Topic: Living with your new car purchase

[84im]

A few of us on this forum have recently purchased new vehicles.  I'd like to hear what you think of your new rides.
I'll start with my new Mini Cooper S
So far we've put around 800 kms on the Mini.  Break in is 2000 km, so I haven't really run her hard yet.  Power is good, but I'll have to wait a while until I can really wind her out.  One thing I have noticed is that if you're 'off boost' there is very little power.  When I switch from the monster to the Mini I have to change my driving techniques.  The monster's all about torque, and the Mini needs to be revved. 
As I imagined, the handling is awesome.  This car is unflappable.  Just point towards the corner and shoot.
Highway cruising is fairly quiet and the ride is very good, considering the car's purpose.  I'm glad I didn't get  the 17 inch sport package.
The car's quality is very high.  Very nice interior pieces.  Having said that, there is a small rattle in the dash every once in the while, and the driver's seat moves slightly in its track.  I'm happy with the stock stereo  and I love the six speed shifter.  The steering is just about right, but the brakes seem a bit touchy.  Also, I'm not really crazy about the drive-by-wire gas pedal/throttle.  The zenon headlights are very nice, but they have a very sharp cutoff.  The huge sunroof is great, but there is a fair amount of wind noise over 60 kph.
Finally, I do not like the front seats.  First, they're leatherette....I would have preferred cloth, but the  2006 Minis only come with leatherlette and optional leather (real leather is $2200  ).  Also, I  can't get comfortable.  The lumbar is in the wrong place, and no matter what adjustments I make I'm not comfortable.  Hopefully, I'll find that 'right' setting soon.
All-in-all, a great little bomb, and more importantly, my wife really likes it too.  I haven't done a gas mileage check yet, but I'm hoping for mid 30s (70% highway). 

[ovr50]

Love the pix of wife's Mini with your home as a backdrop - very nice - both of them.

Wife's new Solara has about 2500 kms on it now (bought Feb 12/06) and I don't drive it all that much. Over the past long weekend, we did take it from here up to Mara Lake, a distance of about 125 kms, and I drove. The 3.3L V6 is loosening up nicely and starting a feel more powerful. I'm glad I switched over the OEM Bridgestones to the Yoko Avis V4s tires, as they feel very planted and positive on the hiway. Certainly no complaints at this stage and we expect this Solara to be as good as the previous '99MY was. The black is demanding a few more car washes but it's not a bad labor, as it looks so sharp clean.

One little thing was when I swithched the tires, I added the FRD spoked alloys, and first time out, it had a slight "judder" at hiway speed. Returned it to my tire shop friends and they rebalanced the fronts, and moved one of the tires around a bit on the wheel. That fixed that problem. I think the new alloys and the Yoko tires are a bit more sensitive than the OEM Toyota alloys and the OEM tires were.

Pleased so far. 

[AVToller]

I've had the Yaris for 7-1/2 months and 7700 kms. Other than a couple of drives up Island and one to Tofino, all of my driving has been around town, which means up and down hills and 3-8 km drives.

So far, the wee beasty has been flawless in its behaviour. I'm glad I switched tires to a decent wet weather set as we had more than our fair share of rain during the winter months.

Fuel economy was sitting at about 8.25L/100 km during the first 6 months. At the 6 month oil change I switched to Mobil 1 and noticed 3 things: the engine is noticeably quieter/smoother, especially when cold; the engine seems peppier; fuel economy has improved to about 7.5L/100 km. The weather has been warmer, but the driving has been exclusively around town too.

Jack is a lot of fun to drive on the twisties and is an ideal around-town, take the dog to the trail-head car. My knees and back really enjoy the tall seating position and the hatch is perfect for Daffi. Storage is amazingly good and convenient, and the turning circle of under 31' is great. Even with a slushbox, there is adequate pickup, and while there is moderate lean around quick corners, adhesion is good with excellent feel.

About the only negatives for me are the fact that I still don't have cruise (it is now available of '07 models, but it is not clear if it will work in my '06 RS) which I will want when I start taking longer drives this summer, and I dislike the "A pillars" which can interfere with my vision in certain, limited situations.

Overall, the Yaris has exceeded my expectations in most areas and I have zero regrets about my purchase decision. There is still not another vehicle available in our market that would meet my needs and wants as well as the Yaris RS. 

[initial_D]

Nice house and car! 84im.  Do you have a nice John Deer riding Mower for all those green grass?

First 3 posts all from the Friendly BC Folks, just waiting for Robo to make a nice 4-some. 

[mdxtasy]

Bought a BMW 10 months ago....it's gone now.  But I really liked it when I owned it.

[Iso Octane]

Almost 2 months of ownership on the new-to-us Miata.  I've put on almost 5000kms since then, mostly city.

I absolutely love, and I mean love the car.  LOVE.  LOVE!

What drew me in wasn't the convertible part, but the light-weight, rear-wheel-drive aspect of it.  The fact that this car is a great training tool for performance driving.  Didn't like having the top-down at first (seriously, if the Miata Coupe was available, I might have ignorantly chosen that instead), but now I've come to appreciate that too.

Did I mention I love this car?

I've been avoiding highways.  Why?  Because they get me there too quickly.  You don't need to shift on highways.  I enjoy stopping at red lights now because it gives me a chance to row through the gears.  I'm such a freak.  Late at night on the way home, I would make huge detours, just driving around the empty streets, just because I enjoy driving this thing so much. 

It's beautiful.   I run my hand across the soft cloth top as I climb out, as if petting a faithful canine companion.   I just stand there like a mesmerized fool for a good minute before closing the garage, and keep watching until the door is fully closed. 

---

And now the bad part.   I'm constantly afraid something will happen.  Someone's gonna rear-end me today.  Someone's gonna key it.  Someone's gonna open their door on it.  Someone's gonna try and steal it.  Someone's gonna harrass me.  Cruise through the club district at night?  No chance in hell.  Idiot kids driving recklessly, and being bum-holes in general.  Questionable neighborhoods?  Nope.  Shopping areas... only a select few.  Super duper incredible paranoia. 

It's just a freaking Miata.  But I care so much about it.  How the heck people drive around with much more exotic machinery, I'll never know.

---

Until sh*t happens, I'll be loving the drive. 

[safristi]

 ...MATT Teaser...maybe ya could attach a mower and just run it around 84im's LAWN....safe eh! and maye a few $$$'s in it fer ya..............gotta lose that paranoia...how's about I put a lilttle scratch on IT somewhere...and YOU CAN THEN RELAX..........you say new to U..so is it second hand? and still the freaking out.......PROZAC TIME!!!!???......

  SOME DAY YOUR PRINTS WILL COME and GOOP UP THE PAINT

[Snowman]

As most of you know this is my second WRX albeit a wagon this time around. Based on my experiences with the 2002 Sedan I leased and heavily modified I decided to go with another.

I am glad I got the wagon version this time around as it has proved to be very particle for various trips and hauling oversized objects. The 2.5 boxer is far superior to the 2.0 that was offered in the 2002. The low end torque is a welcome surprise and the turbo lag is almost non existent. From what I have read and experienced the 2006 WRX has been underrated by Subaru.

On Thursday I will be adding a COBB Stage 2 package to the WRX which will further enhance my driving experience. It will not be as hyper as the original Rut Ro in the mid range and top end but I was looking to a low end torque version this time around.

I was given the green light to pursue more expensive and image trendy brands but I could not find a reason to. The WRX Wagon filled most of my requirements for 10’s of thousands less. Sure it does not have mass appeal, fancy gadgets or a refined interior but those things are important to me.

[safristi]

Reverse SNOBBERY......!!!!! ........perhaps ya meant "NOT" important to me...........so yer STRIKE is over that mean ya have a STELL"ar day ahead???

[jww]

I have been vocal in the past about our positive ownership experience with our 2006 Sonata GLS Premium - and will add that this car continues to be nothing short of joyous to own. It is well broken in now at 9500 KM. I fint that it cruises the highways with ablomb, and tackles city streets as adroitly as any car I have owned - including our previous 2002 Altima.

I love the sunroof (first time for us) as well as the heated leather seats and spacious interior. Particular attention to detail shows throughout in items like gas dampened hood and trunk struts - no more prop rods up front and no trunk hinges to crush the groceries .

A couple of downsides:
1. The light grey colour of some of the interior trim, while easy on the eyes, does tend to pick up scuffs and dirt fairly easily. But - it's nothing that a little bit of elbow grease and Amor-All can't take care of.

2. No scanning or preset buttons on the steering wheel mounted audio controls (I have mentioned this before).

The 17" Michelin Pilot tires are wonderfully sticky on the road, and allow you to take corners at reasonable speed without screeching or slipping. The car is well-balanced, with an acceptable amount of body-lean when cornering with some agression.

Gas mileage has surprised me a bit - we average 12.5 l/100km around town, and 8.2 l/100km on the highway. Neither are far off the Transport Canada ratings of 11.9 and 7.9 respectively. The 3.3 l 6 with cvvt is very responsive off the mark and at speed, but the 5 speed transmission is biased towards a slightly more sedate driving style.

While I'd prefer to own a pocket rocket and a small soft-roader, it's the family car that got the nod this time around, and if I have to own a family sedan, this one fits the bill quite nicely.

jww

[Wetson]

The car's quality is very high.  Very nice interior pieces.  Having said that, there is a small rattle in the dash every once in the while, and the driver's seat moves slightly in its track.  I'm happy with the stock stereo  and I love the six speed shifter.  The steering is just about right, but the brakes seem a bit touchy.  Also, I'm not really crazy about the drive-by-wire gas pedal/throttle.  The zenon headlights are very nice, but they have a very sharp cutoff.  The huge sunroof is great, but there is a fair amount of wind noise over 60 kph.
Finally, I do not like the front seats.  First, they're leatherette....I would have preferred cloth, but the  2006 Minis only come with leatherlette and optional leather (real leather is $2200  ).  Also, I  can't get comfortable.  The lumbar is in the wrong place, and no matter what adjustments I make I'm not comfortable.  Hopefully, I'll find that 'right' setting soon.

Congrats on the new Mini.  I'm sure you'll enjoy driving it.  Get used to the rattle and expect it to get worse.  That's why I got rid of my 03 Cooper after just one year.  The rattles were intolerable.  Be careful of the plastic covers over the tweeters on the doors.  Unless Mini has changed the design since 03, they pop off easy.  It's interesting that the drivers seat slides in the track a bit.  Mine did the same thing.  I wonder if it is a design trait? Perhaps something to do with safety?  You're right ... the factory stereo is really good.  Nice and powerful.  The car does handle like a Go Cart.  If you haven't driven it in the snow yet you'll enjoy it!  It handles pretty well on flat surfaces but I recommend snow tires for winter.  It's lousy on even the slightest of snow covered slopes.  It may have something to do with it's weight.  Not sure.  Very fun car to drive though and zippy.  Enjoy!

[Scaerio]

Bought the Aerio about 9.5 months ago.  Fuel economy on the highway is great, but in the city it's barely getting 30mpg (I blame my heavy foot.)  Overall quality is good, both inside and out, but the winter brought one major pi$$ off.  I managed to hook a big chunk of ice under the front bumper/air dam, and cracked it on the passenger side.  Goddamn cheap materials!  Ok - I probably should have been more careful, but still, manufacturers know that this part of a car is the most susceptible of coming into contact with the curb, etc...  Oh well - after nearly 18 000km I haven't been stranded, the car is fun to drive, and is able to carry a surprising amount of stuff!

[y2chuck]

I don't think "a year ago" counts as recent, but what the heck...We've had the Mazda6 Sport GS 4 cyl for a year now.  Love everything about the car except the seats.  I just can't get comfy in them.  I constantly adjust them and finally find a good position and then after a few days, it's just not all that comfy again.

The cloth seat material is terrible IMO.  I did look at an 06 with leather and the leather seats are much more comfy.

Likes: incredible handling and steering.  Very tight (read: good quality, solid construction, zero rattles and quiet even on the highway at 140+), ok sounding stereo, gobs of storage room (we fit a honking electric fireplace (in the box) in the hatch)

Dislikes: horrible seats which is a shame cause that's a bit important for driving.  Stereo is so-so, I didn't get the sunroof or the GT V6 model.

I put it up on leasebusters and have my final 4 new cars picked out and will be deciding tomorrow on which one after the final test drive tonight.  Yes, the 6 wagon is on the list...

[power44]

I just bought my new Honda CRV 2006....I get it this Friday
I will write back with pictures... 

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I put it up on leasebusters and have my final 4 new cars picked out and will be deciding tomorrow on which one after the final test drive tonight.  Yes, the 6 wagon is on the list...

(Thinking this sounds like American Idol) "What are your final four?"

84im lovely car, and GORGEOUS house and property!!!

Mattesa, your post had me smiling. Somehow, I get the feeling you really LOVE your MX-5 Miata. Where do you park it again? I'd love to key come by to see it sometime 

All the rest of you seem pretty happy with your purchases. Since you probably researched a bit and didn't just walk into one dealership and out with a car, doesn't surprise me much. But I do find your likes and dislikes - things that usually only crop up after ownership - interesting.

Like Power, I'll have to post in Aug-Sept after some seat time in my new ride 

[BJB]

Have had the Murano for just under 10 months.  I absolutely love it.  It's way more space then I need and I rarely have a passenger in it or sometimes will have one and can count on two hand the amount of times I've had passengers in the back seat, but that's not why I bought it.  I really enjoy sitting higher up as I sit in traffic in the city being able to see what is up ahead (unless a larger SUV is in front of me). 

I've had no real problems with the CVT, except for one experience where I had to floor it to get any power, but that has never happened again.  I have just over 12K KM on the car.  The gas mileage would be my only complaint, highway driving I'll get around 11L/100km but city driving is usually around 13L/100km.

The interior has held up really well and I love the ease with which I can fold the seats at the touch of one lever, it is very handy when carrying hockey equipment.  I was unsure if I would like the cloth seats but I can say that I enjoy them more then the leather seats I have had in the past (it is especially nice to find cloth seats with seat heaters) and they look great in black (I dont think the seats look very good in the khaki colour).

I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone interested in a "SUV" or whatever you wan to call it.

[y2chuck]

(Thinking this sounds like American Idol) "What are your final four?"

In no particular order, I love each:

Mazda 6 wagon or GT sport hatch (the leather is way better than my cloth seats)
Mazda CX-7: barring a test drive, but the rates put the price way up
Pontiac Torrent Sport AWD
Pontiac Grand Prix GXP

yeah, weird set of vehicles, I know, but out of the 15-20 or so I've tested, all of these give me a great WOW factor and tingly feeling. *Zips flame suit for people who think I'm outta my friggen mind for looking at the Grand Prix *     Oh well, I like what I like...

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Yeah, I was going to ask "GRAND PRIX???"

I saw some special edition white ones with skirts lately. You know what they are? Looked pretty good.

Personally, I find them wastes of space. Huge car, with no space inside because of the intrusive roof pillars.

[kelli]

Lets see.. about 2 months since i picked up the new-to-me Xterra.

Wow.. i LOVE this thing.. i mean really love it.. probably too much since when i see others around town i realize again how friggin sharp it is on the outside!

It has been so much fun to drive around town and i've taken her offroad a couple times as well. I really like throwing it in 4x4 and taking new roads.

The gas is pretty pricey, but i could care less. I still want to get rid of the stock stereo and upgrade to something better with aux-in. I still need to buy wind deflectors for it.. but i did get a Canada flag for the antenna for July 1st so at least that's done!

The only bad thing is.. black rig + yellow lab is proving to be a pain in the arse.

I did get the neoprene seat covers for the front and back, but they're black too and it's a dog hair carnival back there. That material is easy to wipe off dog hair, but it's proven to be a tad more difficult to get dirt out of.

Anyway.. i hope to have the X for many, many more years to come.. i'm so glad i got it.

Look how pretty!!

[y2chuck]

Yeah, I was going to ask "GRAND PRIX???"

I saw some special edition white ones with skirts lately. You know what they are? Looked pretty good.

Personally, I find them wastes of space. Huge car, with no space inside because of the intrusive roof pillars.

I've always like the Grand Prix, almost bought one waaaaaaaay back in 1998 and really liked the re-design when it came out.  I checked one out before getting my 6 last year, but we were on a tighter budget and it was outta my price range for the model I wanted.  I suppose now that I've said I like the GP I'll have to change my name and go into the witness protection program lest I be promptly dismissed from these boards for liking such and un-popular car!