caddycruiser

Thanks guys! Went home last weekend to a surprise party that was for me. Today was quiet & a long work day. Hope to do some more celebrating this coming weekend. 25. Quarter century. Feels so not different.

Leaving work late on Tuesday, in the dark and drizzle, a new Inferno Orange '11 Camaro LT RS convertible pulling out of a place not far from where I work, behind me. Hot car. The next day, a new red crystal '11 Camaro SS RS convertible, looked just freshly delivered, at a red light. Stood out because it had a few extra chrome bits added, door handle covers I think and something else on the side...

Almost 2 months in now, I finally made it back home for Easter and my birthday this weekend, and got to check out the Terrain a bit more. Up to 2300 miles now, and yellow with the insane pollen here. More importantly, got the parental review of it. Miss the Camaro because it was a Camaro, but otherwise so far this ute is perfect for them. With the 3.0L and AWD, almost unexpectedly because of some reviews, mom & dad both like the power and--more so--are happy that it is getting better mpg's daily than the Camaro ever did for her. Mom could never seem to break 20 too often with her commute in the Camaro, now with the Terrain AWD it's 22-23 without fail, daily. Dad's gas happy, so that says a lot. "I drove the 4-cylinder ones...no way, no thanks" was repeated again. Weird that the 3.0L here takes a "regular" old oil filter below vs. the Camaro's 3.6L with a cartridge, is interesting. Dad also, for some reason, didn't think the Terrain and Equinox were related because the GMC looks bigger and completely different to him...nice. He said he's also finally started to notice others around, since she got one, neighbors, etc. Not a large SUV, but positively HUGE inside. Back seat, front seat, all around. Mom & I went to get coffee, and sitting in front, it feels bigger and airier than my larger CX-9 up front. Didn't drive, but impressed by the silence, solid big SUV refinement, and also very quiet 3.0L. Just a smidge of V6 burble, but all very muted and SMOOTH. Really like it, and am again so glad I pushed enough to get her back to a GM lot, after looking at Hyundais, etc. No comparison. Hope this one is around a while. Summer finally or not, also to see how the little AWD trucklet digs through the snow.

Misplaced/missing keys...the bane of a dealer's existence, especially when sales & service get involved. "The machine says you have it"..."No I don't"...searching...never to be found. Happens, even though it shouldn't. When it comes to new style keys such as this, they definitely need to get the right equipment, for sure. It's hard to keep up when things change, but no excuse. All in all, sounds like they handled the experience well, even a wasted trip or not. More than just a sorry, a complimentary next oil change. How many miles are you up to now?

Truckload full of new Focus sedans and hatches cruising past down the street. I liked the view from afar, like new Euro small sedans/hatches rolling in.

Copper Sunburst...special edition factory orange...2003 CTS with some dents & dings and scuffed up wheels, outside Target.

Lots of new Nissan NV vans in both regular and hightop, and all colors. The Nissan dealer near work has gotten a ton in. Today another red CTS coupe, followed by a black one. Friday night, a new dark blue '11 Durango side by side a new black '11 Durango on the highway near home, each from a different state. With the standard smaller wheels...they're very minivan-y. The back hatch & lights could be a bit burlier, IMHO.

Yep. The chrome "wrap" bubbles up off them, to varying degrees, with time. I was still able to order a new one for a back quarter panel a couple of years back, and IIRC, 3 of the 4 fenders were available then...but who knows know. If not broken apart, the bubbling is minor and not worth trying to pull them off for new, if new doesn't exist.

Yes, you have it right...front power windows and rear manual. Identical to how the old Neon was offered...Ford...seriously...

Awesome choice--and NEW! The GTO would have been a headache for you, from suspension to other issues, great engine aside. This is a perfect buy, and new. Powertrain is solid, if not huge on power, and NEW. Congrats

Powertrain aside, the wackiest part of the SRX is how they've had equipment packaged. Same for the CTS in some ways. Bluetooth should never be an option. Keyless access "half way" depending on which model you get is also weird. Just strange. Everything is a HUGE package additional, but just weirdly done. Hopefully that gets revised too.

Excellent review. The appearance and fit/finish quality changes made to existing Chrysler products like the vans and Sebring/Avenger are amazing. The Pentastar really seems to be a star, and was a great move to replace too many other marginal choices. Huge changes all around, all good.

GTO is fun, but the suspension underneath will need a full go through if it hasn't already been. Strut bushings, struts, rear bushings, rear springs, etc. They have a lot of common issues, and lots of aftermarket suspension companies have replacement everything for them. Fun car, but can be a little much as a daily, the Oz factor included. Check it out, regardless.

Magenta pink painted '05-07'ish G6 GT sedan. Factory chrome cap wheels, but then also black body side moldings & door handles. Color aside, otherwise normal. Just down the street. Only in Philly.

Looks fantastic! Aside from looking around it, hoping I finally get a chance to ride in mom's come Easter time. Just like when the TB/Envoy came out, I didn't like the Envoy at first...and now greatly prefer the GMC version looks. Same case here.

"Why are you buying a mom-mobile?" Finance manager at my last dealership, before doing my CX-9's paperwork. Because it's an SUV that drives like a sport sedan...and uber luxurious...and spacious. Not the typical, but typical is uncommon for me. Only negative I've had about it from someone.

At the gas station filling up a new TL, a freshly arrived new dark blue with cream leather '11 Chrysler 200 Limited convertible. Looked like the dealer owner driving it, his new demo or something. Again, front, rear, wheels, exhaust, and the visible interior, so different and appealing finally. The proportions of the convertible especially look better than the already hugely improved sedan. The 3.6L sounded nice too as he pulled off and stomped it.

Awesome Subie. Color to body style to Turbo. One of the best used buys ever, and not just fun but will claw itself through any inclement weather episode that could ever be thrown at you. What kind of tires are you getting?

Bright magenta newer Town Car limo...fully painted, properly, and vinyl top included. '10/11 Chrysler 300 limo locally with the back doors suicide converted. White Diamond new CTS coupe on Broad St in Philly today...with Vogue white/yellow strip tires on the factory polished 18" wheels. Interesting look.

Shining black '08 Saturn Astra coupe with the 18" 5-spoke factory wheels, across from Boathouse Row & Art Museum in Philly. Still such a great looking little car...and such a rare bird.

Cheers! They look killer in black, which is easy to see why it's so popular. A month in and mom hasn't said much about her new 2011 SLT-1 AWD V6, but is enjoying it. Coming from a 3.6L Camaro, I knew power was #1, and it was 3.0L or nothing for her. "So smooth and quiet." I've only had 1 up close check of it, but WOW to the design, interior especially, materials, seating, and electronics. Sister will love it

Awesome! Synergy rocks. But boo to the front plate riveted on there...was it dealer traded from MD/NJ?

Wow...fitting. Hah. Then again, it's like Punxsutawney only bigger in that way. A few wealthy people in town off to the sides, and a few crazy vehicles to go with them. Amongst all the old Cavaliers, Blazers, etc. Fitting.

New silver Chrysler 200 Limited V6 beside me in traffic. Critics or not, SO different, from back to sides and front. Just comes off as a very different, much nicer vehicle, especially in upgraded trim. The rear end especially looks better. Rolling along. The Avenger, also spotted again, minor changes. New white Charger V6 again...loaded down with 4 people, drooping rear a bit. Sweet car, with the rear lights lit up for dark, at least more so than during the day.

Great experience and review! The Volt is truly an outstanding piece of technology, but in a real world useful vehicle.