First request! BMW 3 Series

I am so happy that people are keeping tabs on my blog! So I am officially accepting any requests from any of you! You can either contact me through email or chat. Just look for me anywhere or leave a comment!

Now back to the car. Some time before, I decided to take up on the challenge and stopped by Concord BMW. Then I looked around for some 3 series and found them, then looked for the 325, but they don't make them anymore! they've increased the engine size to turn the name into a 328i! well aside from that, I asked the salesperson to open it up. Well, before I go on about the insides, I'll talk about the exterior.

It seems like no matter what BMW designs, no matter how ugly their cars are they grow on you! and the BMW 3 series is an example of that. Its old classic twin kidney grill an rather boring exterior all bound together for an attractive package.

Now onward with the interior. The interior is pretty cozy, at best. The seats feel like they are more for sports driving and the steering wheel is extremely chunky and some of the buttons were to small if you were holding on to the wheel for to long. It did have the nice I drive system but there were the cup holders that were a joke and the rear visibility was crap. The back seats were a bit cramp, but it was good for short to medium length journeys. Trunk size is modest and the funny thing is the trunk has a guide to tell you how you should layer golf clubs!

I cannot drive it but what I hear it is very nice. Balanced, 50/50 and its perfectly powered. You could get a diesel, actually, screw the gas, and go to the diesel. More power, more efficient and you can get away with getting gas at a truck stop! So just get it... NOW!!!!!! (or get an audi A4, or A3 TDI)

Now normally a car review would not tell you if the car is cool or not, but this is me so I will. This car is uncool. The thing is, its about the people who drive this car, not about price, not performance, because this is a superb thing to drive from what I heard, but its not cool. Take a look around you and the only people you see driving it are tax men and people who are on the record for tax evasion! Can you imagine Cameron Diaz or Ke$ha in this thing? NO!! its a good car, just uncool beyond recognition.

Appearance: 8.5
Interior: 7.5
Passenger comfort (F/R): 7.5/7
Efficiency: 7
Letter Grade: A-
Competitors: Audi A4, Mercedes Class, Lexus IS, Lincoln MKs,

To Sat nav or not to sat nav that is the question

There has been a recent growth in the number of people that choose to tick the option box for built in Satellite Navigation systems in their cars, trucks and SUV's. The question is still present, is it worth it to pay 2000+ dollars to do what a device thats costs 100-200 dollars? It really depends on how integrated it is into the car. Cars like the Honda Fit and Civic have a Satellite Navigation, but all it does is be a Satellite navigation and a radio. Honestly I am not catching on. Sure it is there on the dash and it looks cool to have a square screen on the dash, but really? I am spending 2000 dollars on a square box. When it is worth it is in cars like the BMW 5 series and Audi A8, these cars have fully integrated systems. Sure they cost more to add, about 3000-4000 more to the price, but what it adds to the driving experience is priceless. Not only does this system work with Satellites and the radio, it controls car controls, such as suspension, A/C, window lights, and even how long lights will stay on in the cabin. You see, that is what the real purpose of having an integrated system.

The systems in the lower cars can be added by yourself for half the money. A top of the line Pioneer system can be had for about 1000 dollars. Now that is an in dash satellite Navigation system. Now that is the better bargain.

Another application for a navigation that actually works, would be in a hybrid. I am no way a fan of a hybrid car, but if I were to get one, I would NEED a navigation system. What is the point of owning one if I can' visually see how my systems are checking out.

I bet your thinking "Hey Andrew, what if I need a back up camera?" Well listen, its called learning your car. You've driven long enough, you should be able to get used to it by now. Also, it may look cooler to have one built in, but you have to remember, isn't it cooler to have one that pops out of the dash, than one that is built in?

So heres a summary: unless you can control everything in the car through that screen, it is not necessary.

Cars that do it right!

BMW I drive system
Audi interface
Any car or 40,000
Land Rover
Honda Accord
Toyota Avalon
Suzuki SX4 (its actually standard!!)

Cars that do it wrong
Toyota Corolla
Honda Fit/Civic
Toyota Corolla

This is in no way, all of them, they are just some of the ones that stick out.

Where did those pics come from???
well a friend told me to be sure to put a place where I go them, so here it is:
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://cdn-www.rsportscars.com/images/honda/2009-honda-fit-sport/honda-fit-sport-2009-navigation-system.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.rsportscars.com/honda/2009-honda-fit-sport/pictures/&usg=__XN4UxyPe8ulUKyFznkeB89vbq0w=&h=1067&w=1600&sz=285&hl=en&start=0&sig2=XHNp7GyQRtNtOibDebYJ1A&tbnid=j3PtkDqvc8kqhM:&tbnh=141&tbnw=232&ei=5HhfTOb2NYXGsAO3j9ipCw&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dhonda%2Bnavigation%2Bsystem%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D683%26tbs%3Disch:10,160&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=373&vpy=341&dur=1935&hovh=183&hovw=275&tx=116&ty=61&oei=5HhfTOb2NYXGsAO3j9ipCw&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=16&ved=1t:429,r:12,s:0&biw=1280&bih=683

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://0.tqn.com/d/cars/1/0/d/2/2/11a8_8screen.jpg&imgrefurl=http://cars.about.com/od/audi/ig/2011-Audi-A8-photo-gallery/2011-Audi-A8-display-screen.htm&usg=__H4_4PqE8dFazOmLhsKp9z8Wq8TI=&h=853&w=1280&sz=198&hl=en&start=39&sig2=BiS6Yn5-GKqtfkj7-Wd1Zg&tbnid=Qtke8VSLCwMCoM:&tbnh=165&tbnw=217&ei=nXhfTOqJJY7EsAP0g5CqCw&prev=/images%3Fq%3DAudi%2Bscreen%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D683%26tbs%3Disch:10,1137&um=1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=106&oei=i3hfTODXNIKgsQPr07ipCw&esq=3&page=3&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:11,s:39&tx=211&ty=48&biw=1280&bih=683

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.bmw.com.my/com/en/newvehicles/3series/convertible/2007/allfacts/ergonomics/_shared/img/ergonomics_idrive.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.bmw.com.my/com/en/newvehicles/3series/convertible/2007/allfacts/ergonomics/idrive.html&usg=__y66MalScQlH1JqC7s09fZmcrEDY=&h=303&w=802&sz=41&hl=en&start=0&sig2=vSqRV0JQALqwPkNdd5IfKw&tbnid=ZoE4HBGvxkKIcM:&tbnh=99&tbnw=258&ei=xXhfTI2kOYnQsAOSl6mqCw&prev=/images%3Fq%3DBMW%2BI%2Bdrive%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D683%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=382&vpy=239&dur=682&hovh=138&hovw=366&tx=226&ty=55&oei=xXhfTI2kOYnQsAOSl6mqCw&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=19&ved=1t:429,r:6,s:0

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.goautotechs.com/imgrep/Image/295503034AVIC-N3_Map_Med.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.goautotechs.com/index.php%3Fpage%3Drender%26LinkId%3D1412&usg=__RFOv5l209D-6oMaQKbCHuD69sCE=&h=450&w=513&sz=70&hl=en&start=0&sig2=0lZfeRh-pcktr6-ybMvC_A&tbnid=56awVkH_x1rQVM:&tbnh=115&tbnw=131&ei=bIFfTIbvFIz6sAOt2tGpCw&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpioneer%2Bnavigation%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D640%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=394&oei=bIFfTIbvFIz6sAOt2tGpCw&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:5,s:0&tx=69&ty=54

Toyota Camry and Chevorlet Suburban

I know its been awhile, so here is a nice double feature. I am sure some of us know about the Toyota Camry. Its a soft, cushy, squeeze as you like car that a lot of people love. I am fortunate because my sister owns one. Now the Camry is an extremely comfortable car. The suspension is very soft and the ride is very solid. The outside may be a bit conservative but very sleek and would age well. Inside the interior has all the basics covered. The radio is very nice with a standard 180W stereo and MP3 jack. Two power outlets are a plus with one of them hidden so you can leave your phone in the car without worrying to much about it getting stolen. In the driver seat you have seats that are plush, but it you drive sporty, you will swing around. The steering while is adjustable, and the radio is within easy reach. Now for the back seats, very nice. The back is perfectly reclined and there is plenty of knee and leg room, even if a six foot person is in front. With five it will be a squeeze though. The trunk is relatively average for the segment, but it is still big enough. I could even fit in there and come out really quickly. The car is pretty well priced for the segment. It starts at $19,890 for a base CE, volume car, the LE, starts at 22,500 and adds power seats and an alarm, move up to the SE and it starts at 25,000, XLE V6 starts at 27. I will not mention the hybrid because I am not a fan. Some nice options I would consider are, the satellite navigation, moon roof and alloy wheels. These options really do the camry justice in separating it from the over 400,000 copies on the road. The engines are all smooth and make good gas mileage because they all feature toyota's Variable, Valve, Timing, with Intelligence (VVT-I).
I also added competitors to the over all


Appearance: 7
Interior: 7.5
Passenger comfort (F/R) 8.5/8
Content: 8
Efficiency: 7.5
Letter Grade: B+
Competitors: Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima, Chevorlet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300,

Suburban

The suburban is the mack daddy of all urban assault vehicles. It is a massive, eight seater behemoth that I love. This thing is huge inside and out. I went to a dealer not to long ago and had the chance to sample a fully loaded LTZ with navigation. Take one sit in the drivers seat, and those with faint hearts will have to run off to a Tahoe, because this thing is huge. There was a back up camera which make things better but it still is no easy feat. In the drivers seat, there are also dual automatic climate control, Navigation, and a DVD set in the back. There are also plenty of outlets for all your devices. Second row is very comfortable and there is plenty of space, even with all three seats filled. Plenty of storage and comfy seats top that list. The third row is equivalent to a mid size sedan, but you feel separated from the front seat conversation. What is most surprising is the amount of luggage space still available behind the third row. It can still hold enough grocerys to last months! Its looks on the outside are almost daunting. It just looks at you with a face that says "f*** off." But one thing that may make people "f*** off" is the price. A cloth seated, standard SUV starts at 37,000. Now, that would have been a mid level truck. The top of the line LTZ tops off at 55000. Now that is not that bad compared to a Toyota Sequoia which is smaller but costs the same. Now under the hood is GM's powerful V8 with 325 hp, making this a big beast, but with fuel mileage of a big beast, 14 city/18 hwy.


Appearance: 8.5
Interior: 8
Driver Touch Points: 7
Comfort (F/R/R) : 9/9/7
Content: 8
Efficiency: 6
Letter Grade: A-
Competitors: Ford Expedition EL, Toyota Sequoia

Chrysler Town and Country

I recently went on a trip to the East Coast and for one leg of the trip, the rental was a Chrysler Town and Country V6 with the optional DVD. The Chrysler Town and Country is the minivan that started it all. In the 70's they came out with the garagable minivan. Honestly they have been putting out some crap, but this time they are making it work. It was decent. For most of the time I sat in the front seats and the passenger seat was like a mini oasis for me. there was this perfect side on the right for my arm and on my left a slightly lower one. There was a lot of mini cubbies perfect for all the gadgets that are normal. The only thing I have about that would be the noise and ride. It is a lot more rough and I wish they had a little softer suspension. There was also a thing about how close the ceiling was to my head. I wish it was a little lower. The radio was a little farther away then I like. Now the back seats thats a little different! I sat in the second row and it was hell! for a short 25 minute ride it was annoying! The seats had no support (thanks to stow and go) and the third row is a pinch for three. I like the DVD player! Very nice! but I wish you load it from the rear DVD as opposed to the radio. I HATE the rear seats!. The stow and go did come in handy though! When we had to send three people, 2 boxes, 10 pieces of luggage it was handy to have all that space! It was very easy with a low load floor, I loaded 65% of the luggage in a dress shirt and trousers and it was very easy to lower the third row. The stow and go was a hassle. You have to move the front rows all the way forward (with power seats, takes longer than you think) then shove the thing all the way down. The gas mileage was so so, we managed about 300 miles from a full tank, but we had 7 people and gear to last one day. I really wished Chrysler perfected all the things they put in the van before they released it, but I would just wait until they fix them. I am hoping to see the new Sienna some time soon, but until then, heres my ratings:
Appearance: 6
Interior: 7
Driver touch points: 7
Passenger comfort (F/R): 8/5
Content: 7.5
Efficiency: 7
letter grade: B-

First Post: Honda Insight

I am not very good at this but I'll give it a try. A few days ago I went to a Honda dealership and while my parents are looking at an Accord Crosstour, I take a peek at a Honda Insight and I think OH GOD! This was a very cheap feeling car. It so blank and there was nothing there! It reminds me of a Hyundai Accent in terms of content and space. The seats were flat and all the plastics feel like they belong on a cheap toy rather than a $23000 car! It really was that bad. The "piano black" background for the insight was not nice. The radio looks like it was stolen from a Kia and it was not nice. I sit in the back and it was not to bad. It was a little more spacious than I expected and trunk space was okay, but it is hard to get up because it is in a weird angle. What really got me in the interior was the air conditioning vents. Were they really trying to cut cost that they couldn't put a regular vent. It was like this round cylinder with vents. How you adjust it is by turning the cylinder then to shut it off you turn it all the way 90 degrees. It was that bad. I would not recommend this car. But it still has that Honda name and dammit. It still holds it resale and is a hybrid so you get the gas mileage. If Honda can sell this for less, like $17000 then it would be good, but I don't see where the value comes from for this thing.


By the way I will be using this scale to do my reviews from 1 to 10
Appearance:7.25
interior:4
driver touch points: 6
Passenger comfort F/R: 6/7
content:6
Overall letter grade: C