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The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
23 Civic Type-R / 22 MDX Type-S / 21 Tesla Y LR / 03 Montero Ltd
I hated CVT prior to test driving the new Accords this year. When I say hated, I mean hated; that is the right word. Now, it's as good as any slush-box automatic I've ever driven.
It handles well, is quiet, felt great, and the interior seemed top notch for a $25K car.
- Ray
Range = good....
I have a HPDE in November and if I can hold out until then with a new (or almost new pre-owned) car, then I can track the old A3 one last time. If I buy in early November it'll still be too early to take the new car out on the track (won't be broken in yet).
Heck, at the rate I'm going looking at cars and doing test drives, I can't see holding out much past September (custom order could take 8 to 12 weeks?)
I plan to "save" my aging MINI by buying an inexpensive pickup truck. I bet I could pay for a good chunk of the truck itself in a couple years by not having to do major work on the MINI.
Bridgestone Dueler Ecopias. 65k tread life.
Pirelli Scorpion Verde. 50k.
Yokohama YK-580. 60k.
All are between $900-1000 installed. I've got the Ecopias being trucked in from Chicago and not sure they will be in CO by Saturday, which is the only day available to get them installed. The others are more readily available.
Is there a bad choice among the three?
I'm not sure I get this. If your MINI needs major work, you'll carry it around in the back of your pickup truck?
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What I meant was things like tires, brakes, struts, and misc. repairs are a lot cheaper on a Ford Ranger than a MINI---the cost per mile is less.
Since I use my car for work and have to drive a lot, I'm just wearing this MINI out at a fast clip---50K miles in 3 years already.
When you said "major work", I was thinking clutch, cooling system, etc.... that could still pop up, even if you aren't driving it much...
Small pickups get crappy gas mileage, though....
(that blank ICON is a wink, by the way...)
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Well, I vote 'get something new'
- Ray
Surprise, surprise ........
I've got just over 37k on the OEM Duelers. Everyone I've mentioned that to are surprised by that longevity. But it's time - maybe a bit overdue.
I think my problem is I'm looking for a tire that does everything - quiet, good mileage but also handles rain and snow well. I've never done dedicated winter tires, even after 20 years in Colorado.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Not only do they handle better & bite quicker, but they provide a much more compliant ride.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Wow. Even with jolie, ray and myself punching cards in the past 2 weeks, we are only at 16? Sorry breld, but you are going to have to pick up the slack. Again...
23 Civic Type-R / 22 MDX Type-S / 21 Tesla Y LR / 03 Montero Ltd
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
I told my wife this morning that I was mistreated, since I don't have a car. she tried to claim I had 2 (since both kids cars are in my name), but I told her that would never fly. Because if I tried to take the daughter's car back, she would find me floating face down in the pool! And the son will be working (temp job) soon.
Scarily, after labor day when school and his job start, I will be stranded at home every day unless my wife decides to WFH occasionally. I might get the shakes from that.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I am pretty impressed with our Pilot's 4WD capabilities. In 18" of hard, packed snow, I shoveled a small path (because I couldn't see my BMW), backed out of the garage, shifted into 2nd gear, locked the VTM-4 differential, & literally drove like there was nothing on the driveway but blacktop.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
BUT, I'm really trying to wait until next year. Maybe if we need another punch toward the end of year I can push that up. : )
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2024 Corvette - 2024 BMW X5 - 2023 Tesla Model Y
That is very compelling for what I'm looking for, particularly for the lower priced models (I like the Sport personally). The only, somewhat shallow, catch is that I'd like a non-sedan body style to vary the lineup.
I'll be curious to see real world mileage results on the new Mazda6 - Mazda has been pretty true to their EPA ratings, so they should be good.
That'd be a tough choice if I went that way - Accord Sport or Mazda6 Touring.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2024 Corvette - 2024 BMW X5 - 2023 Tesla Model Y
At least, this is what I tell my wife so she won't become a chronic car buyer.
Reliability wise it has been very good, not perfect, but very good, and that includes 2 weekend HPDE per year the last 3 years. I drive the heck out of it; as I expect all my cars to be able to handle being driven.
Audi covered a failed AC at 53K miles (good of them to step up). They also reimbursed me for failed intake runner control modules to the tune of almost a $700 check (it was covered to 120K 7 years voluntarily by Audi).
Besides those things which Audi handled, I've paid for:
1) spark plugs and coil packs; normally a maintenance item, but I mention it because the coil packs were recalled during warranty, so probably only had 50K on them, the spark plugs only 30K. $125
2) Recirculation valve $400 repair at about 65K miles.
3) Diverter valve; never failed, but I preempted it with an upgrade $165 right after the other valve failed (known trouble spot, but Audi upgraded the replacement part pro-actively).
4) My center armrest I live with the latch being broken. (repaired under warranty once too).
5) the right rear window switch doesn't work, but driver's control of that window does; I live with it.
6) The pump and/or tubing doesn't get washer fluid to the rear window (I live with it).
And lastly, lots of tires and brakes, pads, and rotors, but that's the way I drive. You got to pay to play I've learned.
When I went to look at the Accord, I went thinking Sport. At the end of the day, it was missing a few things I appreciate, like a sunroof and smart key. The Sport only illuminates the driver power window switch, 4 speaker base stereo, no auto up/down passenger window, etc. It sounds minor but little stuff like that is what bugs me over time and makes me CCBA in the first place.
For me, I've found that its better to spend a little more upfront for the a more featured car since it helps me keep cars longer. It has worked on my Acura, and I hope it works on this Accord. Plus I think the EXL, at its current $25-26k street price loaded, is a pretty strong value. And seat memory+wife=happiness.
Regarding the 6 Touring, be sure to check the leatherette seats first. I sat in one on a warm day and found they were pretty clammy, and I'm not usually sensitive to that kind of thing. And they aren't heated, so expect the opposite problem in the winter. I honestly think they should have done cloth on the mid trim...it would have solved both issues.
23 Civic Type-R / 22 MDX Type-S / 21 Tesla Y LR / 03 Montero Ltd
Please let me know what 'level' you choose -
and how much you pay?
Thanks,
- Ray
Considering this for the GTI...
I like my sunroof, but could live without one. There is really nothing more disappointing then a crummy stock stereo though. I do like heated leather seats and the Honda lane watch technology seems fantastic.
decisions, decisions...
My next punch is most likely 12 months away.
Maybe they'll come out with an EX Sport:)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
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I agree. I'm thinking about adding a set of Sport wheels...
23 Civic Type-R / 22 MDX Type-S / 21 Tesla Y LR / 03 Montero Ltd
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
is structured. I have had 2 extended wty plans
in the recent past and each refunded a prorated
amount, based on the unused portion.
- Ray
We shall see.....
I'm not shocked at all by the low cost on the Prius warranty. Toyota/Honda both seem to offer extended warranties that are very inexpensive compared to the European brands... I'm guessing VW's prices are higher because you're much more likely to use the warranty.
(I assume you updated the shared doc)
As of 8/15/13:
2013 Punch List (total 16):
01/08/13 breld 2011 BMW 335xi 27K
01/11/13 steine13 2013 Chevrolet Cruze LT (lease)
01/15/13 breld 2010 BMW 328xi wagon 21K
01/18/13 qbrozen 2013 Nissan Leaf (lease)
01/19/13 anon 2013 Toyota Sienna (lease)
02/13/13 corvette 2013 VW Jetta GLI
02/16/13 fezo 2004 Mazda6 wagon 77k
02/17/13 fintail 2013 Mercedes E350 Bluetec (lease)
03/22/13 js06gv 2013 Ford F150 King Ranch 2WD
04/04/13 kyfdx 2011 BMW X3
04/09/13 au1994 2013 BMW 335i (lease)
05/01/13 abacomike 2014 MB E350 Sport
05/27/13 breld 2013 Hyundai Veloster
05/29/13 qbrozen 2013 Ford Mustang GT
07/31/13 rayainsw 2013 VW GTI
08/12/13 tifighter 2013 Honda Accord EX-L
Punch guesses for 2013:
Michaell 15-17
Xwesx 22
Stickguy 25
abacomike 25
Qbrozen 28
Au1994 30
Anon 31
gimmestdtranny 33
Tifighter 34
Jpp5862 35
Steve 36
Roadburner 37
Nyccarguy 38
Rayainsw 39
Ateixeira 40
sandman 43
Kyfdx 45
I'm still in the running so long as only 1 more car is purchased between now and the end of the year.
____________
Smart Key and moon/sun roof are worth about $0.01 to me. However, I agree, the lousy stereo is a turn off. HOwever, it should be easy to upgrade the sound system in the aftermarket, but only they didn't puposely make it so hard with such an integrated dash.
The VW GTI powertrain wty is 5 years \ 60,000 miles.
- Ray
More concerned about stuff like the A/C components, etc. past 36,000...
[ edit ] and a lot of electronic 'thingys'
After much thought and research, I decided against the Ecopias and the Scorpion Verdes, as the silicone content of the tires (used to improve gas mileage) also make them less capable in bad weather. I asked the wife about it and her comment was "I'd rather be safe in the snow than save 6 cents on gas".
A wise woman I married.
Discount is quoting $969.05 with all taxes and fees, and there is a $60 gift card rebate available, so the net cost is closer to $900.
I got just over 37K on the OEM Bridgestone Duelers, which is about 5K more than expected. It's been almost 2.5 years since we bought the car, so it's probably time.
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It's really nice being on the road and not getting anxious if we hit a rainstorm. Been enjoying the "premium" (for me, lol) wipers currently installed too.
Ultimately, there is nothing holding you to the road but those 4 little patches where the rubber meets the asphalt.
The new Q50 is attractive but based on the delayed launch and the reported problems with the technology so far I'm not wowed. The new Lexus IS is very attractive and seems to get great reviews, but it gets pricey quickly with the IS350. The 250 is adequate, but when I can get more power out of a V6 Accord/Camry it loses appeal.
Lots to figure out in the next 5 months....
(The OE tires on my Pontiac G6 felt dodgy in the rain even when they were new. I'm glad I didn't have that car long enough to experience them when they began to wear!)