Post: #276

(01-16-2013 10:42 AM)el mechanico Wrote:  Ok.. Two things...

I bought a 5.0 Mustang lx basket case that will be here today and I need to buy a roadtrip car for around 15k. I was thinking about a Mercedes C55.

Whatever it is it needs to be kid friendly and faster than a cop car. I'm sick of BMWs.

Crown Vic Police Interceptors are dogshit slow. I'd avoid the C55. I work in the auto industry and am constantly dismayed with the declining quality of European cars, based on first hand experience and anecdotal evdience from friends that own nearly new German sports cars. Also I personally don't like that gen of AMG C-Class. A bit too nose heavy and unruly, with a crude automatic. Lots of power but the short wheelbase means it's twitchy and rough, not what I'd want on the highway for a long roadtrip.

For a good road trip car that's fast, inconspicuous and kid friendly, why not a Charger or 300C? First gen cars with a Hemi will do, second gen cars, even with the V6, are plenty quick. Not the most plush or elegant, but they are built like tanks and will move down the road properly. Honestly though, my favorite vehicle for driving long distances is a full-size pickup. Lots of power, 4x4 capability if need be and lots of physical space to stretch out. That's just my personal preference, I know it won't be every man's cup of tea.

Feel free to PM me: If it's been made in the last decade, I've probably driven it.

Post: #277

Post: #278

(02-09-2013 02:21 PM)Hotwheels Wrote:  I'm all about excess and Escalade's are often considered the posterboy for excess consumption.

I agree, I don't mind the Escalade. That's excess I can tolerate, just as I tolerate the excess of the European supercars I keep throwing in here.

The Kodiak pickup is just too far for me, though. Just big for the sake of being big-too much.

Quote:edit-That EXT needs some different wheels. The standard 18's just don't cut it on a rig that size. Same reason I got 20's.

Totally agree, as do most people I think. I almost never see those 18's on Escalades.

Post: #279

Speaking of wheels Athlone, the stock 22's on the two Escalade's in the videos you posted are sweet. No need to change those out.

The LED headlights on the Platinum's are nice as well.

I'm curious to see what the next one looks like. The 2014 Silverado's have been shown but not the next gen SUV's. Reportedly the next Escalade will up the luxury factor, mostly interior, over the current one. Likely to further differentiate it from the Yukon Denali.

Kodiak pickups probably don't work too well in a metropolitan environment, but they are pretty kick ass out here in the midwest. Originally they actually served a need as the 1 ton trucks couldn't tow anywhere near the same loads. They keep boosting the tow rating of the 1 ton diesels though so there isn't much difference in capability anymore unless you go up to the 6500 or 7500 series which were not available as a pickup.

Monroe Truck Equipment, the upfitter GM used for these, was building these custom 10 years before Chevy and GMC made it a RPO. Saw a few killer ones in their shop back in the 90's. A lot were going to rich guys to tow their boats.

Obviously, they had pretty big boats....

Post: #280

(02-10-2013 12:32 AM)Hotwheels Wrote:  Speaking of wheels Athlone, the stock 22's on the two Escalade's in the videos you posted are sweet. No need to change those out.

The LED headlights on the Platinum's are nice as well.

I'm curious to see what the next one looks like. The 2014 Silverado's have been shown but not the next gen SUV's. Reportedly the next Escalade will up the luxury factor, mostly interior, over the current one. Likely to further differentiate it from the Yukon Denali.

A few enterprising CG artists have already taken a stab at this, and I like what they came up with:

Post: #281

New GM SUVs will be like the new trucks...not much different from the last generation. I've seen the trucks and driven a prototype and am not impressed. Then again the Navigator is also well behind the times by now, so if you want a domestic pimpmobile SUV, the Slade is the default choice. The front is in keeping with the current Caddy look but the back is really "off", I can't imagine it will go into production like that. Though I can tell you there's one floating around of the new mid-size Jeep to replace the Liberty that is VERY accurate...like, somebody at Jeep must have snitched, because I'm one of the few who have seen the car in the flesh and it's dead on.

Post: #282

(02-10-2013 04:29 AM)Donnington93 Wrote:  New GM SUVs will be like the new trucks...not much different from the last generation. I've seen the trucks and driven a prototype and am not impressed. Then again the Navigator is also well behind the times by now, so if you want a domestic pimpmobile SUV, the Slade is the default choice. The front is in keeping with the current Caddy look but the back is really "off", I can't imagine it will go into production like that. Though I can tell you there's one floating around of the new mid-size Jeep to replace the Liberty that is VERY accurate...like, somebody at Jeep must have snitched, because I'm one of the few who have seen the car in the flesh and it's dead on.

do you have a link to that rendering of the Liberty that is close to the real deal? I'd like to see it.

I've driven a few liberties for work and I wasn't impressed with their quality. That's a car that badly needs and upgrade. What Jeep did with the new Cherokee has me optimistic about the potential for a redone Liberty.

Post: #283

Post: #284

(02-09-2013 05:50 PM)Donnington93 Wrote:  

(01-16-2013 10:42 AM)el mechanico Wrote:  Ok.. Two things...

I bought a 5.0 Mustang lx basket case that will be here today and I need to buy a roadtrip car for around 15k. I was thinking about a Mercedes C55.

Whatever it is it needs to be kid friendly and faster than a cop car. I'm sick of BMWs.

Crown Vic Police Interceptors are dogshit slow. I'd avoid the C55. I work in the auto industry and am constantly dismayed with the declining quality of European cars, based on first hand experience and anecdotal evdience from friends that own nearly new German sports cars. Also I personally don't like that gen of AMG C-Class. A bit too nose heavy and unruly, with a crude automatic. Lots of power but the short wheelbase means it's twitchy and rough, not what I'd want on the highway for a long roadtrip.

For a good road trip car that's fast, inconspicuous and kid friendly, why not a Charger or 300C? First gen cars with a Hemi will do, second gen cars, even with the V6, are plenty quick. Not the most plush or elegant, but they are built like tanks and will move down the road properly. Honestly though, my favorite vehicle for driving long distances is a full-size pickup. Lots of power, 4x4 capability if need be and lots of physical space to stretch out. That's just my personal preference, I know it won't be every man's cup of tea.

Feel free to PM me: If it's been made in the last decade, I've probably driven it.

So let me get this straight...You're recommending that I pick a 300c or even a V-6 over a C55???? Are you serious?

Post: #285

If you want a daily drivable, fun sports car get a manual E46 M3. You won't regret it

Post: #286

I watched British Top Gear last night and they had a 2013 Aston Martin Vanquish. Damn its hot!

Post: #287

(02-12-2013 11:05 AM)el mechanico Wrote:  

(02-09-2013 05:50 PM)Donnington93 Wrote:  

(01-16-2013 10:42 AM)el mechanico Wrote:  Ok.. Two things...

I bought a 5.0 Mustang lx basket case that will be here today and I need to buy a roadtrip car for around 15k. I was thinking about a Mercedes C55.

Whatever it is it needs to be kid friendly and faster than a cop car. I'm sick of BMWs.

Crown Vic Police Interceptors are dogshit slow. I'd avoid the C55. I work in the auto industry and am constantly dismayed with the declining quality of European cars, based on first hand experience and anecdotal evdience from friends that own nearly new German sports cars. Also I personally don't like that gen of AMG C-Class. A bit too nose heavy and unruly, with a crude automatic. Lots of power but the short wheelbase means it's twitchy and rough, not what I'd want on the highway for a long roadtrip.

For a good road trip car that's fast, inconspicuous and kid friendly, why not a Charger or 300C? First gen cars with a Hemi will do, second gen cars, even with the V6, are plenty quick. Not the most plush or elegant, but they are built like tanks and will move down the road properly. Honestly though, my favorite vehicle for driving long distances is a full-size pickup. Lots of power, 4x4 capability if need be and lots of physical space to stretch out. That's just my personal preference, I know it won't be every man's cup of tea.

Feel free to PM me: If it's been made in the last decade, I've probably driven it.

So let me get this straight...You're recommending that I pick a 300c or even a V-6 over a C55???? Are you serious?

Yeah, I am. I don't think it's a very good car at all. It is nose heavy and in my opinion, does not handle well. That era of M-B suffers from extremely poor build quality. You are overpaying for an inferior, third rate sports sedan. Especially if you want a comfortable, fast car on a road trip.

You don't have to take my advice. I work in the industry and have driven pretty much everything. The biggest take away I've found is that just because it looks cool or has a well regarded badge doesn't mean that it isn't a dogshit car. Do not base your purchasing decision on a video of some Eurotrash bellend doing a burnout.

Post: #288

(02-12-2013 04:29 PM)Donnington93 Wrote:  

(02-12-2013 11:05 AM)el mechanico Wrote:  

(02-09-2013 05:50 PM)Donnington93 Wrote:  

(01-16-2013 10:42 AM)el mechanico Wrote:  Ok.. Two things...

I bought a 5.0 Mustang lx basket case that will be here today and I need to buy a roadtrip car for around 15k. I was thinking about a Mercedes C55.

Whatever it is it needs to be kid friendly and faster than a cop car. I'm sick of BMWs.

Crown Vic Police Interceptors are dogshit slow. I'd avoid the C55. I work in the auto industry and am constantly dismayed with the declining quality of European cars, based on first hand experience and anecdotal evdience from friends that own nearly new German sports cars. Also I personally don't like that gen of AMG C-Class. A bit too nose heavy and unruly, with a crude automatic. Lots of power but the short wheelbase means it's twitchy and rough, not what I'd want on the highway for a long roadtrip.

For a good road trip car that's fast, inconspicuous and kid friendly, why not a Charger or 300C? First gen cars with a Hemi will do, second gen cars, even with the V6, are plenty quick. Not the most plush or elegant, but they are built like tanks and will move down the road properly. Honestly though, my favorite vehicle for driving long distances is a full-size pickup. Lots of power, 4x4 capability if need be and lots of physical space to stretch out. That's just my personal preference, I know it won't be every man's cup of tea.

Feel free to PM me: If it's been made in the last decade, I've probably driven it.

So let me get this straight...You're recommending that I pick a 300c or even a V-6 over a C55???? Are you serious?

Yeah, I am. I don't think it's a very good car at all. It is nose heavy and in my opinion, does not handle well. That era of M-B suffers from extremely poor build quality. You are overpaying for an inferior, third rate sports sedan. Especially if you want a comfortable, fast car on a road trip.

You don't have to take my advice. I work in the industry and have driven pretty much everything. The biggest take away I've found is that just because it looks cool or has a well regarded badge doesn't mean that it isn't a dogshit car. Do not base your purchasing decision on a video of some Eurotrash bellend doing a burnout.

You know I own a shop that works on these things and have been doing it for 30 years right? You can buy a c55 for 10-15 k all day long what's over priced about it?

Post: #289

I always liked the C55 and briefly thought about getting one but ended up with the BMW. We used to go on mountain runs and the C55 in the group, despite lots of extra power, could never keep up with the BMWs - handling just isn't on par. Otherwise, I can't comment on build quality, but el mech you would have an edge on repairs if anything did go wrong mechanically. The one in the video looks good...blacked out front and CLK AMG wheels...but my only thought is they may start looking really dated with all the new designs coming out (Benz CLA), if that even matters to you.

Post: #290

(02-12-2013 05:05 PM)presidentcarter Wrote:  I always liked the C55 and briefly thought about getting one but ended up with the BMW. We used to go on mountain runs and the C55 in the group, despite lots of extra power, could never keep up with the BMWs - handling just isn't on par. Otherwise, I can't comment on build quality, but el mech you would have an edge on repairs if anything did go wrong mechanically. The one in the video looks good...blacked out front and CLK AMG wheels...but my only thought is they may start looking really dated with all the new designs coming out (Benz CLA), if that even matters to you.

So the C55 couldn't keep up with the 6cyl Bmws in the mountains huh? I'm not buying that all the non M Bmws I drive are pigs. Florida is flat anyway you could drive a 77 Tbird here and it wouldn't make a difference

Post: #291

(02-12-2013 04:38 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

(02-12-2013 04:29 PM)Donnington93 Wrote:  

(02-12-2013 11:05 AM)el mechanico Wrote:  

(02-09-2013 05:50 PM)Donnington93 Wrote:  

(01-16-2013 10:42 AM)el mechanico Wrote:  Ok.. Two things...

I bought a 5.0 Mustang lx basket case that will be here today and I need to buy a roadtrip car for around 15k. I was thinking about a Mercedes C55.

Whatever it is it needs to be kid friendly and faster than a cop car. I'm sick of BMWs.

(02-12-2013 05:20 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

(02-12-2013 05:05 PM)presidentcarter Wrote:  I always liked the C55 and briefly thought about getting one but ended up with the BMW. We used to go on mountain runs and the C55 in the group, despite lots of extra power, could never keep up with the BMWs - handling just isn't on par. Otherwise, I can't comment on build quality, but el mech you would have an edge on repairs if anything did go wrong mechanically. The one in the video looks good...blacked out front and CLK AMG wheels...but my only thought is they may start looking really dated with all the new designs coming out (Benz CLA), if that even matters to you.

So the C55 couldn't keep up with the 6cyl Bmws in the mountains huh? I'm not buying that all the non M Bmws I drive are pigs. Florida is flat anyway you could drive a 77 Tbird here and it wouldn't make a difference

Crown Vic Police Interceptors are dogshit slow. I'd avoid the C55. I work in the auto industry and am constantly dismayed with the declining quality of European cars, based on first hand experience and anecdotal evdience from friends that own nearly new German sports cars. Also I personally don't like that gen of AMG C-Class. A bit too nose heavy and unruly, with a crude automatic. Lots of power but the short wheelbase means it's twitchy and rough, not what I'd want on the highway for a long roadtrip.

For a good road trip car that's fast, inconspicuous and kid friendly, why not a Charger or 300C? First gen cars with a Hemi will do, second gen cars, even with the V6, are plenty quick. Not the most plush or elegant, but they are built like tanks and will move down the road properly. Honestly though, my favorite vehicle for driving long distances is a full-size pickup. Lots of power, 4x4 capability if need be and lots of physical space to stretch out. That's just my personal preference, I know it won't be every man's cup of tea.

Feel free to PM me: If it's been made in the last decade, I've probably driven it.

So let me get this straight...You're recommending that I pick a 300c or even a V-6 over a C55???? Are you serious?

Yeah, I am. I don't think it's a very good car at all. It is nose heavy and in my opinion, does not handle well. That era of M-B suffers from extremely poor build quality. You are overpaying for an inferior, third rate sports sedan. Especially if you want a comfortable, fast car on a road trip.

You don't have to take my advice. I work in the industry and have driven pretty much everything. The biggest take away I've found is that just because it looks cool or has a well regarded badge doesn't mean that it isn't a dogshit car. Do not base your purchasing decision on a video of some Eurotrash bellend doing a burnout.

You know I own a shop that works on these things and have been doing it for 30 years right? You can buy a c55 for 10-15 k all day long what's over priced about it?

You asked for recommendations, I gave my 2cents. I live in an area where they aren't 10-15k - closer to 25-30k. If you can snag one for 10-15k and keep it maintained on your own, sure.

As far as handling when the road gets twisty? I totally buy it. A big, heavy V8 hanging off the nose of a car that's not a great handler to begin with? Same with the pre-facelift ISF and the B7 S4. Understeer city. I prefer the Boss 302 Mustang to the Shelby GT500 for that same reason.

Post: #292

(02-12-2013 05:20 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

(02-12-2013 05:05 PM)presidentcarter Wrote:  I always liked the C55 and briefly thought about getting one but ended up with the BMW. We used to go on mountain runs and the C55 in the group, despite lots of extra power, could never keep up with the BMWs - handling just isn't on par. Otherwise, I can't comment on build quality, but el mech you would have an edge on repairs if anything did go wrong mechanically. The one in the video looks good...blacked out front and CLK AMG wheels...but my only thought is they may start looking really dated with all the new designs coming out (Benz CLA), if that even matters to you.

So the C55 couldn't keep up with the 6cyl Bmws in the mountains huh? I'm not buying that all the non M Bmws I drive are pigs. Florida is flat anyway you could drive a 77 Tbird here and it wouldn't make a difference

Most all of the BMWs were slightly tuned 335s or Ms (granted mine is neither). You can turn a 335 into a beast for relatively little scrap, as I'm sure you know.

Post: #293

(02-12-2013 05:20 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

(02-12-2013 05:05 PM)presidentcarter Wrote:  I always liked the C55 and briefly thought about getting one but ended up with the BMW. We used to go on mountain runs and the C55 in the group, despite lots of extra power, could never keep up with the BMWs - handling just isn't on par. Otherwise, I can't comment on build quality, but el mech you would have an edge on repairs if anything did go wrong mechanically. The one in the video looks good...blacked out front and CLK AMG wheels...but my only thought is they may start looking really dated with all the new designs coming out (Benz CLA), if that even matters to you.

So the C55 couldn't keep up with the 6cyl Bmws in the mountains huh? I'm not buying that all the non M Bmws I drive are pigs. Florida is flat anyway you could drive a 77 Tbird here and it wouldn't make a difference

A decent driver in a 328i can cause headaches for a guy in a 911 whose ego exceeds his talent.

Post: #294

Post: #295

Post: #296

Post: #297

Normally I associate these with toothless guys who run kiddie porn rings out of their double-wide trailers. Last week, though, I saw a hipster type park one in front of a cafe. He had tons of positive attention from girls. Maybe he's onto something?

   

Post: #298

(02-13-2013 09:42 AM)Mikev75 Wrote:  Normally I associate these with toothless guys who run kiddie porn rings out of their double-wide trailers. Last week, though, I saw a hipster type park one in front of a cafe. He had tons of positive attention from girls. Maybe he's onto something?

Post: #299

DB9 Mansory

Post: #300