Kamry XSE impressions and further updates
Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2016 6:35 pm
So... I have been really slow to post updates because I simply haven't driven it yet. I was busy de-modding the Earth destroyer etc.
But here are my initial impressions. I try to be very honest and non biased in my car impressions so I'll post up the good and the bad.
First things first.
NO THIS IS NOT THE BEST CAR IN THE WORLD, AND NOT EVEN CLOSE. ZOMG.
I wouldn't spend anywhere near what this car costs on it, because frankly I don't think the price tag is warranted. And yes I am VERY happy with my purchase because I basically get to long term RENT this car and give it back 0FG.
Lets start with the good.
1. Ergonomics are excellent, all the buttons etc are where you want them to be, the seats/steering wheel are very comfortable etc.
2. The cars size is perfect. I think this is the perfect size for a 4 door sedan, not too big not too small.
3. I really like the way this car looks, inside and out.
4. The brakes are excellent (Waxable calipers all around)
5. This is the best non DSGAY auto I have ever driven.
6. The ride is excellent, it is almost too firm, but exactly what you'd expect for a sport sedan.
7. The road noise/insulation is great. It is a very refined car.
8. The interior quality is excellent no part of the car looks cheap inside, real aluminum trim, metal shifter paddles, great black headliner etc, good leather. Overall excellent interior that is worthy of some of this price tag.
9. The stereo is excellent, after I dicked around with the HK uprated stereo I got it where I wanted it, the AZN Mk1s Burmeister may be a bit better doe. But this is still very very good.
Lets talk about the not so good.
1. This is a near 60k M sport model... I'd expect some near M3 performance thanks to the near M3 price... however some things fall short.
2. The mechanical grip is NOT impressive. I don't care what the mags say etc. While this car does have a GREAT suspension and you can certainly feel the great balance of 50/50, BUT... taking on ramps etc at speed is a bit of a let down. The 225s up front are WAY too fucking small... I think whoever at BMW decided to do that should be fucking shot. Same size tire as a 320i. That's Not ok and my main complaint about the car.
3. The engine is not impressive either. Yes this is not quite the motor of the m3. But I expected more. It feels VERY linear, there is NO turbo lag at all, none that I can feel. No where near my TDI or gti etc. The larger displacement and twin scroll are tuned to be super linear. But this thing is NOT fast... I am pretty sure my Z was faster or at least felt faster. Maybe because of the lack of "refinement etc". Yes my expectations were HIGH but they should be considering the cost of the car.
4. This car sounds like NOTHING. There is some noise, but it is boring, hell the mk7 GTI with conductor sounds amazing compared to this. Just way too quiet.
So overall, I think this is a good car and it will be a fun 16 months for me, but I certainly would want more performance than this.
That's my quick take for now... I will update it more once I get some daily driving in etc.
But here are my initial impressions. I try to be very honest and non biased in my car impressions so I'll post up the good and the bad.
First things first.
NO THIS IS NOT THE BEST CAR IN THE WORLD, AND NOT EVEN CLOSE. ZOMG.
I wouldn't spend anywhere near what this car costs on it, because frankly I don't think the price tag is warranted. And yes I am VERY happy with my purchase because I basically get to long term RENT this car and give it back 0FG.
Lets start with the good.
1. Ergonomics are excellent, all the buttons etc are where you want them to be, the seats/steering wheel are very comfortable etc.
2. The cars size is perfect. I think this is the perfect size for a 4 door sedan, not too big not too small.
3. I really like the way this car looks, inside and out.
4. The brakes are excellent (Waxable calipers all around)
5. This is the best non DSGAY auto I have ever driven.
6. The ride is excellent, it is almost too firm, but exactly what you'd expect for a sport sedan.
7. The road noise/insulation is great. It is a very refined car.
8. The interior quality is excellent no part of the car looks cheap inside, real aluminum trim, metal shifter paddles, great black headliner etc, good leather. Overall excellent interior that is worthy of some of this price tag.
9. The stereo is excellent, after I dicked around with the HK uprated stereo I got it where I wanted it, the AZN Mk1s Burmeister may be a bit better doe. But this is still very very good.
Lets talk about the not so good.
1. This is a near 60k M sport model... I'd expect some near M3 performance thanks to the near M3 price... however some things fall short.
2. The mechanical grip is NOT impressive. I don't care what the mags say etc. While this car does have a GREAT suspension and you can certainly feel the great balance of 50/50, BUT... taking on ramps etc at speed is a bit of a let down. The 225s up front are WAY too fucking small... I think whoever at BMW decided to do that should be fucking shot. Same size tire as a 320i. That's Not ok and my main complaint about the car.
3. The engine is not impressive either. Yes this is not quite the motor of the m3. But I expected more. It feels VERY linear, there is NO turbo lag at all, none that I can feel. No where near my TDI or gti etc. The larger displacement and twin scroll are tuned to be super linear. But this thing is NOT fast... I am pretty sure my Z was faster or at least felt faster. Maybe because of the lack of "refinement etc". Yes my expectations were HIGH but they should be considering the cost of the car.
4. This car sounds like NOTHING. There is some noise, but it is boring, hell the mk7 GTI with conductor sounds amazing compared to this. Just way too quiet.
So overall, I think this is a good car and it will be a fun 16 months for me, but I certainly would want more performance than this.
That's my quick take for now... I will update it more once I get some daily driving in etc.