donk.'s Past Time Car Review Thread

[red kryptonite]

Originally Posted by EvoFire

Writing one of these long form reviews is so much work

Originally Posted by BIC_BAWS

My pending reviews that may never come out... includes a courtesy car Nissan Sentra? Altima? It wasn't bad.

i need to do a e90 vs f80 review while f80 ownership is still fresh in my head

[EvoFire]

Originally Posted by red kryptonite

i need to do a e90 vs f80 review while f80 ownership is still fresh in my head

I mean, I have a F80 if we really need to compare....

[Badhobz]

2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn aka Hitler Box

Its been about 6000kms since mid June so i figure id give it a review.





Pros:
- It really does drive very nice for a FWD hatch. Reminds me a lot of the MK7 sportwagen i had before, but with more power, better handling, and overall compliance. Ive put my foot down through corners and it doesnt seem to wash out or understeer as much (still some) as the old sportwagen (although it was 4motion).
- Im glad i got the 6 speed manual but there are some quirks that go into the cons section with this paticular transmission
- the size is perfect, im able to fit into spaces downtown and around east van without any trouble.
- Tech is great. The autonomous driving is quite good, it can stay in its own lane on the highway and use that adaptive cruise functionality without any real issues. I havent tried it in the rain, but it seems to do okay.
- Infotainment is fine, no issues with it.
- Front seats are comfortable, back seats are meh.
- its pretty quick! especially when you are in boost. it goes like stink

Cons:
- Build quality is horseshit. Literally the worst built car ive ever owned. Worst than the mk7 sportwagen that was assembled in mexico. This is suppose to be good!!! its built in wolfsburg. The cost cutting is noticeable and significant. No more hood struts, hard plastics everywhere, rattles and squeaks galore. The door jams are so poor aligned that when you go over a bump, it creaks cuz the plastics are rubbing against the body. Its gotten so bad, i had to add this tape to quiet it down. People just think im ricing out my car, but in reality its just to cover up german incompetence

Both door panels needed to be replaced. TWICE. due to the clips rattling behind
Ive taken apart like 3 pieces of the dash already to add additional sound deafening materials. GARBAGE

- Rides a bit harsh, even on the most comfortable setting. Im glad i didnt get a CTR because im pretty sure that'll break my back. I think it could be these low profile 19 inch tires and wheels. Im thinking about putting in 17's with wayyy more sidewall to make it less jarring

- The 1->2 shift on this 6 speed manual is pretty bad. In order to sort of smooth it out, you need to either short shift it like crazy, or rev it up to about 4k and then slowly release the clutch. Neither of this is fast, nor all that smooth. ive basically just bypassed the whole thing and start off in 2nd.

[bcrdukes]

All problems with this vehicle could have been easily solved if you had only put on Michelin Cross Climate 2s!

[EvoFire]

Sounds like 1st is too short then? If you are picking up 2nd then even 2nd is too short? I had hard time shifting 1->2 in the MS3 as well because 1st was way too short for the power.

[bcrdukes]

Just a thought, but perhaps 1st was short (assumption) to build boost for off the line acceleration, and to optimize the shift into second, you'd need to get up higher in the rev range to match when going into second.

Disclaimer: I don't know how to drive manual.

[Badhobz]

i dont know, its probably too short. I read online you're supposed to go even higher, like 5-6000rpms and then shift in order to get it smooth, but the engine doesnt sound very good when its 5-6k, it sounds like some shit will break (given that its a vw, it most likely will).

[bcrdukes]

I think that's part of the charm.

[Hondaracer]

When our car was in the shop had a 2023 Passat, wasn’t a base model but was nothing special

As per Hobz comments it was hard to believe this was a “premium” line of vehicle with the build quality and plastic everywhere.

[BIC_BAWS]

No hood struts?! What is this?! A honda ?!

[AstulzerRZD]

In markets with more demanding driving (Toronto, Boston, NY, SoCal, etc), VWs sell a lot better (even with bad plastics) cuz they feel comfortable at 140kmh.

[EvoFire]

Originally Posted by bcrdukes

Just a thought, but perhaps 1st was short (assumption) to build boost for off the line acceleration, and to optimize the shift into second, you'd need to get up higher in the rev range to match when going into second.

Disclaimer: I don't know how to drive manual.

That doesn't make a lot of sense though unless you can no lift shift. A short 1st will not allow time to build boost, and you'll lose most of it when you lift off to shift to second.

The only way I think a super short first makes sense is because they have bad turbo lag, and need a really short 1st to let the meagre torque kick in from 0.

The MS3 had nothing below 2200rpms, and to launch off anywhere quickly you need to drop the clutch from 3k. Not really a problem if you are just granny shifting around town, but if you want to pass someone at a light you need to put in some work.

[AstulzerRZD]

1-2 on the Mk7 (and 8?) is a bitch cuz of the gearing, so the rev hang, clutch delay valve, AND synchros will fight you unless you've perfectly timed the shift.

Who tf made 2nd gear go to 70mph?

[bcrdukes]

learn how to drive manual you clowns

[yray]

sounds like you need a porsche

[Traum]

Originally Posted by AstulzerRZD

Who tf made 2nd gear go to 70mph?

It's a German car with manual tranny. It is specially made to do that LOL~

Originally Posted by yray

sounds like you need a porsche

Same thing applies to most (all?) manual Porsche sports cars since at least the mid 2010's. Second gear is just way too tall, and that takes away some of the fun from shifting an otherwise excellent shifter.

[bcrdukes]

Originally Posted by yray

sounds like you need a porsche

What's that?

[Badhobz]

you say porsche, i get triggered.

[roastpuff]

So sad to see the build quality go down from Mk6 -> 8. My GTI's interior was still great 12 years in and relatively creak-free.

[trollface]

I've never owned a car with a hood struct and I'm still alive.

AMA

[AstulzerRZD]

Act 0: DC

Me: Amtrak prices from NYC to DC are absolutely ludicrous! At least it'll be us, a nap and a book down the east coast.

Sam: I'll drive us all the way to DC if we have to.

Me: Tolls are $50 but we can get free gas if we rent an EV.



Mercedes EQB300 - Can we convert a die-hard stick shift track rat? ⭐⭐



Act 1: Screens

Sam: Right, so I start my day utterly baffled by the screens. I mean, it’s more distracting than the cockpit of a spaceship, isn’t it? And don’t even get me started on the touchpad. It’s like trying to navigate a map with a bar of soap. All I've needed in life is my 86 and a good track day.

Me: Oh come on, this is the only car where you can control car play all from the steering wheel touch pad. Mazda's dial is confusing and you sound like an internet citizen complaining about screens right now.



Act 2: Driver Assists

Sam: And then there’s the adaptive cruise control, which decides nudge the steering every time you indicate a lane change. It’s as if the car’s saying, ‘I'm going to help you whether you like it or not mate.’

Me: Yes and Mercedes Drive Pilot lets you take your eyes off the road and assumes insurance liability. You're from LA aren't you? Wouldn't you rather browse the web, watch videos, or play a game during a traffic jam? It’s like having your own personal butler, but without the tea and crumpets. I want the even bigger screen in the EQS.

Sam: Speaking of driving, why does the screen say ‘change lane to the left’? That doesn't seem particularly bright.

Me: Probably because it knows you’re behind the wheel, Sam. It’s trying to save us from your dreadful driving!

Me: Actually, it's good that the car is telling you it's not going to accelerate 30kmh while it waits to lock on to the car in the new lane.

Sam: Not just dreadful, dangerous too.



Act 3: The Park Bench

Sam: Is this seat broken? There's something sticking into me like a park bench. And those LED lights! It’s like driving around in a tacky nightclub. Who needs that kind of distraction?

Me: Yes the interior's a POS. Just wait till the girls get in, we'll need em to get the fun car karaoke going. Rebecca will 100% make this thing the rolling club.

Act 4: Fin

Sam: Fine, this is really quiet and nice in traffic.

Me: Bro we would've spent $110 in electricity if it wasn't included; thank god weren't in a GM or Toyota EV - we would've had to wait two hours.

New EV Tier List

If we did the trip in an Ioniq/Silverado I’d have spent 15 minute charging each way, not 59 each way. 0 minutes in a Lucid round trip.

- S tier: GM trucks - flat charge curve at 350kW means 10 minute rest stops. (200kW on superchargers)
- A: Lucid - 500mile range means no charging round trip to Boston or DC.
- A-: Hyundai/Kias/MB EQE and EQS - flat 250kW charge curve (100kW at superchargers).
- C-: Anything else, including Teslas. ~120kW average charging means 40 minute rest stops.
- F: Toyota/Subaru/Chevy Bolt: ~40kW.

[RabidRat]

Originally Posted by AstulzerRZD

Me: Yes and Mercedes Drive Pilot lets you take your eyes off the road and assumes insurance liability. You're from LA aren't you? Wouldn't you rather browse the web, watch videos, or play a game during a traffic jam?

The EQB has Mercedes Drive Pilot?! Does it work everywhere?

I was just looking at the EQB. If it's true, this would make it a lot more interesting again.

[AstulzerRZD]

I'm more making the point that giant screens are a part of the future of driving, esp with Drive Pilot coming on th emarket.

EQB doesn't have it - it's a POS that charges slow with terrible range , doesn’t have a pocket for the wife’s purse, and doesn’t have a place to put the phone.

The EQS has drive pilot which is set to expand to 100kmh hands and eyes free. Currently limited to Nevada and California in the daytime, must also have a car in front of you.

[red kryptonite]

finally got around to doing the e90.... f80 coming soon....


Exterior
Thanks to depreciation and internet clout culture these has met the same fate as 350z/g35s. With the majority of them clapped out with super loud exhaust and burble tunes, I still have a soft spot for a clean example whenever I see one.
Interior
Well laid out interior with great fit and finish. I’m not a leather expert but I find the leather in the these to be far superior to the F and G chassis’s. idrive is pretty garbage even for its time.
Power/handling
300hp gets the job done, can easily make more somewhat reliably. Buttery smooth shifts like all BMW’s going forward. I’ve never driven a manual with stock shifter in previous gens before so I can’t compare. Quick turn in, goes where you point it. Great steering feedback unlike all the modern simulated stuff.
All the things I replaced
High pressure fuel pump, thermostat, water pump, window regulator, injectors, ignition coils.
All the things I ignored
Wastegate rattle, headlight leveler will not adjust, nail in the coffin was a restraint system malfunction.

[EvoFire]

IIRC these are terrible plastics and coated plastics. The colour rubs off, they get sticky, things crack. I'm also not a fan of the dash design either.

Can't argue the chassis is good though.