Jeff1's Vehicular History

[evil_twin]

Oh, of course you're right.  Tomorrow I'll be merrily driving along again.  Just thought I'd share the ongoing love-hate relationship with German cars and their electrics. 

Maybe I should've just gotten a new Mustang GT?   

I'll be happy to trade you a 'lightly' used 2005 model.  Zero....0...nada...none....issues repaired in almost 5 years of ownership.  Regular maintenance only.

It's a win-win Jeff.  You get a reliable Ford automobile (with a lovely V8...no sissy straight 6) and I get the higher trade in of the 330i on a WRX.  Think about it.

[Giant Dwarf]

Oh, of course you're right.  Tomorrow I'll be merrily driving along again.  Just thought I'd share the ongoing love-hate relationship with German cars and their electrics. 

Maybe I should've just gotten a new Mustang GT?   

I'll be happy to trade you a 'lightly' used 2005 model.  Zero....0...nada...none....issues repaired in almost 5 years of ownership.  Regular maintenance only.

It's a win-win Jeff.  You get a reliable Ford automobile (with a lovely V8...no sissy straight 6) and I get the higher trade in of the 330i on a WRX.  Think about it.

Sounds good.  Although, the Bimmer comes with an option you probably hadn't counted on:  car payments. 
I'd be happy to take the paid-for-in-full Stang for the big-debt BMW. 

[Giant Dwarf]

Update: (for those who care)....

One of the front power door locks seized.  In trying to open/close it afterward, it shorted out the locking system.  So, replacing both front actuators should have the problem solved.

The dealership was outstanding as always -- such awesome treatment there.  I've not encountered a Japanese-brand dealership that can match my experiences at Budds' for professionalism and efficiency.  For example:  when picking up my car after service at Mazda, it was usually a "that'll be $XXX please.  (pay).  Thanks, your car should be out there somewhere. (points to side lot)."  At BMW, they refer to me by name, make sure I understand what has been done to my car, have it brought out front, then walk me out to the car to ensure I'm satisfied.  Oh, and free maintenance helps the experience too. 

Anyway, within about 30 seconds of getting out onto the road I remembered why I love that car.  Solid, quiet, smooth linear power... I feel more like I'm wearing it than riding in it.   Ahhhh... that's better.  You know, sometimes it's worth driving a rental just to remind you why you chose the car you did.  In this case, I just realize that a few hiccups from time to time are the price ya gotta pay for sensational driving experiences. 

So, all is forgiven and forgotten (until next time).

We now return to your regularly scheduled programming.

[ovr50]

Now that's much better. The world is as it should be again. I'm glad for you. 

Now drive that puppy...........

[vdk]

I'll give it to you.. The 3 series is something else when optioned properly. Terrific car. Now, I might be getting hooked on bimmers, it's gotta have something to do with the 335 I'm driving... Again.
I think I'm in love.

[Giant Dwarf]

No doubt... as much as I love my car (when it's working as it should), my love would become even more blind with those twin turbos strapped to its engine!

[ovr50]

I'll give it to you.. The 3 series is something else when optioned properly. Terrific car. Now, I might be getting hooked on bimmers, it's gotta have something to do with the 335 I'm driving... Again.
I think I'm in love.

And my 3 is optioned properly...........

[rrocket]

I'll give it to you.. The 3 series is something else when optioned properly. Terrific car. Now, I might be getting hooked on bimmers, it's gotta have something to do with the 335 I'm driving... Again.
I think I'm in love.

And my 3 is optioned properly...........

But beware...some may throw stones at you for having a slushbox....

[ovr50]

I'll give it to you.. The 3 series is something else when optioned properly. Terrific car. Now, I might be getting hooked on bimmers, it's gotta have something to do with the 335 I'm driving... Again.
I think I'm in love.

And my 3 is optioned properly...........

But beware...some may throw stones at you for having a slushbox....

But....you and I both know that it is not a "slush" box. 

[Giant Dwarf]

It's funny, Rrocket, your praise of the IS350's "slushbox" was ringing in my ears every time I drove that automatic Mazda6 the last two days.  I kept wondering if I could really live with one or if I'd get bored.  I tried using the manual shift feature on the 6, but eventually gave up in the face of the redundancy of it.  The car still feels like an automatic whether I'm moving a little lever or not. 

I've still not experienced VW/Audi's DSG, nor BMW's version of it and will stop short of chastising those who choose them until I do try it for myself.  But, I've yet to experience an automatic that really engaged me.

[rrocket]

It's funny, Rrocket, your praise of the IS350's "slushbox" was ringing in my ears every time I drove that automatic Mazda6 the last two days.  I kept wondering if I could really live with one or if I'd get bored.  I tried using the manual shift feature on the 6, but eventually gave up in the face of the redundancy of it.  The car still feels like an automatic whether I'm moving a little lever or not. 

I've still not experienced VW/Audi's DSG, nor BMW's version of it and will stop short of chastising those who choose them until I do try it for myself.  But, I've yet to experience an automatic that really engaged me.

Are you really comparing the IS350 tranny to a Mazda6?  No comparison IMO.  Lexus is light years better.

As far as manuals go, I prefer the manual in the IS300 to any BMW I've driven.  You said something similar when you drove the IS...though that was before you got your new car.

As I said a zillion times...It REALLY depends on the transmission and the car. (and, for some, maybe daily traffic jams might be a reason to forgo a manual)

[Just Bob]

No doubt... as much as I love my car (when it's working as it should), my love would become even more blind with those twin turbos strapped to its engine!

Strapping anything on will make you go blind!

[rrocket]

No doubt... as much as I love my car (when it's working as it should), my love would become even more blind with those twin turbos strapped to its engine!

Strapping anything on will make you go blind!

Heheh...sweet.

[quadzilla]

I've still not experienced VW/Audi's DSG, nor BMW's version of it and will stop short of chastising those who choose them until I do try it for myself.  But, I've yet to experience an automatic that really engaged me.

Any day you want to swap cars give me a call. 

Glad to hear the world is back in order again.

[Giant Dwarf]

It's funny, Rrocket, your praise of the IS350's "slushbox" was ringing in my ears every time I drove that automatic Mazda6 the last two days.  I kept wondering if I could really live with one or if I'd get bored.  I tried using the manual shift feature on the 6, but eventually gave up in the face of the redundancy of it.  The car still feels like an automatic whether I'm moving a little lever or not. 

I've still not experienced VW/Audi's DSG, nor BMW's version of it and will stop short of chastising those who choose them until I do try it for myself.  But, I've yet to experience an automatic that really engaged me.

Are you really comparing the IS350 tranny to a Mazda6?  No comparison IMO.  Lexus is light years better.

As far as manuals go, I prefer the manual in the IS300 to any BMW I've driven.  You said something similar when you drove the IS...though that was before you got your new car.

As I said a zillion times...It REALLY depends on the transmission and the car. (and, for some, maybe daily traffic jams might be a reason to forgo a manual)

Rrocket, the IS350 transmission is closer to the Mazda6's transmission than it is to a proper manual.  But no, I wasn't comparing, as much as I was saying, I haven't experienced what those of you out there consider to be a really good auto, so until I do, I'll continue to search for one that engages and entertains me as much as a stick shift does.

And IIRC, my assessment of the entire IS300's driving experience (the first one I drove) was how remarkably similar it felt to my e36 328i.  Driving the modded one was a better experience, but mostly because I liked the way it sounded and handled better. 

[ovr50]

GD - "I've still not experienced VW/Audi's DSG, nor BMW's version of it and will stop short of chastising those who choose them until I do try it for myself.  But, I've yet to experience an automatic that really engaged me."

If you were to drive my car with the Double Clutch Transmission you would change your tune, guaranteed. 

[safristi]

..U know he wears fleece jammies...............will that cause static KLINGER............!!???....

[Giant Dwarf]

GD - "I've still not experienced VW/Audi's DSG, nor BMW's version of it and will stop short of chastising those who choose them until I do try it for myself.  But, I've yet to experience an automatic that really engaged me."

If you were to drive my car with the Double Clutch Transmission you would change your tune, guaranteed. 

Well I'll let you know the next time I'm in Kelowna then!