2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE - Steven's Creek Nissan
Interior nicely designed without being high quality. The torque steer
is a real problem. Don't brush off what the magazines say,
in fact the magazine's don't give it enough coverage. It's basically
impossible to launch this car with any kind of enthusiasm without gripping
the wheel for dear life because if you don't, the car WILL lurch to
the left. Wheel hop/spin. Dealer was kind of odd, looked like he was
impatiently waiting for his next break so he could go out behind
the service dept and snort coke.
Verdict: Crap
2004 Subaru Impreza WRX - Steven's Creek Subaru
Practical, cheap, but gutless, gutless, gutless under 3k and doesn't
get much better above, at least with three dudes in the car.
Dealership pushy, seedy, run by a militant reigime.
Verdict: OK, I guess
2003 Infiniti G35 Coupe - Frontier Infiniti
Plain inside looks better in real life than it does in magazines,
front seats power forward painfully slowly, handling/suspension is
perfectly flat, exhaust note intoxicating, fast. Dealer helpful,
quiet and not pushy.
Verdict: Excellent
2003 Acura 3.2CL-S - Steven's Creek Acura
Er.. dated... exterior styling, dull interior with 1985 Honda parts bin
pieces, "one-engine-in-one," too quiet to be a real sports car, would
be easy to stall in stick config. Some combination of being too silent/
light flywheel/no-torque/wacky clutch action made it hard to move off
from a stop. Despite what the magazines (diplomatically) say, there's
no hiding that this is a big ol' FWD
car.
Verdict: Crap
2003 BMW 330i Sport - Allison BMW
Exceptional car, ample power and confidence inspiring handling,
shifter feel brilliant but throw a little long (can be fixed with ZHP
pkg), suspension a little bouncy over rough road surfaces. Knowledgable
and friendly dealer.
Verdict: Excellent
Verdict: G35C/BMW 330i best so far.
Steven's Creek Subaru
Kerz spotted three STis from the road and swung in. This month the dealership otherwise known as "The Twelve Alis" has changed all the names of all their sales staff to "Ted". They have a Black STi in stock like kerz wants, but are asking $5995 over MSRP. We leave.
Lexus IS300 - Steven's Creek Lexus - ***1/2
Knowing how to dance the Lexus dance now (thanks Dave), we go in to the reception and request a sales consultant. Within minutes we're out on the road in a 5-speed Lexus IS300. Unfortunately the bay area isn't the best of places for testing a car's handling abilities so the reports of rampant understeer remain unconfirmed but it seemed to handle reasonably enough, you could feel it was taut underneath but heavily smoothed off. Refined. BMW-like. Fast too, despite the low on-paper power output (possibly because of its smaller size). The dashboard was interesting looking, the driving position reasonable and the shift pattern/clutch feel very smooth, but well defined and on the whole BMW 3-series like. There were a few things that I couldn't get past however... one, the stick shift knob is a plastic (metal-look) piece that rotates with a small amount of friction as you use the transmission. The effect is that it feels like you're unscrewing the shift knob. I tried to screw it back on but it just spins so it seems it was designed that way. Uncomfortable. The pedals were also too closely placed together, such that more than once I hit the brake while going for the clutch. Definitely designed for Asian feet. Also, when equipped with the sunroof the headroom was tight, and I'm not a tall person. I like to be able to see over the hood so I boosted the seat up a little and hit the ceiling. But the worst thing were the brakes. My Altima is no new car, it's nigh on a decade old this year, but it recently had its brakes done and its brake performance is "decent," considering it's front disk rear drum. The IS300 was worse. I first noted its hesitance to stop while coming in to stop at a light. The first section of the pedal travel has very little effect and then the pedal tightens up a lot and is very hesitant to stop the car. Next light I engine braked and it worked well, but you can't always rely on engine braking in emergency situations or even when you're not paying attention. At the next light I roared towards a red light intentionally, set on testing the brakes, trying to mimic an aggressive stop that I do frequently in the Altima and did in the Silvia. I pushed in on the pedal through the first section of travel, there was token response, then pushed through the tough section. The wheels locked up. The ABS kicked in, you heard tire squeal and slippage. The smell of burned rubber seeped into the cabin. Let me repeat that - under an aggressive but non-emergency braking situation the ABS kicked in. I've never had that happen to me in the Altima or Silvia short of an "OH SHIT!" stop, and that's when you want it. Weak. I originally figured it was just this one car but kerz drove another one at Putnam Lexus a couple of weeks later and reached the same conclusion - "It was like the brakes just weren't there."
Pontiac Grand Prix GTP - Steven's Creek GM - **
By far one of the wackiest looking cars around, the '04 Grand Prix GTP continues Pontiac's tradition of aggressively overstyled cars. A large midsize, comparable to Maxima and Camry, we found one in the showroom of Steven's Creek Buick Pontiac Oldsmobile etc. The beltline kicks up so dramatically that glancing into the back seat you think you're in a coupe. I'd hate to have to sit back there, very claustrophobic (although fair leg room). Huge trunk. Dash board looks like a fighter jet's. Preponderance of air vents and buttons and computer screens, absolutely huge dials in sci-fi deco, big leather wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifts and controls for audio and a/c. Cruise control is on a separate stalk. There's a head-up display positioned right in front of your field of vision (adjustable). We get a test drive from a friendly salesman. On the road it feels strong, although not as strong as 260hp/280ft-lb suggests perhaps, but it is a big car. In the higher range of revs, there's a noticable whine, perhaps related to the supercharger. Handling is decent for a big overpowered FWD car from a company noted for producing rental cars, and there's not a hint of the torque steer that plagued the Maxima I drove in my last outing to Steven's Creek. Handling is understeer biased as per usual for FWD cars, I entered a sharp cloverleaf and had to restrain myself rather early as I felt I was on the limit of the tires grip capabilities (they were starting to howl). The sales guy said the car was a blast in the corners. It always amuses me when people try and claim FWD cars handle well. They are always wrong. FWD cars are the devil. FWD cars are wrong. FWD cars are pitiful. (Honda spent a lot of time engineering the Integra Type-R and still ended up with a car that isn't as fun to drive as a good RWD sports car). Still, this one wasn't too bad, as good it seems as the Acura CL, if not slightly better. Plenty of accelerative potential, although the transmission a little slow on the uptake. Tapshift steering wheel mounted shifters a gimmick, not really that useful in the real world. The interior is actually a leap forward for Pontiac - not too many harsh or poorly finished surfaces, reasonable textured plastics (still some hokey buttons in the console, but things are on the whole improved)... the turn signal stalks were actually better than the ones on the Honda Accord (the car with the class leading interior)... window controls on the doors were well placed and handles big and easy to grab. Much improved, still not as good as the Japanese cars (well, probably as good if not better than the Altima). The button to control the wing mirrors was a bit poor though, required a very hard push to make the mirror turn. The mirrors were also tiny and the bodywork made it easy to set the mirrors up wrong. All in all, not too bad a car. Drove it out of interest and not out of any real intent to purchase, but I think perhaps a better car than the Maxima. One of the most surprising things here was that the salesperson seemed to forget he was at a GM dealer pushing Pontiacs. Completely no-pressure. I've had more pressure from luxury dealerships in the past. An excellent experience for a first look. I'd recommend that dealer to anyone looking for a GM car. I was impressed and surprised. If Pontiac continues along these lines (and, IMO, dials back their styling a few notches), they might be set to enjoy some better times ahead.
Cadillac CTS - St. Claire Cadillac - **1/2
A small unimposing facade hides a magical world of Cadillac within. A tap on the horn of a CTS invoked a salesperson. A quick walkaround and interior inspection - niceties - large trunk but very heavy trunklid (what gauge steel is this?!), gas struts supporting the hood (kerz comment: "of course, what old person could lift a hood by themselves?"). Pleasant interior (kerz managed to pull off the passenger size door grab cover, oh well). Not really high-class, more simple and sporty. Could have used some lacquered burlwood or something metal to give it a lift. Vent covers felt a little cheesy but not too bad. Door plastic a little hard. Shortly thereafter we're out on the road. You can tell it's a RWD sport sedan because it has taut-ish suspension, not-too-bad steering and a notchier shift. Still, for the class, the shift action is far too squidgy (esp. when compared to the IS300's excellent shift action). The car felt rolly, which I somewhat expected (it is a Cadillac), but not too much so. It felt like it could use a good sport suspension package. I suspect the forthcoming CTS-V will improve this aspect. Nice and roomy inside, decent brakes, and an interesting view out the front windshield. The A pillar and roofline are low and hunker down for a sporty outlook. OK performance, but not really a barnstormer. Felt a little weak at times. Didn't feel like it could be turned as quickly as the IS300 or the G35. All in all, not too bad. Not really luxurious enough inside to feel like a real Cadillac, not really powerful or taut enough to be a real sports sedan, I'm somewhat confused. Cadillac nameplate, super-cool styling and reasonable cost save the car somewhat, but still not for me. Sad.
Ford Mustang SVT Cobra - Ford - 1/2
We wander up into the Ford dealership adjacent to St. Claire and kerz is immediately swept away by a huge lifted Excursion. You open the door and the front seats are at nose level. Hoisting yourself up (scaling Mt Excursion as it were) using the door, the running board and the grab handle, you find yourself in a vast cockpit with an Everest-like view of the world before your long, flat topped hood. This truck had knobbly big off road tires and was lifted a good foot higher than it should have been. The interior was crap but who cares. Yee haw. A dealer came over and kerz's fun was put to an end and we tumbled down out of the Excursion and went over to look at Mustangs. Got into a SVT Cobra. Hugging seats. Cheap-ass dashboard. Oh my, so cheap. You shut the door and hear about a hundred parts rattling, and this is with the window glass up. Tiny gauges. Dorkily placed shifter. Cheap-ass stereo. The dealer is babbling on about limited production and performance but I don't care. Crap with a capital C. I ask for a test drive. They don't test drive Cobras. He shows me a cheaper but similar Mustang Mach 1, which they're also not test driving. I ask for some docs and a business card so I can leave. He wanders off, initially I think he's going to get a business card but he walks over to some other salespeople. A surly looking gent wanders over and booms in that staged, want- the- customer- to- overhear- and- be- intimidated- because- they- were- fool- enough- to- walk- into- a- goddamned- Ford- dealer- on- fourth- of- july -weekend kind of way, "You get that SVT signed TODAY!" kerz and I burst out laughing. The guy returns, again mentions limited production, and gives me a card (which were apparently in his pocket the whole time) and then insists I meet the head of SVT sales at his dealership (no doubt an esteemed and noteworthy figure). He comes over and we shake hands. He doesn't try too hard, and kerz and I are finally able to leave.
Honda Accord EX V6 6-speed - Steven's Creek Honda
Mercedes Benz CLK320 - Mercedes Benz - ****
There are no test-drive 6-speed EX V-6 coupes. kerz and I make fun of the Element for a while, and then wander over to Mercedes Benz. We get no love until kerz gets into the $90,000 SL500 and starts massaging the dashboard plastics. I am initially going to test drive a C240 but see a beautiful Orion Blue CLK320 sitting next to it and upon learning that it stickers at around $45k, we go out for a spin in that instead. Oh my, what a car. Firstly I want to say the exterior and interior look great. From the outside the car looks like a cross between E-Class/CL-class/SL-class with the badge integrated into the grille up front. The dashboard looks like a scaled down version of the E, with big circular vents and the beautiful instrument pod with white-on-dark-blue inset LCD panels. Leather and ultra-high class materials abound. Everything feels strong, solid, high quality, right down to the vent levers. You turn the car on, close the door and a mechanical arm reaches forward and offers you your seatbelt. COOL. Push a button and the rear sunshade slides up. Hold down some more buttons and all four windows disappear and you're left with a beautiful retro 50s style hardtop pillarless coupe. Oh my God this car looks like sex on wheels. Lack of pillar means checking your blindspot is easy too. Such good visibility. kerz said the back seat felt like the front with heaps of room and his own ventilation controls. Downsides - 215horsepower. Not really all that fast. Handled properly (RWD) but a bit floaty (more of a comfort tourer than a sports car). I went fast through the corner of the 280 exit at Steven's Creek blvd and the dealer asked if I drove like that all the time or was just testing the car. I didn't think I went into it that fast o_O... oh and expensive. $5k more than my price range. It took all of my being to walk out of that showroom. I could have bought the car. It tickles me that I could own such a stylish, beautiful, Mercedes-Benz. Wow. I'm still awestruck. Definitely the nicest car I've been in. The interior is even nicer than Scott's M3 (sorry Scott). Did I mention sex on wheels? High Quality? Well, if not, I should mention them again. Wow. Beautiful. Wow.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII - Steven's Creek Mitsubishi
kerz wants to look at an Evo VIII so we go into Steven's Creek Mitsubishi, which turns out to be ruled owned by the same reigime that commands The Twelve Alis Subaru. It's not surprising, as the front of their store looks like a used car lot instead of a Mitsubishi dealer. Fitting I suppose since Mitsubishi is all but dead in this country. kerz enjoys the sticker in the window of the Evo VIII that proclaims it faster in every respect than the WRX STi. I can sense kerz twitching and trying not to stamp on the salesperson's foot as he goes on about how the car is made in Japan and not some second rate locale like "Canada or something..." and then goes on to say how this tarted up Lancer has more sex appeal than the STi. kerz and I flee, over to Infiniti.
Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe - Frontier Infiniti
Unfortunately Frontier has my car. My exact car. The car I have on order at Riverside Infiniti right now, right down to the colour and option choice (except it has an ugly lip spoiler). kerz wants me to buy it. I could, except I haven't organized insurance yet, and I have an understanding of business with Riverside and I wouldn't want to stamp on that. kerz keeps on opening the door and suggesting I sit in it. Every time I close the door. I suspect the motor that controls the window rise/drop when the door opens may have been shot by the end of our loitering around the car. For a while kerz stands behind the door of the car and says, "I'm so sad Ben, don't leave me here, buy me! buy me!". I suggest kerz drive the G35. We go inside. We wait around for a free salesperson to ride along, while waiting kerz pops off a number of classics (he's quite the comedian) such as, "Have you heard of the Infiniti G35? Car of the Year? They come in Blue, see?" (esad kerz, esad). We are helped. We go for a drive in a base model automatic. kerz seems quitely impressed by the car. Not bad.
And that's it.
Honda Accord Coupe V6 6-speed - Capitol Honda
Um.. it's another big ol' FWD car. This time actually with a nicer interior than
the CL. The dealer experience was terrible. The salesman looked younger than I am,
figured kerz and I for brothers (!) and raved about the bling bling battlestar
galactica dubs on his dealership's pride and joy - a new and heavily marked up
6-speed coupe. I made him open the doors on the showroom and pull the car off the
tile so I could go for a drive. The car is crap. Crap crap crap crap. Why you'd
buy one of those in the same price range as a G35, 325, IS300 hell even CTS I
don't know. Fairly powerful and all, but still handled wrong, not at all
confidence inspiring and $30k? Please, it's a Honda. Back at the dealer the
kid proudly showed me his manager's Accord with huge gold spinnner wheels (dear lord)
and when I tried to ditch him attempted to hand me off to said manager. They
were pretty desperate to sell, offering trips to Hawaii etc, tried to talk me
out of driving the competition, etc. I resisted, and left. I still hate Hondas.
By and large (there are a couple of exceptions) they are inferior products pushed
by and to kids who think they're all that when in fact they're driving torque
free front wheel drive shitboxes with no class.
Lincoln Aviator - Capitol Lincoln Mercury
Looked nice, wanted to drive one. Amazing interior quality for Ford, still a half
notch below the Japanese, fairly quick with 302hp V8 but not as fast as the lighter
sedans. Nice features, fairly stable cornering for a big ass truck, great to look
at. A bit expensive. Dealer was nice and low-pressure.
The G35 remains the best. The 330i, especially with ZHP is a close second, except it loses out on value, style and power. The 330i does however have a better and more user-friendly shifter (easier to get into gear). Third place is the IS300, rounding out the winner's circle. Only Infiniti got my money however.