So here is what I meant on my posts on working on these cars and their designs I question... Jeep/Chrysler/Dodge are basically all not great because of their TIPM unit... I've never seen a design like this implemented so poorly and would never consider personally owning a car like this. It's worse than other manufacturers because of the way they integrated everything together ie fuse/computer modules are all on the same unit. So... Here's what it means, if you are savvy with mechanical/computers it's possible to fix them but it makes it major pita vs other modern cars that have computers. They implemented it similar to my complaints on all Mercedes transmissions (I didn't even get into the stuff about their older 5 speed transmission, major **** up, yes it can be fixed for cheap if you know what you're doing, but should a luxury car have a design where the transmission leaks into its own electronic components?? No, it shouldn't.... Haha). Anyway my point on dodge/jeep etc is probably only a concern for people wanting to keep their cars more than 5-7 years and driving 100k+ miles, but unless it's a diesel design by them I wouldn't get it (personally). Now if we're talking Jeeps pre 2004 (don't quote me as I can't recall the exact year for tipm but since they still can't get it right it's just not worth it). You'd be better off getting an actual jeep from 80s-90s for a Wrangler. Don't get me wrong some of their models are nice till you start having issues that shouldn't occur on a modern computer design. Here's a small taste regarding TIPM http://www.jeepproblems.com/tipm/ And it's still implemented on current models, I haven't looked at their latest models service manuals, and even though I can fix them to a degree/know the process it's not worth it for me to own, unless I wanted to make more money on the side... Like I mentioned before I drive cars/trucks a long time... Anyway, I'd probably go Mazda/Accord if that's what you were looking at between the 3. I haven't read up on mazda recently but I don't recall them doing this poor design. Also, obviously my points here are typically worst case, but with the integration of their TIPM design I just can't stand it as I'd likely put money on it happening. The reason I'd be okay with the tipm risk on a diesel is because of their engine. Also don't get me wrong on their sports cars/upgraded hemis, I just don't like the whole tipm thing and dealing with it at some point if I keep the car too long etc. I mean just the troubleshooting can be a cluster f. That's one car I'd drive and then flip (if I ever wanted to own one). Sorry for the long winded post, I do a lot of car work on the side (depending when I'm available), and really don't like their design of this. Again, maybe it's better now but I wouldn't count on it. I see it as a very similar move from other manufacturers to force you to their dealerships for service (but at a worse level).
And again, my tipm stuff is probably worst case as these were customer cars, but the whole integration and the amount ive spent learning about it makes me know I'm not interested.
Have you looked into a Honda Ridgeline? Its a pretty peppy "truck" but feels like an SUV. I think its combined EPA rating is 21 MPG.
They're just so f***ing ugly. It's by far the least attractive truck on the market. Yes, it has some great features and I'm sure it drives nicely...but it's just so f***ing ugly. IMO, it's between this and that Pontiac Aztec as the ugliest vehicles of the 2000s.
You care about maintenance costs yet are interested in the base model entry level vehicle that Mercedes offers. Just, no. I had a 2014 XJL and sold it and bought a 2018 CLS550. I love to read the Merc forums of new CLA owners when they freak out after taking their car in for their first service. Oil change is around $200-$250.00 Schedule B service is anywhere from $550-$1300 Brake Job- 1K-2K and you will have to replace rotors every time. Blown Speakers- $750- (I just received this quote a LOL'd. I'll take it to an audio shop and get some Focals, much better than the shitty Karman Kardon speakers Mercs somes with.) ALL maintenance on a German vehicles is expensive. Mercedes just takes it up a notch. Much more costly than my Jaguar.
Yes, and the C Class is noting at all to brag about either, full of cheap plastic. Paying higher dollar just to have the Mercedes symbol. Just dumb.
I was >< close to buying a new one, but received too good of a deal on the other car I passed. The XC60 is pure awesome, and the best SUV I test drove on the market plus they are known for their safety features. If I had a do over I would have probably gone this route.
That's pretty much all Mercedes, they also all use some variation of the shitty transmission I was talking about. Although, I haven't worked on their 9 speed. I just got their newest version of their dealership/mechanic service manual so I'll eventually look at it. Just not impressed in general on the stupid transmission designs.
But it's really not. I get your hate I guess, but they aren't piles of plastic from GM like any Cadillac. I'm really not concerned about the tranny either as I have warranty and I do not work on it. This will be my last luxury sled though, going back to a truck as they are the same price, much cheaper to maintain, most now have pretty much the same luxury features as any luxury car on the road or better and they're actually useful.
I'm not trying to come across as they're all garbage or entirely plastic, driving them is great, especially the better series, but people who can't afford them or don't have the ability to do the maintenance themselves don't seem to understand what the cost can be (especially with no warranty if something bigger is wrong), just like you mentioned on the Mercedes forums, I mean it's like the people who spend their life savings on some supercar not realizing there is maitenance (and of course it's going to cost more vs some basic domestic/cheaper import car). It's like that on a lot of luxury/high end cars etc. I mean I sure as hell wouldn't cut corners on our Mercedes, I just do everything myself. Also, Mercedes also didn't pull the bullshit BMW did for a while in their early 2000 models where the timing chain guides were actually plastic... I'll take replacing gaskets/plastics or filling the trans from underneath all day vs taking apart an entire engine to fix what should have never been an issue in the first place. I think when you know what you're getting into or plan on swapping out right at the warranty then it won't matter. Especially if you can afford it or know how to fix it. And my knock on the plastics was more the frustration I've had with their cheaper radiator grills that are plastic, like on my wife's ML5 (so now the GLE) it's plastic, I've been seeing about. an aftermarket chrome replacement that keeps the emblem etc. I think most cars are like that now, yours might not have that though, I haven't looked into or worked on your year model yet. Also, when the transmission and engine are working as designed/intended they're excellent, I'm just talking about worst case scenarios and obviously not every owner will ever experience that.
Also, I def agree with you on some of the decisions Cadillac has made vs. Mercedes. On a side note, what was your experience like on the Jag? And I agree with you on trucks, Def prefer them lately, just not planning on a new one any time soon.
So I am currently in the market for a used Sedan/SUV with said requirements... - 2015-2019 (Was not sure the quality of a used vehicle being 5 yrs old so stopped at 2015) - < 45,000 miles - Dual heated seats/Bluetooth/Led Screen/Ample rear seating/Leather interior/Above average speakers - Low maintenance costs - Luxury type build - $20K budget or less than $375/month I had some cars in mind but would really like to get opinions on the route to go. I was considering a lease but since I drive around 18,000 miles a year, that would be out of the question... - MB 2015/2016 C300 - Lexus 2015 IS250/ES350 - Infiniti 2015/2016 Q50 Premium - 2015 Genesis - 2017 Mazda 6
Given those requirements I would without a doubt go with a Lexus ES350. Going to be difficult to find one under 20K though.
I agree. I wish it was a little more manly. The looks is the thing that keeps me from buying it. I cant get over the fact that from the front, you couldnt really tell the difference between the ridgeline, pilot, crv or odyssey. But it does have great features and what seems to be a great engine. Some people don't care about the looks. Plus, the trunk space is pretty awesome for a "truck".
What is the difference between the Accord 1.5 and the Accord 2.0 versions? Is it noticeable? What are your thoughts on v4 vs v6?
I own an Accord 2.0 Sport. The acceleration is very noticeably better. However, if I could do it over again, I'd get a 1.5 Touring model.
As someone looking at 2019 Rams (both the older and newer body styles) with a V8, would you advise against this? I'd plan on driving it for a long time.
