I bailed on 2012 as I didn't want to make any payments and figure prices will go down once 2014 hit the market. SOOOO I am looking at
2007 black on black Toyota Camry SE leather 86,000 km OR
2009 white SE 102,000 km. leather SE with navi for 14,500 plus taxes. (12% whatever that is)
I have seen cheaper but I don't want grey. I love black so i'm jammed.
I have 2007 Camry base model 4 cyl. I went into the grocery store with my wife and kids and returned to car with no power. I turn the key and nothing happens. The dome light can turn on but its weak. the only dash lights that come on are the oil light and the key with the car picture.
I bought a new battery for it and still nothing. I had it towed to my house and currently trying to find as much info as possible on it. So again I turn the key, no lights on the dash except for oil for a second... then nothing no turning over, no clicking..
My thoughts are cable wires or fuses?
My 2007 Toyota Solara convertible has been perfect...and now suddenly the convertible back window is leaking. My husband advised me not to drive it today due to the expected rain. OOPS. I went out, and when I made a stop, I looked at the back window and realized the bottom window (glass/plastic?) had completely separated from the fabric top. The top itself is in perfect condition.
View 2 RepliesWhat are some pros/cons you have with yours? Both 5.4 supercabs xlt im looking at just cant decide. The 09 has a overall higher rating but its not to much more.
View 6 RepliesI bought a used 2009 Passat several months ago, only to find out that two of the wheels are bent. I've found a new set of 2012 Passat wheels with tires at a good price. Will they fit my 2009?
View 5 RepliesMy 2009 Sienna has turned on the Malfunction Indicator Light but my OBD-II scanner shows "no codes". How can that be? How can I diagnose the problem?
View 4 RepliesWhat Model Number Automatic Transmission does the 2012 LE have?
When was the first year they used this transmission?
Has this transmission been used in any other cars?
Does it have the reliability record Toyota is known for, or is it too early to tell?
I remember reading that some common problems that plagued the 2006 Passat have been removed or rectified for 2008. what was improved or rectified in 2008 over '06 and '07?
I'm planning to trade-in my '06 Passat for '08 if I can find a good deal and would like to know the above.
I have the 2008 VW Passat Lux with Navi 2.0T, what the difference between 2007 and the 2008
View 2 RepliesLooking for if the camry 5sfe cylinder head from 92 to 01 will fit a 94 camry?
View 3 RepliesI've got the stock stereo (CD and radio) and am wondering about options to connect my iPhone. Do I need a new stereo, or is there some way to add either a stereo mini input or iPhone cable input?
View 1 RepliesI have a 2007 Ford Explorer Eddy B model with 74K miles. When I drive it randomly "Jitters". The event is difficult to describe. It happens anytime; hot or cold, at start-up or after being on the road a while, when I accelerate or am at a constant speed, on cruise control or not. The only time it is not prone to happen is going up a steep incline.
The engine cuts out several times in very quick succession, or once for about 1-2 seconds. It sort of feels like a series of backfires, or that the transmission is trying to find a gear it wants to be in (as I said, this happens even on a level road at a constant speed). When the event takes place, the tach intermittently and quickly goes from the hormonal 1500 rpm (or so) to around 2500 rpm, then returns to normal.
This occurs more often lately.
There is no engine light, so putting it on a test machine is not yet an option. I have changes all the filters and uses the gas stuff to eliminate water. I let the tank get down to 50 miles of driving time and then always fill the tank.
I'm having a problem with acceleration on cold start. It's an auto transmission model. Car always hesitate and jerks a bit before accelerating. Also acceleration is slow.
View 2 RepliesI have a OEM base model head unit and today both front speakers stopped working out of nowhere I pulled the head unit out to see if everything was plugged in and it all was snug.. I checked all the fuses too. Is there any other way to check to see if its my head unit thats bad or the speakers? And I guess my second question is if I replace my head unit with a aftermarket one do I still need to retain the stock unit? My sunfire had that problem I needed to put my oem radio in the trunk and hook it into my new aftermarket one. I did try adjusting the fade and all the setting too with no luck.
View 3 RepliesI'm considering moving from a 1.8T Jetta to a 3.6L Passat. I know my Jetta had several generational problems, but mine, in particular, seemed to have most things sorted by the time I bought it in 2004. Are there any glaring problems with the 3.6L or the B7 Passat in general?
I don't mind doing spark plugs, oil and replacing a pipe now and then, but something like broken engine internals or premature rust would give me pause.
5 Reasons to Drive the 2013 Lexus RX350
by Michael Waterman
2013 Lexus RX350
The Lexus RX 350 dominates the luxury crossover category with more than 1 million sales since 2002. But it has an Achilles' heel: men aren't completely sold.
Wives, girlfriends, daughters and grandmothers adore the car. Testosterone-driven men, not as much, though they still buy plenty of standard RX vehicles each year.
How does Lexus attract more men to showrooms? Make the RX more masculine. In other words, offer the Lexus RX 350 F Sport.
Does the strategy work? Let's find out by exploring five reasons to drive the 2013 Lexus RX 350 F Sport.
Reason #1: Looks Matter
The quick summary of this luxury crossover is that the difference between the regular Lexus RX 350 and the F Sport model is largely cosmetic.The standard spindle grille is mesh on the F Sport. The 19-inch alloy wheels are blacked-out in a dark graphite finish. The seats and interior are decked out in black. The brake and gas pedals are aluminum to create a sporty look.
F Sport badging is visible outside the car and on the steering wheel. And reach behind the steering wheel and you'll find paddle shifters, the first ever in an RX model.Those elements speak a performance design language that will whisper, "buy me" to a segment of performance-minded RX buyers.
Reason #2: Same Engine, Different Transmission
Surprisingly, the RX 350 F Sport uses the same 3.5-liter V6 engine as the standard RX 350. This engine generates 270 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque.It's not wicked fast, nor is it particularly slow.Here's the big difference: the RX 350 F Sport has an 8-speed transmission instead of the standard six-speed of the regular RX 350 model.The F Sport also comes standard with all-wheel drive. The regular RX 350 starts with front-wheel drive and offers all-wheel drive as an upgrade. Strong roadside grip is standard with the F Sport's AWD system. But it doesn't make the car feel particularly sporty. At least no sportier than the standard RX 350 with all-wheel drive.Lexus reports the RX 350 will move from zero to 60 in about 7.7 seconds. That's not fast. But it's fast enough to comfortably move with ease on the freeway.Fuel economy is the same as the standard model, too, with a combined city and highway average of 21 mpg. In mostly freeway driving on a long road trip, I averaged 24 mpg, short of the 26-mpg highway average.
Reason #3: A Firmer Ride Conveys More Sporty Feeling
The biggest driving difference between the standard RX 350 and the RX 350 F Sport is the tighter suspension tuning on the latter model.Shocks are firmer. Potholes hit harder. The ride is rougher.For some buyers, that firm ride translates into what they've trained their brains to believe is a sporty experience.Other buyers may wince and wonder where the soft, comforting ride of the standard RX 350 has gone.Where the Lexus GS 350 F Sport delivers on its sporty promise with a more engaging driving experience, the RX 350 F Sport feels more like a bumpy ride in a standard RX model. Test-drive both models one after the other to decide which driving experience appeals most to you.Paddle shifters also offer the promise of a more sporty experience. They work well but after driving more than 800 miles in the RX 350 F Sport, I rarely felt the need or desire to use them.
Reason #4: Lexus RX Is A Top Safety Pick
Top safety scores are one reason why the Lexus RX models continue to sell at a rapid clip. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the Lexus RX a 2013 Top Safety Pick due to its top scores in front, side, rollover and rear crash tests.Whether you choose the standard RX 350, the fuel-efficient hybrid RX 450h or the performance-styled RX 350 F Sport, you can feel confident that you and your passengers are well protected in a collision.
Reason #5: Recommended by Consumer Reports
The top reason many buyers choose Lexus is for the brand's outstanding reliability ratings. In our highly programmed lives, most of us no longer have time to waste sending vehicles back and forth to a mechanic's shop.Consumer Reports predicts the 2013 RX models will deliver better-than-average reliability and bestowed its coveted Recommended rating on the vehicle.If you pay more than $40,000 for a vehicle, one would hope that vehicle delivers outstanding dependability today and in the future. On this count, Lexus delivers big time.
An Interesting RX Alternative I've had the chance to drive all three Lexus RX models over the past few months. If money were no object, I would choose the RX 450h for its class-leading fuel-efficiency and stylish, upgraded cabin. However, my well-optioned test model topped $64,000.
If I were counting pennies (and what Lexus owner really counts pennies?), I would choose the standard RX 350 for its satisfying mix of luxury and performance and more affordable $40,000 base price.
The last model I would buy is the F Sport. My well-optioned and attractive model had a sticker price just under $54,000. The aesthetics and butch features look good. The eight-speed transmission is smooth and works well. But ultimately, the F Sport model just isn't worth the price premium it commands.
That's not an indictment on the F Sport model as much as a statement about how good the standard RX 350 is.
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These are the things I like about my Prius:
gas mileage
being able to open the door by touching the handle
heated seats
I get free parking at meters in my hometown for having a hybrid. (This is a major convenience!)
What I dislike:
Ground clearance of 4 inches. I have destroyed the engine shield once by parking in a normal spot at the library and having it ripped off, another time when the road flooded while I was driving. 4 inches of water was enough to rip off the shield, although I was driving 5 mph (couldn't just park, or the car would have been flooded). This repair will involve replacing the whole bumper. I have now officially lost all gas mileage savings and more in repairs.
Blind spot the size of Rhode Island. I have put little bug-eyes on my side mirrors, but it's still not great.
Brakes do a weird shimmy whenever I hit a bump.
If there is snow on the ground, it shimmies like crazy, and it is scary how long it takes to stop. Of course, if there are more than 3 inches of snow, I can't drive the damned thing without big problems...this car is an absolute HOG on the ice when its snows.
The GPS---to update, I have to buy a new disc for almost $300. If I had a Garmin stuck to my dashboard, I could update on the net for free. Clown move, Toyota.
Not a comfortable car. Any drive longer than 120 miles I feel stiff and achy. And I'm not particularly tall. No lower back support, and car bounces harshly.
So I am thinking the Subaru Crosstrek hybrid when it becomes available. I'm not worried about the decreased mileage figures, as with 7 1/2 inch ground clearance, I won't be paying for ripped up undercarriage repairs. And with all-wheel drive, I should be able to use the vehicle when it snows. If I were happy with the Prius, I would think its appearance was cool. But as is, I think it is squat and unattractive.
I've had my Phaeton for about six weeks now, and I thought it would be interesting to compare it to the car I switched from:
The Infiniti M45 was the marque's second-best car available in 2004. Really, the only things it lacked from the Q45 flagship were a rear sunshade, backup camera, and electronic suspension. It had the same 340HP V8 VK45DE engine but weighed about 1000 lbs less. It's been pegged by Jalopnik as a future classic and it's one of the best cars I have ever been in, and certainly the best I've ever personally owned before the Phaeton. The most apt description I've heard is "Japanese muscle car" and I completely agree; Nissan even made a goofy video to that effect starring Chris Mulkey from Twin Peaks.
The car also probably matches the Phaeton in terms of rarity, if not being even more rare. It was sold for only two years, had less than 8,000 imported, and has an understated but unique look.
Here's how I think they stack up:
- Cooled seats: M stomps the Phaeton here. From what I know the VW system just recirculates cabin air through the seat; this appears accurate from when I've had the seat apart. The Infiniti system actually has a cooling element within the seat to further cool the air. The end result is leather that actually feels cool to the touch and makes hot interiors bearable more quickly.
- Rest of the seating: The M featured an exclusive grade of Japanese leather which is both comfortable and durable. However, VW's "comfort leather" is definitely softer (though I worry about marring it) and you can't beat 18-way adjustability. The M seats are more supportive with better bolsters, fitting its more sporting nature, but the Phaeton is definitely the winner in comfort and personalization.
- Driveline: No one buys a Phaeton to race, but the M really shines here. It's been timed at around 5.6 seconds for the 0 to 60 MPH sprint and if you've ever driven one it seems believable. This makes it quite fun as most people see it and assume it to be a "grandpa car;" they're in for a surprise when you floor it and the dual-stage exhaust opens up. Plus, I absolutely love RWD cars. The Phaeton will keep me safe and sound through winters in the mountains, but little else puts a smile on my face like flooring it through a turn and feeling the rear end begin to break loose. Just can't do that with AWD. It also gets a couple MPG better fuel economy. Add in Nissan's version of Servotronic and this was a car that begged to be driven, and driven hard.
- Gadgets: This one is probably a tie. The Phaeton has so many little things: the vent covers, the rear headrests, the self-folding mirrors, heated steering wheel, etc. There's all kinds of things to show passengers and discover when new. However, the M had a number of features that my Phaeton lacks; some were available as options from VW and some weren't. For instance, the M had a voice recognition system to control climate, stereo, and navigation systems. It also had a radar-controlled "Intelligent Cruise Control" shared with its big brother, the Q. The navigation system was DVD-based, which means no disc-swapping or slow reads, and satellite radio was an available option. I also don't understand why the Phaeton's easy entry function doesn't move the seat; the M would move the seat when getting out and in as well as the steering wheel. For me, I feel that the Phaeton has lots of subtle features that bring a smile, but the M had more features that I actually used and got benefit out of.
- Ride quality and sound level: Without question, the Phaeton is the winner. The M makes for a great highway cruiser, though it's ride is a bit stiffer and can't be adjusted. It's by no means bad, but nothing can compete with the silence of the Phaeton cabin and the stability of the 'Comfort' suspension setting. There's just no contest.
- Fit and finish: Again the Phaeton pulls ahead. The M features birds-eye maple trim throughout and high quality leather upholstery, but the rich finish of the eucalyptus in the Phaeton and the buttery smooth feel of the Vienna leather are unbeatable. The M was by no means cheap, but the Phaeton is of course in a class of its own.
- Roominess: I don't know why, but the M actually had its fuel tank in the trunk. This meant no pass-through between the rear seats and a disappointingly small trunk. It was also large by Japanese standards but at 6' 1" my head just grazed the roof, and this when I had the seat adjusted as low as possible. Plus, I could hold a conference in the back of the Phaeton if I so desired.
I hope no one thinks I'm picking on the Phaeton; I just think it's fascinating to compare what different manufacturers were doing in their best vehicles at the same time. As my signature belies I enjoy Nissan vehicles, and I would personally pull the trigger on an Infiniti before any Acura or even Lexus (I thought the LS 430 was a huge let-down after all the hype when I finally drove one).
The Phaeton was without question an upgrade, but there will always be a special place in my heart and wistful pangs for the M45 (more pics of mine).
What other cars have you all owned and loved?
I fell in love with the 2016 Tiguan R... until I found out about the new upcoming 2017 model. I'm now in love with the 2017 and want no part in the 2016.
On the other hand, it looks like I'll have to wait more than a year for the 2017 to come out in the U.S., so I was wondering what you guys were considering when you ultimately decided on your Tiguan. Here's a list of what I considered, but haven't really found a great alternative for me.
Subaru Forester - I like the 2.0XT model but kind of pricey and interior is very bland. Probably the one I considered the most though.
Subaru Outback - prefer the boxier look of the forester. Too boring.
Mazda CX-5 - pretty good option and great price for grand touring, but not a fan of the new Mazda styling.
Honda CR-V - way too common and bland.
Ford Escape - not a fan of the styling and of ford in general.
Acura RDX - not bad but crazy styling and too expensive.
Audi Q3, BMW X3, MB GLK and GLA: too expensive and don't want the luxury badge anyway. Same with the crossovers from Lexus and Infiniti.
What are the best competitors that I'm missing?!
I am thinking of buying a car but can't decide between a 2003 Nissan 350Z with 87000 miles on it, or a 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse with 57000 miles on it. It will be a commuter car for me. I don't know a lot about Mitsubishis.
View 8 RepliesAs other manufacturers match up with the Prius, it is interesting to see how this affects purchasing decisions.
The 2013 Prius Plug-in Advanced lists for $40,320:
It gets 95 MPGe for its 11 miles of battery power and 50 MPG in hybrid mode. The engine has 138 total horsepower = 98 HP Gas + 78 HP Electric engine 0-60 MPH is 10.6 seconds.
The 2013 Lexus ES 300h Hybrid lists for $39,725:
It gets 40 MPG city, 39 MPG highway, 40 MPG combined. The engine has 200 total horsepower = 150 HP Gas + 141 HP Electric engine. 0-60 MPH is 7.6 seconds. Top speed is 112 MPH.
Lexus dealerships will give you a free loaner Lexus while your car is in for maintenance or repair. Lexus mechanics are also sticklers for perfection. (After tune-ups, the car simply feels brand new - owning 5 Lexus cars myself).