Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
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like a wise man once said, "the only difference, is the difference"
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
but sure, go and ask for their best price to flip cars. NY is a trade in credit state, right? So you get that benefit. Plus not having to deal with the kids and weirdos that would hit you up off a CL ad for an Eclipse.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I know you have a lot on your plate and my thoughts, good vibes and even a prayer are on the way to you.
This can't be easy but hopefully a solution and good news are in the near future.
They are all right here....for your enjoyment only.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
First, I don't have much time.....will write more later. I did buy the 2015 E400 tonight. Switched to Diamond Silver Metalic at the last minute. It is a new color and it is slightly deeper silver with a hint of blue. Crystal Gray (ivory) interior with black accents. Wood steering wheel flat on the bottom.
They gave me right on what I was hoping for with trade. No hassle. I said I am glad you didn't undercut, they were fair. He ran down the price and I said you forgot about my 10% discount. We laughed and I said bmw and Audi give us 4% off. He said that's good, you got a car.
I don't like getting a 2014 when the 2015s are coming out because I trade in 3 or max 4 years. What I save now I will more than pay for later...depreciation will be more than $4K and won't have the latest features....which are extensive these days.
You have good insight. I didn't bring home the 2014 but I will be getting a 2015, build them in September and should arrive mid October.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
"You have good insight. I didn't bring home the 2014 but I will be getting a 2015, build them in September and should arrive mid October."
Very interesting, driver. CONGRATULATIONS!!! It's a great car. The "spec" car my dealership ordered for me is also due mid October. Palladium Silver, like yours, but with black leather. The MSRP on that car is expected to be $69,850 because it is coming in with just about every option.
The one enticing thing on the E400 is the 330 hp and an estimated 34-35 mpg highway, 25-26 mpg average. That's 20% better fuel economy than what I get on the CLS550.
You made an excellent decision and the deal sounds good. I'll bet you can't wait!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I agree 100%. Their audio/HT opinions are just about useless. Ranking Cerwin Vega speakers over Klipsch or Polk? Might as well buy a Bose...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Congrats Driver. The MB sounds like a great car and I hope you and your wife thoroughly enjoy every minute of ownership.
Congratulations! I love those cars and yours sounds very close to what I would have picked, especially the interior choice. Can't wait to see a picture!
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
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RB....I always wondered how CR came up with their home audio/video criteria. What are these guys listening to? And how are they listening to it? How are they setting up their systems?
Driver.....'gratz on the new wheels. Sounds really nice!
Thanks Ty, ab and Mike. btw, we did a last minute switch to Diamond Silver Metalic Mike which is a color unique to Mercedes and is a little different, hard choice between that and Paladium Silver. I always wanted a flat bottom steering wheel.
Dash is all black with dark wood. Door panels have black below the window and along the bottom. This color should be pretty close for the crystal grey color.
The salesman thinks the V8 won't be available in the US to keep the gas mileage averages lower.
Thanks again for your kind comments...much appreciated.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Not sure if this will work but this is Diamond Silver Metalic;
This is Palladium Silver
For the record we liked them both, and I still like white, but the Diamond color is not as common-yet!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
This doesn't do it justice but gives an idea of Crystal grey interior with black trim
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Beats me. I'm not one of those audio/HT enthusiasts who champions $1000 power cords and $2000 cabling, but CR errs just as bad in the opposite direction. I think of the old CB phrase- maybe they have peanut butter in their ears...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Congrats on the M-B, driver. Sounds like it will fit your need perfectly.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Driver, very sharp looking. I like it. Per Mike, great MPG too. If I was looking to get something in this class it would get serious consideration.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Mazel-Tov & congrats @driver100! I think you are really going to LOVE the Mercedes. MBs really shine on the open road. I can't wait to hear your initial impressions, then how it does on your 1st Florida trip.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Holy smokes, I go over to CCBA for a minute and driver buys a car!
Congrats, that looks like a nice one.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Thanks RB, Stick, OF.....it all happened so fast I still have shell shock. On Monday I took the Audi A6 out for a spin. It was a fine car but I liked my 535 a bit more. I think I like big windows because it lets light in and makes it brighter inside. Our house has huge big windows everywhere...unfortunately I can see my neighbor swimming in his pool...but our trees are almost covering him now.
We checked the Mercedes later Monday afternoon and we both said it is perfect. I was out all day Wednesday but we made an appointment for Tuesday evening. We sat down, ran through the option list, looked at colors, they were right on with the trade-in allowance (really good to know what that should be before negotiating), and no balking at 4% off and by then I couldn't get out of it if I wanted to.
I am excited about this one. I'll miss the 535 but I am sure I'll like the Merc even more.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
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Congrats *Driver on your purchase. A 2015 E-400? that is some serious German metal. Just out of curiosity, to which domestic or foreign model does it most closely compare?
Don't know how these car salesmen do it but they are so clever when it comes to closing a sale. I can't remember where I read or saw it, but a salesman once said the more knowledgeable the buyer appear to be about cars, the easier the sale. He said the art was in stroking the buyer's ego to make him feel that he is driving away with a great deal.
By the way, did you get to looking at the Jaguar or is that now water under the bridge?
Thanks for the good wishes bwia. All the salesmen I met were very professional, answered questions honestly and fairly, didn't run down the competition at all. In fact I wrote to the Audi salesman and said we decided to go with the old man's car...a Mercedes. He wrote back and said it isn't an old mans car at all these days and enjoy it. He even said at the time, you are doing the right thing by looking around, all the cars I had on my list, bmw 535, A6, Jaguar, CTS, E-Class were excellent cars, each is a little different and one will suit you more than the others. He said he could show me what the A6 has, but, I was doing the best thing by checking them all out.
I liked his opinion and he said the Jaguar is a great value...you get a V8 and you will probably save $8 to $10K. But, you will miss the German feel of the car. He said the Cadillac was a tremendous bargain, it will have more extras than anyone can imagine and I would save $10 to $15K....but, it just won't feel the same.
I wasn't excited by the A6 as it was almost the same as the 535, some things better, some things not as good, but overall the same. I didn't want another 535 though I love it because it would be like driving the same car. I already got my favorite colors, so I wouldn't like it as much.
When we sat in the Mercedes we both loved it, and there wasn't any point in looking more. I could have, but I didn't. Besides, you get worn down, they do that to you so you will be too tired to look further.
I said to the Mercedes salesman, that was easy. You came up right away with the right trade in number, and no hesitation on 4% off why wouldn't I just go for it. No fooling around taking off money on the trade because it will be 2 months older with more kmiles on it. The last bmw dealer deducted a few hundred $s for that and I had to promise not to go over a certain mileage - hate that stuff. They tried to sell me window tinting which I have never had and don't really want, and they wanted $600 for plastic coating on the front end. I think I paid under $300 at a nearby Acura dealer who did my 535 so I'll see what they estimate.
The salesman did say he didn't like people who didn't know what they were doing and just go on about price. I think they know if you give a few hints you are knowledgeable and are reasonable they will want you as a customer. I didn't tell them what I expected for the trade-in....I was testing them to see if they would come up with a good number or try to go lower. If they went lower I would have given them a hard time and would have held out for a much larger discount. He said, we won over a new customer to Mercedes, we got a good trade in, we are all happy.
I wanted to try the Jag but we both liked the Merc, we aren't impulsive buyers, but, we don't mess around. We liked it, I feel confident about the name, no use second guessing. Also, because of the big drive to Florida and back I like the fact there are lots of dealers around just in case.
Cars it compares to, A6, 535, less directly but close Jag, Cadillac, and Lexus. It has the feel of the road but more refined than the A6 or 535. I think the real driving enthusiast would still prefer those cars and I can see why. The E400 has very stiff steering, but the car feels solid, like it weighs 4X what it does.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Driver, I need to follow along in your wake. You toss aside better cars than anything I've ever driven like an old pair of socks. Congrats to the move to Mercedes Benz.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Thanks mako. Whoever buys the 535 is getting an excellent car. It is like new. I sometimes feel like keeping one of these cars for 20 years because they get better with age in some ways.
I go buy an early 1990 bmw most days and it looks gorgeous.
I find it is easier to manage my money by buying a new car every few years. It isn't the thriftiest plan, it is like forced savings. My son in law drives his cars until they no longer go. He misses meetings, his car gets tied up in the garage, warning lights are on that he ignores etc. Then he gets sticker shock when it is worth nothing and he has to buy a new car with no trade - in.
I am kind of disciplined, but like to make things as easy and simple as possible...this works for me.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
On cars, CR seems to put more emphasis on room in the trunk and whether or not it has a high lift-over than they do on how a car drives.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
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Congrats driver, you certainly bought yourself a fine car and I know you will love it. I have owned a couple of Mercedes over the years and they both served me well. I am curious if the diesel model is available in Canada?
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
That pretty much sums it up.
While I don't expect everyone to "get it", those of us who lean more towards being miscreants, who light up the tires every once in awhile, who pass on the left side, because the middle lane is too slow doing 80 MPH, because we take a corner at speeds higher than the speed limit (while dropping down a couple of gears so we can come out of the corner faster), etc.....we're obviously not CR's target demographic.
RB.....BTW....I see the prices of 4K TVs dropping like stones. Are you tempted (cause I am)?
Speaking of a "flat bottomed steering wheel, my father had one of these when I was a kid. Came on a 1961 Plymouth Fury.
Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous board. Advising someone to hold onto a car rather than buy a new one=heresy!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I just bought a top of the line Samsung plasma TV, tax free weekend coming up here in MA. Like the Jag, you just don't see plasmas as much as LCD/LEDs. There's that quirk of mine again.. But, great, true color picture, no motion blur, good on reflections and angled viewing and it's a smart tv. Wicked smaht.
Of course, like my XK, I'm sure I'll miss my 32" Sony Trinitron tube tv!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
All the customers I've seen this week hate said they hate tax free weekend. Their customers (consumers/plumbers/designers) slow down ordering for a couple a weeks and all come in this week to set up the those orders so they get billed over the weekend.
Thanks Houdini. It seems diesels make up only about 3% of the total car market in Canada and the US. Diesel fuel is much more available in Canada, almost every station has it. In Europe diesel fueled cars make up over 50% of the market.
Mercedes has a lot of diesel models they are pushing. I am slow to change and I like the tried and tested technology. The salesman said diesels are good, but they are slower.
I think as mileage gets more important, diesel growth will happen. They expect sales to be at 10 to 15% within a few years.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Everything old is new again. I remember those and thought it was cool back then...flat bottom and top actually. They had a really old 50s Mercedes in the showroom, and it reminded me of those thin large steering wheels we used to have, with the chrome horn ring in the middle - we've come a long way;
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
If we held onto our cars too long the economy would sink...I am just doing my part.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Geeze, Driver. Between the speed of an unexpected purchase and a Mercedes I thought that was Mike talking.
Mike, hang in there for yourself and all concerned. Here when you need us.
In case I hadn't mentioned it I've been through six weeks or maybe two months of platelets dropping. We did our whole vacation dealing with that which does exhaust one. the last week or so I found myself feeling better and having a feeling of actually healing. Go to Sloan on Monday and my platelets had shot up 17,000 points. Almost makes them to where they were before the episode. Slow and steady once again.
So what's up with orange cars? The kid across the street bought a used orange GTI. Took a couple of weeks trying to decide if I liked it or hated it. I ended up liking it but my wife thinks it's hideous.
Today, driving back from PT what come up but an extremely orange Dodge Dart. I took a minute but I kind of liked it but would never, ever buy in that color!
My buddy had an orange Porsche 914 back in the early 70s. That I like a lot.
Well done, you are a fine upstanding citizen!
As I earlier noted, my XF is now over 7k miles and 7.5 months old=long in the tooth. But, since the BMW i8 and MB S Coupe are not out yet, I'll hold on a bit longer! Oh, yeah. Can anyone give me $120k to buy one? No? Ok, Jag and I shall remain buddies a bit longer.
And, another thought on the Jag re: infotainment system. Many of the reviews knock Jag for it's old, sometimes clunky system. In fact, that is oftentimes the biggest complaint. But, you know what? It works. And it's fairly simple. Granted, not as slick/modern as iDrive or Audi MMI. And, I don't think touchscreen is the answer, a controller may be better. But, it works.
Let's see what comes with the XE...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
@fezo : Certain models seem to be able to pull off orange as a paint color. The old 914 was one. The GTi from 5-7 years ago had an orange that I thought looked good. But I have seen those orange Darts and they do not do it for me.
Back in the early '70s, Mopar had a Burnt Orange Metallic that was a beautiful color. And of course the Camaro back then came with orange both inside and out! I see the new 2015 Mustang is offering Competition Orange as a paint choice.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
And, you can use it to help heat the house. It's a win-win.
Yes, the tv matches my heart, warm.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Samsung 8500 series? I've got two Panasonic plasmas and a Pioneer Kuro plasma.. One Panasonic is the GT series, and the other the VT series (which were the last plasmas they made). None of the LCD/LED can touch any of my plasmas for picture quality. Plasma is the only way to go for the best picture quality.
That Samsung is nice.....very nice.
The only reason there are so few plasmas is because they cost a lot more to make than the LCD/LED panels.. Plasma is still the better technology.
Then again, tell Sony about that. They already went down that road with Beta.
"Go to Sloan on Monday and my platelets had shot up 17,000 points. Almost makes them to where they were before the episode. Slow and steady once again."
Good to hear you feel like you are feeling better, fez. As far as Sloan Kettering, it's a great hospital.
I wish I could get my son in there, but his insurance is somewhat restrictive. He is supposed to be officially transferred from Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage to the Loma Linda medical complex in the Inland Empire (Riverside County). They are supposed to be the best for his medical condition. Laser is also an option for him.
Stay well and keep in touch.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
LOL. I am riding in Mikes wave.
Good news about the platelets. One friend he said he likes the Mercedes in chocolate brown. I said the same as you about orange......I like it too, but you won't find me owning one. I think I would get tired of it.
I did see a lime green Mustang on the road. That's one that would have to be deep discounted for me to consider, like maybe half price.
I did see 3 Camry drivers who were driving extremely slow. 1 had a Kayak and another had a canoe on their roof. One was just slow. I wonder if there is a connection between Camry.....outdoorsy.......and slow.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Just a thought - contact Sloan and ask a bit. They do have bid endowments and know their way around insurances. Can't promise a thing but it can't hurt to ask.
Had my computer guy in today. His daughter has something that could be as serious as leukemia and none of the other possibilities are great. She's 7. I have to reach out to him. Great guy, insanely good with computers and very reasonably priced. Has big time hearing issues with some serious hearing issues he was born with but with hearing aids far beyond anything I'll ever need help him con
"I did see 3 Camry drivers who were driving extremely slow. 1 had a Kayak and another had a canoe on their roof. One was just slow. I wonder if there is a connection between Camry.....outdoorsy.......and slow."
Driver - you know the answer to that question about Camry drivers - you are 1/2 Floridian, aren't you? Every time I see a Camry on the road back home in South Florida, invariably I can't see the driver! Why? Because it's usually an old lady or old man who is too short to see over the steering wheel and in the left lane on a 50 mph speed limit road doing 30 mph!!!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Converse pretty well. Chatty even.
This two part post brought to you by iPad..
"Just a thought - contact Sloan and ask a bit. They do have bid endowments and know their way around insurances. Can't promise a thing but it can't hurt to ask."
We tried Cedars Sinai out here in LA and they denied the transfer. But Loma Linda has a neuro-surgical wing where they specialize in brain and spinal tumors. Loma Linda is a teaching hospital as well - the only one between LA and Palm Springs. As it is, it's a 75 minute drive from here (La Quinta). That's the tough part. We were there last week and if the transfer is approved, which we are praying for, I will be relieved.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Hey @fezo, guess I'm going to miss you. Heading south over da bridge on the 22nd of this month and it'll be a while before we get back to the UP for a visit.
You could do way worse than Loma Linda. Top notch.
Steve - I can't believe we missed you while up there. Chalk it up to the platelet issue. My head wasn't fully functional (not that it ever is). We did the Soo Locks (at least my sixth trip) and rode up the coast of Lake Superior as far as Wawa, ON. Doing the Circle Tour of Lake Superior has been on my bucket list long before there such a term - also before they had a formal, marked Circle Tour. I'd get a touch distracted because there are so many peninsulas that technically aren't on the tour but I'd like to check out.
Turns out there are marked Circle Tours of all 5 Great Lakes. Maybe I'll use Lake Michigan as my warm up.....
I wasn't even sure you got up here - we just got back from two weeks in VA and TN and finally managed to get over to Mackinac Island for a half day on that trip. Chances are we weren't even here. There's always NM.
what come up but an extremely orange Dodge Dart.
The Dart looks good in that orange. Don't know that I'd buy one, but they
are nice to look at.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
My feelings exactly. I found it nice to look at but would be more likely to buy a used Kia Accent than that.