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Sebastian said:
So I perused the Jag forums and a proper tuning up and a pulley will bring the 2013-2015 Jaguar XFR from 510 HP to 630 HP.

Which is a considerable and insane upgrade.

What do these things do to your milage?
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It really shouldn't have much of an effect on your MPG if you don't have a lead foot. Like if you can keep from gunning it during normal daily driving, you won't notice much of a difference.

My S4 has the ability to switch programs and I actually get better milage with the chip program vs stock. It's a stick and for city driving I can put it in a higher gear because of the additional torque.
 
To completely steal @Sebastian 's thunder, anyone have suggestions for a large, AWD SUV? It would be mainly for the wife, but we're basically going to go to a single-car household... with me keeping my Focus ST because I love my hot hatches too much.

I've always viewed the Volvo XC90 and the Audi Q7 as the two go-to's in this class. We'd probably buy used, just because I hate buying a non-electric car right now, and there aren't many good, big electric options at reasonable prices.
 
Out of the Rafters at the Q said:
To completely steal @Sebastian 's thunder, anyone have suggestions for a large, AWD SUV? It would be mainly for the wife, but we're basically going to go to a single-car household... with me keeping my Focus ST because I love my hot hatches too much.

I've always viewed the Volvo XC90 and the Audi Q7 as the two go-to's in this class. We'd probably buy used, just because I hate buying a non-electric car right now, and there aren't many good, big electric options at reasonable prices.
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Interested in a diesel?

Do you live in an area with inclement weather in the winter?
 
Sebastian said:
Interested in a diesel?

Do you live in an area with inclement weather in the winter?
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Northeast Ohio, so yes. The AWD request is specifically for snow.

We don't do any off-roading or anything like that.

I would totally go for a diesel. If a diesel was a significantly better option, I could convince the wife.
 
Out of the Rafters at the Q said:
Northeast Ohio, so yes. The AWD request is specifically for snow.

We don't do any off-roading or anything like that.

I would totally go for a diesel. If a diesel was a significantly better option, I could convince the wife.
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The best bad weather/off-road SUVs are going to be Jeep or Land Rover.

For a larger one you mentioned, the Grand Cherokee or the Land Rover Discovery or Discovery Sport.

GCs and DSs are quite reasonable for certified pre-owned and both are quite good in the snow thanks to good AWD systems and Terrain Response systems. You can get a cert. pre-owned 2017-2018 model with a high trim for around $25K for either.

https://www.cars.com/for-sale/searchresults.action/?cpoId=28444&fuelTypeId=31763&mdId=58230&mkId=20024&page=1&perPage=20&prMx=35000&rd=99999&searchSource=GN_REFINEMENT&sort=price-lowest&trId=24064&yrId=30031936,35797618,36362520&zc=95113

If you wanted to spend a little more, GCs have some really nice trim levels and engine options, including diesel, and the diesel versions of the Land Rover Discovery, or Range Rover Sport, get great milage and will shred any sort of snow issue.

Diesels get much better gas milage, and emit less carbon. Sooty emissions are also a thing of the past. They are cleaner.

Edit: If you want something sexier, the Jaguar F-Pace is an excellent SUV with brilliant on-road handling and robust snow and off-road chops as it comes equipped with Land Rover proprietary Terrain Response System and AWD. One can get a certified pre-owned one nicely loads for the high 20s.
 
Vehicles with less snowy/off-road capability that are simply nice and comfy, and stylish, include the Volvo XC60, BMW X5, Audi Q5.

They are all quite nice, and good fair weather vehicles.

I have test driven all three, and used a Q5 and X5 as loaners, and they each are nice, smooth comfy rides. I recommend test-driving all three if the more capable Jeeps and Land Rovers are not your style.
 
So much to choose from. It's all relative to how much money you got to spend. And if reliability and/or resale value mean anything to you.
I love the Audi Q7. Probably $70k for a nice one anyhow. Sister has a BMW X6 that while nice it's less functional with the slanted roof line and the rear doors are kind of tight to get into the back seat. All the German cars are pricey to maintain if you have to pay for anything out of pocket after the warranty period.
I believe most of the British cars, Jags, Land Rover, are fairly unreliable if you check the data, but sure look like nice rides.
The Japan vehicles can be nice, are reliable, keep their value. Subaru's for example keep their value as good as anything out there.
I just bought the wife a 2021 Volvo XC40, fully loaded, for Christmas. She wanted a smaller suv after coming from a larger one. The Volvo is nice, super inside, easy to park and maneuver. We'll see how it holds up over time.
What really matters in winter driving is the tires and most come with crappy low end all season tires. "Winter" tires help a ton but may not make sense for everyone as you need space to store the extra wheels and tires in the off season. Good all season tires like say Yokohama Ascend LX or General Altimax 43 along with AWD is a decent combo.
Good luck.
 
Out of the Rafters at the Q said:
To completely steal @Sebastian 's thunder, anyone have suggestions for a large, AWD SUV? It would be mainly for the wife, but we're basically going to go to a single-car household... with me keeping my Focus ST because I love my hot hatches too much.

I've always viewed the Volvo XC90 and the Audi Q7 as the two go-to's in this class. We'd probably buy used, just because I hate buying a non-electric car right now, and there aren't many good, big electric options at reasonable prices.
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The Focus ST is such a fun little car. I tossed one of those and a Fiesta ST around an autocross course a few years ago at Ricart in Columbus when I was car shopping. I came away super impressed with both. Very good handling for FWD, with very little understeer- especially the Fiesta. I think I scared the sales guy :)

Don't want to hijack the thread- that Ford is just so much fun.
 
Any truck guys here? Which 3/4 ton do you guys prefer?

F250
Silverado 2500
Sierra 2500
RAM 2500
 
browniebob said:
The Focus ST is such a fun little car. I tossed one of those and a Fiesta ST around an autocross course a few years ago at Ricart in Columbus when I was car shopping. I came away super impressed with both. Very good handling for FWD, with very little understeer- especially the Fiesta. I think I scared the sales guy :)

Don't want to hijack the thread- that Ford is just so much fun.
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It really, really is. The only hot hatch that gave me the same feeling is the GTI. I hated the Fiat 500 Abarth, which was the one I was highest on before driving anything. The Mazdaspeed 3 was nice. The Mini Coopers were lackluster until you got to their top-end. I was expecting to want a Fiesta, but they were just too small.

I'm glad I bought my car in 2013, and not after the RS and Gofl R came out... my pocketbook would've been lighter.
 
Jake said:
So much to choose from. It's all relative to how much money you got to spend. And if reliability and/or resale value mean anything to you.
I love the Audi Q7. Probably $70k for a nice one anyhow. Sister has a BMW X6 that while nice it's less functional with the slanted roof line and the rear doors are kind of tight to get into the back seat. All the German cars are pricey to maintain if you have to pay for anything out of pocket after the warranty period.
I believe most of the British cars, Jags, Land Rover, are fairly unreliable if you check the data, but sure look like nice rides.
The Japan vehicles can be nice, are reliable, keep their value. Subaru's for example keep their value as good as anything out there.
I just bought the wife a 2021 Volvo XC40, fully loaded, for Christmas. She wanted a smaller suv after coming from a larger one. The Volvo is nice, super inside, easy to park and maneuver. We'll see how it holds up over time.
What really matters in winter driving is the tires and most come with crappy low end all season tires. "Winter" tires help a ton but may not make sense for everyone as you need space to store the extra wheels and tires in the off season. Good all season tires like say Yokohama Ascend LX or General Altimax 43 along with AWD is a decent combo.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
I want to say money isn't an issue, but I just can't justify dropping over 50K for a non-EV at this point in time. So, I'd be looking top-end and lightly used, which seem to be right in that 43-50K price range.

Resale value is more of a pipe dream than something actual to me. It's nice to think about and plan for when you buy a car, but I tend to just want to drive the same car for ten years instead of selling it off for another.

I don't have a problem or fear of maintenance. I actually hadn't even considered the Jeep/Land Rover recommendations that @Sebastian made because I don't view those as reliable brands. Has anything changed? Am I dumb and biased for thinking that?

Snow tires for sure. I have Blizzaks for my ST, and have enjoyed them. Considering I typically have summer-only tires on that car, it couldn't move without snow tires in the winter :)

Thanks!
 
Out of the Rafters at the Q said:
It really, really is. The only hot hatch that gave me the same feeling is the GTI. I hated the Fiat 500 Abarth, which was the one I was highest on before driving anything. The Mazdaspeed 3 was nice. The Mini Coopers were lackluster until you got to their top-end. I was expecting to want a Fiesta, but they were just too small.

I'm glad I bought my car in 2013, and not after the RS and Gofl R came out... my pocketbook would've been lighter.
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I ultimately went with a GTI, but I was pretty torn between it and the Focus. The GTI isn't nearly as raw and exciting, but the interior felt like an Audi and the plaid seats make me smile every time I see them. Having Apple Car Play is super nice as well. I'm surprised hatches aren't more popular in the US, I can do pretty much everything with that car plus it's fun and efficient.

I drove a buddy's Abarth a few years ago and the snap, crackle, pop from the exhaust was really cool, but that was the only memorable aspect of it for me.
 
Huber. said:
Any truck guys here? Which 3/4 ton do you guys prefer?

F250
Silverado 2500
Sierra 2500
RAM 2500
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I have a Silverado 1500, and at work we have a Sierra 3500. I am a GM guy, so I'd say either Chevy or GMC, they are the same truck.

I personally wouldn't buy a Ram, I do not trust Chrysler reliability one bit, and would be hard pressed to buy a Ford, basically for their interior/technology. Ford is the sales leader usually though.

Silverado and Sierra are both due for an interior update soon, MY2022 maybe? Taking from the brand new Tahoe/Yukon interiors, in case that makes a difference to you.
 
A couple more vehicle related thoughts. I like cars and trucks. I've had several light duty's, mostly F150's over the years. If I had nice truck money to spend now, I'd like one of the Ram TRX's. I wasn't a mopar fan too much but they got those RAM's looking and also riding nice with the independent rear suspension.
With cars, there's so many nice ones in all classes and price ranges. Generally I'm still a "more cylinders in better" person but my wifes new Volvo with the turbo 4 is reasonably nice performing. It's an suv though.
If I had serious cash I'd look at an AMG GT. For less money I might look at a Mustang GT500. A little less maybe look at a new Supra. A nice Miata could be a fun car. For pure driving enjoyment I might get an Aerial Atom. idk so much out there.
Don't let me win the lotto.
 
Out of the Rafters at the Q said:
To completely steal @Sebastian 's thunder, anyone have suggestions for a large, AWD SUV? It would be mainly for the wife, but we're basically going to go to a single-car household... with me keeping my Focus ST because I love my hot hatches too much.

I've always viewed the Volvo XC90 and the Audi Q7 as the two go-to's in this class. We'd probably buy used, just because I hate buying a non-electric car right now, and there aren't many good, big electric options at reasonable prices.
Click to expand...

I've heard good things about the Volvo SUV, and it looks beautiful up close. My family isn't in the market for a new SUV yet, we are looking at a home purchase instead, but we were eyeing up the Honda CR-V switching to hybrid this past year and the Acura SUV going hybrid in 2022. A family I know who drives a Discovery have buyer remorse. It's always in the shop.
 
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