All things about Cars, Trucks & SUVs

[Edward64]

(Don't think we have a dedicated car thread so thought it may be a good time to get one started)


I remember really liking the 300Z from the early to mid 90's. Couldn't afford them back then. The more recent Z's are too fugly for me.

Nissan is coming up with a new Z car. It was earlier reported, optimistically, for 2020 as as 2021 model but now it's (more realistically) planned for 2022 as a 2023 model.

Nissan has released a couple official images and is set to reveal a "prototype" on Sept 16. There are hints of the old 280ZX in the images and can't wait to see a good pic.

Still have my old 2007 hybrid (my small part in getting us away from ME oil dependency) but may have to compromise. Not sure it's a good idea to buy the first year model so dreaming of a new 2024 model.

https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dims3/GL...preview-21.jpg
https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dims3/GL...-sketch-93.jpg

[Edward64]

A teaser video of the new Z before the Sep 16 unveiling.

Nissan Z Proto Shows Retro Design Cues And A Manual Gearbox

Long overdue, but it’s finally here. Well, almost. Come September 16, the wraps are going to come off the new Z car. To ease the wait, Nissan has dropped yet another teaser video that adds more pieces to the sports car puzzle. Further confirming the exterior design will take after Z models of the past, the clip shows round headlights akin to the Nissan Fairlady Z / Datsun 240Z and taillights inspired by those of the 300ZX (Z32).

https://youtu.be/xBlHM41wnL8

[GrantDawg]

The 260-280 Z cars where incredible. 80-90 models? Eh.

[Lathum]

I could never drive a car like that, too hard to get out of. LOL.

I hade a 2016 BMW 3 series sedan, that was a pain to get out of. Swapped up to a 2019 X3 SUV. So much easier and it drives just as nice. Lease expires next October. Thinking about going with a pickup truck.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by Lathum

I could never drive a car like that, too hard to get out of. LOL.

I hade a 2016 BMW 3 series sedan, that was a pain to get out of. Swapped up to a 2019 X3 SUV. So much easier and it drives just as nice. Lease expires next October. Thinking about going with a pickup truck.

That is something to keep in mind. I have a metal plate in my neck, so it doesn't move very much. I couldn't get in and out of a new Ford Ranger without pain. I would just have to permanently live a new Z car.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

That is something to keep in mind. I have a metal plate in my neck, so it doesn't move very much. I couldn't get in and out of a new Ford Ranger without pain. I would just have to permanently live a new Z car.

lol.

Yeah, and I am 6-1, 210, so not like I am a really big guy or have bum knees or anything, it's just a pain. Getting old sucks.

[JPhillips]

I'm working on getting my rural school district to teach a unit to every student on the Patterson family and the Patterson automobile. Only 30 or so were ever made, but it's a great story of an African -American business in a small town in rural Ohio.

The Only African American Automobile Company

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

The 260-280 Z cars where incredible. 80-90 models? Eh.

Sacrilege! the Z31 model is/was beautiful!

I would be happy if the new 400z is based just off this generation.

Nissan 300ZX - Wikipedia

1990: The 1990 300ZX Turbo is named Motor Trend's "Import Car of the Year". Motor Trend also names it, "One of the Top Ten Performance Cars". Automobile magazine named the 300ZX Turbo to its "All Stars" list. Road & Track picked the 300ZX Turbo as "One of the Ten Best Cars in the World". Car and Driver included the 300ZX Turbo in their list "One of the 10 Best Cars"
1991: The 300ZX Turbo is listed in Car and Driver's 10Best, and is again one of Automobile magazine's "All-Stars"
1992: Car and Driver includes the 300ZX Turbo in its "10 Best", and Automobile magazine names it to its "All-Stars" list
1993: The 300ZX Turbo is included in Car and Driver's 10Best, and one of Automobile magazine's "All-Stars".
1994: The 300ZX Turbo is listed on the Car and Driver's 10Best and on the "All Stars" list by Automobile magazine
1995: The 300ZX Turbo is included in the "10 Best" list by Car and Driver
1996: For the seventh straight year the 300ZX Turbo is on Car and Driver's 10Best list, this is also the final year of U.S. sales
2004: Automobile lists the Z32 as one of the 100 greatest cars of all time
2006: Automobile lists the Z32 on both the "20 Greatest Cars of the Past 20 years" and the "25 Most Beautiful Cars in History"
2010: GQ Magazine lists the Z32 as one of the most stylish cars over the past 50 years[32]

[GrantDawg]

I just find them plastic looking. There is something not as exciting about them compared to the earlier Z cars. You open the hood to the 260-280 Z (and that hood felt like 70% of the car), it filled with all engine. They were just badass.
It is like the Camaro. The early Camaros were sharp looking cars. My sister had a 1986 IROC Z Camaro, and it was just fiberglass. Even with the ground effects and paint job, it just didn't hold a candle to the early Camaros.

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[Edward64]

Here's the Z prototype.

It's not as fugly as the past couple Z generations but not as nice as the 300Z. The yellow is distracting to me. The roof looks pretty low.

All-new Nissan 400Z Prototype // The next Z-Car - YouTube

[GrantDawg]

Little underwhelming.

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[Edward64]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

Little underwhelming.

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It's probably a 7 out of 10 for me but much prefer it over the overstyled Supra.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by Edward64

It's probably a 7 out of 10 for me but much prefer it over the overstyled Supra.

We have very different taste in cars. I didn't even know they had a new Supra out. Check them out and to me, that is what a sports car should look like. 8 out 10 for the Supra. 5 out 10 for the 400Z.

[Edward64]

Good news if Musk can deliver. Competitors are catching up so makes sense to me he goes to the lower price segment.

Tesla announces $25,000 electric car enabled by new battery cell - Electrek

Tesla announced today an upcoming $25,000 electric car enabled by its new battery cell and coming within the next 3 years.
:
:
He made it clear that this new price point is achieved through Tesla’s new battery cell and battery manufacturing effort.

Musk also added that the new $25,000 electric car is going to come to market in about 3 years – when Tesla has ramped up production of its new battery cell.

Tesla didn’t reveal any other spec on the car, but Musk has previously hinted that it would have over 200 miles of range.

[Edward64]

750 miles will certainly remove any range anxiety I would have. Hope this happens and prices come down in the next 2-4 years.

Mercedes-Benz teases 'highest-efficiency electric car in the world' with over 750 miles of range - Electrek

Mercedes-Benz teases a new super-efficient electric car concept, the Vision EQXX, with more than 750 miles of range on a single charge.

[Edward64]

A vintage 280Z with just 350 miles stored in a barn. See video at 17:30 for the before and after restoration.

Also, looks like the 400Z prototype that was unveiled is pretty much how it's going to look. Eagerly awaiting reviews.

https://www.carscoops.com/2020/10/da...-for-44-years/

https://youtu.be/CZlIl74b0Ss

[Edward64]

Cool as sh*t. Watch the video for the take off, flight and landing.

Definitely won't buy one anytime soon though.

KleinVision AirCar: This Car Can Transform Into An Airplane. Watch As It Takes Flight

A company in Slovakia has been working hard for the last 30 years to develop a flying car. Now, Klein Vision has managed to turn their dream into reality with AirCar, reports Metro News. The research and development firm recently announced that its latest generation of flying car has successfully completed test flights.

The AirCar is capable of running on both land and air. It can transform itself from a car into an airplane in a feat that has created waves on the Internet. The AirCar weighs 1,100 kg and can carry an additional load of 200 kg.

"The latest generation of flying car developed by KleinVision company transforms from road vehicle into air vehicle in less than 3-minutes," KleinVision wrote on YouTube, sharing a video of their futuristic vehicle. The video shows the AirCar racing down a road before transforming into a plane and taking flight.

https://youtu.be/QAnIjwwzupI

[Edward64]

I didn't know that Apple was going into car business.

This seems really far away from their wheelhouse but I can see the cachet of their brand being successful against Tesla.

How About That: Apple Car Could Launch in Late 2021 - autoevolution

The Apple Car still lives on behind closed doors in Cupertino. While many believe the vehicle could eventually see the daylight in 2024 or 2025, here’s a surprising report claiming the launch might actually happen a lot earlier.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by Edward64

I didn't know that Apple was going into car business.

This seems really far away from their wheelhouse but I can see the cachet of their brand being successful against Tesla.

How About That: Apple Car Could Launch in Late 2021 - autoevolution

Apple Car: $150,000. Requires special apps not included to turn or brake. Then after two years, a software update will cut the battery life in half. The neck-beards will love it.

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

Apple Car: $150,000. Requires special apps not included to turn or brake. Then after two years, a software update will cut the battery life in half. The neck-beards will love it.

And yet, deep down we know at that $150K price point, demand will outpace supply.

There is definitely something "cultist" about hardcore Apple fans.

[RendeR]

Originally Posted by Edward64

Here's the Z prototype.

It's not as fugly as the past couple Z generations but not as nice as the 300Z. The yellow is distracting to me. The roof looks pretty low.

All-new Nissan 400Z Prototype // The next Z-Car - YouTube

You sure thats not just an old porsche? Cause thats all that design is. Nothing original there.

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by RendeR

You sure thats not just an old porsche? Cause thats all that design is. Nothing original there.

I wish it looked like a Porsche 911.

Doesn't look like any Porsche I remember. What model are you thinking of?

[Libra]

Originally Posted by RendeR

You sure thats not just an old porsche? Cause thats all that design is. Nothing original there.

I was thinking the same thing. That design is almost 80 years old.

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

We have very different taste in cars. I didn't even know they had a new Supra out. Check them out and to me, that is what a sports car should look like. 8 out 10 for the Supra. 5 out 10 for the 400Z.

Apparently, you can't drive the Supra with windows down.

You Can't Drive the Toyota Supra With the Windows Down

That daydream fell apart in the first five minutes of my drive. And it's all due to a design flaw that I assume a company like Toyota could easily fix.

See, if you roll both of the Supra's windows all the way down, and you drive faster than 35 mph, you're greeted by some of the loudest, most intense wind buffeting I've ever experienced in a car—that cyclic, low-pitched WHUM-WHUM-WHUM noise that sounds like you're standing underneath a hovering helicopter.
:
The Supra has two windows. The buffeting seems to happen any time you've got both of them open. Doesn't matter if they're cracked an inch or all the way down—if you're driving faster than neighborhood speeds, you're sitting in the middle of a Toyota-shaped Helmholtz resonance chamber. I drove myself crazy trying to find a window arrangement that would cut the buffeting, and the racket nearly made my girlfriend carsick.

[Edward64]

Aug 17 is the date for the new Z!

Looking forward to reading the reviews.

Nissan has officially announced that the upcoming, production-ready Z-car is making its debut on August 17, 2021. The upcoming Nissan replaces the long-running Nissan 370Z and further fleshes out Nissan’s updated lineup.

[Lathum]

Just did a new lease for a 2021 BMW X3, man it is slick. I love it.

[GrantDawg]

There is someone working at the shop next door to my office that is driving a fully restored 280z every day to work. So sharp.

[Edward64]

The lack of safety stuff would worry me. No airbags, no anti-lock brakes, probably wouldn't pass current day collision tests etc. But yeah, bet he looks cool driving it.

Remember liking the 280z as a kid. The Z car in the late 80s was meh. The Z in the early 90's is the best.

The recent gen 350z, 370z had a "wide load" and never appealed to me.

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by Lathum

Just did a new lease for a 2021 BMW X3, man it is slick. I love it.

Are you a leasing guy? I like to buy and hold on to cars for a while.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by Edward64

Are you a leasing guy? I like to buy and hold on to cars for a while.

yes.

We lease my car and own my wifes outright. She works from home so we don't put a lot of miles on that one.

I love leasing, while having a monthly payment sucks I love not worrying about maintenance, etc...and when it is time to re up I am in and out of the dealership in under 2 hours with zero hassle. We have virtually zero debt other than a mortgage, so the monthly payment really isn't a big deal.

[Edward64]

The new Z has been revealed. Nothing much different from the prototype other than they reworked the front grill some. It does look better to me but need to see it in person.

Looking forward to the reviews. Somewhere around $40k. Something that I would seriously consider just to relive the Z heydays of the 90's.

But then $40k would easily let me travel the world and go through a bunch of my bucket list. So Z car or bucket list & current Camry hybrid?

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by Edward64

The new Z has been revealed. Nothing much different from the prototype other than they reworked the front grill some. It does look better to me but need to see it in person.

Looking forward to the reviews. Somewhere around $40k. Something that I would seriously consider just to relive the Z heydays of the 90's.

But then $40k would easily let me travel the world and go through a bunch of my bucket list. So Z car or bucket list & current Camry hybrid?

What's a Camry hybrid going for? 32K? I guess it depends on if you want to feel responsible or you want to have a toy.

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

What's a Camry hybrid going for? 32K? I guess it depends on if you want to feel responsible or you want to have a toy.

Mine is 2007 (or 2006). All paid for and still running well.

Now that you put it that way, I guess I should be responsible.

But if the reviews are great ...

[NobodyHere]

Shopping for cars officially sucks.

I feel it's finally time to upgrade from my 2007 Ford Focus.

I go to a Hyundai dealership. I see that on the sticker that the MSRP for an Elantra SEL is around 22k-23k. I ask the salesman if they'll budge from the MSRP. He says "Oh no, we start negotiating from the OTHER sticker" which was around 30k. I ain't paying 30k for an Elantra.

This chip shortage or whatever it is sucks. I get the feeling that going to other dealerships won't be much better.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by NobodyHere

Shopping for cars officially sucks.

I feel it's finally time to upgrade from my 2007 Ford Focus.

I go to a Hyundai dealership. I see that on the sticker that the MSRP for an Elantra SEL is around 22k-23k. I ask the salesman if they'll budge from the MSRP. He says "Oh no, we start negotiating from the OTHER sticker" which was around 30k. I ain't paying 30k for an Elantra.

This chip shortage or whatever it is sucks. I get the feeling that going to other dealerships won't be much better.

Depending on how much you drive I suggest leasing. I have been way happier with the overall experience since I starter doing that.

[Kodos]

I’m the opposite. Buy and hold. Had my ‘99 Civic EX for 17 years. Loved that car.

[Glengoyne]

We just finished used car shopping. Ended up with a 2016 Cadillac SRX. I've been doing my research using the usnews and Kelly blue book sites. Narrow it down to a handful of models, test drive to weed through those. Finally, be patient and search for the right combo of features, miles and price.

Of course this time we did little of that for the Cadillac. One of our good options struck out on the test drive, and this Cadillac was parked right next to it.

[Edward64]

The Z will have a Super Bowl commercial. It isn't that great. Base price is around $40K.

Still looking for some hands on review of the car but nothing yet. Wonder when the NDA will be lifted.

How Many 2023 Nissan Zs Are a Super Bowl Game Ad Worth?Â*

[Ksyrup]

I'm not in the market for a car, but with the articles about used car prices soaring, I decided to see how much CarMax would give us for my wife's 2.5 year old Pathfinder and was floored to see it was only about 5K below what we paid. But trying to take advantage of the sale is difficult when what you want to buy is either out of stock or priced above MSRP. So that was a no-go.

One place we looked online had their price $10K above MSRP on every model. And many places showed a lot of stock but 90% of it was "in transit" and some of those had already been sold. I'm glad I don't need anything right now.

[sterlingice]

We had our car make a noise last week - it only did it once (knock on wood) but it was one we didn't recognize and I started worrying about how much it would cost to fix/replace since it's a 6 year old car. So I did the same exercise. Our Ford Fusion would trade for only $5K less than we bought it but, yeah, buying a new car - sheesh. I hope I'm not in the market, soon. The last 2 cars we've gotten, I've been able to have dealers bid against each other to get the price down a couple thousand dollars. Now, I'm thinking that's a no go.

SI

[stevew]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

I'm not in the market for a car, but with the articles about used car prices soaring, I decided to see how much CarMax would give us for my wife's 2.5 year old Pathfinder and was floored to see it was only about 5K below what we paid. But trying to take advantage of the sale is difficult when what you want to buy is either out of stock or priced above MSRP. So that was a no-go.

One place we looked online had their price $10K above MSRP on every model. And many places showed a lot of stock but 90% of it was "in transit" and some of those had already been sold. I'm glad I don't need anything right now.

dunno what year that Pathfinder is, but I had a '17 with a ton of problems. Engine blew up at 29k. The transfer case only holds like 3/4 of a liter of fluid and so if that leaks even slightly over time you're in trouble. That and all the other fluids need to be kept on top of. I dumped the vehicle last summer when I could get a lot more for the trade in.

[Ksyrup]

Originally Posted by stevew

dunno what year that Pathfinder is, but I had a '17 with a ton of problems. Engine blew up at 29k. The transfer case only holds like 3/4 of a liter of fluid and so if that leaks even slightly over time you're in trouble. That and all the other fluids need to be kept on top of. I dumped the vehicle last summer when I could get a lot more for the trade in.

We have a 2019. It's been fine so far and we're at 30K miles. I was looking to take the opportunity to upgrade, but anything we want to upgrade to is way overpriced or out of stock.

[stevew]

I supposedly reserved a Ford Maverick hybrid pickup back in August, but I'm not sure if when it'll ever come into stock.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by stevew

I supposedly reserved a Ford Maverick hybrid pickup back in August, but I'm not sure if when it'll ever come into stock.

I am super jealous. I want one so bad.

[stevew]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

I am super jealous. I want one so bad.

I doubt I'm getting it now. I called and talked to someone the other day and they "lost" my reservation. Something about idiots in the internet sales department. Maybe next year, I guess. I don't really need the upgrade at the moment anyways and hopefully they'll have an AWD Hybrid at some point.

[GrantDawg]

This is more a crossover to the video games thread, but I thought it fit here better. I have totally gotten hooked on Car Mechanic Simulator 2021. You run a garage that takes in cars and repairs them, with some standard management stuff to boot. It is way more entertaining than it sounds. You actually break down cars and put them back together. Most things are layed out, but there are some repairs that are tough to find, but you can visualize all the exposed parts till you find the one that needs to be fixed.

I have played for hours and am still at the beginning. Once you make some money and have leveled up, you then go to auctions and junk yards and fix up cars to sell. That's the part that sounds the most fun, and you can jump into sandbox mode and do it immediately. I am grinding through story mode just to feel like I have earned it.
There are test tracks and race tracks that you can test your cars. The initial game comes with a huge number of cars from modern to old 60's and 70's cars, but they are "fictitious" makes. You can see what cars they represent but they don't have the real names. There are DLC's that add some real vehicles that sell for $5 a piece, and one of them is Nissan that has a range of Z cars from old to new. Every time I have one come in, I think of you, Edward. There are also a huge number of workshop vehicles that players have made. I worked on a couple of '69 GTO's, and took one to the speed track just to lay it out. The game is just really fun and addictive.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by stevew

I doubt I'm getting it now. I called and talked to someone the other day and they "lost" my reservation. Something about idiots in the internet sales department. Maybe next year, I guess. I don't really need the upgrade at the moment anyways and hopefully they'll have an AWD Hybrid at some point.

Yes, that. I want that.

[Ksyrup]

Here's a side issue related to the current car market...

I don't know how many states have an annual property tax on vehicles, but we do in Kentucky. And given the soaring valuations for used cars, our legislature is attempting to limit the spike in this year's tax. I believe they simply use KBB value, so some vehicle values have increased by as much as 40% and nearly everyone is getting "sticker shock" when they get their annual registration renewal notices.

Kentucky's law would change the way the valuation works and cap your tax bill at what you paid in 2021. It would also provide reimbursement for anyone who has already paid the tax in 2022.

Mine's not due until August so I haven't seen what our is under the current law, but hopefully by then it will be changed.

[PilotMan]

My son just paid his and his valuation was the same price we paid for the car like 4 years ago with 30k less miles on it.

We've been shopping for our next car, but damn, I'm not sure I'm ready for the expense. Even at my income level, the idea of spending that much on a used car is very hard.

[GrantDawg]

Georgia switched over to a flat sales tax on car purchases. So glad they did.

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