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General => General => Topic started by: RossRoy on July 26, 2008, 03:57:35 PM

Title: Oh boy!
Post by: RossRoy on July 26, 2008, 03:57:35 PM
Well, as you all may, or may not, have noticed, my DVD purchases have been rather slow lately. And even as we speak, I have only 3 on order. Which is quite low for me. But, it is about to go even lower! Because ....

 :thundergod:

I'm getting .... A NEW CAR!!!

My current car, a Pontiac Sunrunner (redressed Suzuki Sidekick), has caught cancer. It's starting to have all the little problems old cars have, and it's also rusting from everywhere. The doors either won't unlock and/or lock, depending which door. I lost the exhaust on the highway the other day (LOL). I need new calipers. It's burning oil like crazy. It is in an overall bad shape. But then, it's all fine. It's 11 years old after all, and it's got over 200,000 KM, and I've had it for 8-9 years already. It had a good life. And it didn't cost me much in terms of repair over this period (only an alternator, a muffler, and the fan resistor and control unit).

So, now I have decided to get a new one. The fun part is, my dad, working at Air Canada, has some crazy specials of Chrysler cars. Now, Chrysler wouldn't necessarily have been my first choice for a new car, but at the price they have? Bring it on!

This months special is on purchases of a few models, but my choice is limited. I've had 2 cars in my life so far: a pickup truck, and an SUV. I liked them. So I'm probably going to get an SUV. And the good part? Jeep is included in the special! So it's going to be either a Patriot, or a Compass, I've not decided yet. But I'm leaning towards the Compass at this moment.

Anyway, we'll see how it turns out. I may come out of there with a Liberty, of even a Chrysler 300!  :laugh:
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: Touti on July 26, 2008, 04:14:49 PM
It's not my place to say Seb but I have to.  Considering the current price of gas I am surprised that you want to buy an SUV.  The only reason I bought an SUV is because I use it for its intended purpose...........and even then, I regret it once a week, usually at the gas station :)

But congratulations anyway, it's always fun to get a new car.
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: Kathy on July 26, 2008, 07:16:08 PM
If you are interested I subscribe to Consumer Reports and will copy/paste and email you any info/comparisons on vehicles you would like data on.
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: RossRoy on July 26, 2008, 07:17:04 PM
Quote from: Eric on July 26, 2008, 04:14:49 PM
I am surprised that you want to buy an SUV.

Well, I want a SUV for a very simple reason: there is no way I can fit in a compact car, and anyway, I hate being seated on the pavement while driving. So it basically has to be a SUV, or a big car, like a 300 or something.

And anyway, the Compass and Patriot both a comparable gas consumption as my current Sidekick. And it is not so bad.
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: RossRoy on July 26, 2008, 07:18:19 PM
Quote from: Kathy on July 26, 2008, 07:16:08 PM
If you are interested I subscribe to Consumer Reports and will copy/paste and email you any info/comparisons on vehicles you would like data on.

Thanks for the offer!

Well, if you could send me the data on the Compass and Patriot, that would be great!  ;D

Oh and ehmmm.. See you PMs...  :-[
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: Kathy on July 26, 2008, 07:37:51 PM
Quote from: RossRoy on July 26, 2008, 07:18:19 PM
Quote from: Kathy on July 26, 2008, 07:16:08 PM
If you are interested I subscribe to Consumer Reports and will copy/paste and email you any info/comparisons on vehicles you would like data on.

Thanks for the offer!

Well, if you could send me the data on the Compass and Patriot, that would be great!  ;D


Done - I'll send you the data via email.
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: lyonsden5 on July 26, 2008, 08:36:22 PM
I own a 300 and enjoyed it when I drove it (My son drives it now) At 6'2 300+ lbs I can tell you there is room.

OT (kinda) I get 20MPG in my SUV (highway). I used to get 17. The difference... nitrogen instead of air in my tires. The dealer "threw it in" with the last set of tires. I can tell you now I'll use it from now on. It's been over a year and a half too and the pressure is still as good as it was when the new tires were installed.

Congrats on whatever you get  :thumbup:
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: RossRoy on July 26, 2008, 08:47:39 PM
Quote from: Rick on July 26, 2008, 08:36:22 PM
I own a 300 and enjoyed it when I drove it (My son drives it now) At 6'2 300+ lbs I can tell you there is room.

My uncle owns (or rents? I don't know) a 300 and he loves it. But I don't see myself driving a 300.... It's psychological.... Looks too much like the kind of car my grandfather would buy (sorry about that!)
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: lyonsden5 on July 26, 2008, 09:09:46 PM
Quote from: RossRoy on July 26, 2008, 08:47:39 PM
Quote from: Rick on July 26, 2008, 08:36:22 PM
I own a 300 and enjoyed it when I drove it (My son drives it now) At 6'2 300+ lbs I can tell you there is room.



My uncle owns (or rents? I don't know) a 300 and he loves it. But I don't see myself driving a 300.... It's psychological.... Looks too much like the kind of car my grandfather would buy (sorry about that!)

No offense taken.  ;D You're grandfather has good taste would be my response  :tease:
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: RossRoy on July 26, 2008, 09:17:14 PM
Quote from: Rick on July 26, 2008, 09:09:46 PM
No offense taken.  ;D You're grandfather has good taste would be my response  :tease:

I actually think he's got good taste too! Just not for me ;)
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: Touti on July 26, 2008, 10:05:42 PM
If you end up getting an SUV maybe I can talk you into taking it out on some easy off-road run with us one day ;)
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: Tom on July 26, 2008, 10:08:54 PM
I am very happy with my compact car :)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=sYLxq7Td-1k
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: Achim on July 27, 2008, 04:48:29 AM
Quote from: Tom on July 26, 2008, 10:08:54 PM
I am very happy with my compact car :)

 :hysterical: (laughing at the video...)


Translation:
1: Hey buddy, get off the road!
2: Huh, frogs...
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: Tom on July 27, 2008, 10:28:04 AM
Quote from: Achim on July 27, 2008, 04:48:29 AM
:hysterical: (laughing at the video...)
It was the TV spot when this car was released first. Because of this spot I bought a Kermit puppet and he has been my mascot in the car from the beginning :)
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: RossRoy on July 28, 2008, 09:17:51 PM
Alright! Assuming I am accepted for financing (fingers crossed), meet..... MY NEW CAR!!

(http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/4547/prhog7.jpg)
(yes, that's the right color. Might not be the right visible equipment though)

That's a Jeep Patriot. I chose the North Edition. I went for full 4x4 with CVT automatic transmission (I actually like the feel of it, as opposed to what many other people said). Only actual options I took are the tow prep (Engine oil cooler, trailer tow wiring harness and full-size spare tire. Not that I need it, but the available stock all had it), the security/convenience group (Soft tonneau cover, adjustable roof rails, security alarm, rearview auto-dimming mirror, garage door opener transceiver, Vehicle Information Centre, Tire Pressure Monitoring Display) and steering wheel mounted cruise control.

For the more car-savvy among us, here's the tech spec page: http://www.jeep.ca/en/patriot/index.html

It's not as big as it looks. I was actually surprised, it's actually quite smaller than I expected. I took it out for a drive around, and it handles like a charm (of course, my recent driving experience is a dying Sidekick, so just about anything will handle like a charm!).



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MonfGrOgg0o
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: Achim on July 29, 2008, 06:23:45 AM
Great color!

Good luck on the financing!
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: RossRoy on July 29, 2008, 03:23:54 PM
Quote from: Achim on July 29, 2008, 06:23:45 AM
Good luck on the financing!

I should know today! (fingers still crossed. Might add the toes soon. Especially since I couldn't sleep all night! :devil:)

You know, sometimes, being self-employed is great. But when it comes to getting financing, with little to no credit background? It's a pain in the ass.
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: RossRoy on July 29, 2008, 06:03:46 PM
:ok: :yep: :heat: :egyptian: :clapcheer: :drunk: :celebrate: :dance: :yahoo: :clap:
It's official!!!
:clap: :yahoo: :dance: :celebrate: :drunk: :clapcheer: :egyptian: :heat: :yep: :ok:

I take possession tomorrow at 11:00am!



Sorry about the overly hyper post
I'm still shaking from the acceptation!

Good thing I don't have cardiac problems yet.
I'd probably have dropped dead LOL

Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: Halo2 on July 29, 2008, 06:24:20 PM
Congratulations! Here's to many happy miles together.

 :cheers:
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: lyonsden5 on July 29, 2008, 09:56:50 PM
 :thundergod:


 :cheers:
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: RossRoy on July 30, 2008, 04:09:59 PM
Just my luck... Delivery has been delayed until 14:00... One of the accessories will arrive only after lunch...  :weep:
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: Touti on July 30, 2008, 06:33:29 PM
That's just gonna make it even better when you get it ;)
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: RossRoy on July 30, 2008, 07:02:51 PM
Yeah, you're right!


Oh and one more step has been taken: My old partner is now officially listed "for sale"  :weep: It gave me some good service. So long buddy!  :thumbup:

link removed what was I thinking???

New link: http://picasaweb.google.ca/RossRoy79/PontiacSunrunner1997
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: RossRoy on July 31, 2008, 03:12:17 AM
It's in the driveway! Still less than 100km  :laugh:

I'll add pictures to this post tomorrow!
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: Achim on July 31, 2008, 06:10:13 AM
Congratulations on the new car! Less than 100km, still. Wow. :cheers:

Quote from: RossRoy on July 30, 2008, 07:02:51 PM
link removed what was I thinking???
Now I am curious :hmmmm:
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: RossRoy on July 31, 2008, 02:51:59 PM
Quote from: Achim on July 31, 2008, 06:10:13 AM
Quote from: RossRoy on July 30, 2008, 07:02:51 PM
link removed what was I thinking???
Now I am curious :hmmmm:
It was the link to the classified ad, with telephone number and all. Not that I mind you guys seeing it, but I just wanted to post the pictures of the car. So I removed the link to the ad, and put the picture on my Google account instead.
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: RossRoy on July 31, 2008, 05:22:25 PM
As promised, for those who still care at this point, here's my new baby! (a BIG baby hehe)

(http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/8219/img0936zn7.th.jpg) (http://img293.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0936zn7.jpg) (http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/8379/img0937yb2.th.jpg) (http://img127.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0937yb2.jpg)

Not the best looking background, I know  :laugh:

After inspection, we found 2 small defects today: the paint was scratched around the JEEP logo on the tailgate, so they gave me a bottle of touch up paint and repainted the part. Also, there's a leak somewhere in the tailgate, and it fills with water. So I'll have to bring the truck in sometimes next week. But they already told me that they would provide another patriot for me to drive while mine is under repair, and they gave me a GPS!! Garmin Nuvi 255  :o
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: Kathy on July 31, 2008, 06:56:44 PM
Congratulations!  :cheers:
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: RossRoy on July 31, 2008, 06:59:11 PM
Thanks!
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: Achim on July 31, 2008, 07:25:53 PM
Quote from: RossRoy on July 31, 2008, 02:51:59 PM
It was the link to the classified ad, with telephone number and all. Not that I mind you guys seeing it, but I just wanted to post the pictures of the car. So I removed the link to the ad, and put the picture on my Google account instead.
Avoiding to have your phone number exposed on the internet sounds like a good idea...
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: lyonsden5 on August 01, 2008, 03:34:48 PM
 :congrats:
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: RossRoy on August 01, 2008, 08:18:17 PM
Thanks Rick!

There's a problem though: I think I just bricked my GPS with an utterly newbie-level mistake  :weep:

The unit has a MicroSD card reader, on which I can load custom POI (Points of Interest), additional maps, pictures, etc. But I had been using the card in another device, so I wanted to format it.

Yep, you already what happened, right? I wanted to format the card (which shows as a second letter in Windows, the unit itself is also seen as a mass storage device). So what did I do? I formatted the GPS itself instead of the card!!!  :slaphead:

So now, when I turn it on, I get "No maps with routing information found". So I contacted Garmin, we'll see what can be done.
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: Najemikon on August 01, 2008, 10:54:15 PM
Quote from: RossRoy on August 01, 2008, 08:18:17 PM
Thanks Rick!

There's a problem though: I think I just bricked my GPS with an utterly newbie-level mistake  :weep:

The unit has a MicroSD card reader, on which I can load custom POI (Points of Interest), additional maps, pictures, etc. But I had been using the card in another device, so I wanted to format it.

Yep, you already what happened, right? I wanted to format the card (which shows as a second letter in Windows, the unit itself is also seen as a mass storage device). So what did I do? I formatted the GPS itself instead of the card!!!  :slaphead:

So now, when I turn it on, I get "No maps with routing information found". So I contacted Garmin, we'll see what can be done.

Oh dear! Not as bad as Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear though. A couple of weeks ago he was testing a Nissan in Japan, racing the other two who were doing the same route via public transport. The GPS was all in Japanese, so someone had to set it up for him. Obviously the worst thing he could do would be to switch it off... which he did! He then got completely lost while hitting every button until somehow it came back on.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: RossRoy on August 02, 2008, 03:19:19 AM
Quote from: Jon on August 01, 2008, 10:54:15 PM
Obviously the worst thing he could do would be to switch it off... which he did! He then got completely lost while hitting every button until somehow it came back on.  :laugh:

Now that's funny! Especially since with a GPS, you just have to let it do its job and not touch it  :hysterical:

Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: RossRoy on August 02, 2008, 06:01:59 PM
Woot!! I saved my GPS! At least partially...

I had a copy of the text files, and the voice files. I could put those back in easily.

The hard part was the maps. I ended going online and download the City Navigator North American NT 2009 DVD, and used my unlock code to unlock the maps and reload them in to the GPS. Which worked for the closeup maps. At this point, I was still missing the basemap (rough, continent wide lower scale maps), but Garmin themselves offer a free version of it. It's an older version, but more than enough for my needs.

Only thing that doesn't work now is transferring coordinates straight from Google Maps to the GPS, and firmware updates, and both these probably happen for the very same reason: the gps is not recognized as a gps anymore by the system, only as a mass storage device. I'm guessing it's only a simple text file identifying the unit that is missing.

looks like sending coordinates straight to the GPS from Google Maps works, as long as the GPS is connected in mass storage mode

But at least, I can have the gps route me to my destination, and I still the possibility to search by address! So it's mostly fine for the moment. I'll still call Garmin and see what they can do to get me back up at 100%.
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: RossRoy on August 04, 2008, 05:12:22 AM
I have a quick question for those of you who are car-savvy.

I read that the gas mileage of a car is different when it's new, than after it's been "broken-in". I was wondering, does it consume more or less when new? Also, how long until the car has been "broken-in", and gas mileage settles to the "real" values?

Also, is there anything specific I should do during the break-in period? In the manual, it's like their contradicting themselves. They say the break-in period is the first 500km, and that it should be driven at moderate speeds. Right after that, they reiterate that for the first 100km, I should drive it at moderate speeds (whatever that means). Then, between 100km and 500km, they say I should be cruising at 80-90 km/h, but give it brief periods at full throttle acceleration, BUT not push it too hard in lower gears. Thing is, there's no gears. I have a CVT transmission (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continuously_variable_transmission)?

What is moderate speeds exactly? Are they saying I should be going at 70-80? or is 100km/h a moderate speed? Because while my usual cruising speed is 115-120 km/h, I can live with going around 100km/h for a week, but not at 80-90! I don't want to be killed out there by the vans and all the other SUVs going 130+!
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: Touti on August 04, 2008, 05:50:52 PM
This "breakin-in" thing is mostly used today to cover their asses.  Engines are ran in the factories as part of the QC process.  However you should still do it because if a problem arise within the first 500km and the computers registered that you drove it like an idiot they may not do the repairs under warranty.

That said,  they're basically telling you that for the first 500km you shouldn't drive it at high speeds (110 or 115 would be the top) for extended periods of time.

You can drive it at normal speed on the highways but you shouldn't run it at say 120km/h all the way to Quebec City.  That doesn't mean you can't use the power at your disposal if you need it to pass a slower car on a small road.

In other words, just drive it normally.......unless your normal driving is racing on the metropolitan at 150.
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: RossRoy on August 04, 2008, 06:06:17 PM
Quote from: Eric on August 04, 2008, 05:50:52 PM
In other words, just drive it normally.......unless your normal driving is racing on the metropolitan at 150.

Good to know! Thanks!  ;D
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: Tom on August 04, 2008, 06:07:33 PM
Quote from: Eric on August 04, 2008, 05:50:52 PM
you shouldn't run it at say 120km/h all the way to Quebec City. 

Is this a mistype? 120 km/h is considered high speed in Canada? When I bought my new car, in the break-in period I was not supposed to drive over 150 km/h for extended period of time according to my manual. It was hard restraining myself in that period :laugh:
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: Touti on August 04, 2008, 06:37:41 PM
Road regulations are a provincial issue in Canada but I believe the speed limits are the same in all province.  Here in Quebec anyway it's 100km/h.  It is a generally know fact that cops won't bug you at 119km/h.

If I'm not mistaking Toyota recommended 100km/h for the first 1000 km for my FJ Cruiser.
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: RossRoy on August 04, 2008, 08:13:37 PM
Quote from: Tom on August 04, 2008, 06:07:33 PM
Quote from: Eric on August 04, 2008, 05:50:52 PM
you shouldn't run it at say 120km/h all the way to Quebec City. 

Is this a mistype? 120 km/h is considered high speed in Canada? When I bought my new car, in the break-in period I was not supposed to drive over 150 km/h for extended period of time according to my manual. It was hard restraining myself in that period :laugh:

Do you really have to rub it in that there's no actual speed limit on the Autobahn? ;)

Don't forget, we have some really well behaved drivers that like to stick to the left lane going 80 km/h on the highways here in Quebec.  :shrug:
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: DJ Doena on August 04, 2008, 08:24:47 PM
Quote from: RossRoy on August 04, 2008, 08:13:37 PM
Do you really have to rub it in that there's no actual speed limit on the Autobahn? ;)
Yes.  :devil:
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: Tom on August 04, 2008, 09:43:24 PM
Quote from: DJ Doena on August 04, 2008, 08:24:47 PM
Quote from: RossRoy on August 04, 2008, 08:13:37 PM
Do you really have to rub it in that there's no actual speed limit on the Autobahn? ;)
Yes.  :devil:

What he says  :devil:
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: Achim on August 05, 2008, 06:40:34 AM
Quote from: RossRoy on August 04, 2008, 08:13:37 PM
Don't forget, we have some really well behaved drivers that like to stick to the left lane going 80 km/h on the highways here in Quebec.  :shrug:
Well, despite the lack of speed limit on (merely) 10% of the autobahn, we have drivers as you describe as well ;)
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: Touti on August 05, 2008, 12:48:29 PM
Quote from: Achim on August 05, 2008, 06:40:34 AM
Quote from: RossRoy on August 04, 2008, 08:13:37 PM
Don't forget, we have some really well behaved drivers that like to stick to the left lane going 80 km/h on the highways here in Quebec.  :shrug:
Well, despite the lack of speed limit on (merely) 10% of the autobahn, we have drivers as you describe as well ;)

Here we also have a minimum speed of 60 km/h on the highway.  Driving at 80 in the left lane on a highway with no maximum speed limit isn't too smart.  Nobody's gonna have time to move away if a Ferrari shows up behind at 300 km/h.

Just by curiosity, what's the death toll on the autobahn ?
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: DJ Doena on August 05, 2008, 01:03:01 PM
To enter the Autobahn your vehicle must be able to drive at least 60 km/h. As far as I am aware there is no minimum speed but you also mustn't be a hindrance to other people. I believe if you drive less than 90 km/h without a reason and you're involved in a crash it becomes partly your fault.

regarding death toll: from http://www.sgipt.org/verkehr/vus/vus_2007.htm

In 2007 there were 4,949 traffic related deaths. On Autobahns died 602 people (-6.7% in comparison to 2006), on country roads 3,012 (-1.6%) and within city limits 1,335 (-3.5%).

And even on german Autobahns there are very rarely people driving Ferraris with 300km/h. And those are mostly foreigners (from Switzerland, UK, US) who want to drive fast once in their life.

The average driving speed is somewhere between 120 (75mph) and 180km/h (112mph), with peaks to 220km/h (137mph).

My personal high scores are 214km/h (133mph) with my own car and 230km/h (143mph) with a rented Mercedes.
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: DJ Doena on August 05, 2008, 01:21:40 PM
PS: Most crashes on the Autobahn happen when people decide to enter the Autobahn with 60km/h and decide not to check whether there's someone one the lane and that he might be twice as fast. A similar phenomenon happens when people decide to overhaul trucks and also decide not to check whether the other lane is empty.

And a rising problems are overtired truckers who ram their 40-tons-trucks into the end of a traffic jam.
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: lovemunkey187 on August 06, 2008, 12:05:26 PM
Quote from: DJ Doena on August 05, 2008, 01:03:01 PM
My personal high scores are 214km/h (133mph) with my own car and 230km/h (143mph) with a rented Mercedes.

 :hysterical: :hysterical:
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: DJ Doena on August 06, 2008, 12:15:23 PM
Quote from: lovemunkey187 on August 06, 2008, 12:05:26 PM
Quote from: DJ Doena on August 05, 2008, 01:03:01 PM
My personal high scores are 214km/h (133mph) with my own car and 230km/h (143mph) with a rented Mercedes.

 :hysterical: :hysterical:

That slow?  :weep:
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: RossRoy on September 11, 2008, 08:56:29 PM
How to empty a car fund in 6 easy steps:

 :wacko:
Title: Re: Oh boy!
Post by: RossRoy on October 28, 2008, 12:52:29 PM
Well, it's been almost 3 months now with the new car, and I must say: I love it!

But what I'm most impressed with, is gas mileage. Sure, it's not the smallest around the block, but considering the size of the car, as well as my own weight, it's doing pretty good! And with gas prices coming down lately, it's even better!

The car is more than twice the size of my previous Sidekick, with an even bigger engine (1.6L vs 2.4L), yet, they guzzle up pretty much the same thing:

(http://www.fuelly.com/driver/RossRoy/patriot/sig-image) (http://www.fuelly.com/driver/RossRoy/patriot)

Really nice!