Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
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What Would It Take for YOU to buy a diesel car?
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Some New Cars Now Cheaper Than Used Cars (No MBs currently on that list though).
Seemed like gas was around 132.7 most places; didn't price diesel up your way.
Too bad about the invoice info being secret - IIRC, some Canadian real estate data is also hidden from shoppers, maybe something about old sales. Looks like bought and paid for regulations aren't only an American tning.
I have to agree. I just got a listing from my MB salesman. He has a GLK in white with almond mocha interior. It does have Premium 1 package. Heated seats & Becker Map prewiring. I can live with that. MSRP $44,585. I'm thinking it should sell for $40k or a little less. TMV is $40,399.
I bet you can beat TMV.
VW is not immune also as a fast look reveals .9% for up to 66 months. Plus a combination of "cash" incentives. depending on combinations (minus 1,000 to - 2,000).
While on vacation I bought a new riding lawnmower for my son to keep up the homes we own. I offered to pay with a check or CC. They would have to put a 10 day hold on my CA check and did not want to pay the CC charges. Instead he offered Zero down and 0% interest for 3 years. I signed the papers and 15 minutes later my son was loading the lawnmower on his trailer. They considered my credit score safer than my check. Crazy world we live in. Not a diesel lawnmower. My son & grandsons love it.
Sure is fun spending other people's money.
Interesting comment on K to 8 grade mathematics education in the US !!!! ????? :sick: :lemon:
LIke model GLK 250's (gasser EPA 24 H/TDI 33 H) indicates TDI's 38% better fuel mileage.
Let's see:
I get 15/16 mpg in a 4800# SUV. I get 30+ mpg in a 4974# CUV TDI.
9.5 times out of 10, the first is seen as BETTER (defacto) !!! I am HELPING !!!!!! :surprise:
Perhaps I am an "outlier" as another poster (who hasn't posted in a while) used to accuse me of: one would never guess what rate of fuel consumption I would have LIKE to have for 200,000 miles x 2 !!! ????
But to stay on diesel. DEF dispensers are continuing to hit fuel stations. The math might make folks head spin @ 3.62 per gal (@ the place I would probably stop @. The person I spoke with laughed when I told him I would probably dispense no more than 5 gals) . I normally take 4.5 gals @ 13,000 miles or .001253 cents per mile driven. (my best seinfeld "KRAMER" imitation) I was thinking, he was thinking he is not retiring on my 4.5 gals of DEF (diesel exhaust fluid)
Discover DEF
TMI: There are 29 stations that dispense DEF in and around (15 miles) DISNEYLAND !!!!
Typical Detroit IGNORANCE. Don't they know the GLK250 Bluetec 4Matic is $500 LESS than the GLK350 4Matic. They should have checked with the dealers or Edmunds before they wrote the article. Overall he did a decent job of writing his review.
And, with a base price of $39,495, it costs only $1,500 more than a comparably equipped look-alike GLK350 with a gasoline-fueled V-6.
from Edmunds which matches the MBUSA site.
GLK350 4MATIC 4dr SUV
Total Price
$37,259 Invoice
$39,995 MSRP
Sounds like 35+ MPG would be expected on the highway. Canada rates them at 38 MPG combined. Where do I sign? :shades:
But then Stevie, "DON'T Worry, be happy !" I just read this in the local rag : Sub's weight worries experts Vessel is @ least 70 TONS (my sic) after miscalculation .... (SPANISH submarine and we wonder why the Spanish economy is how it is?)
PG A12 BANG Thursday June 6, 2013 SJMN, Michael Melia Hartford, Conn.
Regarding your rough idle etc, have you checked for any hoses that have been left off or cracked from being moved and messed with during the timing belt replacement?
edit- don't forget that if you gassed in Cda, you probably got 10% ethanol in any 87 you bought. (5% in any 89 mid-grade)..but still, one tank like that isn't going to pull the avg down a lot over 3000 mi. You guys probably buy a lot more ethanol than you'd like down there too tho..
I know guys who have bought a new, 2 year non-current VFR bike for about 6500 or so. It was a special deal that even included Givi hard bags. And here it would have been about 11 at least with the bags. Maybe low 10's cuz of the 2 yr non current thing..
Here is my updated draft after the MB guy sent me some info on those pkg's. I should reply to Gary but he'll read it here anyway likely. I am curious how these options and their codes, compare to what you guys get there.
MCX Convenience package: this one looks like a no-brainer for my purposes
the "click here for more info" wasn't working...probably my old OS here...maybe you guys can tell me..
Also don't know what codes 221 and 222 were.
MCX
Convenience Package $890 more than base
Temporary package due to code restrictions. Click here for more info.
Codes 221 and 222 are deleted.
242
Power Adjustable PassengerÕs Seat
14-way. Includes memory.
275
Memory Package w/Power Steering Column
Includes 14-way power driver's seat with memory.
443
Heated Steering Wheel
932
Storage Box Under Driver's Seat
P64
Seating Package
U22
Power Lumbar Support
U80
115V Power Socket
___________________________________________
For my purposes, I would forgo the KEYLESS-GO and save the $915 with taxes. I still read that some of these systems are easier for thieves to breach. It was on the news again last night (was a repeat tho of what is circulating online) that Acuras are targets especially. And they go in on the passenger side for some reason too. The news cast didn't say, but I think the crooks are using some form of RFID. See link for some very interesting (if not discouraging) reading.
http://adamsblog.aperturelabs.com/2013/03/you-can-ring-my-bell-adventures-in-sub- .html
MCO Convenience Package: $810. more than MCX
MCO
Convenience Package $1,700
same as MCX but has
889 KEYLESS-GO
___________________________________________
this one wholly has new equipment for every code option..no overlaps. The only thing that I (should) consider is code 518 part of it evebn though I don't really use a cell in the car. In fact, right now I am not sure what all code 518 entails..I find it hard to believe that the base car wouldn't come with some that Bluetooth type stuff.
MPX Premium Package:
MPX
Premium Package $2,100
235
PARKTRONIC w/Active Parking Assist
518
Media Interface
536
SIRIUS Satellite Radio
876
Interior Lighting Package
877
Ambient Lighting
890
EASY-PACK Power Tailgate
U62
Lighting Package
Interior lighting, ambient lighting (cockpit), exterior miirors with LED lighting
_______________________________________
MPP Premium package $1500.00 more than MPX pkg
MPP
Premium Package
$3,600 same as MPX but adds:
413 Panoramic Sunroof
I'm curious to compare to your choices and codes.
MCX
Convenience Package $890 more than base
Temporary package due to code restrictions. Click here for more info.
Codes 221 and 222 are deleted.
242
Power Adjustable PassengerÕs Seat
14-way. Includes memory.
275
Memory Package w/Power Steering Column
Includes 14-way power driver's seat with memory.
443
Heated Steering Wheel
932
Storage Box Under Driver's Seat
P64
Seating Package
U22
Power Lumbar Support
U80
115V Power Socket
___________________________________________
For my purposes, I would forgo the KEYLESS-GO and save the $915 with taxes. I still read that some of these systems are easier for thieves to breach. It was on the news again last night (was a repeat tho of what is circulating online) that Acuras are targets especially. And they go in on the passenger side for some reason too. The news cast didn't say, but I think the crooks are using some form of RFID. See link for some very interesting (if not discouraging) reading.
http://adamsblog.aperturelabs.com/2013/03/you-can-ring-my-bell-adventures-in-sub- .html
MCO Convenience Package: $810. more than MCX
MCO
Convenience Package $1,700
same as MCX but has
889 KEYLESS-GO
___________________________________________
this one wholly has new equipment for every code option..no overlaps. The only thing that I (should) consider is code 518 part of it evebn though I don't really use a cell in the car. In fact, right now I am not sure what all code 518 entails..I find it hard to believe that the base car wouldn't come with some that Bluetooth type stuff.
MPX Premium Package:
MPX
Premium Package $2,100
235
PARKTRONIC w/Active Parking Assist
518
Media Interface
536
SIRIUS Satellite Radio
876
Interior Lighting Package
877
Ambient Lighting
890
EASY-PACK Power Tailgate
U62
Lighting Package
Interior lighting, ambient lighting (cockpit), exterior miirors with LED lighting
_______________________________________
MPP Premium package $1500.00 more than MPX pkg
MPP
Premium Package
$3,600 same as MPX but adds:
413 Panoramic Sunroof
Something like a vacuum leak or a cracked hose is a definite possibility. Transverse engine so the cog next to the firewall is a bear to see and line the belt up on though.
Hopefully my guy will figure it out without much effort. Back to the topic a bit, even in my little town the last I heard we have one diesel mechanic. Not too bad, considering there's probably only 8 or 10 gas mechanics and a few of those just work from their house.
MSRP 2013 GLK250BT VIN : WDCGG0EBXDG102353
PO : 0371571824
Dealer Information
MERCEDES-BENZ OF ESCONDIDO
1101 WEST NINTH AVENUE
ESCONDIDO,CA 92025
Vehicle Information
20131 GLK250BT
Region :Western
VPC :Los angeles
Code Description Price
GLK250BT $38,590
149 Polar White
224 Mocha Leather
DSL Ultralow-sulfur fuel required. Biodiesel
P01 P01 Premium Package: $3,450
U80 : 115V AC Power Outlet
049 : iPod/MP3 Media Interface Cable
232 : Garage Door Opener
245 : Compass
249 : Autodimming Mirrors
413 : Panorama Sunroof
518 : iPod/MP3 Media Interface
536 : SiriusXM Radio
890 : Power Liftgate
U71 DVD Coding
318 318 Full Leather Seating Package: Leathe $2,100
U62 : Interior Ambient Lighting Package
242 : Passenger Memory Seat
436 : Front Comfort Headrests
876 : Premium Interior Lighting
877 : Interior Ambient Lighting
320 320 Multimedia Package: Rearview Camera, $2,790
218 : Rearview Camera
512 : COMAND with hard-drive Navigation
322 322 Sport Appearance Package: 19" 5-Spok $990
48R : 19" 5-Spoke Wheels
725 : Aluminum Roof Rails
731 Burl Walnut Wood Trim
873 Heated Front Seats $750
889 KEYLESS-GO $650
SUBTOTAL $49,320
DESTINATION & DELIVERY $905
TOTAL $50,225
I think I could get this one for less than $45k with a little arm twisting.
The hard-drive Navigation is a bit odd; figured everyone was switching to solid state stuff by now.
MB makes you come in for a map update. I am not thrilled with that either. I am hooked on V-NAV with Google maps. That is why I would not want that one with the MM stuff. Worst is it does not include the trailer hitch. I can wait until they have just what I want. White is the color for sure.
I wouldn't freak out about the keyless go issue. I bet the "bluetec" badge is a theft preventative :shades:
With what cars cost these days, it's not bad content for that money, either. Plus, you get the badge, which matters to some.
It is not really the badge. I just think a beefy 4 cylinder diesel is the ideal mid sized SUV engine. I said all along I would get real serious if someone offered a 4 banger diesel SUV. I think MB should bring their ML250 Bluetec to the USA as well. After driving both I really enjoyed the handling of the GLK better than the ML. Now all I have to do is talk my wife into it.
It is ideal for that class of car. And comparing it to other premium vehicles of the same badge, it's not really that much more expensive. Just have to factor real world prices over high MB MSRPs.
PS
Did I mention when I told my wife the GLK was fun to drive, she said I did not have to tell her. She could see it in my eyes.
How nice is your Lexus really, what colors? Eventually, a nice early LS will be some kind of special interest car - really good early ones are getting hard to find, and many are being modified, as 90-92 models seem to be easier to customize. If it is really mint and cheap...might be tempting.
I am on day 2 of a loaner C-class as my E is in trying to have the creaking cured. I'd really be curious about the smaller car with a diesel unit.
I really like the idea of a GLK sized /Tiquan smaller (VW) CUV, if not only for the smaller package, a much cheaper $ entry . In either or both modes, excitement is normally not on the list of driving priorities. In fact, excitement is NOT getting a back pack or ski boot/ski edges across the noggin in a higher G curve.
I think if you are talking about (status conscious) folks who do buy the MB brand (in lieu of Lexus CUV's), I think you probably have to admit MB does want those type of folks. (among others) to buy. So I think the issue is not really with the oem or the target markets they have aimed @.
As any car should be that has always been garaged and never in an accident. We just passed 105k miles and put in a new battery yesterday. Strangest thing. The LCD for the radio has been blank for several years. The new battery was installed and it popped back bright as ever. Silver with gray leather. I see them listed from $4k to $7k. None with that low mileage.
As a note. The 1990 LS400 is considered one of the top 5 best cars ever built. Hard to argue against that. It is still quiet and rides nice. The handling is a bit squishy. Probably the original shocks.
The catch 22 (in your case) is that lack of use over time is the real culprit in gradual or catastrophic degrading. Taking it out @ 2 weeks to monthly for app an hour or two @ operating temperatures of course ADDs mileage?
What first sparked my interest in the GLK was its engine. Then those sparks started to turn to embers as I learned more details about the vehicle and its price of admission considering its content. An incredibly powerful (and exceptionally efficient, considering its output and AWD type of vehicle it's in) diesel engine, packaged in a relatively spacious design, AWD'r that looks pretty darn fine. While I admit there is a part of me would like to have that infamous star on one of my vehicles before I die, because I really do love the simplicity and classy, stylish look of that emblem, that I know would do a little certain something for me every time I walk up to my car, the fact that it is a MB is a bit of concern in terms of the cost of ownership over the time frame I expect to have it. This concerns me more than the cost to purchase. I'm know that concern is being fueled by a fairly recent memory of some di$astrou$ repairs on my friend's 2006 ML gas job, he bought used with 40k miles in 2008. It was an American car imported into Cda that was being sold at a Chrysler dealership where he chose to trade in his (forget year) convertible..what replaced the LeBaron..can't think of name right now. Any way, the ML came with what was left of its original 4 year wty, which did transfer without charge from the USA to Cda and issues were handled well by the MB dealer of his choice when it had problems. He was always given a MB loaner but was not always an ML. The problem was though, that it had a lot of problems. Twice the engine had to completely removed to replace some sort of crankshaft sensor. It is actually a really cool, if not bit intimidating sight to see an engine bay of an ML sitting there lacking its engine with so many associated hoses, wires and seemingly endless bits of paraphernalia all just sorta there looking like one huge discombobulation. If there was any joy at all about the entire mess, was that both times it was covered entirely under wty and his cost upon driving the car away after the surgery was zero...not counting the inconvenience of course. And if it was me, the mental wonderment every time I was somewhere in an extreme condition like being the loan car on a really quiet back road two lane at 3am in the morning on a blizzardous (a neoterism I think but gonna leave it) night with 40 mph winds and -20 giving gawd knows what wind chill....sure hope that mechanic was on his game when he had his hands on so many bits on that last engine re and re...
So...it sure didn't end there...when I drove it in about late 2009 back one night from visiting friends a couple hours east of Toronto one night, I asked him what his plans were in terms of keeping the ML out of wty. He hadn't decided at that time. I told I asked because I am feeling a slight non-normal vibration in the drivetrain that I knew was not just a wheel out of balance. At that time I wasn't sure if it was just a CV joint/driveshaft issue (not cheap still either way as probably if it was front to back, then entire driveshafts are usually replaced as entire units...and often on far lesser vehicles than a MB. And even if was a front or rear axle shaft it would be replaced as an entire assembly. It had only about 51 or 52k on it then...either way, way too young to be having drivetrain issues like that. I didn't mention it to him until 2010 when I learned that he had decided to definitely trade it in before the wty had expired, but I even wondered if the car had been a victim of a severe flood possibly. Who knows..but drivetrain issues that young, does beg the question if mud had gotten where was never meant to be. So....fast forward to the fall of 2010 we find out that..yup..got a call from him..Steve...ya know that vibration you felt when we came back from Cambelleville that night? Ya. Well I think it is getting worse because I can feel now. Well a month later he had it in to see what was up with it cuz he only had about 4 mo wty left. Turns out the entire transfer case had to be replaced. His cost for the job at the end? Zero..not counting the usual inconvenience etc etc.
Shortly after that he dealt it on a new Buick Enclave. The seats in that car irritated him so much that he actually drove his wife's Yaris instead whenever he got the chance. The Enclave had the best leather seats you could get, but still sucked. So this past winter he dealt the Buick while still under wty also, on the new ML Bluetec I've mentioned the odd time lately. I suspect that he may not keep this one out of wty, yet things he has done would suggest that he has every intention of keeping it past original wty but probably will purchase one of the extended offerings before the 4 years is up.
So.....how does this all relate to my position? My friend is a millionaire I'm pretty sure. While no one this side of Gates or Trump, can really afford to have 10 and 12000 dollar car repairs if out of wty, he sure can afford to actually own an ML for the long term. Me? I could buy it, but afford it? No way...I'm struggling to rationalize why I could justify the humble little MLK, which...as has already been suggested..might actually be more fun to drive than the big ML. As for looks, I love the look of the ML from every angle. But I also like the look of the MLK. I think that for what it is, it is a value leader in its class of........one. If VW put a 2.3 or 4 diesel in the Tiguan, and offered 369 ftlbs, then it would be a class of 2.
In any event, I am going to be test driving the MLK in the near future once I arrange the dates. Going to make a day out of it and meet up and visit with another friend coming from the south about the same distance my bros and I will drive from the north. My friend is another diesel enthusiast who bought himself the new 2011 Golf TDI Wagon after finally retiring his 86 Jetta TD he bought new back in Oct of 86. Many years prior to that he had a used 67 200 D MB, which he loved, but wished he had been the purchaser of that car new. I know who was. My Aunt. I remember that she paid 5k for it and she was proud that she paid less for a MB than my other Uncle did in the same year for a new 67 Chev ...darn..now I can't think of the model, but it was a power BEAST 2 door...a model with a huge powerful V8...396 I think.. known to be really quick. Gold with a black vinyl roof..a Super Sport maybe? Anyway..I think it was 5300 and MB 4 dr NA 4 cyl diesel was 5k, haha.
Even at the price Gagrice thinks he can get the GLK 250 @ is actually a lot more than the Touareg TDI. When you add in the cost of monies over 12 mo ( 1.9% 950 to 2.9% 1,450 app per year) , 24 mo, 36 mo, 60 mo and above; from my perspective, that is a premium over a premium. Again that is strictly my .02 cents or metrics !!!
I really believe one should get what one will, whatever .02 cents or metrics one wants to use or ... NOT.
What is in it for an engine?
The first option pkg that I know I would add to that, is only 890. and has a PILE of great stuff that are on my want list...like extra adjustable seats. Even with all the adjustability if I don't like the seat, I won't buy the car.
But using 43500. here are the other price point pkgs (or at least some of them? I am still not sure if these are all but don't care cuz I won't be getting very many of them. I don't want a Sirius radio, and I don't want a sunroof...and I don't need a power lift gate..things like that, so I shouldn't be anywhere near the 51k + of a really loaded one.
But here's the list.
43500.
890.
1700.
2100.
3600.
----------
51790.
43500 and probably all I'm gonna want adding the 890. plus a hitch (675.) makes it 45065. ++++++++ (destination fees, {what other item are you charged destination??? You go to a store and buy a new BBQ...they don't come along and say..oh..btw, you'll have to pay for transportation costs that we paid to get it to our retail location...ridiculous!} the many many Cdn taxes, admin fees which is like a burr stuck in my throat no matter what car I would purchase. The ba$&#rds made money years ago, long before they invented the infamous "admin fee", so they can damn well recall some old memory cells if they wanna sell me a car.. humpfphhh
In any event, that's the 64000 dollar question. Just what can this 45065. car (in Cda) be actually purchased for? Then compare to the costs/ordeal if I were to buy it from the USA. And even then it is not clear, as some states have far better deals than others and given the right discount, I don't mind driving one or two thousand miles as it would be easily justified as part of the adventure. I haven't had a 'vacation' in so long....well...not years, but now it is in decades..
All sellers want all the buyers they can get, it doesn't matter why someone makes a purchase, just that they purchase. Most highline brands probably sell largely on badge, as most people are not brand enthusiasts or car enthusiasts in general.
The C250 loaner has an odd noise too, but not as much as the E. The loaner is absolute base from what I can tell - I spot no options, the kind of thing one could get for 30K I bet. It's a pleasant enough car though, it rides smooth and fairly soft, seats are fine, I am 6'1" and am comfortable. The E is a boat in comparison, and the smaller car must weigh 500lbs+ less. It would be a winner as a C250 diesel, easy 50mpg highway car I bet.