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Found the girl a new car

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Is it an Altima killer though? I'd have to test drive one to see if I'd like it more than mine, but I doubt it. Every Saturn that I've ever drove... well, they felt so cheap and uncomfortable. I also feel about 10 years older in my mother's LS200 (I think that's the car model). I find my car quite relaxing, but the only thing I think you wouldn't like about it is that the aux interface doesn't support ipod control via the steering wheel controls. It's just a simple audio input jack.
 
Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
Originally posted by: Aikouka
Originally posted by: spidey07
Altima - needs v6, drives price up, somewhat sloppy handling, pricey once features are added. Salemen kept saying "Look! Push button start! We're the only ones that have that!" :roll:
The handling usually feels weird, because the power steering isn't constant but adjusts based on the speed of the car.
Just like every other power steering system since about 1985.

Variable-boost power steering is neither special nor uncommon. And it certainly doesn't make handling feel weird.

ZV

If you want weird...go drive one of the "steer by wire" systems that are starting to become more common. I drove a Malibu that had it. On the highway if punch the go-pedal to pass someone it freaks out and doesn't know what to. It doesn't know if it should increase or reduce resistance and ends up jerking the steering wheel around. Not to be confused with torque steer.
 
Originally posted by: Aikouka
Is it an Altima killer though? I'd have to test drive one to see if I'd like it more than mine, but I doubt it. Every Saturn that I've ever drove... well, they felt so cheap and uncomfortable. I also feel about 10 years older in my mother's LS200 (I think that's the car model). I find my car quite relaxing, but the only thing I think you wouldn't like about it is that the aux interface doesn't support ipod control via the steering wheel controls. It's just a simple audio input jack.

Please go check it the Aura before comparing it to the old Saturns.
 
Originally posted by: Ktulu
Originally posted by: Aikouka
Is it an Altima killer though? I'd have to test drive one to see if I'd like it more than mine, but I doubt it. Every Saturn that I've ever drove... well, they felt so cheap and uncomfortable. I also feel about 10 years older in my mother's LS200 (I think that's the car model). I find my car quite relaxing, but the only thing I think you wouldn't like about it is that the aux interface doesn't support ipod control via the steering wheel controls. It's just a simple audio input jack.

Please go check it the Aura before comparing it to the old Saturns.

The unfortunate part about Saturn is that they haven't released a decent car since the second generation s-series. Even if initial quality seems good, long term reliability is not known.
 
Originally posted by: radioouman
Originally posted by: Ktulu
Originally posted by: Aikouka
Is it an Altima killer though? I'd have to test drive one to see if I'd like it more than mine, but I doubt it. Every Saturn that I've ever drove... well, they felt so cheap and uncomfortable. I also feel about 10 years older in my mother's LS200 (I think that's the car model). I find my car quite relaxing, but the only thing I think you wouldn't like about it is that the aux interface doesn't support ipod control via the steering wheel controls. It's just a simple audio input jack.

Please go check it the Aura before comparing it to the old Saturns.

The unfortunate part about Saturn is that they haven't released a decent car since the second generation s-series. Even if initial quality seems good, long term reliability is not known.

With 5 year/100K warranty, onstar included there isn't anything to fret over. It's an awesome car for thousands less.
 
I would definately consider an Aura. I've been very pleased with my SL2 and wouldn't hesitate to purchase another Saturn.
 
The only problem I see with buying a Saturn (although the Aura is VERY nice IMO) is the resale value when you want to get rid of it later on. 🙁
 
Originally posted by: FoBoT
i like the Aura, it is a good sedan

WOW!

After spending a little more time with it this is one serious sedan. The wheels and tires are pretty dang good. 18 inch wrapped in Eagles.

First thing that stands out is the tranny. Paddle shift on the steering column for "manual" mode is nice. This transmission really is awesome.

But to tell you the truth the big thing that stands out is this tranny. It's AMAZING. I hate autos but I am really impressed. The tranny actually responds as it should.

1/2 throttle puts it in 1 lower gear with some gitty up.
3/4 throttle selects a "I wanna go" gear.
Full throttle says "GO!", put the RPM in the 5.0-6.5 range.

Girl's got a sweet ride. Sweet motor, sweet tranny, sweet wheels/tires.




 
Originally posted by: spidey07
But to tell you the truth the big thing that stands out is this tranny. It's AMAZING. I hate autos but I am really impressed. The tranny actually responds as it should.

1/2 throttle puts it in 1 lower gear with some gitty up.
3/4 throttle selects a "I wanna go" gear.
Full throttle says "GO!", put the RPM in the 5.0-6.5 range.
This isn't really a new concept for automatics..
 
Originally posted by: DanFungus
Originally posted by: spidey07
But to tell you the truth the big thing that stands out is this tranny. It's AMAZING. I hate autos but I am really impressed. The tranny actually responds as it should.

1/2 throttle puts it in 1 lower gear with some gitty up.
3/4 throttle selects a "I wanna go" gear.
Full throttle says "GO!", put the RPM in the 5.0-6.5 range.
This isn't really a new concept for automatics..

Not a new concept, but finding one that does it well can be a chore.
 
Originally posted by: CrackRabbit
Originally posted by: DanFungus
Originally posted by: spidey07
But to tell you the truth the big thing that stands out is this tranny. It's AMAZING. I hate autos but I am really impressed. The tranny actually responds as it should.

1/2 throttle puts it in 1 lower gear with some gitty up.
3/4 throttle selects a "I wanna go" gear.
Full throttle says "GO!", put the RPM in the 5.0-6.5 range.
This isn't really a new concept for automatics..

Not a new concept, but finding one that does it well can be a chore.

This is very true.

I hate automatics like the plague. But this thing delivered.

You can literally control the gear based on the throttle. Nice tranny. Camry killer this thing is.
 
Originally posted by: KPACOTKA
Does it have auto climate control? I'm looking for the cheapest with auto climate.

According to edmunds, it has single zone automatic climate control.
 
Originally posted by: spidey07
This thing is pretty sweet. Rides well, good features, great interior and not a bad price to boot.

We drove most of the mid-sized sedans in this price range and it just has so much value for the money.

G6 - great motor, power, didn't have the REQUIRED iPod input. Dealbreaker.
Mazda 6 - Drives great, superb handling, a little weak in power, a little small and didn't have iPod input. Dealbreaker.
Altima - needs v6, drives price up, somewhat sloppy handling, pricey once features are added. Salemen kept saying "Look! Push button start! We're the only ones that have that!" :roll:
Aura - Good power, decent handling, but loaded with a great interior and features. Has iPod input so it passes.

-update-
Got exactly the car she wanted and this thing is loaded ocean mist with black leather. Drives incredibly well and tons of bells/whistles, good wheels/tires, seriously sharp looking car - XM and an ipod input pretty much sealed the deal. Now to install the harmon kardon ipod thingy I got her.
Why hasn't anyone said this yet?

PICS OF SAID GIRL OR BAN! 😛
 
If a person is going to install some iPod interface to a factory stereo, why not just get a high-quality aftermarket deck, like the Pioneer Premier 880, that is much more fully-featured and will sound a lot better as well?
 
Originally posted by: MemoryInAGarden
If a person is going to install some iPod interface to a factory stereo, why not just get a high-quality aftermarket deck, like the Pioneer Premier 880, that is much more fully-featured and will sound a lot better as well?

Cheaper, less work?
 
Originally posted by: MemoryInAGarden
If a person is going to install some iPod interface to a factory stereo, why not just get a high-quality aftermarket deck, like the Pioneer Premier 880, that is much more fully-featured and will sound a lot better as well?

You'd be surprised at the quality of stock stereos these days. Plus they are fully integrated. As much as a hard core audiophile as I am the quality and integration of stock systems within the last decade are leaps and bounds of what we had in the 80s/early 90s. I doubt a head unit could match what is available.

oh, and I tested the stereo last night as well. Pretty dang nice. XM to boot.
 
Originally posted by: CrackRabbit
Not a new concept, but finding one that does it well can be a chore.

My old Stratus did that just fine 😕. Maybe you're just having trouble finding cars that actually have power enough to exhibit such a feature.

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
Just like every other power steering system since about 1985.

Variable-boost power steering is neither special nor uncommon. And it certainly doesn't make handling feel weird.

ZV

The Altima 3.5SL features (according to Nissan's website) "Vehicle speed-sensitive electric steering." It's not the exact same thing 😱.
 
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