The Automobile Thread

Especially a Q5... the worst!

 

So are the drivers...

 

Mountain bikers suck. And they're ugly.

 

...

 

Almost as bad as BMW drivers.

 

I like Audi's, but I don't imagine owning one. Certainly not new...

I keep daydreaming about a nice vehicle. Then I keep coming back to the idea of just getting a cheap and simple so I can spend more money on bikes (and saving for the future).

Nobody are worse humans than Merc drivers...

 

Looking forward to seeing Rivian on the road around here. The west coast HQ is in the Irvine Spectrum, and they are hiring. Looks like they want mechanical engineering help with designing accessories like bike racks.

it’s a brilliant idea, to place a brand halfway between Range Rover and Tesla. $70-100k is a big bet on an unproven machine. And there has to be an aftermarket way to tone down the headlights. But I’m rooting for them.

 

Saw one pass me Sunday in Santiago Canyon.

 

Been keeping my eyes out for them. I was blown away by the units they took to the auto show.

I expect every garage from Encinitas to Goleta will have one of these by the middle of next year. Even if the build quality turns out to be Tesla-level, it’s going to sell.

 

hey I resemble that remark!!!

 

when I’m on the bike, if I see a Prius, I clench a little, get my hands firmly on the hoods ready to brake, and look for a place to go when they inevitably pull out, drift into my lane, or open their door.

 

What do you expect from glorified VWs??

I've hankered for a Q7 barge after 5 of us comfortably cruised the autobahn at 130mph + without the damn thing even batting an eyelid a few years ago. Seriously impressive bit of kit.

It is quite amusing how the various German carmakers all give each other Sh!t over there. BMW for instance refer to Mercedes as "die Taxifahrer aus Stuttgart"

 

Primus sucks.

 

I have a 2021 Atlas and a 2018 Q5. So far the Audi is built better than the VW. We've had the VW in three times since buying it in July, plus a tire. A rattly suspension part, and two Nav/infotainment problems. My used Auto Union - perfection so far - knock on wood, fingers crossed. Both drive and fit extremely well.

 

I had an Audi A3 for a few years. Fun to drive, very nice car. But try to pull it off pavement onto a dirt lot to park, and you scrape the underside. Turned out to be very useless for biking trips. And $650/mo payment....ouch. Sold it for a tacoma and never looked back. If I had to buy a car again I'd get something like a Honda fit unless electric/hybrids come down in price more.

 

I am VERY much looking for a Honda Fit for Firstborn. Seems like a good mix of reliability, frugality, and utility.

 

To be fair, I wouldn't really expect an A3, or any compact sedan, to be much better than useless for bike trips. Despite some nice improvements in the current gen I feel like the A3 and Q3 fail to transcend the "glorified VW" standard mentioned above. I think it ends there though. For a small adventurous family, or individual, @herzalot's Q5 is a really fantastic and versatile car. I do share your Tacoma enthusiasm.

 

I believe we were discussing adaptive air suspension on German SUVs previously. This was posted a couple days ago on an Audi forum I'm on. Dude and his family were skiing in Utah, and the car spent the night at -15°. Apparently low battery voltage caused the drive select to freak out, and this is what the dude came out to. What a WTF moment that must have been.

 

I also saw the Rivian at the LA Auto show a few year ago and was blown away by it. I really want one, but in 10 years or so. I am really enjoying my Tacoma right now.

 

Yeah that's a WTF moment. But he would fit right in at a low rider gathering.

 

I was going to say, I see plenty of SUVs sporting that lowered rear end look when I drive through El Sereno.

I'm not sure if it's a thing or, if the rear end suspension just gives-out before the front does.

 

It's a thing to have a lowered rear end. And add hydraulic suspension for some serious bounce.

 

We have a MBZ GL450 (Not a humble brag, it's a 2007 model!) so I always notice the ones that have the blown out air springs. The fronts are a bit of work to replace as they are struts, but the rears are cheap and easy to throw on some Arnotts.

 

List night, pulled over on a parking lot to let wife's uncle out at work...

Began pulling ahead and boom...
Up onto a curb.

Wasnt going fast, just creeping forward... But find a pool of red fluid under the car just now...

Really hoping I didn't just junk the transmission on the Atlas....

 

Ohhhhhh....

 

Its all the drugs and illegal fire arms they are transporting in the cargo area.

 

Oh Good Lord.... I certainly hope not. But red fluid coming out of ANYTHING is not good, other than a can of Hawaiian Punch.

 

You're thinking of East LA @SnakeCharmer . El Sereno is where the retired cholos live.
Well, retired cholos and childless young people who've been priced out of Echo Park and Highland Park.

@Derkderkall , fingers crossed the transmission is okay. Seems like an SUV should have enough clearance to clear the curb. My wife does it all the time In her CRV.

edit: randomly found out Ascot Hills in El Sereno used to be a race track. It's only good for a quick hike now. Not enough trails for a good ride-although I have seen newbs and one dummy on a tall bike there.

 

Actually it was great for road trips with up to one other person as long as said trip didn't involve any rough roads. I could lay the bike flat with rear seats down and front wheel off and carry everything I'd need for a trip. I also had a 1.25" hitch installed and got a thule T2 so I could take an extra person or not have the bike inside. Could take 3 people and bikes for local rides. A3 was the most entry level audi so I wasn't expecting anything fancy. But it was fun to drive and did most of what I needed it to until I started exploring further afield.