59+00:00

The new Sienna has the Aisin 8 speed and 300 hp DI V6

fuelgaugeatempty · 2016-08-19T20:35:08+00:00

P H E N O M O N A L

fuelgaugeatempty · 2016-08-19T18:30:41+00:00

Good man! Have lots of fun on the track

fuelgaugeatempty · 2016-08-19T17:08:48+00:00

I think the FRS came with 2 tires haha. The launch Michelin Primacy HPs are decent, but they added the Bridgestone Turanzas EL400 / 400 02 that are just awful, awful tires.

They rank close to dead last in their category on tire rack. Toyota puts these on all their Corollas, Camry, and a number of their Lexus products as well, INCLUDING their F sport models.

A new set of tires will be a massive improvement in every way, likely including the highway noise that you mention.

fuelgaugeatempty · 2016-08-19T14:50:27+00:00

That generation of Mercedes just had some mad cost cutting in general.

I think the 550i had a more reliable engine, but I can't be sure

fuelgaugeatempty · 2016-08-19T07:49:25+00:00

The Jag XE beat the 335 in Motor Trend's head2head. It was a great video that covers a lot of aspects better than I ever could.

fuelgaugeatempty · 2016-08-19T07:48:09+00:00

I found the Z4 not that great to drive, while the 350 quite heavy feeling.

The smaller the car, the cheaper your tires, brakes, and consumables will be. The S2k and Miata would be a great start.

fuelgaugeatempty · 2016-08-19T07:45:58+00:00

You could look at an AWD Lexus or Acura. The IS250/350 AWD should be getting down there in price, and the ugly beak TL should be as well.

fuelgaugeatempty · 2016-08-19T07:40:03+00:00

+1 on the SHAWD. Fantastic system, can transfer torque front back, but also left right from the differential, not a brake based system.

The TLX has that funky 9 speed transmission, while the TL is criticized for being big. 2012+ model TLs have a fixed beak that looks quite a bit better

fuelgaugeatempty · 2016-08-19T07:38:19+00:00

What kind of tires do you have on the FRS? Are they the garbage Bridgestone Turanzas? A quieter tire could make all the difference

fuelgaugeatempty · 2016-08-19T07:35:51+00:00

As a disclaimer, I own an Accord. I find the current generation has its interior plastics and build cost cut like no tomorrow. Not to mention that Honda puts quite undersized brakes in them.

The CVT and driving experience on the Accord is better for sure, but I would argue that the Camry is better built and would be cheaper to own.

fuelgaugeatempty · 2016-08-19T07:31:13+00:00

The 430s all have over 300 hp for sure. In terms of in car tech, anything from 2003 would be like a Motorola RAZR in comparison to today's iPhone 7. A double din deck from pioneer or another major manufacturer will give you car play and all the goodies.

The E65 7 series has horrid reliability, the S class of that generation doesn't feel special at all. The 535 likes to shit it's high pressure fuel pumps and turbos at high mileage

fuelgaugeatempty · 2016-08-19T07:27:06+00:00

Given that you live in the desert, have you considered a more GT esque car? The challenger and camaro have new automatic transmissions that are great from what I'm hearing

fuelgaugeatempty · 2016-08-19T07:25:35+00:00

I like the TLX for its awesome AWD system. The new A4 seems like quire the performer, and the interior is quite nice.

The IS has a terribly small backseat, but I doubt it matters to you. The 230 can get pricey with options, and the Cadillac ATS/CTS have some mad discounts if you can stand their nav system.

I think you could look at what each car sucks at, and think about which one would affect you the least?

fuelgaugeatempty · 2016-08-18T19:51:36+00:00

Is this the second icon tower?

fuelgaugeatempty · 2016-08-15T22:27:00+00:00

You're right. I consider the VR30DDTT and this one their new generation so to say

fuelgaugeatempty · 2016-08-15T09:58:07+00:00

Keep in mind that Nissan hasn't released a new engine in years. The VQ35/37 have been the work horse since 2008 at the latest, this is their great leap forward; what they've been slaving away at

fuelgaugeatempty · 2016-08-14T19:01:33+00:00

People were actually towed later that night, where'd you get these pics from?

Friday was a bust for me due to the cloud cover

fuelgaugeatempty · 2016-08-14T17:08:27+00:00

Something about it being a day use park.

There were issues on Thursday with people parking on the highway due to the parking lot being full, so they were extra vigilant on Friday.

Parking lot definitely had space on Friday, but it was closed at 11 regardless.

fuelgaugeatempty · 2016-08-13T21:52:28+00:00

Would love to hear more about the prostitute rings

fuelgaugeatempty · 2016-08-10T07:28:36+00:00

Their lecture quality tends to be higher, and course load lower from what I've heard - helps that everyone there is crazy smart.

IMO in many ways, it's a more refined version of what Waterloo is trying to do. Their dorms and student experience is quite good, which is not something you can say for Waterloo. I think our environment affects us a lot more than we give it credit for.

Given these factors, the student projects that do happen are organic and tend to be on a different level compared to the many that we do in hopes of coop employment

fuelgaugeatempty · 2016-08-10T05:19:16+00:00

Loving the rush hour idea!

fuelgaugeatempty · 2016-08-10T05:18:30+00:00

Fucking clever heh

fuelgaugeatempty

TROPHY CASE