AD #1225 – Global Car Sales Increase, Current Rogue to Live On, Silverado Concepts
September 30th, 2013 at 12:00pm
Runtime: 8:42
Sales of new cars continue to grow all around the world but it varies greatly by region. Nissan will continue selling the current generation Rogue alongside the all-new 2014 model and will rename it the Rogue Select. Chevy showed off two new Silverado concepts at the Texas State Fair. All that and more, plus a look at the diesel version of the Ram 1500.
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Thanks for joining us for a brand new week of Autoline Daily. And here’s some of the latest developments in the global automotive industry.
GLOBAL CAR SALES KEEP GROWING
Sales of new cars continue to grow all around the world. But it varies greatly by region. Last month sales were up 15% in North America and up 5% in the Asia Pacific region. But they fell 6% in Europe. Russia was down nearly 11% and the South American market dropped more than 14%, with Brazil down nearly 22%. But on a global basis, so far this year, automakers have sold over 56 million new vehicles which is up 3.3% from a year ago.
WHY MULALLY WON’T GO TO MICROSOFT
There are all kinds of rumors running through the industry that Alan Mulally will leave Ford to go run Microsoft. Personally, I don’t believe it will ever happen. When Mulally left Boeing to go to Ford, he found a lot of similarities. He had to reduce the number of platforms, just like he did at Boeing. He had to share components and systems across platforms, just like at Boeing. He had to work with the UAW, just like at Boeing. None of these lessons translate to Microsoft. Those are key reasons why I don’t think Mulally will go to Microsoft. But if Boeing called, I think he’d start packing his suitcase this afternoon.
KIA QUORIS COMING TO AMERICA
Kia is bringing its flagship sedan to the U.S. next year. Called the Quoris, it’s based on the Hyundai Equus and is currently sold in Korea and the Middle East where it’s called the K9. Kia hasn’t announced many details but the Quoris is expected to hit dealerships in the third quarter of 2014.
KIA BOOSTS BRAND VALUE
And Kia’s brand value keeps going up. According to a new study from Interbrand, the largest brand consulting agency in the world. Kia’s value increased 15% to $4.7 billion. The company ranks 83rd on the Top 100 Best Global Brands list. That’s up four spots compared to last year.
ROGUE SELECT FOR FLEETS
Nissan will continue selling the current generation Rogue alongside the all-new 2014 model and will rename it the Rogue Select. The new one goes on sale in November while the Rogue Select won’t be available until January with a starting price just under $21,000. The 2014 model, which carries a base price around $23,000, will be built in Tennessee while the Rogue Select will be produced in Japan. Car companies like to do this for fleet sales. Remember, Chevy is doing the same thing with the Impala as well as the Chevy Captiva which is a rebadged Saturn Vue that’s only sold to fleets.
BAIC BUYS DAIMLER STOCK
Daimler is going to invest heavily into the Chinese market over the next three years. It already has a joint venture with Beijing Automobile, and earlier this year the two companies agreed to an Equity Swap Agreement which will take cooperation even further. BAIC will now buy stock in Daimler. This could also open the door for a Beijing Automobile IPO. The plan is not final yet because they still have some details to hash out and are waiting for government approval.
SILVERADO CONCEPTS
Chevy showed off two new concept versions of the Silverado at the Texas State Fair over the weekend. One is called the Volunteer Firefighter and is equipped with the equipment needed to fight a fire mounted into the bed and has all the appropriate emergency lighting. The second is called the Black Ops concept and was designed to get you through Armageddon with its custom bed-mounted storage unit and lower body armor. No word yet on if we will get to see these concepts in action.
GM V-8’S IN SHORT SUPPLY
And in other Silverado news, the new 5.3 liter V8 that powers the truck and its sibling, the GMC Sierra is in short supply. Demand for the pickups is exceeding suppliers’ ability to produce certain drivetrain components. There are conflicting stories as to when the issue will get resolved. Some say it will be fixed soon and other say it could take a few months. We’ve been warning since the Autoline Supplier Symposium in January that automakers were going to start running into problems like this.
RAM ECODIESEL
(The Ram EcoDiesel overview is only available in the video version of today’s show.)
If you saw our television program Autoline This Week you know that we’re giving away a copy of the book Driving America. It’s a fantastic collection of photographs and commentary on some of the most important cars in the Henry Ford museum. If you’d like a shot at winning this book, check out the link on our homepage at Autoline.tv to see how to sign up.
And that wraps up today’s report. Thanks for tuning in.
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Comments (73)
September 30th, 2013 at 12:09 pm
“Called the Quoris, it’s based on the Hyundai Equus and is currently sold in Korea and the Middle East where it’s called the K9.
So the KIA flagship is a dog.
September 30th, 2013 at 12:12 pm
A $70,000 KIA …… ba ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ! Tell me another joke … i could use one today .
Hmmn … lets see now … What do you get when you put a VW badge on a $70k + luxo barge … Oh … thats right … an abject sales failure …. hee hee … I guess the H/K twins still haven’t learned a damn thing when it comes to the US market …. ba ha ha ha ha ha ha !!!!!!!
Oh but better yet . Called the K9 in other markets . Guess thats cause even the H/K twins know its a ‘ Dog ‘
———
But back to bad news ( so much for a good laugh today ) BAIC buying into Daimler …. First the CLA , GLA , Infiniti/Nissan clones …. now this .
So whats next in Mercedes Benz’s current quest to completely devalue the brand ? A partnership with GM ?
September 30th, 2013 at 12:12 pm
This explains why the Cadenza now, getting people used to the fact that Kia CAN build a luxury vehicle, but if the Equus has been a hard sell, even with all the unique dealer perks, this one will even be harder to push, after all, Kia was building disposable cars (Sephia, old Rio) just a few yrs ago
September 30th, 2013 at 12:12 pm
1 – Yup !
September 30th, 2013 at 12:13 pm
For the love of God… PLEASE stop trying to modify the term “unique”. Something is either unique or it is not. It cannot be more, less, quite, or very. It cannot be modified.
If you insist on doing so, please drop all grammatical pretense and just use “uniquer” or “uniquest” so people won’t be misled into thinking it’s okay.
Thanks
September 30th, 2013 at 12:14 pm
In the car business “If you build it, they will come” does not always apply.
September 30th, 2013 at 12:15 pm
Ecodiesel, ecoboost, ecoenough with the ecocrap already!
September 30th, 2013 at 12:17 pm
3 – No … really Pedro … they cannot . H/K can build something that has the vague ‘ pretense ‘ of luxury …. but in fact its still just an over sized H/K with a few dozen more bells and whistles to ‘ convince ‘ you that it really is in any way , shape or form … luxury
Jeeze … now even the H/K twins are gonna make me say this . I’d buy a Cadillac in a country second before I’d so much as consider walking in an H/K dealerships door looking for ‘ luxury ‘ …. cough …. soap … or a stiff drink please …
September 30th, 2013 at 12:17 pm
Mulally
While I have no idea what’s going to happen(obv), one thing I do know that is happening at Microsoft is that Steve Ballmer has recently reorganized the computer maker’s structure to break the silos and become a unified ‘devices and services’ company. Let’s take a look at that; Microsoft has suffered because different parts of the company worked at cross purposes and competed politically. Doesn’t this remind us of the management problem that Mulally faced at Ford? Another minor point is that Ford has been working with Microsoft for years in in-car communications, which is only expanding as cars get more computerized.
September 30th, 2013 at 12:20 pm
Eco my friend .. is the new marketing Buzz Word … because in fact Green is no longer a movement .. having morphed some ten years ago into big business and an advertising slogan . 99.999 % of which these days … has absolutely zero meaning or even vaguely resembles ‘ reality ‘
————
Brett – 5 – THANK YOU !!! … Its about time somebody said it .. as well as about time it wasn’t moi
September 30th, 2013 at 12:20 pm
CK I’d much rather get that than a re-badged Fusion posing as a Lincoln or a sedan built by Nissan in Mexico posing as a Mercedes!
September 30th, 2013 at 12:23 pm
HtG,
Do you know how well the Surface tablet thingy is selling? They are sure advertising it a lot
Is Mulally responsible for the battery disaster at Boeing?
September 30th, 2013 at 12:24 pm
As a matter of fact, I will be driving a Cadenza from Miami to Orlando this weekend and will see for myself if this thing is any good! I’ll have to forget about my own rattlefull box-on-wheels and think back to good cars I’ve driven in the past,in order to make a fair judgement.
September 30th, 2013 at 12:25 pm
GM has been calling most of their 4 cylinder engines “ecotech” for more than ten years, but Ford took ecocrap to new heights with their turbos.
September 30th, 2013 at 12:26 pm
Pedro, who are you renting the Cadenza from?
September 30th, 2013 at 12:28 pm
Pedro – Between a POC Hyundai/KIA posing as a luxury car and the Mercedes CLA ? …… hmmmn… let me think now …. Mercedes did design it and does build the platforms .. it is a Nissan motor under the hood not an H/K …. and its still not made in Mexico as of yet …. as well as $29k vs $70k …
Nope … much as I hate to say it … gonna have ta go with the CLA on this one . Hands down .. no questions asked
September 30th, 2013 at 12:33 pm
12 Surface tablets don’t sell well. But they will be upgraded in the next few weeks. The tablets will either come in Intel or ARM versions, as before, but be more capable, like running Outlook. But one aspect to keep an eye on is that Windows RT, though a ‘flop’ is one intended direction for the whole company. From what I gather it will be a 10 year process. Also, tablets are expected to overtake PCs. Go check out the Samsung Chromebook; it’s so capable and only costs $250. (I’ll try to put a link to RT’s future in the evening)
September 30th, 2013 at 12:37 pm
Being RWD, the expensive H/K products are more like a true luxobarge than the CLA, but they are too expensive, even if they work well.
The V6 Genesis is more in line with reality than the KIA, starting at about $35K, MSRP.
September 30th, 2013 at 12:38 pm
mo Mulally
I’ve read that Mually gets flown home to Washington every weekend. By Ford. Now who do you think he is able to quietly share the salmon and wine with while relaxing with friends and family?
September 30th, 2013 at 12:39 pm
crxn “Now whom do you think….”
sorry Brett, CK, will do better
September 30th, 2013 at 12:39 pm
Kit, a buddy who does Youtube reviews, rented one from National and is driving here this weekend so we can test it out all the way to Orlando and back. I’m gonna suggest that we avoid the T-Pike so we can better get a feel for the car using secondary roads instead and get to see the sights better. CK I was referring to the Cadenza not the K9 as comparable to the CLA.
September 30th, 2013 at 12:41 pm
17 – for the love of god … buy an iPad .. and be done with it
Here’s the facts
MicroSoft for software ? Definitely !
For hardware of any kind ? Not even in the running .. with any of its competition
——–
Auto Sales – Ooops … those dealerships and manufactures better not be counting their chickens before they hatch … not to mention GM’s supply problems are about to come to an abrupt end with their trucks/V8s situation
Because … if y’all haven’t noticed …. nothings getting resolved in DC …. both sides now playing the ‘ Blame Game ‘ .. and if for a second anyones thinking this’ll only affect Federal Employees ?
Well ….. you’ve got another thing coming I’m afraid …. as this one will be substantially worse than the last was …. and everybody’s gonna feel the pinch … except of course …. SG .. cause she’s ‘ essential ‘ … to the max
September 30th, 2013 at 12:43 pm
17,
Thanks for the info.
I’m a little out of touch with some of this new stuff, and still like regular laptops. I have a 7 inch Samsung Android tablet, but I use it more as a wireless hot spot than anything else. I’ll see what I can find about the Samsung Chromebook.
MS certainly seems to be making a major push into the mobile and tablet business, which they seem to have ignored for a long time, at their peril.
September 30th, 2013 at 12:44 pm
29 – I’d still take the CLA hands down over anything H/K can spew at us .
Luxury = Quality … of construction / materials / execution etc
None of which does any H/K have from the Equus on down .
September 30th, 2013 at 12:58 pm
#9 I think your point re: Mulally is well made. Sometimes it really is the right thing to bring someone from the outside who can break the chimney’s, ignore the excuses, and head off in new directions. Getting out of the make your own parts vertical integration by going to the LCC’s was awful hard on Visteon and Delphi. That said, it was a trend that needed to happen. How any of that would help him at Microsoft, should he choose to go there, is not clear to me.
September 30th, 2013 at 12:59 pm
17,
Maybe I should get a ChromeBook instead of the MacBook Air I was thinking about. This article makes it sound pretty good, and for about 1/4-1/3 the price of the MacBook.
http://www.zdnet.com/samsung-chromebook-best-249-you-can-spend-review-7000016148/
September 30th, 2013 at 1:08 pm
oh phooey! I wouldn’t be surprised if GM is taking a page from Apple’s playbook and filling the headlines with this Supplier unable to keep up bull #$#!.
Let’s create a false scarcity in hopes to sell more!!
Too bad we can’t verify this as GM no longer provides inventory information.
September 30th, 2013 at 1:12 pm
26 – You gets what you pays for … well excepting with the Chrome you do get the added benefit of all your information being constantly scanned by Google.. the US Government .. as well as any half baked hacker worth his or her salt
You might want to have a little deeper look and follow the money when it comes to Google Kit . cause like JobMonster … their connections might not lead to where you think they should be … and yeah … thats a friendly ‘ hint ‘
And thats all I’ll say on the subject …
September 30th, 2013 at 1:17 pm
Bradley – 27 – Once again my bloody thoughts exactly … and once again … thank you for not making me be the one saying it … actually … Mille Grazie
Finally … a few other folks taking over some of what I’ve worked so hard to establish …. at this rate …. my job may be almost done . Seeing as I’m an adherent to the adage ..
” A teacher is judged excellent when his/her students no longer need him/her ”
Keep up the good work !
September 30th, 2013 at 1:17 pm
26 I’ve been using the Samsung for a couple of weeks, Kit. While it’s great, I look for weaknesses. Like its self facing camera is a little laggy, and Amazon instant vids don’t play so smoothly(YouTube is fine). But otherwise, wow, and Google is gunning for Microsoft with its Docs. And a thousand bucks is a lot of money.
September 30th, 2013 at 1:20 pm
28 We’re all being hacked.
September 30th, 2013 at 1:27 pm
#30
HtG, why did you pick the Samsung Chromebook over the HP/Acer/etc.?
September 30th, 2013 at 1:37 pm
32 I picked the Samsung because of the ARM processor. I am biased, since I own ARM shares, and wish Heisenberg would ‘deal’ with Intel, which is in the Acer. The battery life on the Samsung is also great; 7.5hrs, but longer if you turn off the backlight when you’re only listening to something. I’m sure the Acer/Intel works very much like the other two. Didn’t consider the HP.
September 30th, 2013 at 1:42 pm
Thanks HtG, considering getting the kids ChromeBooks for Christmas. Their original Kindle Fires are getting a little tired. Always appreciate your feedback and “keeping us in the know”!
September 30th, 2013 at 1:50 pm
What part or parts are holding down production of the 5.3L V8? Are these parts shared with any other engine?
After driving a 2012 Equus I did find it to “have” a number of the luxury features you find in an S-class Merc, Lexus LS or an Audi A8. What I found lacking was the “feel” of being in an expensive luxury car. The interior styling did not match the Mercedes, Lexus or the Audi (or a Cadillac for that matter). It just did not seem well intergrated inside and the same could be said for the suspension
September 30th, 2013 at 1:57 pm
Given that most of the other smaller Diesel option offerings (Liberty and GC Diesels) in the past have sold well, Dodge (sorry Ram) should do well with this one. A VM Motori badge just doesn’t have the same impact as a Cummins badge on the fender.
September 30th, 2013 at 2:01 pm
Driving lesson update: The kid is doing better (Thanks for the sight tip HtG). I did not pay attention to the flip-flops he was wearing, note to self – do not allow trainees to wear flip-flops as they slip around while driving causing sudden acceleration and unexpected braking. There may be a market for a stylish driving shoe.
September 30th, 2013 at 2:03 pm
#35 Ctech maybe if they had covered the name and insignia and they told you it was a German car, you would have thought differently, I did ride one a few months ago and it felt much like an LS, same mushy suspension, not a handling car for sure!
September 30th, 2013 at 2:12 pm
ctech at my last oil change, and new tires, the tech put in 20W50 and only 30psi (vs 35 I prefer) in the new tires I got, after that my MPG went from 30 to 27, coincidence??
September 30th, 2013 at 2:22 pm
HtG – 31 – Not nearly at the rate and proliferation as well as for the multitude of purposes Google is hacking you mien freund … and thats guaranteed ….
Your $1000 saved … has just cost you any pretense of security/privacy etc … and for what ? Prettier pictures ? You’ll see … sooner than later I’m afraid ….
…. and remember HtG from whence this information is coming from .
Jeeze … I truly thought you were more discerning than that HtG … especially after the whole GMail debacle here … as well as the recent PRISM revelations
BTW … how many SmartPads is this to date ? ( since first we met here ? ) . I’m getting a bit concerned and and intervention may be needed ….. hmmmn
sigh … so much for high hopes
—–
T Bejma – 34 – Yeah .. you do that … a completely apposite decision on your part
September 30th, 2013 at 2:27 pm
37 – C-Tech ….. Aha ! Now I’m up to speed . Its the youngin ( who’s perhaps not so young ) needing the driving lessons .
May I offer up an ever so humble suggestion C-Tech ?
Parents ( and family with the exception of the very ‘ cool ‘ uncle … if there is one ) are the absolute WORST people to teach their kids much of anything beyond basic parenting . Especially things like Music / Driving etc .
Do yourself and the youngin a favor afer its too late . Contract this gig out to a ‘ professional ‘ ( if you’re AAA they have a great ‘ adult ‘ program and if not your insurer may be able to recommend somebody )
September 30th, 2013 at 2:44 pm
39,
I’m not c-tech, but I suspect it is NOT a coincidence that your mileage has gone down. Either the thick oil, or the lower tire pressure would reduce mpg, and, combined, they would reduce it more.
What oil do you normally use? Doesn’t Toyota recommend 5W20, or something close to that?
September 30th, 2013 at 2:45 pm
40 sorry boys
CK, when it’s important, it is my practice to leave no electronic trace. When I faff around, I’ll take risks. I don’t trust my toys for $$ stuff. I keep separate accounts and limit who sees numbers. I have knowledge about listening/targeting that is not limited to the US. I made a mistake a few years ago, and it keeps me up at night, even though the risk was low. I use multiple passwords, with a hierarchy of sensitivity. Nothing that Snowden said surprised me.
September 30th, 2013 at 2:49 pm
I also have the KJ CD, CK. Tonight.
September 30th, 2013 at 2:51 pm
40,
I (almost) always use my Mac when buying things online. Is that safer than using my Android phone?
September 30th, 2013 at 2:51 pm
HtG – BWTM – re;Samsung – How neglectful , thoughtless and forgetful of me not to mention this . Did ya buy a Samsung SmartTV to go with that ChromePad ? If so ….. you’re on ‘ Candid Camera ‘ .. for who ever may be interested …. whether the TV is on … or off . That was even written up in the NYTimes as well as WSJ lately btw . And guess what ? Your little Samsung SmartPad has the exact same capabilities …. whether you have it on … in sleep mode … or off .. only removing the batteries disabling that capability
Sure .. Apple does some distasteful things when it comes to security IMO . But in comparison to the likes of Google Samsung etc ? Hell … Apple’s an impenetrable force field … especially to outside hackers
September 30th, 2013 at 3:01 pm
45 – Yes … but ……… No online purchase is ever completely secure … even on our Mac’s
But what ever you do … do not do your online ordering on WiFi ..or especially god forbid … a WiFi hotspot thru your Android ( or any Smartphone )
FYI – We do no financial transactions what so ever … have one laptop for online goofing … and another that never sees an online port for everything else … and never let loose with confidential info on our smartphones either
—————-
43 – What Snowden said was barely the tip of the iceberg … and what he didn’t say ( about how commerce is hacking into your daily life … not to mention illicit hackers ) makes what he did say sound like Disney on Parade in comparison
My point though being … why subject ones self to an even higher risk … just to save a couple of bucks ? To me .. convenience and price does not justify the additional risk …
but … enjoy Kweefee [ KJ ] … the guys a bleeding genius … be it Trad Jazz … Third Stream … or classical
September 30th, 2013 at 3:04 pm
Basta !
September 30th, 2013 at 3:06 pm
46 no! /sarcasm
I haven’t liked to chat about this stuff because it is quiet stuff. Ask SG about quiet.
But why trust Apple’s intentions or capabilities? Why can’t we pop out the batteries? Why did they take two years to plug a security hole? On whose behalf?
September 30th, 2013 at 3:29 pm
@ #38,39 It was not the name that set my expectations, it’s the price tag. The VW Phaeton was a great car for the the price, but I understand NOT spending 70K for a VW. The 2012 Equus was not in the class of a big Merc, Lexus or Audi for 70K. Looking forward to your review after you drive a Lexus and an Equus.
The lower pressure in your tires may have more to do with your lower mileage. There may also be some other factor involved. Check under the hood for a loose or disconnected vacuum line. The 20W50 oil, (WHY?) is not as much of a mileage factor. My old Cherokee uses 5W-30 syn-blend. It is cheaper than full on synthetic and goes a bit longer between oil changes.
September 30th, 2013 at 3:39 pm
47,
I guess I’m in trouble. The only internet access I have in Indiana, other than WiFi at restaurants, etc. is through my tablet “hot spot” capability via Verizon.
September 30th, 2013 at 3:40 pm
@ #41 It is not my kid (Mine learned the old fashioned way – shuttling Mom and Dad around). It helps keep their attention when Daddy holds the keys to their freedom. I understand what you are saying, and this is part of the financial divide in the U.S. Not everyone can afford the $200-300 for lessons.
September 30th, 2013 at 3:40 pm
46,
Where can we see the best of the nude pictures Samsung is collecting?
September 30th, 2013 at 3:55 pm
#53
Almost got to see Miss Teen USA Kit…
Even a first year Comp Sci Major can figure it out.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/teen-usa-sextortion-hacker-busted-article-1.1469432
I’ve got a solution, close your friggin’ computer…
September 30th, 2013 at 4:06 pm
54 There’s some hot and heavy audio you can link to, TB, but the server is in Novosibirsk, so….
September 30th, 2013 at 5:34 pm
Guys, the reason for the 50 weight oil is to try to control burning/leaking of said oil, which will happen anyway, just a bit slower than with the 10W30 I use normally, but I immediately noticed a more lethargic acceleration as soon as they put the heavier stuff in there, with time, I will be adding lighter oil and it should help matters, I already raised my PSI to 35 and I notice a bit of a difference.
September 30th, 2013 at 5:39 pm
Ctech I am not testing an Equus or Lexus, just a lowly KiaCadenza, an Optima-based. V6 well-equipped thing, but it has gotten great reviews and comes well equipped standard w/o taking you to the cleaners with options like some other brands do.
September 30th, 2013 at 6:05 pm
56,
I’ve used 20W50 mainly in air cooled bikes, but I put it in my Spirit R/T before doing a driving school on a race track, knowing that I would get the oil much hotter than in normal driving. I was surprised at how much difference it made in the way the engine “felt” when cold, especially at idle. It idled rougher, I suppose because of the extra work the engine had to do pumping and shearing the thick oil.
September 30th, 2013 at 6:10 pm
Kit this was a 6 cyl engine, right? I suppose the 20W50 would be ok in a big block engine with lots of power and that gets very hot, seems like in a modern 4 cyl a heavy oil like that is just asking for trouble, but these guys are supposed to know better and perhaps years ago, when most car engines were V8′s this was a normal practice.
September 30th, 2013 at 6:12 pm
A retired physician recently bought a new Avalon. The interior is very nice, but it was not cheap, over $40K. If the Cadenza undercuts that price by $10K, it might be a real alternative to the Avalon.
Still, if I wanted a biggish FWD sedan, the new Impala would be near the top of my list. With no options, it is well equipped at under $30K, and you can get the 3.6 engine as a free standing option.
September 30th, 2013 at 6:16 pm
59,
It was a turbo 4. The block started as a regular 2.2, but it had a forged crank and balance shafts. The big thing, though, was the Lotus 4 valve head. It was probably the ultimate “sleeper” of that time.
September 30th, 2013 at 6:17 pm
By all accounts, the new Impala has moved the bar up for that class of car, despite what the resident GM hater may claim. my buddy, the reviewer tested one out for a week and he agrees with me, that a few yrs ago, that would have been considered a luxury car in all aspects.
September 30th, 2013 at 6:17 pm
So I guess no 5w20 for that baby, eh?
September 30th, 2013 at 6:21 pm
See, an Avalon is just a stretched out Camry, but I don’t hear anyone complain about that, I think a Camry V6 with leather and the luxury options package is a better deal
September 30th, 2013 at 6:33 pm
The new Avalon rides stiffer than the old one. They, presumably, wanted to make it “sportier,” but probably most buyers would rather have the “Buicky” ride.
My friend likes the Avalon. He has a diverse group of cars, like I do, only his are pricier. He has the Avalon, a Boxter, and a Prius.
September 30th, 2013 at 6:36 pm
If you are trying to control the leaking/burning with oil (not an ideal solution) used the regular 5w-30 and add one of the additives (wait for it) Marvel Mystery Oil,Engine Honey, or Lucas. Rock (buy here pay here) lots best friend.
September 30th, 2013 at 6:39 pm
When I am getting into a 40K+ car, then styling and attention to detail Really starts to make a difference for me. We should expect and demand reliability and reasonable performance.
September 30th, 2013 at 6:40 pm
Do they still make STP?
September 30th, 2013 at 7:24 pm
Answered my question. It looks like there are about 40 STP products, including several to put in engine oil. I don’t know if you’d want to, though.
September 30th, 2013 at 7:30 pm
I used a product called Restore oil additive in my previous car and I have the feeling it destroyed the engine, so I avoid all these additives that are supposed to “coat” cylinder walls to help compression and lessen oil consumption, the problem is that product also ends up in places you don’t want it, like the tiny oil conduits in the engine.
September 30th, 2013 at 8:14 pm
Marvel Mys oil that brings back memories, I had a buddy who used it instead of oil to keep his 68 Ford Galaxy, with only 60k miles, going back in the mid 70′s. How things have changed, today a 60k mile car is almost new!
September 30th, 2013 at 8:26 pm
Most of what I’ve heard is that you shouldn’t put anything in oil. If the engine burns/leaks oil, fix it if it is new enough for that to make sense. If the car is too old/high mileage to spend much money on, just add oil, and don’t let it run low.
October 1st, 2013 at 12:24 am
@ #72 I agree that oil additives are NOT the best solution. Replacing the seals are the proper fix (or replacing/rebuilding the engine) however if you are just trying to make it until you have more money, then keep the oil level good, add about a pint to a quart of additive and hope for the best as you don’t have much time / miles left on the engine. I would guess the newer, variable valve timing engines and turbocharged engines are NOT going to go well with these oil additives.