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32391 messages,  Last post on May 22, 2013 at 1:59 PM

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#30498 of 32391 Re: Tampa Run [roadburner] by breld

Feb 23, 2013 (10:39 am)

Replying to: roadburner (Feb 23, 2013 9:14 am)
I had a similar experience with the Cruze last year when I tested one out (same model as roadburner drove). Other than the sedan-only body style, the only thing I really didn't care for was the brakes.

#30499 of 32391 Today's Tampa Run by sandman_6472

Feb 23, 2013 (6:42 pm)

Today I was beaten out of a Nissan Altima and the only other choices were a Chevy Aveo, a Cruze and a 2012 Nissan Sentra. I gave the Cruze to a co-worker who really likes them and took the Sentra. With over 28k on the clock, it was pretty abused inside but it drove beautifully, like I was on a cloud! Very impressive and it didn't fuss when asked for abrupt acceleration. I had to hit 90 + a few times while making a passing move and the car performed very well. I can't wait to try a new '13 Sentra to see if it has been improved but this '12 model was very acceptable and I'm glad I chose it. I had a '13 Kia Forte yesterday and it was quite good also and I wouldn't feel unhappy having it as my dd...it was that good. The Elantra is still a better car but when the new '13 Forte debuts, then we'll really see how far Kia has come. I did get a $25 Visa card offer to test drive any Kia by the end of the month, so I'll probably go and try the Rio as this could be the wife's next ride...she really wants to downsize.
 
I drove a co-workers Cruze rental last week during our lunch stop. It was a fully outfitted '13 Cruze LTZ RS and I was totally unimpressed. Only had about 5k on the clock and I still think this is a sub par vehicle...my 7 year old Civic drives better, is quieter and more comfortable...this Cruze even had leather! Maybe it's me and I'm hoping that when I do get to try a Verano that I will be more impressed but as of now, I will avoid any Cruze if possible!
 
I've yet to drive a '12 Ford Fusion but had the opportunity to try the new '13 Fusion and honestly, it was just o k, nothing earth shattering or revolutionary in this segment, just o k. Definitely think the Sonata and the Optima are better in all areas and a better value. I'm trying to snag an older Fusion so I can make a fair comparison. I think the Focus is a better car but I am more into compact vehicles. At this point though, the Elantra is still the benchmark in this category as it does almost everything right. But this is my personal opinion and I don't mean to start any flame wars here. I am now in unique position to test most offerings in the market and I also come into this with a sort of special needs agenda as I put seat comfort at the top of my list on everything I get to drive. If I can't get comfortable, the whole experience is going to be a bit tainted as the pain will make me dislike any vehicle but that's just the way it is in my case. Luckily, I've really liked most of what I've got to drive so far with the exception of a few.
 
Here's hoping that I get to drive some interesting vehicles in the next few days that I haven't tried before. The Jetta, Verano and Sentra are on my immediate wish list.
 
The Sandman

#30500 of 32391 Re: Today's Tampa Run [sandman_6472] by ateixeira

Feb 23, 2013 (6:48 pm)

Replying to: sandman_6472 (Feb 23, 2013 6:42 pm)
Hmm, I didn't like the Sentra rental my wife got. Maybe yours was better equipped.
 
The new Sentra has a huge back seat, very impressive. Haven't driven it though.
 
We got a Kia Rio loaner shortly after the Sentra and we both liked that better.

#30501 of 32391 Re: Today's Tampa Run [sandman_6472] by corvette

Feb 23, 2013 (8:30 pm)

Replying to: sandman_6472 (Feb 23, 2013 6:42 pm)
I had the old Sentra as a rental and liked it, which is one of the reasons I bought my current Altima. The Sentra I had was a stripped model, and most of my gripes were about the level of equipment it had--it drove nicely.

#30502 of 32391 Saturday day trip by corvette

Feb 23, 2013 (8:30 pm)

Took the GLI on a trip around the Cumberland Falls area today. There are lots of nice curvy roads around there. I had a route planned out and uploaded to my Garmin (I brought it along for that reason), but it got confused several times along the way. Regardless of the route, I drove on some really fun roads. The GLI handles really well and is fun to drive. I averaged at least 31 MPG (I calculated 31.5 when I filled the tank, the trip computer read over 32), which I thought was impressive. I drove about 20 miles on the interstate and reset the second trip computer for that run--it reported 30 MPG at 80 MPH. One nice thing about the turbo is that you don't have to give it 100% throttle to accelerate briskly.
 
Now the bad: My left knee cramped up within a few hours, which is odd since the car is an automatic! I'm hoping it's related to the three miles I walked yesterday and not due to the positioning of the dead pedal, which is a large plastic molded affair and not a little piece of rubber glued to the carpet like the Altima. Also, the car now has exactly 1,000 miles and I'm able to measure some tire wear with my digital tire depth gauge, which doesn't bode well.

#30503 of 32391 Tried a PiP by gouldn

Feb 23, 2013 (10:03 pm)

The Forester threw a CEL and with 200.5k I don't blame it! So I stepped up the replacement activities today. I really didn't like the way the Prius V drove, but really like the idea of high MPG, so I tried a Plug In Prius today. They only have two trim levels, and the upper trim level is right at $40K ... um no. So i test drove the $32K version. Overall ... not a bad car, but no, I guess I cannot deal with the Prius driving experience. It was marginally better than the Prius V ... it's not horrible, it's just antiseptic ... if that's a word to describe the dull driving experience. The car itself was comfortable, and had neat electronic do-dads. Maybe it's time get over my experience of my 1993 Audi and give them another chance with the A3 tdi. Honestly though I think I'm gonna end up with a 2014 Forester Limited, provided the CVT isn't horrible. If I cannot deal with the CVT I'll probably go with the new RAV4 or maybe a Mazda CX5. I called the Redwood City Subaru dealer and even though their website shows one in stock .. they say there are NONE in stock until mid March.
 
I'm also flirting with the idea of throwing all ideals out the window and buying something silly ... like a used Boxter or S2K ... I DID dump all my motorcycles; can't I have something dangerous and non-practical?

#30504 of 32391 Re: Tried a PiP [gouldn] by corvette

Feb 23, 2013 (11:27 pm)

Replying to: gouldn (Feb 23, 2013 10:03 pm)
Well, you could always test drive a Jetta Hybrid...

#30505 of 32391 Re: Tried a PiP [corvette] by gouldn

Feb 23, 2013 (11:38 pm)

Replying to: corvette (Feb 23, 2013 11:27 pm)
Let's see ... turbo, hybrid, VW, first year model ... what could go wrong?

#30507 of 32391 Ready To Go by sandman_6472

Feb 24, 2013 (3:55 am)

Just finished packing a lunch and about to head out. Leaving Lauderdale at 7 a m as folks want to get home by 4ish if possible. You can tell it's season in Florida as there was traffic on both coasts yesterday...75 was just as bad as 95 and add in construction on both highways, well...driving can be a real test of patience at times. Why do northerners drive like crazy folk? No signals, pulling out in front into the left speed lane without a signal...I could go on! Yesterday I was mentally worn out by the time we got to the Tampa airport and luckily could relax on the return trip. I have both iPods with me so I'll have continuous tunes to listen to as I just close my eyes and veg on the way home. The music relaxes me and takes the stress away.
 
Here's to having a great day and hopefully I'll get a comfortable vehicle I've never driven before!
 
The Tired Sandman

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