There is an Alpina B6 2.8 Touring for sale in Ft Myers with low miles. It would be a blast for a fly and drive all the way across the country.
There is an Alpina B6 2.8 Touring for sale in Ft Myers with low miles. It would be a blast for a fly and drive all the way across the country.
In reply to bbbbRASS and akylekoz:
I'm a little curious about the Regal TourX, though I've got no experience with modern GM stuff and how it is to keep alive. Hitting the "heated steering wheel: yes; driver aids: no" sweet spot is good stuff, though.
akylekoz, do you have a link to where you dug up the standard/package(?) features? And presumably that breaks down into models as well, assuming model year didn't get everything across the whole range of models? Anyhow, looks like 2020's too new, if my quick search of the 5AS driving assistant (active lane centering) is correct, but I think we'd already guesses that would be too new...
In reply to Butters :
Please please please don't send that to a crusher, someone will want it either here, or n the IS forums.
Not much to add here other than my wife has an f31 diesel that we have owned for 115k of the current 128k miles. Only issue was the transfer case output flange failure which was covered with a whole new transfer case ++ under a recall. I believe this applies only to the diesel version of the car.
If you are considering going as far back as an e39, then maybe also consider the e60 wagon?
I second Butter's review of the Infiniti QX50 (and EX models). We are on our 3rd Infiniti suv (2008 EX, 2016 QX50, and now a 2019 QX50). As a couple's daily driver, and cargo vechicle, they fit our lifestyle well. And carry 2 big dogs with ease.
The 2019 version has a 2 litre twin cam, variable compression ratio, 4 cyl with CVT (can't remember the model number). Previous versions have the 3.5, or 3.7 VQ V6 with true automatic. I would have preferred to stay with the old mechanics, but I didn't have the final say
.
Regardless the 2019 has been flawless since we bought it last year, and gives better gas mileage that the previous models. Note Infinitis use premium gas, and in Canada, QXs are only available in AWD.
Edit.... The 2019+ Infiniti CVT has a revised transmission, without the issues (and reputation) of the previous Nissan CVT. We'll see...
Gordon
Good to hear about the Infinitis. I absolutely hated the VQ I drove in a Z once due to the harshness of it, but it seems like these would be a good bet for this use case.
In reply to Slippery :
Hrm... Did just a touch of reading on the E60, and I find myself more worried about complexity and repair/upkeep than about intrusiveness, but concerned nevertheless.
I kinda feel like especially with the German makes we're going to wind up with a 3D map instead of just a scale, where for a given year the higher-end models will be even further along the adoption of complexity. e.g. the 3-series might not get a feature 'til a generation after the 5, or maybe the 5 will get something experimental that never trickles down. Did the 3 ever get active anti-roll or active steering? (in this context active steering seems more to be steering-included DSC while the "lane centering" part was still just haptic feedback and separate)
At some level there's avoiding some complexity because we don't like it, and as we go to older cars, it kinda makes sense to avoid even more complexity just because it's more stuff to break on a car that's already aging.
Am I wrong to be painting Infinti with the Nissan brush a bit? I just don't hold them in the same regard as Toyota or Honda, or even Mazda or even Subaru. The thing about a Lexus or Acura is that when I think "fancy Toyota or Honda" I don't have to hope for a quality upgrade, just something nicer.
EDIT: Yes, this in the same thread where I'm talking more about BMWs than anything. I see the hilarity. But I also have more fondness for and comfort with BMWs... This is GRM, and not all the decisions are rational. I mean, we're not looking at Camrys. I'm just concerned that the Infiniti might lose out on the charisma:reliability ratio, but I'm certainly prepared to find I've jumped to the wrong conclusions. I may also have been unfairly moved by uncorked VQs...
In reply to CyberEric :
Coincidentally, not long after I posted, USAA said they located a bumper cover. I'm not holding my breath, but since the deductible is only $200 I will let the body shop have a go at it. Hell, if the price is right, I might have them spray the whole thing! That said, the only estimate so far is the insurance company's from photos I sent - not in person or in depth. And I know there was some slight damage to the underlying supports not included in the initial estimate. So I am curious what the body shop comes back with as the estimate will surely go up. I do love that little car though.
In reply to Jesse Ransom...
I won't disagree with your logic tying Infiniti with Nissan, similar to Acura/Honda and Lexus/Toyota. Admittedly I'm a Datsun/Nissan fan boy from way back, but my experiences have all been positive so far.
I am holding judgement on the new QX50 CVT though... this is our first CVT, and I know the reputation so... but the boss gets what she wants... 
Cheers
Gordon
In reply to ggarrard :
I will cross my fingers for you; I have good associations with older Nissans (Sentras used to be rad!)
In reply to jgrewe :
Really? Hmmm, link? An E36 touring is on my list as possible next DD's, although now that B5 RS4 avants are legal to import that's been on my mind too
I get it. It's not logical and I totally get it. I would WAY rather have a Mazda, maybe not a Subaru.
I really don't like Nissans now, so even though I feel afraid of owning another BMW, somehow the driving experience makes up for it whereas that Infiniti/Nissan had better be flawless in terms of reliability because it has no charm to me. I looked at an EX35 in your area and it left me cold just looking at the pictures.
When my BMWs used to break down, I was sort of willing to deal with it because I loved driving them. Up to a certain point.
In reply to Butters :
Location?
In reply to docwyte :
I looked for other ads out there but found nothing. Here is the book of faces listing.
In reply to jgrewe :
It's an automatic. 
What a shame, such a nice car/package otherwise. I'm curious if it'll bring the price, obviously a real Alpina is a special thing but it's cheaper to buy/build an M3 touring and end up with a better performing car, with a proper manual transmission.
In reply to Jesse Ransom :
I don't have any TourX experience, but I know it's a pretty sweet drivetrain. Not many out there, but I assume some GRMers have one?
In reply to AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) :
If this is regarding the Sportcross, Virginia (DC Metro). I still doubt the part exists and think it will be totaled. We will see. If interested, PM me, and I am more than happy to pass it on for the buy back price as well as all the details good and bad (mostly good). I don't want to hijack the thread much more than I already have. I assume it will still be a couple more weeks before this all flushes out. Maybe they will fix it and the shop can do a whole new paint job for a reasonable additional price and it will be my work commuter. That would be awesome - and extremely unlikely.
Regarding Nissan, I hade a long post typed up but I guess with so few posts I have to wait an hour between posts. But the short of it was that I think you need to look at Nissans/Infinitis by each car, not the brand as a whole. Anything with the 3.X VQ engine and a traditional auto, I would put the reliability on par with Honda and Toyota (3 of my 4 cars are currently Toyotas). Honda and Toyota have their issues as well, just better overall. I was glad to be rid of my MDX because of transmission issues. Not catastrophic issues, but very annoying issues. If you look at V6 Honda transmission issues over the last 20 years, it is pretty sad.
The three Nissans products I have owned have been absolutely stellar (Infiniti I35, Altima, QX50) in terms of reliability and we enjoyed them all. We didn't own the Altima that long so maybe the CVT would have imploded. But the V6 CVTs seem to be far more robust than the trash CVT in the Rogue that had a huge impact on Nissan's quality reputation. I also think there is a difference between the Japanese-built Nissans versus the US built ones.
If the Sportcross gets totaled and I give the 4Runner to my son, I may go with a newer Armada as our road trip/tow vehicle. It is hard to pass up that kind of value. Clearly I have a bias for Japanese brands, but am not brand loyal to any one in particular. Nissan, as a brand, is pretty pathetic right now. But that doesn't mean they don't have a couple good offerings.
Butters said:In reply to AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) :
If this is regarding the Sportcross, Virginia (DC Metro).
yes, I was asking in reference to the cheap sportcross. Not sure if yupididit is still looking for a cheap commuter in the DC area. I will take a spot in line behind him if he is.
In reply to Jesse Ransom :
Not sure where I picked up the info on driver assist packages, I was just glad that my car didn't have it. My Gooogle fu is strong when needed, you may just have to research any prospective purchases. And or look for the radar sensor up front.
This is more for adaptive cruise but may be there with lane assist also.
In reply to akylekoz :
Got it, thanks
Hoping to figure out which models got which stuff when so I can filter while searching, but we'll see how that goes...
It was mentioned that a sedan might work if it had enough trunk space. I need to figure out what broad things that opens up. First thought was Accord, but certainly a number of manufacturers went "sedan or SUV, your pick" a while back.
I think a wagon would still be the preference.
Jesse Ransom said:In reply to Slippery :
Hrm... Did just a touch of reading on the E60, and I find myself more worried about complexity and repair/upkeep than about intrusiveness, but concerned nevertheless.
I kinda feel like especially with the German makes we're going to wind up with a 3D map instead of just a scale, where for a given year the higher-end models will be even further along the adoption of complexity. e.g. the 3-series might not get a feature 'til a generation after the 5, or maybe the 5 will get something experimental that never trickles down. Did the 3 ever get active anti-roll or active steering? (in this context active steering seems more to be steering-included DSC while the "lane centering" part was still just haptic feedback and separate)
At some level there's avoiding some complexity because we don't like it, and as we go to older cars, it kinda makes sense to avoid even more complexity just because it's more stuff to break on a car that's already aging.
3-Series never got active anti-roll bars, but the E9x cars did get active steering, my old E90 had it. Kind of a nifty setup, used a planetary gear setup to change the ratio depending on the speed, and the hydraulic system pressure could also be ramped up and down to alter the effort. The end result was a car with crazy quick and light steering at parking lot speeds, but heavy and stable steering on the highway. Hilariously, the first week I owned it, I could not park the damn thing to save my life. The steering would change ratio as I was slowing down to pull into the spot and I'd come in a different angle than I intended. I almost sold it in that first week because of that but I slowly got used to it, and soon crossing my hands in a parking lot in any other car seemed like a chore.
The active steering was also tied into the traction control system, so it made it super easy to drift and counter steer. Driving in the snow was so so so much fun, I could just hold a slip angle like a hero because the steering and traction control would be helping me out. At the time, I just thought I was awesome, but I own an E91 without active steering now and its nowhere as easy to do drifts and donuts in the snow. The non-active system has more steering feel, but the hydraulic active steering system has pretty good feel too. Way better than an F3x car if you're wondering.
Also, to address your concern about overly intrusive aids--the hydraulic active steering system never had any correction or lane centering function, I don't think it had the ability to actually move the wheel since it was a passive hydraulic system.
We went and looked at a new Accord yesterday, and we're back to this approach. Mercifully, it was easy enough to turn off the lane assist, but the rest of it just didn't do that much for us, and the seats seemed like they lacked adjustment needed to make them road-trip-worthy. (Sidebar; seriously? No leg support adjustment at all? The front of the seats seemed to almost slope away, and there's no adjustment for angle or femur length even on the higher trim levels... Heating, yes; ventilation on the top trim, but basic adjustments are out?)
So, back to pondering old(-er, -ish, -esque) BMWs (and possibly Volvos, or ??). I think sedan is definitely on the table, even if wagon might still be preferred. It's down to how hard it makes finding the right car. I think I'm going to need a spreadsheet to get my head around which models got which engines and which transmissions and which driver aids in which years, though I actually don't yet have an answer for how good the BMW stuff is about ease of turning it off. I found docs for the E61 5 series' lane assist (just a wheel shake, not an input torque), but the docs specifically say there's a button on the wheel, and it should stay in whatever state you left it when you next start the car.
I guess for older vehicles new enough to have these systems, there's also the question of which ones can be permanently disabled by removing or disabling the necessary sensor; some will presumably complain (and I'm the kind of person who can't just ignore a TPMS light), but given that things like lane position warnings already need to be able to basically "make themselves unavailable" when there aren't clear road markings, slipping some black vinyl in front of a camera seems like it ought to work if it's a system that can't be turned off at the UI.
I feel like I need to put a reminder in at this point that I wouldn't be so tinfoil-hat about this stuff if I wasn't coming off a year of actively (very, very) bad experiences. I know not all modern driver aid implementations are the same, and again, the one car we were kinda interested in new just didn't do much for us intrinsically. We're both disinclined to gamble on another new car during this transitional period, AND there's really just nothing on the market we're excited enough about to tempt us to reconsider.
I'm kinda stoked about continuing my history of BMWs of various degrees of vintage. I've had an E30, an E28, and have a a 2002 and an F55 Mini (AKA BMW X1 in a Union Jack dress). I'm pretty turned off by BMW's increasing DIY-hostility, but that has less practical effect the further back you go, and the enthusiast realm learns more about stuff that was previously hard to service all the time.
What are your thoughts about some of the weird Honda hatchbacks (Honda Crosstour, Acura ZDX)? I was never really a fan when they were new, but my opinions frequently change when a car gets about 10+ years old - especially if the pricing plummets. I'm still a fan of the TSX wagon, but those prices are crazy. But I'd rock a crosstour or ZDX if the price was right. Certainly not as utilitarian as a true wagon or as exciting as a BMW, but likely way more reliable.
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