(01-21-2016 01:26 AM)Thoughtcrime Wrote:  I'm thinking of buying a car to brave the traffic of LA, instead of using Ubers to get around. I was thinking of a Ford Focus (maybe the ST variant) - fuel efficient and easy to park. As far as practical cars, this seems slightly less lame than, let's say a Honda Accord. Pretty sure I could get a fairly recent model for 10-12k USD cash. Thoughts?

I have two buddies who both have Ford Focus STs. One has a 2014 and the other a 2016. I think you would have to be pretty lucky to find a good recent model for $10-12k.

How old you are? I've gone to some ST meetups with my buddies and from what I can gather, the ST is the car for the young guy who wants to buy a sportscar. Both my buddies are under 20 for reference and the oldest guy I've seen at the meetups was 27. There was one 40+ guy but he was in the middle of a midlife crisis and not someone you would want to emulate. If you're an older guy I'd steer clear of the Focus ST. If you can procure a Focus RS though, jump on it.

I've been driving for the last 6 months 1999 Opel Corsa which I bought for 900 euros. Before that I was driving 2008 VW Passat, full leather etc. To be honest I really like driving this shitty car. It gets me attention and its good to make fun of. Im driving it in a country where other people doing same business as me are usually driving Teslas or Volvo XC90's. I wouldn't drive the car in EE though, nobody would take me seriously or make any good kind of fun about it.

The only vehicle I have at the moment:



I never owned a car.

White Toyota pickup from 2008.

Alpha or beta (yes I own one, a 2013)?

Maybe...a hybrid?



The app keeps track of finances:

http://imgur.com/a/twPlG

2016 audi s6...had the 08' prior to it..I just love driving the s6'.

2014 Explorer. Needed something with towing capacity; enjoying the luxury touches compared to previous vehicles.

Also this machine:

(03-09-2016 06:44 PM)WeekendCasanova Wrote:  2016 audi s6...had the 08' prior to it..I just love driving the s6'.

Tell me more about the differences driving a supercharged S6 Vs. The V10?

How does it handle now that it doesn't have a heavy motor to balance out>?

(03-09-2016 07:53 PM)estraudi Wrote:  

(03-09-2016 06:44 PM)WeekendCasanova Wrote:  2016 audi s6...had the 08' prior to it..I just love driving the s6'.

Tell me more about the differences driving a supercharged S6 Vs. The V10?

How does it handle now that it doesn't have a heavy motor to balance out>?

The only two I've ever used have been the 08' S6, and the current one I have now - but the difference in speed, as well as handling is noticeable. You still get the force that sucks you back to your seat, but the newer Audi with the twin-turbocharged V8 is so much better IMO. I didn't get the base model either, but turning corners at high speeds is awesome.

I think the biggest difference for me is the ride quality. Audi's typically aren't the most comfortable to drive in on long stretches. The V10 S6 was pretty uncomfortable compared the the supercharged S6.

I've heard that this years model is heavier than previous years, so I can't compare those. But based on the 08', there's a massive jump in performance.

I've been thinking alot lately about getting a motorcycle.

Talked with a buddy a few weeks ago who's an avid biker, he recommended starting out with a café racer like a Ducati Scrambler.

Don't have an MC license, never driven an MC before. Had a scooter when I was younger but yeah... that's like comparing a Chihuahua to a Dogo Argentino.

What would you guys recommend? I really like the look of the Scrambler and café racers in particular, can't speak on stats since engines and mechanics knowledge is zero. Should I get one, I'd ride it about 40 miles/day a few days of the week. Budget about 4,5-5k $.

(03-09-2016 08:23 PM)WeekendCasanova Wrote:  

(03-09-2016 07:53 PM)estraudi Wrote:  

(03-09-2016 06:44 PM)WeekendCasanova Wrote:  2016 audi s6...had the 08' prior to it..I just love driving the s6'.

Tell me more about the differences driving a supercharged S6 Vs. The V10?

How does it handle now that it doesn't have a heavy motor to balance out>?

The only two I've ever used have been the 08' S6, and the current one I have now - but the difference in speed, as well as handling is noticeable. You still get the force that sucks you back to your seat, but the newer Audi with the twin-turbocharged V8 is so much better IMO. I didn't get the base model either, but turning corners at high speeds is awesome.

I think the biggest difference for me is the ride quality. Audi's typically aren't the most comfortable to drive in on long stretches. The V10 S6 was pretty uncomfortable compared the the supercharged S6.

I've heard that this years model is heavier than previous years, so I can't compare those. But based on the 08', there's a massive jump in performance.

Interesting. I have always wanted that V10 to drive the piss out of but dislike that it comes with 4 doors and TONS of weight. Wish it were stuffed into the S5 like the 4.2 V8 was stuffed into the RS4 chassis. Thing needed a huge shoehorn to fit in there.

I'm glad you are enjoying that new turbo whoosh, sounds like a car and engine worth having. A true Grand Tourer type.

Thanks for your feedback.

(03-10-2016 11:56 AM)DarianFrey Wrote:  I've been thinking alot lately about getting a motorcycle.

Talked with a buddy a few weeks ago who's an avid biker, he recommended starting out with a café racer like a Ducati Scrambler.

Don't have an MC license, never driven an MC before. Had a scooter when I was younger but yeah... that's like comparing a Chihuahua to a Dogo Argentino.

What would you guys recommend? I really like the look of the Scrambler and café racers in particular, can't speak on stats since engines and mechanics knowledge is zero. Should I get one, I'd ride it about 40 miles/day a few days of the week. Budget about 4,5-5k $.

If you dont have much riding experience, get a bike that allows you to ride 'Heads Up'. The scrambler is OK, but a bike like the Africa Twin posted above is better.

Sport bikes make shitty first bikes. They are wicked fun but suck for peripheral. The only way to ride them is to 'know and feel' your surroundings as you would be crazy to spend much time looking with your eyes.

(03-10-2016 12:19 PM)Laner Wrote:  

(03-10-2016 11:56 AM)DarianFrey Wrote:  I've been thinking alot lately about getting a motorcycle.

Talked with a buddy a few weeks ago who's an avid biker, he recommended starting out with a café racer like a Ducati Scrambler.

Don't have an MC license, never driven an MC before. Had a scooter when I was younger but yeah... that's like comparing a Chihuahua to a Dogo Argentino.

What would you guys recommend? I really like the look of the Scrambler and café racers in particular, can't speak on stats since engines and mechanics knowledge is zero. Should I get one, I'd ride it about 40 miles/day a few days of the week. Budget about 4,5-5k $.

If you dont have much riding experience, get a bike that allows you to ride 'Heads Up'. The scrambler is OK, but a bike like the Africa Twin posted above is better.

Sport bikes make shitty first bikes. They are wicked fun but suck for peripheral. The only way to ride them is to 'know and feel' your surroundings as you would be crazy to spend much time looking with your eyes.

A supersport is overkill, but a 1000cc, tall seated, 500+ pound, 100hp, 72ft-lb of torque bike (1000cc supersports make that torque level) that costs 14k for a newbie?

The toned down sporty starter bikes, like the ninja 300, ninja 650, sfv650, etc can all be had for much cheaper, with abs, will be much more comfortable, and much easier to handle for weight and power. They all have an upright position.

A scrambler would be a very expensive drop, as well as a very expensive to maintain bike for a newbie. Possibly overpowered depending on the rider. Sfv650s are similar and can be had brand new for 6k, or half the duc price.

(03-10-2016 01:46 PM)philosophical_recovery Wrote:  

(03-10-2016 12:19 PM)Laner Wrote:  

(03-10-2016 11:56 AM)DarianFrey Wrote:  I've been thinking alot lately about getting a motorcycle.

Talked with a buddy a few weeks ago who's an avid biker, he recommended starting out with a café racer like a Ducati Scrambler.

Don't have an MC license, never driven an MC before. Had a scooter when I was younger but yeah... that's like comparing a Chihuahua to a Dogo Argentino.

What would you guys recommend? I really like the look of the Scrambler and café racers in particular, can't speak on stats since engines and mechanics knowledge is zero. Should I get one, I'd ride it about 40 miles/day a few days of the week. Budget about 4,5-5k $.

If you dont have much riding experience, get a bike that allows you to ride 'Heads Up'. The scrambler is OK, but a bike like the Africa Twin posted above is better.

Sport bikes make shitty first bikes. They are wicked fun but suck for peripheral. The only way to ride them is to 'know and feel' your surroundings as you would be crazy to spend much time looking with your eyes.

A supersport is overkill, but a 1000cc, tall seated, 500+ pound, 100hp, 72ft-lb of torque bike (1000cc supersports make that torque level) that costs 14k for a newbie?

The toned down sporty starter bikes, like the ninja 300, ninja 650, sfv650, etc can all be had for much cheaper, with abs, will be much more comfortable, and much easier to handle for weight and power. They all have an upright position.

A scrambler would be a very expensive drop, as well as a very expensive to maintain bike for a newbie. Possibly overpowered depending on the rider. Sfv650s are similar and can be had brand new for 6k, or half the duc price.

For sure. Just wanted to put the enduro style on his radar. Obvious due diligence is in order. The easiest bikes in the world to ride are the little 250 sherpas. Lots in between.

SFV650's are awesome. Probably best bike for value I have ridden.

(03-10-2016 11:56 AM)DarianFrey Wrote:  I've been thinking alot lately about getting a motorcycle.

Talked with a buddy a few weeks ago who's an avid biker, he recommended starting out with a café racer like a Ducati Scrambler.

Don't have an MC license, never driven an MC before. Had a scooter when I was younger but yeah... that's like comparing a Chihuahua to a Dogo Argentino.

What would you guys recommend? I really like the look of the Scrambler and café racers in particular, can't speak on stats since engines and mechanics knowledge is zero. Should I get one, I'd ride it about 40 miles/day a few days of the week. Budget about 4,5-5k $.

Your best course of action is to take a motorcycle safety course. Research the ones in your area. If you find the right program it will include both classroom and riding instruction and if you pass the course they'll provide you with a certificate that waives the riding test at your local department of motor vehicles.

In my area it was relatively cheap, the class was conveniently located, and the instructors were excellent. EVERYTHING was provided. I rode a 250 motocross style bike of theirs and since it was so light and had a great riding position for me I felt at ease almost immediately. By the 2nd day of riding I was asking the instructors if they minded if I tried out rev-matched downshifts and they were fine with it if I felt comfortable. The course covered everything I could think of and the instructors were the right mix of experienced and open without tolerating any nonsense (a guy who brought a crotch-rocket and an attitude rightly failed for ignoring their safety directive).

I ended up riding a friend's bike for a while afterwards that happened to be a vastly heavier/bigger/more powerful bike (over 1,000 cc) and I felt that the course prepared me well enough to not really have any issue on it because I'd got such a solid set of fundamentals taught to me.

If you decide to start riding, make sure to consider the price of gear. If you end up one of those riders that rides in tennis shoes, a skullcap helmet, and shorts/short sleeves don't be surprised that when you eventually go down (the likelyhood is that you will at some point) instead of ending up bruised and battered you lose major amounts of skin, get a serious head/face injury, or break an ankle or worse.

I hope to re-take a motorcycle course in the future and eventually end up with a nice weekend bike to ride. I am on the fence only from the safety perspective. I found that with my short commute the time taken to get in/out of the proper gear was essentially a wash for the time it took me to just drive. I really enjoyed riding. I don't think I've ever taken a course more fun than riding.

^ seconded on gear.
Budget for CE rated, armored gear ( shoulders, elbows, knees, hips, back), boots, gloves, helmet. Then figure out your bike budget after that.

I ride rain or shine in 4 season armored gear. I recommend ABS on a first bike, but that's just me. I've since moved onto a non-abs bike and practice threshold braking. This is critical.

I also took the MSF course. It's invaluable.

2003 Acura TL

Laner, AneroidOcean, philosophical_recovery: Greatly appreciated advice, thanks guys.

Looking into bikes that allow for an upright riding position, even though café racers look dope as hell. Another biker with 30+ years on the road chimed in with "Yeah, you'll feel like a badass blazing down lanes on a road racer... until it starts raining and shit starts splashing your line of sight. Or you get to a turn and realize the torque was a bit more than expected and suddenly you're going down. Start at the beginning, young buck."

There's a thread for guys that, like me, have zero knowledge in this area: Learning to ride a motorcycle

Motorcycles 101 (linked in the above thread): Motorcycle Beginner Guide

(03-12-2016 06:44 PM)DarianFrey Wrote:  Laner, AneroidOcean, philosophical_recovery: Greatly appreciated advice, thanks guys.

Looking into bikes that allow for an upright riding position, even though café racers look dope as hell. Another biker with 30+ years on the road chimed in with "Yeah, you'll feel like a badass blazing down lanes on a road racer... until it starts raining and shit starts splashing your line of sight. Or you get to a turn and realize the torque was a bit more than expected and suddenly you're going down. Start at the beginning, young buck."

There's a thread for guys that, like me, have zero knowledge in this area: Learning to ride a motorcycle

Motorcycles 101 (linked in the above thread): Motorcycle Beginner Guide

I like/dislike the cafe racer style. As you mentioned, there is no rain protection without putting on an aftermarket windscreen. On long highway rides, the wind beating against your chest will also fatigue you very quickly. On a sport bike you can get into a full tuck behind the windscreen, scoot your butt all the way back, lay on the tank, and try not to sleep while doing a constant speed on the highway. It's very comfortable for me. May not be for you. I don't even notice a strong (30ish mph) crosswind in that position. But, if I sit upright it is very obvious and begins pushing me sideways.

Something to note:
Almost all of the "entry-level" bikes, be it the Ninja 300, Ninja 650, Honda equivalents, etc, have a much more upright seating position than a true sportbike. I strongly encourage you to just go to a dealer and sit on a bunch of bikes. I went to every dealer in my area before I grabbed my recent bike (used, not even from a dealer), and sat on things I didn't think I had any interest in. Because I wasn't sure about what I wanted. For instance, I liked aspects of the cruiser position, but I didn't like the features and weight compared to a sporty 650.

FWIW I took the MSF course and rode a TU250, which is Suzuki's beginner cruiser. Then I grabbed a ninja 300, which felt sporty compared to that, until I got on a real supersport. Your preference is only going to be realized by sitting on a lot of bikes (just feeling them, not riding on them).

Once you have training, I highly encourage a few test rides. Just keep in mind that you have to sign a waver at the dealers that basically say you are fully responsible for any screwups on the test ride. So have money in the bank.

Late edit:

I forgot to mention that some little (and even some big) things are customizable on a bike. The upright position on a Ninja 300 can be completely changed by removing the stock handlebars and putting on clip-ons, as well as changing the rearsets (where the footpegs and controls are mounted). A lot of people do this to make their older entry-level bikes a dedicated track bike.

I customize things on my bike, whereas I don't really bother with my cars. Mainly because it is a lot easier to do the work yourself on a bike.

Also: Never cheap out on tires. I got the best possible tires for my riding style. Some entry-level bikes have total shit tires (some Dunlop tires, for instance). If I were doing it again, I would negotiate the best tires as part of any dealer quote. It's the quickest way to make your bike perform better, and save your ass by giving you more stopping power before you start sliding.

I'm divided a 4Runner and a Q5 at the moment.

The new highlander looks gay and the Sequoia is too big. Any SUV that can haul ass (130+) is on my list, there are turbos for Tahoes and Yukons.

My cars tend to get used and abused so Toyo's reliability is a big pro for me.

(03-10-2016 11:56 AM)DarianFrey Wrote:  I've been thinking alot lately about getting a motorcycle.

Talked with a buddy a few weeks ago who's an avid biker, he recommended starting out with a café racer like a Ducati Scrambler.

Don't have an MC license, never driven an MC before. Had a scooter when I was younger but yeah... that's like comparing a Chihuahua to a Dogo Argentino.

What would you guys recommend? I really like the look of the Scrambler and café racers in particular, can't speak on stats since engines and mechanics knowledge is zero. Should I get one, I'd ride it about 40 miles/day a few days of the week. Budget about 4,5-5k $.

Get license, test ride different models, then decide.

Be sure to get some miles on a Triumph Street Triple, you'll love it.

(03-13-2016 12:24 PM)philosophical_recovery Wrote:  Also: Never cheap out on tires. I got the best possible tires for my riding style. Some entry-level bikes have total shit tires (some Dunlop tires, for instance). If I were doing it again, I would negotiate the best tires as part of any dealer quote. It's the quickest way to make your bike perform better, and save your ass by giving you more stopping power before you start sliding.

Agreed. Your only contact to the road should be as good as it gets. Never ever cut back on your tires aswell as your braking aids (discs/pads/lines/fluids).

I'd like to add that if you end up with a bike that has adjustable suspension, get it adjusted to you (weight etc) and your riding style. Most people neglect this aspect while it's a cheap thing to do and I'll increase your fun, safety and experience riding your bike tremendously.

Treat all of the above as the same importance as you do your riding gear, which should be top priority.

Just this thread title and OP's original question...

I don't need any help to know that my silver 2010 Toyota Rav 4 is totally beta. For christ's sake, mine is the only one in the world driven by a guy!

But, as beta as my ride might be, I'll be damned if I don't really like it. This is my first Toyota and I definitely understand why Toyota owners are so religious about Toyotas... Shit just WORKS. Everything is exactly where it should be. No mickey mousing around with stuff. Seriously, excellent car.

When I was younger, I had a Saab 9000 turbo 5-speed. THAT was a fucking fun car!

(01-21-2016 04:44 PM)CrashBangWallop Wrote:  

(01-21-2016 12:18 PM)General Stalin Wrote:  

(07-11-2014 11:14 AM)General Stalin Wrote:  
^

I ended up buying one of these last year bahahaha color me rainbow.

I'd love one of those so badly. Or an escalade.

They're just too big and thirsty for the UK.

Dreamy.

Aesthetic compromise aside, I'm happy with my purchase. AWD, 6-speed automatic, 400HP, 415 Ft/lbs, 8000 lbs towing capacity, comfortably seats 7, all leather, front and rear heated seats, tri-zone climate control, DVD player, you name it's got it.

That said, I actually liked my '03 a little better just for particular reasons. I was looking to get an '06 to get the latest model year of the old body style, but I found this for a steal and couldn't pass it up.

I drive a shitbox and have been spending a lot time thinking about getting a used 2013 Toyota 86 for around 18k toward the end of 2016. Cars are ridiculously expensive in Australia and your money buys fuck all. 60K here buys you a Subaru Wrx sti or a Mustang but that's a lot of money for a car. In Canada the money can get you a used Gtr R35. Anyway, what do you think about the 86?