The cars and bikes thread!

[happyscrappyheropup]

Nothing that can't be sorted with $$ it has a fresh clutch and new head gaskets but suspension is spent tires bald input shaft bearing leaks and mice have been rooting around the electrics GM build quality and being a T-Top car means massive cowl shake and it's just not a pleasant ride she beat it pretty hard never passed up a race stoplight to stoplight hence the many clutches and tires it's a kids car and belongs with one with time on his or her hands I suppose in a few years we could call it a barn find and get decent money but they made zillions of them really just want it gone. I do like the caddy wagon but they are hard to find and she won't go for it I am going to have a hard time getting her to accept the 2 extra doors she has only ever had coupes

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I've owned a few older GM F-bodies. I had a '96 Firebird and '01 WS6 TA.

Unless you want to pay more than I think they're worth, the V wagons are a tough find. Even more $$$$$$ if you want a manual trans. They're aging *ok*, but the polished trim bits look a bit old school Cadillac and the long front overhang is a bit awkward in profile.



I prefer the V3 look (and the more powerful LT4). The ATS-V is a decent option, just depends on how much space you need. It's about E9x 3 series size.

The V2 coupes aren't a bad option, friend has an '11. You can get those with manual trans, too.

[Raza]

Ok wife wants/ needs a new ride she always has had manuals since I forced her into one 25 years ago that ended when we Parked her Trans Am and I put her into a 335i with M-sport package basically telling her to grow up, well 8 years or so on and the Trans Am still languishing in garage (undrivable) and her refusing to let it go I have a decision to make find her a ride with a stick or it's status quo which means paying repairs on an aging BMW and looking at the Pontiac gathering dust. after much research it may be this Cadillac CT5-V it does mean getting back into the GM fold which I am not thrilled about but I think it gets my Truck back in the garage Tran-Am out my life and a happy wife.As far as the power goes she can definitely handle it she is fearless behind the wheel and a far better driver than me what do you think?

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I don’t know much about Cadillac’s newer offerings (I didn’t even know they’ve changed their naming scheme, I don’t know what a CT5 is), but if I were looking for an affordable, practical, stylish car with a manual to replace an aging BMW and a Trans Am, I would get a slightly used 435i or M235i/M240i. Plenty quick, pretty new, and while they’re not all over the place, you can find them. I was considering a 435i way back when I was juggling the possibility of becoming a stepfather, but now that’s all over, I don’t need the size of the 4 series and prefer the 2. I like small cars.

Alternatively, if you want more of a punch, the M2 is manual only and available at reasonable prices slightly used. And it keeps you out of a GM product.

To be fair, though, keeping your 335i in tip top for your wife would cost a hell of a lot less than buying a new performance Cadillac.

[Raza]

Good friend recently picked up a slightly nodded ATS-V and loves it

Those were really nice, I liked those. One of the few sedans on the market I’d really consider.

[Raza]

PDK is amazing on the street, too. Have you driven any of the new Porsche with them? They're as smooth as any manual, even at low speeds. Not as smooth as an automatic, but they're closer than the older clunking single and dual clutch automated manuals. I've driven 911s and Caymans with them, I was impressed with them.

Lots of reasons for manufacturers to move back to a traditional torque converter automatic, big one is the add'l ratios. With 8, 9, and 10 speed automatics, you get improved MPG, acceleration, and drivability. The 10 speed in my ZL1 was a great trans; street or race.

Smoothness is fine in DCTs, but they still have the exact same problem as traditional automatics—the feeling of a computer between me and my decision making. When I want a gear, I want it. I don’t want a computer to sit there and approve my request to shift down or to make the decision to shift up for me when I want to hold the gear a little longer. I don’t enjoy the feeling of driving a computer.

[happyscrappyheropup]

Smoothness is fine in DCTs, but they still have the exact same problem as traditional automatics—the feeling of a computer between me and my decision making. When I want a gear, I want it. I don’t want a computer to sit there and approve my request to shift down or to make the decision to shift up for me when I want to hold the gear a little longer. I don’t enjoy the feeling of driving a computer.

I was thinking of you early this morning when I was pumping the pedal on my car to set the choke for a cold start.

You don't like computer control.

[geoffbot]

I believe the 8 speed in the auto version of my car is superb and of course quicker to 60. But I prefer the manual - because I just do.

[happyscrappyheropup]

I believe the 8 speed in the auto version of my car is superb and of course quicker to 60. But I prefer the manual - because I just do.

I've driven an M3 just like mine but with the 7spd DSG - it was quicker, but like you other troglodytes, I enjoy the manual more. It's still a riot to drive and my buddy's car had more than a few mods on it, but I enjoy the manual in this car. Shifter could be better, obviously not bad enough for me to spend money to fix it.

Have you stopped looking at other shiny things so you can enjoy your car?

[geoffbot]

Always looking at shiny things Wayne. The car is great, and there are so few fast manual convertibles that I don't think I have many other options. Am considering a tune, but I would need to fork out a few grand for the crank hub replacement before pushing 500+ bhp. Will wait until the house sale completes first.

[Raza]

I was thinking of you early this morning when I was pumping the pedal on my car to set the choke for a cold start.

You don't like computer control.

Obviously, I don’t want to return to the days of hand cranking your engine. But I don’t want to feel the computers. Fool me. I want to be fooled by the computers. And DCTs can’t do that.

[gnuyork]

As I have two 2-seaters, the only car for the baby was our 14 year old Honda Element. Was time to get something newer/safer.

Picked up the CX-5 this weekend. This is a photo from the internet, but we got the Grand Touring Reserve trim which includes, AWD, turbo, heads-up display and paddle shift option. First car with air conditioned seats too. The interior is sweet. I looked at the Signature top trim, but the only difference was Nappa seats, a 360 degree camera with parking sensors, and real wood trim on the interior...not worth the $2000 premium.

Despite many dealers not wanting to discount (due to the chip shortage and supply) I finally found a couple dealers willing to negotiate. I ended up at $2700 under MSRP, which despite the current climate is not too bad. Overall happy with the deal.

Same color to match the Miata (my wife's choice, I was indifferent but leaned towards the white). Her car, her choice though. Now we're matchy-matchy

Pretty impressive acceleration for an SUV, but I'm used to the Honda Element 0-60 in 12 days