Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

houdini1

houdini1 said:

suydam said:

Touch screen is so much easier to use in my Volt than knobs and dials. I love it. I think it’s great for older folks because the icons are large and bright, and I’m not trying to find tiny writing. It still has volume and temperature control knobs. Just right!

suydam said:

Touch screen is so much easier to use in my Volt than knobs and dials. I love it. I think it’s great for older folks because the icons are large and bright, and I’m not trying to find tiny writing. It still has volume and temperature control knobs. Just right!

That console mounted mouse on my LS 460 is ridiculous. No problem in understanding, but a pain to operate. I liked the touchscreen on my older one much better. For instance, if I want to simply turn the A/C on or off: 1. Go to mouse 2. Go to set-up 3. Go to climate 4. Go to A/C 5. Go to on or off 6. Hit on or off 7. Hit back to map.

I am sure they made the change from a touch screen because the screen itself is recessed so deeply into the dash it would be hard to reach. Still, no reason not to put a simple push button on the dash for some many used functions. Audio controls are even worse.

houdini1 said:

suydam said:

Touch screen is so much easier to use in my Volt than knobs and dials. I love it. I think it’s great for older folks because the icons are large and bright, and I’m not trying to find tiny writing. It still has volume and temperature control knobs. Just right!

suydam said:

Touch screen is so much easier to use in my Volt than knobs and dials. I love it. I think it’s great for older folks because the icons are large and bright, and I’m not trying to find tiny writing. It still has volume and temperature control knobs. Just right!

That console mounted mouse on my LS 460 is ridiculous. No problem in understanding, but a pain to operate. I liked the touchscreen on my older one much better. For instance, if I want to simply turn the A/C on or off: 1. Go to mouse 2. Go to set-up 3. Go to climate 4. Go to A/C 5. Go to on or off 6. Hit on or off 7. Hit back to map.

I am sure they made the change from a touch screen because the screen itself is recessed so deeply into the dash it would be hard to reach. Still, no reason not to put a simple push button on the dash for the most used functions. Audio controls are even worse.

houdini1

Sorry about the "triple play". No idea why.

stickguy

the 2016 C class Mercedes I test drove had one of those center controllers. Would take me a while to get used to that. And I still can't figure out why I would need the write on it feature (the top of the handle). I think it had normal controls too though for basic stuff like HVAC and radio. Settings, that is fine to be in the menus since I rarely touch them once set initially.

ab348

houdini1 said:

Sorry about the "triple play". No idea why.

It's magic!!!

graphicguy

houdini1 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

hearing some of the horror stories about the complex systems on some new cars, I am actually kind of glad I am sorta going backwards in complexity with the next car. Not really worried about any of the technology or mechanics on it at this point. Heck, don't even have to worry about power seat motors crapping out!

I really must be getting old.

Well, yeah you're getting old but I agree with you. For one reason or another (usually money) I buy the lower tech option. I find most of it a dangerous distraction and I'm not a good enough driver to fool with thatstuff and stay on the road.

Perhaps younger people can multi tasks while driving but from seeing what happens on the road,I doubt it.

Here's the scam CL ad of the day. Enjoy.




Super 08 HONDA ACCORD EX-L V6 FWD never any matters - $1450 (Albany)
1
2008 honda accord
fuel: gas
odometer: 48000
title status: clean
transmission: automatic
I'm selling a Honda Accord clean title. I have clean title available and able to offer for sale. The inner features a truly high priced overall look and feeling. bonuses this car or truck has it.style and Comfort Safety features are great. This motor vehicle is really a go turner. Much more images after request for serious people. When you are interesting get in touch to schedule a test-drive.

OF, why do people post fake ads like this? Do they want you to come look and then rob you or are they just goofing around.

I’m trying to figure this out, too. How do they “scam” people with these CL car ads? Is it a bait and switch scenario?

graphicguy

So, got up early this a.m. and knocked out a wash, clay, wax job on the TLX. PRobably didn’t need the clay bar step as it didn’t pick up anything that I noticed. Paint was smooth to begin with. Assuming the trip from MArysville to the dealer was a brief shot to my dealer just south of the plant, could be why the paint didn’t need a clay.

Couple of coats of Zaino and then their sealant and I should be good to go for this winter. Matter of fact, given my car is garaged, that detail session will probably last for a year.

Looks good (as good as when I picked it up for its first day in my possession).

This provided a good time to take a look at the paint condition. The good news, haven’t picked up any scratches or paint chips yet (which will happen eventually).

sda

The paint on my Accord still has great depth and shine. I do wash it at least every other week and wax it 2-3 times a year and is garage kept. Other than some small pecks on the front bumper and hood that you have to look closely for from highway driving it looks new.

driver100

stickguy said:

the 2016 C class Mercedes I test drove had one of those center controllers. Would take me a while to get used to that. And I still can't figure out why I would need the write on it feature (the top of the handle). I think it had normal controls too though for basic stuff like HVAC and radio. Settings, that is fine to be in the menus since I rarely touch them once set initially.

I think I have some of those controls too. I can write instructions on the pad.....why would I ever do that? I think they added it because Audi had it, and probably because these days it is so cheap to produce some of these gimmicks. I find the single dial controller pretty easy to use once you get the knack for it....and most things can be done just by pressing a few buttons if you prefer.

I would still like a last generation radio though, that would have 5 or 6 push buttons which I could press without taking my eyes off the road....and it was pretty much one step changing the station.

fintail

i test drove an IS, and it was irritatingly difficult to get the pad/selector to select inputs with any accuracy. I'll take sixty-leven layers of Germanic menus with a wheel controller any day.

houdini1 said:

That console mounted mouse on my LS 460 is ridiculous. No problem in understanding, but a pain to operate. I liked the touchscreen on my older one much better. For instance, if I want to simply turn the A/C on or off: 1. Go to mouse 2. Go to set-up 3. Go to climate 4. Go to A/C 5. Go to on or off 6. Hit on or off 7. Hit back to map.

I am sure they made the change from a touch screen because the screen itself is recessed so deeply into the dash it would be hard to reach. Still, no reason not to put a simple push button on the dash for some many used functions. Audio controls are even worse.

fintail

I look at that as poor ergonomics or usability rather than bleeding edge - I don't think it is new tech, just poorly designed or moronically implemented tech.

Bleeding edge is German style stuff where you are the beta tester - but you pay to do it, and you get nothing but painful depreciation for your efforts.

My OCD side won't permit a touchscreen, finger prints would drive me insane. Not a fan of the pads either (I think that might have been what irked me in the IS) , but as long as there are redundant manual controls, it is OK. I won't get into how "with it" I see the typical NX/RX buyer - in my area, these drivers constantly have phones to their ear, as they likely can't grasp how to pair their phone to the car's bluetooth. Difficult input methods are not for them.

tlong said:

Except that Lexus in their wisdom decided that a touchpad interface on the center console was a good UI. My wife and I looked at the NX SUV six or so months ago and that killed that idea, along with the looks of course.

dino001

I like my BMW's wheel plus button controls. It's looong way from their disastrous first iDrive. Just as Germans do, they stuck to it, improved it to the point it works really well and became quite intuitive. For the new one, they added a few things, like an ability to write letters on the wheel pad, rather than turning it back and forth. It comes handy, when entering long address or name.

I don't use the voice activated controls, as they were quite rudimentary and not pleasant on my previous 328, so I learned using iDrive. I don't use Siri on my iPhone, either, except for setting an alarm clock or timer on occasion.
Siri is a gimick, she reportedly got smoked by Google assistant and Alexa, but I don't have those, either, so I can't tell if that's true.

One thing BMW did I was not happy about, they changed the direction of zoom from my previous car. I was quite livid - seems capricious and arbitrary. Took me several months to unlearn habits from my previous car -
I still sometimes turn it in a wrong direction.

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

But it says you can schedule a test drive! That's new.

But only if you're interesting.

oldfarmer50

houdini1 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

hearing some of the horror stories about the complex systems on some new cars, I am actually kind of glad I am sorta going backwards in complexity with the next car. Not really worried about any of the technology or mechanics on it at this point. Heck, don't even have to worry about power seat motors crapping out!

I really must be getting old.

Well, yeah you're getting old but I agree with you. For one reason or another (usually money) I buy the lower tech option. I find most of it a dangerous distraction and I'm not a good enough driver to fool with thatstuff and stay on the road.

Perhaps younger people can multi tasks while driving but from seeing what happens on the road,I doubt it.

Here's the scam CL ad of the day. Enjoy.




Super 08 HONDA ACCORD EX-L V6 FWD never any matters - $1450 (Albany)
1
2008 honda accord
fuel: gas
odometer: 48000
title status: clean
transmission: automatic
I'm selling a Honda Accord clean title. I have clean title available and able to offer for sale. The inner features a truly high priced overall look and feeling. bonuses this car or truck has it.style and Comfort Safety features are great. This motor vehicle is really a go turner. Much more images after request for serious people. When you are interesting get in touch to schedule a test-drive.

OF, why do people post fake ads like this? Do they want you to come look and then rob you or are they just goofing around.

My guess is that they want you to send money somewhere at which time they disappear. Failing that maybe phishing for personal information or even an email address to spam.

There have been some notable stories where someone was dumb enough to pay full boat sight unseen or show up at some dark alley with pockets full of cash.

driver100

I guess if he got the right fish online he could say he is getting lots of offers....if you want the car send cash. How could you not trust someone willing to let you test drive the car?

oldfarmer50

dino001 said:

I like my BMW's wheel plus button controls. It's looong way from their disastrous first iDrive. Just as Germans do, they stuck to it, improved it to the point it works really well and became quite intuitive. For the new one, they added a few things, like an ability to write letters on the wheel pad, rather than turning it back and forth. It comes handy, when entering long address or name.

I don't use the voice activated controls, as they were quite rudimentary and not pleasant on my previous 328, so I learned using iDrive. I don't use Siri on my iPhone, either, except for setting an alarm clock or timer on occasion.
Siri is a gimick, she reportedly got smoked by Google assistant and Alexa, but I don't have those, either, so I can't tell if that's true.

One thing BMW did I was not happy about, they changed the direction of zoom from my previous car. I was quite livid - seems capricious and arbitrary. Took me several months to unlearn habits from my previous car -
I still sometimes turn it in a wrong direction.

I've been seeing a number of white 4 series BMWs around lately. Who knows, maybe it's the same one. Anyway, that is one fine looking automobile, better looking than a 3. I can see why you chose it.

qbrozen

I use siri constantly for texting. I have an alexa thing at home. 2 of them, actually. I'd say voice recognition is pretty equal between the platforms. 

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

dino001 said:

I like my BMW's wheel plus button controls. It's looong way from their disastrous first iDrive. Just as Germans do, they stuck to it, improved it to the point it works really well and became quite intuitive. For the new one, they added a few things, like an ability to write letters on the wheel pad, rather than turning it back and forth. It comes handy, when entering long address or name.

I don't use the voice activated controls, as they were quite rudimentary and not pleasant on my previous 328, so I learned using iDrive. I don't use Siri on my iPhone, either, except for setting an alarm clock or timer on occasion.
Siri is a gimick, she reportedly got smoked by Google assistant and Alexa, but I don't have those, either, so I can't tell if that's true.

One thing BMW did I was not happy about, they changed the direction of zoom from my previous car. I was quite livid - seems capricious and arbitrary. Took me several months to unlearn habits from my previous car -
I still sometimes turn it in a wrong direction.

I've been seeing a number of white 4 series BMWs around lately. Who knows, maybe it's the same one. Anyway, that is one fine looking automobile, better looking than a 3. I can see why you chose it.

I've seen a few of them around and I like it too. Normally, I am not a fan of that bulked up look, but the 4 is done nicely, soft lines and large windows. Looks practical with a large storage area but remains a car...not a wagon. Almost an SUV sedan, instead of a truck/wagon.

tlong

abacomike said:

tlong said:

fintail said:

I think the ideal CR car is a base model Camcord. Lux will generally be too complex and prone to issues (I think Lexus does well because it doesn't usually have bleeding edge tech), and sporty cars will be too harsh.

Except that Lexus in their wisdom decided that a touchpad interface on the center console was a good UI. My wife and I looked at the NX SUV six or so months ago and that killed that idea, along with the looks of course.

I have “touch” screen interface on my 740i, but I never, ever use it.  I use the “controller” (mouse) or the buttons and switches on my console to access features, read outs, or handling/ride characteristics along with voice recognition.  I just don’t like fingerprints on my display screen!

Oh but on the Lexus NX we are not talking touchSCREEN here! We are talking a finger PAD on the bottom of the center console where your hand rests when using the console armrest! You don't touch the screen. The PAD is like 3x3 inches or so. Sort of like a laptop touchpad.

@fintail - yeah I agree this is not cutting edge, just kind of stupid ergonomics. The NX is basically a tarted-up RAV4 anyway. It's actually quite nice inside but we could not get past the horrid styling (true of almost all current Lexi IMHO).

driver100

It seems a lot of us agree with you T. You may not have been here when we really trashed the front end of the new Lexus models. They seem to want something unique and aggressive, but, it doesn't seem to win over too many converts.

One guy at tennis traded in his older Lexus for a new one. He is a very practical person who wants a bit of luxury but mostly wants the most dependable, practical car he can buy. He automatically had to buy another Lexus, but, he prefers the style of his old one much more than the overdone Star Wars looking new model.
Who said it looked like Darth Vader....snake I think?

fintail

IMO, the NX needs the F-Sport package more than any other Lexus. It hides the RAV4 roots. I am glad I am not shopping in that segment - and if I was, I would probably be heading for a GLC. I will take slightly higher running costs for something that IMO looks worlds better.

tlong said:

abacomike said:

@fintail - yeah I agree this is not cutting edge, just kind of stupid ergonomics. The NX is basically a tarted-up RAV4 anyway. It's actually quite nice inside but we could not get past the horrid styling (true of almost all current Lexi IMHO).

fintail

Fun comic, I have never seen that one before. Depending on the model, your friend maybe would have been better off with a Toyota - but some of those have a strong dose of weirdo styling too.

I think a lot of this stuff is 1958 repeated, but without the optimism. Fins and chrome and gingerbread are fun and charming now, but the flamboyant overstyling of modern cars doesn't seem to have the same fun quotient, at least in my eyes. There's a level of pretend aggression that irks me a little.

driver100 said:

It seems a lot of us agree with you T. You may not have been here when we really trashed the front end of the new Lexus models. They seem to want something unique and aggressive, but, it doesn't seem to win over too many converts.

One guy at tennis traded in his older Lexus for a new one. He is a very practical person who wants a bit of luxury but mostly wants the most dependable, practical car he can buy. He automatically had to buy another Lexus, but, he prefers the style of his old one much more than the overdone Star Wars looking new model.
Who said it looked like Darth Vader....snake I think?

stickguy

The GLC is really, really nice. In a couple of years will be on our shopping list to replace the RDX. Though I hope by then they have a new RDX out on the updates CRV platform. With the 2.0T/10 speed powertrain from the Accord in it. Or heck, shove that into a CRV, call it the sport, and I would by one in a heartbeat.

tlong

stickguy said:

The GLC is really, really nice. In a couple of years will be on our shopping list to replace the RDX. Though I hope by then they have a new RDX out on the updates CRV platform. With the 2.0T/10 speed powertrain from the Accord in it. Or heck, shove that into a CRV, call it the sport, and I would by one in a heartbeat.

I actually don't particularly like the styling of the current CRV versus the previous model, but both are far better looking than the current Lexus SUVs, again IMHO.

ab348

Took the ATS on a 200-mile round trip up to my buddy's place in the boonies today for the official opening of his garage. Gorgeous day, amazing for this time of year. Car was flawless and enjoyable. Geez, it is quick and sharp-handling, I love it. One of the ladies there was going ga-ga about it, it was quite funny, too bad she wasn't single. He invited a bunch of old-car people,so there were lots of interesting cars there besides his. Their latest addition, an '87 Regal Grand National, astounded me, it is beautiful.

Here are a few of pics of the gathering:







Here's the Grand National:

stickguy

nice looking place. I like the red on your car, a lot. but should have taken the Cutlass. It would have fit right in with the others!

ab348

I was traveling solo and it's been years since it's been on an extended highway drive. I didn't feel comfortable going that far with it right now without a co-pilot if something went wrong.

roadburner

I had an absolute ball today; my dealer was participating in a Food and Wine Experience at a local upscale residential development. We brought nine new BMWs; at one time or another I drove a M Sport 430i GC, an X4, and an M Sport X6(with Bang and Olufsen audio- Social Distortion, Berlin, and the Hives sure sound good cranked up to 11). We had free VIP tickets and you badge was supposed to be marked at each food or drink booth so that you couldn't visit more than 12- but no one got that memo. I hit most every booth- and the bourbon tastings more once. Talked to a lot of people, several who want to drop buy and check out one or more cars.

On a related note, our new GM reminds me of Bill Murray; he has a skewed sense of humor and likes to drift his RWD 440 GC around two of the corners leading to the dealership.

oldfarmer50

ab348 said:

Took the ATS on a 200-mile round trip up to my buddy's place in the boonies today for the official opening of his garage. Gorgeous day, amazing for this time of year. Car was flawless and enjoyable. Geez, it is quick and sharp-handling, I love it. One of the ladies there was going ga-ga about it, it was quite funny, too bad she wasn't single. He invited a bunch of old-car people,so there were lots of interesting cars there besides his. Their latest addition, an '87 Regal Grand National, astounded me, it is beautiful.

Here are a few of pics of the gathering:







Here's the Grand National:

Very cool. I see a couple of old estates there too. A few 80s 4 doors or are they 70s?

Odd for collectors to choose such mundane cars.

roadburner

A great quote from this month's issue of CAR:

"You buy a Mustang for that 5.0-litre V8. Don't even consider the weedy four-cylinder 2.3. That's like buying a Fender Stratocaster without any strings- all style and no sound. Rev it and dream of Days of Thunder at Daytona."

oldfarmer50

roadburner said:

I had an absolute ball today; my dealer was participating in a Food and Wine Experience at a local upscale residential development. We brought nine new BMWs; at one time or another I drove a M Sport 430i GC, an X4, and an M Sport X6(with Bang and Olufsen audio- Social Distortion, Berlin, and the Hives sure sound good cranked up to 11). We had free VIP tickets and you badge was supposed to be marked at each food or drink booth so that you couldn't visit more than 12- but no one got that memo. I hit most every booth- and the bourbon tastings more once. Talked to a lot of people, several who want to drop buy and check out one or more cars.

On a related note, our new GM reminds me of Bill Murray; he has a skewed sense of humor and likes to drift his RWD 440 GC around two of the corners leading to the dealership.

That's better than a screamer ad to get them in the store...get them screaming drunk!

oldfarmer50

roadburner said:

A great quote from this month's issue of CAR:

"You buy a Mustang for that 5.0-litre V8. Don't even consider the weedy four-cylinder 2.3. That's like buying a Fender Stratocaster without any strings- all style and no sound. Rev it and dream of Days of Thunder at Daytona."

I agree. I once consider the v6. Then I came to my senses.

By the way in the comment about Ab348's car club I typed that I saw a "few Vettes". Somehow the crazy spell check changed it to "estates" which made no sense.

driver100

Some cool cars Ab. I like the 63 white Ford in the background. Is that a Civic I see in the same picture....did someone bring a Civic? I also like that big square full size Olds, I remember those being really comfortable solid cars in their day,,,,,maybe even GMs best days....not too much around at the time better than one of those.

iluvmysephia1

2018 Kia Rio sedan in clear white

George Gee Kia in Spokane has one of these 2018 Kia Rio sedans in clear white with a 6-speed stick for only $14,795. I am tempted but will probably run some more miles up on the 2011 Kia Soul. We're only at 91,041 right now.

Cold weather is coming - the tires on the Soul are strong and the tread is good. We're considering getting some snow tires for it, though.

iluvmysephia1

Back of the 2018 Kia Rio5 in clear white. You can only get the cheapest Rio in silver, white or black. I'd choose white. No Android Auto available on the LX, either. But it does come with MP3 reading, bluetooth, and a receiving port and USB port, so I'd be able to pop my flashdrive in and enjoy all my favorite tunes.

ab348

driver100 said:

Some cool cars Ab. I like the 63 white Ford in the background. Is that a Civic I see in the same picture....did someone bring a Civic? I also like that big square full size Olds, I remember those being really comfortable solid cars in their day,,,,,maybe even GMs best days....not too much around at the time better than one of those.

The Civic belonged to a friend of his son's who was also visiting, early '20s (I asked the same question).

The big Olds was an interesting story. It was owned by an older fellow who lives down the road, ex GM dealer in a small town here, who has a fleet of various older GM products in a large structure. He was the original owner of this one and said it has always been garaged and never gets driven in winter. That and the Buick Palm Beach were interesting visitors. I had three of those downsized full-size cars over the years ('79 Impala, '78 Delta 88, '79 Electra Park Avenue) and thought they were all great, pretty much in reverse order of how I listed them in terms of my favorites.

iluvmysephia1

I marvel by all of these things included in a simple little 2018 Kia Rio. Marvel with me. The clear white sedan is selling for only $14,795, but I think I want a Rio5 instead. I'll want the same price, however.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
In difficult driving situations, ESC is
designed to control the engine and brakes
for improved directional stability
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
The cornerstone of active safety features,
ABS helps provide greater control when stopping in
difficult conditions like wet or slippery roads.
WHEN YOU HIT THE BRAKES
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)
When TCS senses wheelspin during acceleration,
it uses a combination of engine power and
brake force to help transfer power to the
wheel that has more traction.
TO HELP PREVENT SLIPPING
VEHICLE STABILITY MANAGEMENT (VSM)
VSM can intervene to enhance stability
and steering responses when driving
on slippery roads.

Dig some Tragically Hip while your Rio5's VSM kicks in.

RIP Gordon Downie

He was a poet that a nation grew to love. I will miss him terribly, car lovers.

driver100

iluv....whatever you do.........DO NOT buy a car at this time!
For one thing, you are changing your mind daily.
For another, you don't really know what your needs are going to be.
Also, your current car seems like it is holding up fine for now...snow tires are probably a good idea. Remember, they aren't as expensive as they seem, because you save your other tires when you are using them. They can be sold with the car or on every-bodies favorite....CL if they aren't of use.
Also, owing on the Soul....why not get that paid off first, maybe accelerate the payments if possible. If, your car really did fall apart, you may consider a 1 or 2 year old CPO car so you don't go to far into the red.

Just some of The Drivers thoughts on financial matters.

iluvmysephia1

I probably won't buy anything at this time - our Soul is running just fine. I just like to put together little ads on Edmunds and keep a running tab 'o my favorites.

driver100

Ab, I like the interior on that Old's too....looks very classy. I don't think Ford or Chrysler came close for elegance. The seats were especially nice....kind of a cushion affect.

I have a story about a 68 Chev wagon these older friends bought. He brought it home, his neighbor who was kind of a blowhard came over to look at it. 2 weeks later the neighbor had a new wagon exactly the same....even the color. Our friends were very upset...but, flattery is supposed to be a compliment.

driver100

iluvmysephia1 said:

I probably won't buy anything at this time - our Soul is running just fine. I just like to put together little ads on Edmunds and keep a running tab 'o my favorites.

OK.....are you bouncing them off us to get our opinion?

iluvmysephia1

I read other's opinions but don't let them sway my decisions. Buying an automobile is someone's one decision entirely.

iluvmysephia1

2017 Kia Forte sedan in white

Then again, for a little more room inside George Gee is selling these 2017 Forte sedans for only $14,666. 6-speed sticks. He's got 2 silvers and one white. Probably get the white.

berri

I like the big Buick coupe best. I always thought Buick and Pontiac had the best instrument panels for GM big cars in that era.

tjc78

driver100 said:

Ab, I like the interior on that Old's too....looks very classy. I don't think Ford or Chrysler came close for elegance. The seats were especially nice....kind of a cushion affect. I have a story about a 68 Chev wagon these older friends bought. He brought it home, his neighbor who was kind of a blowhard came over to look at it. 2 weeks later the neighbor had a new wagon exactly the same....even the color. Our friends were very upset...but, flattery is supposed to be a compliment.

Ford’s Panther based cars were every bit the car those full size GMs were.  You couldn’t go wrong with either.  The Fords were also fuel jnjected and by 86 multiport FI.  

ab348

berri said:

I like the big Buick coupe best. I always thought Buick and Pontiac had the best instrument panels for GM big cars in that era.

That wasn't just any Buick coupe, that was a Palm Beach. A pretty obscure model. The guy bought it from the original owner with about 30,000 miles on it 4 years ago. It is absolutely mint.

http://blog.consumerguide.com/cheap-wheels-1979-buick-lesabre-palm-beach/

fintail

I like that big Buick coupe too, the 2 door models with the angular downsized (but still more than ample) styling are really handsome cars.

driver100

tjc78 said:

driver100 said:

Ab, I like the interior on that Old's too....looks very classy. I don't think Ford or Chrysler came close for elegance. The seats were especially nice....kind of a cushion affect.

I have a story about a 68 Chev wagon these older friends bought. He brought it home, his neighbor who was kind of a blowhard came over to look at it. 2 weeks later the neighbor had a new wagon exactly the same....even the color. Our friends were very upset...but, flattery is supposed to be a compliment.

Ford’s Panther based cars were every bit the car those full size GMs were.  You couldn’t go wrong with either.  The Fords were also fuel jnjected and by 86 multiport FI.  

Are we talking something like this?

These were fine cars too, and we were a Ford/Mercury family, but, I found Buicks and Oldsmobiles had more luxurious interiors. Engines........that could go either way depending on particular engine.

stickguy

Iluv, consider your commute too, at least for the 6-8 month you will be in this house. Soul is not worth much, so might as well pile on the miles since won't make much difference to value (minimal depreciation impact). But if you get a new car, and put a ton of miles on right away, going to hammer the value on it (and run through warranty quicker). So wait until you have house and commute settled, beat up on the soul, and make a move down the line.

sda

driver100 said:

tjc78 said:

driver100 said:

Ab, I like the interior on that Old's too....looks very classy. I don't think Ford or Chrysler came close for elegance. The seats were especially nice....kind of a cushion affect.

I have a story about a 68 Chev wagon these older friends bought. He brought it home, his neighbor who was kind of a blowhard came over to look at it. 2 weeks later the neighbor had a new wagon exactly the same....even the color. Our friends were very upset...but, flattery is supposed to be a compliment.

Ford’s Panther based cars were every bit the car those full size GMs were.  You couldn’t go wrong with either.  The Fords were also fuel jnjected and by 86 multiport FI.  

Are we talking something like this?

These were fine cars too, and we were a Ford/Mercury family, but, I found Buicks and Oldsmobiles had more luxurious interiors. Engines........that could go either way depending on particular engine.

Mom had a '78 Olds 98 Regency coupe fully loaded with leather, Astro roof and the Olds 403. After a bad experience with his Eldorado diesel, dad bought a '85 Grand Marquis LS that was fairly loaded, with velour seats, vent Windows (remember those?), full power and premium audio which included a switchable rear amp. Both were good cars and trouble free. The Olds was quieter, a little more luxurious and better riding than the Marquis. Acceleration and general effortless running it ran circles around the Marquis. Gas mileage the Marquis was significantly better. The Marquis had great visibility and a more upright seating position. Trunk space was better than the Olds. During acceleration engine noise was more pronounced but not objectionable and the 4 speed overdrive could shift a bit awkwardly. The Marquis seemed to handle a bit more crisply and felt lighter than the Olds.

tjc78

driver100 said:

driver100 said:

Ab, I like the interior on that Old's too....looks very classy. I don't think Ford or Chrysler came close for elegance. The seats were especially nice....kind of a cushion affect. I have a story about a 68 Chev wagon these older friends bought. He brought it home, his neighbor who was kind of a blowhard came over to look at it. 2 weeks later the neighbor had a new wagon exactly the same....even the color. Our friends were very upset...but, flattery is supposed to be a compliment.

Ford’s Panther based cars were every bit the car those full size GMs were.  You couldn’t go wrong with either.  The Fords were also fuel jnjected and by 86 multiport FI.  

Are we talking something like this? These were fine cars too, and we were a Ford/Mercury family, but, I found Buicks and Oldsmobiles had more luxurious interiors. Engines........that could go either way depending on particular engine.

If wanted more luxury you could get a top trim Grand Marquis or Town Car