GRtak
Forum Addict
What about dropping in a complete 04 4.2 with a trans? I will probably have a computer issue, right?
GRtak;n3553740 said:What about dropping in a complete 04 4.2 with a trans? I will probably have a computer issue, right?
As the result of a really strange coincidence [not exactly an unusual situation in my life...], I've sold both my Ford Focuses [Foci??] to the same person. So, this leaves me without a newer daily driver. I'm pretty sure the car I'm looking for doesn't exist, but I thought I'd ask Spectre and the others on this list to offer suggestions. The car doesn't HAVE to be new, but new would be nice.
It should:
Seat 4 large adults comfortably (within reason, given the tight confines of modern cars)
Get ‘reasonable’ fuel economy (20+ city, 30+ highway)
Have an automatic transmission that’s NOT a CVT
Have a good amount of luggage space (I really like GTIs, but they suffer in this area,)
Be a 4-door hatch (or sedan with low lift-over and fold-down rear seats)
Cloth upholstery would be nice
I really DON’T want:
An SUV or anything I have to ‘step-up’ into (I transport too many ‘old’ people)
A Honda, Acura, Kia, Hyundai or anything GM (personal preference)
Push-button start
All-wheel drive (To me, it’s just a waste of fuel mileage and weight in a daily-driver.)
A sunroof
Lane-assist/keep (or at least be able to switch it on or off, but not every time I start the car)
Daytime running lights
Electronic parking brake
So, in general, you can see that what I generally like are cars that have the least amounts of ‘technology’.
So far, the only car I’ve looked at that checks most of the boxes is a 2019 VW Golf Sportwagen S. The one I like best has the 1.8T motor, but it is AWD… The big point in its favor is the 6 year/72,000 warranty.
I also sort-of like the Mazda 6, but it comes standard with several features I don’t want.
Therefore, my request… All opinions and suggestions are welcome.
Thanks in advance!
Thanks for the in-depth write-up! You noted many of the points that I've pondered staring at this screen, looking at manufacturer sites and road tests. I'll have to go back and take another look at Toyota. I don't even want to go into my Honda/Acura aversion... it's a personal thing. I recommend them often to those who seek my advice on car purchases. I guess I'm just comfortable around VWs and Audis. I've daily-driven them, autocrossed them and driven/navigated them in both stage and TSD rallies.
The Kia/Hyundai thing is a matter of both trust and not caring for their designs. My new mantra has become "If it doesn't make me smile, I'm not buying it."
I had an Ur-Quattro. I was not impressed with its durability and mostly my experience with VAG designs hasn't improved much over the years. Including one time when I had to walk out of a West Texas rural area in the height of the summer because the then-recent Golf blew its trans cooler and died in the middle of nowhere.
As much as I love Ur-Quattros, I wouldn't consider one for a minute. Back when I was really involved in stage rally, they were THE car to have. That said, it cost a fortune to campaign one. My BFF Bill bought a low-mileage used Ur-Quattro turbo coupe as a daily/toy, intending for us to compete in some 'performance' TSD rallies. Before that had a chance to happen, it lost a fuel line out in another 'middle of nowhere' and burned to the ground. Not exactly confidence-inspiring. On the other hand, I've owned my 1987 Jetta GLI for a bit over 25 years and put well over 200k miles on it. Yeah, I've spent some money on service, but it's still a decent car. And yes, I do need to sell it to further thin the herd.
After a little more than a month of pondering and head-scratching, I've come up with another possible solution - the Mazda6. I test drove a used one with 61K miles and it seemed pretty tight. I couldn't find anything to complain about in the road manners or braking, either. I've found a new one in Cincinnati that I like - here's the link:
https://www.kingsmazda.com/new/Mazda/2019-Mazda-Mazda6-81bcd55d0a0e0a6b044dd5b680c5471f.htm
Mazda6s seem to get very good reviews. It is a bit smaller than the other vehicles I've been looking at, but it has a HUGE trunk, the rear seats fold flat and the seating itself is pretty generous. I haven't read anything bad about the driveline, but I'd still probably purchase an extended warranty... although likely not at the initial purchase of the car.
As always, all opinions are welcome!
Actually, I haven't really heard anything about them, come to think of it .
Quick update: I bought a new 2019 Mazda6 Sport yesterday. The dealer is in north Cincinnati, about 150 miles away. I drove it home yesterday evening and was really pleased with the overall package. The one I chose is dark red metallic with a black interior. I'll try to get some decent photos today or tomorrow and post it in the 'verified' forum.
The end link bushing goes inside the end link first then the whole thing needs to slide on the actual bar. From what I gather that’s the biggest problem. Thanks for the tip on black vs red.Don't know about the Stang specifically, but end link bushings are usually just a matter of a couple of nuts or a bolt or two and done per side.
That said, you may want to go with the black ones. They are graphite impregnated so they are less likely to squeak should (or rather when) the included lube fails.