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Oh, yay! Our PR team will be pretty happy.
(Just dropped in here to post that request myself)
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
Exactly!!!
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Just got back from the grocery store. Wifey was coming from the Cart Corral when I started the Mustang. She gets in and says "I'm glad you traded in the red Mustang for this one". Me- why is that dear? "Because this one sounds more like a car is supposed to". Wow, you never know what you'll hear a wife say (or what she's thinking).
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
I thought people who finance a car for six years don't spend time on these boards, but I'm always interested in learning how many other ways I can be wrong.
Seems like those who need those "low" payments end up getting rid of the vehicle way before the loan is paid off.
You better run right out and buy that woman a dozen roses.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I financed the Eclipse for 60 months and didn't pay it off a day early because it was 0%. Wife begged me to but I refused. I was making too much money on the cash I saved.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Yep, but I figured you guys were the gurus who were always at the dealers and someone might know someone or helped someone shop.
Much like the people who use consolidation loans to allow them to double or triple their existing debt...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
"Yep, but I figured you guys were the gurus who were always at the dealers and someone might know someone or helped someone shop."
Gurus? Is that the same as "mavens"? "In the knows"? "Pro Car Buyers"? "Can't Fool Us"? I guess we represent a wealth of knowledge and experience and, therefore are capable of giving advice to would-be-car-buyers that is helpful and hopefully appreciated.
My take is that most people think they know all the tricks in the car-buying-game. After all, that's what it really is - A GAME! Unfortunately, dealerships and salespeople are better at playing the game than most, but not all, car buyers.
There is one superior advantage that the customer has over the dealership - the customer has control anytime he wants to "take control" - and that's by walking out the door!!! If more customers knew how to better use that superior advantage, they have won the game. Try walking out of a dealership when negotiations are at an impasse. Who has the upper hand when the customer starts walking for the door? How long does it take for the sales manager to get to the buyer before he reaches the door? 10 seconds? 20 seconds? Not more than that elapsed time.
If there was one thing I would teach the would-be-buyer, it would be what I just described above. Be relaxed, know pretty much what you want to pay for your new car; know what your car is actually worth wholesale; then learn that the customer has the upper hand in this game - the ability/power to take control by walking out the door.
P.S. It sure is good to be back home!!!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Here's a buying experience for you: when I was closing the deal on the Regal, I questioned the addition of locking lug nuts on the invoice. I was told that this dealer adds them upon delivery to all cars that have alloy wheels (not true I later discovered) and that since the car was a dealer demo they were "used" and therefore not returnable - something I frowned on but accepted. These were $140, which was the real reason for my discomfort, as you can buy these for $30 normally.
I figured the 4 original chrome non-locking nuts would be in the car. Sometime after delivery I searched for them and none were found. The locking nuts were big and ugly and I didn't want them on the car. I raised it with the shop when I happened to be in. A guy working there told me they just take an original nut off, put the locking nut on, and toss the originals in a box. Armed with that info, I went back to my sales guy and asked for the 4 nuts.
Geez, you thought I was asking them to buy back the car. The "box o'nuts" had mysteriously disappeared. It would be impossible to find the originals. I suggested that perhaps the nuts off a car that had yet to receive the locks might be a source. Oh no, couldn't do that. Finally I get a phone message from the sales manager. Because I was unhappy they were going to order me nuts from GM. Sounded like they were doing me a favor. All I wanted was the 4 nuts that were installed at the factory and that I paid for when I bought the car. As it turned out I got a baggie with 5 nuts in it. Ah well...
Why do dealers do such stupid things?
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
"I figured the 4 original chrome non-locking nits would be in the car. Sometime after delivery..."
They don't normally do that stuff intentionally. Also, the dealer's "new car get ready department" should have noticed that prior to delivering the car.
The smaller the dealership, the better equipped they are to handle things like that. They tend to take more care in delivering their new cars to customers.
If you were told something, then it should be backed up by action, not excuses.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
My Dad who I consider pretty smart actually took out a 72 month loan on his current 2011 Tahoe. The reason? Same as @oldfarmer50. Free money. For 6 years. He had a 2010 Tahoe that he was quote happy with. He was financing the 2010 at 2.9% for 60 months. In 2012, he traded the 2010 Tahoe for his current 2011 Tahoe.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Makes no sense to pay off a 0% loan early. I made over $4k on the $26,000 that remained in investments over the 5 years of my loan. Any time someone offers free money....take it.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
A lot of times there is cash back or a low finance rate. It depends on how they compare. We have 3 vehicles 10 years or older that we bought new, so I would consider a 6 year loan, if the terms worked out. My Fusion has a 5 year loan, but I am working toward paying it off in 4 years.
I'd have no problem taking a 72 month loan for the right terms (0%, 0.9%, or 1.9%) on the right car (something that I know I'd never be under water on).
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I found this Yahoo Used Car Article somewhat interesting. Not "breaking news," but just about the used car market in general.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Thanks nyc...I found that article really interesting. I didn't realize used car market was about 3X the new car market. Also, the profit margins could be better than new cars. Good article.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
@oldfarmer50
I copied the following from Stamford's website just in case you wanted me to elaborate more:
**What is the Grand List?
The total assessed value of all taxable property, as determined by the Assessor on October 1, is called the grand list.
The grand list must be completed by the Assessor and filed with the Town Clerk by January 31 (if necessary, the assessor may request an extension to the end of February to complete his duties).
How am I assessed exactly?
Mill Rate
Based on the grand list and the determination of the city operating budget, a tax rat (the mill rate) is set by the Board of Finance.
The property tax rate in mills or thousandths of a dollar. For example, a tax rate of 30 mills is equivalent to $30.00 per $1,000 of assessed value.
More on Mill Rate
Grand Levy
The amount of revenue which must be raixsed by the property tax is called the grand levy.
When the grand levy is determined, tax bills are prepared.
Property Tax Rate
The property tax rate is determined by dividing the grand levy by the grand list. This rate is then applied to each taxpayer's taxable property.
Tax Bills
Taxes on real property are due and payable in two installments; July 1 and January 1.
Taxes on personal property, to include taxes on motor vehicles, are due and payable in one installment; July 1.
**
For all motor vehicles garaged or registered in The City of Stamford $26.50 per $1000
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
The tax on personal property is something that goes way, way back in some areas. It is a royal pain to prepare the assessment roll and is fraught with inaccuracy. It is designed to measure the "ability to pay" so theoretically it is a measure of how wealthy you are, though in reality it is anything but.
I used to work in assessment up here and we only did real property assessment as we have no annual tax on PP. I can only imagine the pain it must be to have to develop the PP assessment roll. Even with computerized systems it would be subject to all sorts of disputes and appeals.
Tax theory is a strange specialty and I think it is fair to say there is no one right way to do it. Here we do an annual tax on real property and that's it, though we have hefty sales and income taxes. To toss personal property into the mix would add a measure on unfairness as only certain things qualify. And of course if you have investments they are missed also. I'm surprised so many places still maintain a PP tax as the administration must be huge.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
"If you drive your car I'll tax the street, if you try to walk I'll tax your feet.
Cause I'm the tax man, woohoo"
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Sounds like I could make a business of selling my fully depreciated hoopties in your town.
Makes owning a nice car or multiple cars a nightmare.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Basically, in Kansas, our personal property tax is really an automobile tax. You pay it each year when your auto tags renew. It is based on the value of your auto. This year our total "auto tax" on our 3 vehicles was $1290. $600. and $100. for a total of $1990. Ouch !
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
"Basically, in Kansas, our personal property tax is really an automobile tax. You pay it each year when your auto tags renew. It is based on the value of your auto. This year our total "auto tax" on our 3 vehicles was $1290. $600. and $100. for a total of $1990. Ouch !"
Ouch is an understatement, Houdini.
When I lived in Oak Park, Illinois, I had to pay a personal property tax on my cars, furniture, etc. back on the 1960's. The annual tax bill was $145-$150.
When I lived in California, auto registration each year was based on the value of the car (and I believe it still is). I had a 1991 E300 at the time and my tags were $950 each year, IIRC.
Living here in Florida is great for retirees because we have no income taxes, sales taxes are about 6% except on food, and annual registration for all cars is about $48.
I don't envy those of you who have state and city income taxes in the northeast, and CA residents who pay 13.5% state income taxes.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Just a quick up date. S-I-L's son, our grandson, who was driving the Volvo that broke down and needs a new engine, was going to consider a Nissan Leaf. (I did get miles and age wrong, I got new information, car is 15 years old and has 220K miles). The grandson has an excellent job, just graduated, and I thought it would be a good time to start him in a new or slightly used 2 or 3 year old car, so he would have a reliable car for getting to work, or to go on an assignment which might happen.
Parents decided he should get the engine repaired instead. They think it will cost $2000 but I have a feeling it will be more than that. Remember, they spent about $4000 last year on transmission repairs.
Sounds like a slippery slope to me.....probably with a snowman effect, this is just the start.
Car looks like this and is probably worth about $2000 as a trade. One good thing, people love them and say they are built like a tank and they hold up really well. OF, you should look for one of these....
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I can't imagine paying tax on you furniture. How would they even know how to value it. Wouldn't people be tempted to claim they were using orange crates?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
"I can't imagine paying tax on you furniture. How would they even know how to value it. Wouldn't people be tempted to claim they were using orange crates?"
There were guidelines based upon how many bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. so if you lived in a 3 bedroom house, they listed a valuation of the average personal property contents. If you could prove you had less valuation, you would claim a lesser value.
Remember, the average person paid a very small amount - $100-$200 per year. It was a tax that was on the books since the 1880's. They did away with the personal property tax in the 1970's. It was just another way for local governments to have additional revenues.
Now, Illinois is in desperate straits with a deficit higher than 49 out of 50 states. They now could use any help they can get. They are also one of the highest taxed states in the US.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
If it needs a new engine it is only worth scrap value. The kid could get the same $2000 off sticker on a year end deal. Having replaced several engines myself I'm pretty sure it will cost $2000 just for the replacement motor.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1999-VOLVO-V70-ENGINE-MOTOR-2-4L-VIN-5-2242414-/331109943655?_trksid=p2054897.l4275
If it's any newer than a 99 it's got a lot of Ford influence and who would sink money into a Ford with 220k miles.
There's a point of diminishing returns with any car and that one has reached it.
I would shy away from a Volvo just because of what you said: people love them and think they are well built. Drives the price way up. I prefer used cars that people scoff at. Usually they are overly negative and it drops the price.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Here's a question for those who lease.
How much more expensive is it to purchase a car at the end of a lease rather than having bought it outright? By how much does the lease + buyout price + associated fees exceed the original price?
If you were going into a lease with the idea of buying it later would it make a difference if you choose a car that maintained a high residual like Honda or one that depreciated quickly like a Hyundai? Or would it even out between lease and buyout costs?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Driver, I have the Edmunds iPhone app on my iPhone. It lets you select a brand of car, model, etc., and you can then build the car.
They now show the 2015 E400 and it allows you to build it out. The problem I noticed is that 1 or 2 listed options on Edmunds are incorrect. According to the ordering guide from Mercedes, in the US, the E400 comes standard with the Lane Tracking Package but Edmunds shows it is an option. Also, the mpg ratings are way off. They are using the E550 mileage ratings. The E400 is supposed to get better mpg's than the E350.
You might want to see if there is a Canadian app that allows you to build the Canadian E400.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Excellent advice Mike, as always. I couldn't fathom walking into a dealership without knowing exactly what I was spending.
These days walking out the door is not hard to do, but not that many years ago I heard horror stories of unscrupulous dealers who would (ahem) misplace your keys keeping you there longer. It actually happened to a friend of mine and his wife. She (the Italian) said again give me back my keys...we're leaving! When the sales guy feigned the old can't find them she got on the phone. Another salesman said "she's calling the cops, give her the keys" Boy were they wrong. She was calling her brother. One bad dude who would have torn a few salesmen apart to help his sister. I even heard of keys being tossed onto the roof just to stall a customer. Not sure if that one is true, but then again, who knows.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
"...stories of unscrupulous dealers who would (ahem) misplace your keys keeping you there longer. "
At the Lexus dealership I worked as a salesman, once the trade in car had been appraised, the keys were immediately returned to the customer without delay.
When I was managing at the Infiniti dealership, the appraiser immediately returned the keys for the trade to the customer.
But I have heard horror stories of keys not being returned to the customer unless the customer demanded them. Sneaky tactic and IMHO causes unnecessary anxiety in the customer.
I remember an incident at a Cadillac dealership where I was shopping for a new De Ville back in the 80's. About an hour after they appraised my trade, and we were getting no where in negotiations, I asked for my keys back as I was about to leave the showroom. The salesman said he thought the keys had been returned to me but I told him no. The played the game for about 5 minutes more and I abruptly stood up, got my wife's keys to the trade from her, and yelled at the top of my lungs, "...you have my address, mail me the keys when you find them!" I then stormed out of the dealership and drove off in my trade.
I did receive the keys in the mail about 4 days later, but I refused to answer my phone if it was that dealership calling me to make me the deal of a lifetime.
I don 't think they do that very much anymore.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Like NYC, I live in CT. Last year we paid about $540 each for our 2013 Escape and Fusion. Even my old Mustang was $77, which was up from the year before! Our mil rate is pretty similar to where NYC lives. Real estate valuations can vary by quite a bit, so you can't just look at the mil rate to determine if your taxes are relatively high or low.
There's a point of diminishing returns with any car and that one has reached it.
Some really good information there OF, from the master of the older pre-owned vehicle. I like what you said about the cost of the engine vs getting $2000 off sticker on a new car. Especially at this time of year, but, when the grandson has a major breakdown the car will be worth nothing, and he will have to scramble and pay more just to get a car right away so he can get to his new job.
I am glad you confirmed my basic thoughts, and added to them with some good basic factual information.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I will give you a basic answer as I have leased cars in the past, and I think it is a good way to obtain a new car in certain situations.
The dealer usually bases the lease on what they would sell the car for, without much of a discount. They calculate what the car will be worth at the end of the lease, and that is the price you will pay if you buy the car back.
If the car depreciates slower, your monthly payments will be less, but, your buy back will be higher, because the car will be worth more than a quickly depreciating car...you are going to pay one way or the other. But, that could work say if you lease a Cadillac, higher lease payments which you can claim on taxes, then buy the car back for a low price and use it as a 2nd car.
btw...those lease payments are usually calculated at a higher rate of interest than say your friendly bank, after all it is financed by the car company...and that's easy money for them. You are dealing with people who only care what their monthly payment is going to be.
In short, the payout cost will even out if the car depreciates faster. Probably the best thing is to lease a car with low depreciation...say a bmw, and then not buy it back at the end of the lease, and the next owner will pay more for the unused portion of the car's life.
In the case of my grandson, he has a good job, but not much saved up. His future prospects seem good. I think he should lease a new car now...no problems for 3 years at least, and then buy the car back at the end of the lease if he likes the car, and he will be earning more, he can finance it easily. He doesn't plan on driving a lot (kind of a green guy), and he will have a nice car he can drive for 10 years. Better than throwing another $2000 at a car that is really worth nothing.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Mike, my cell phone is a clamshell type that I use about twice a month. I wouldn't know what to do with an app. But, I can go online and build an MB, but they still show 2014s. Maybe you should try another site, just in case. The dealer did have the list of options and prices so I know what I am getting.
Oh yes, I saw a white E350 on the road and it was white and I really like the white with the black (sunroof) top. I went to the dealer and they had a Diamond Silver Metalic and a white E in the showroom, almost side by side. I liked the white slightly more, so changed my order. He said, good thing you came in today, it was the last day you could have changed your mind.
White is the number one color these days, about 22%. Black is a close 2nd, followed by silver and gray. A very good Edmunds article about color said people who choose white are saying "less is more" kind of thing. Silver is probably related to our technology age.
edmunds-color-facts-and-fictionsl
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
One good thing, people love them and say they are built like a tank and they hold up really well. OF, you should look for one of these....
Of course, if Volvos are reliable, hold up really well, and are built like a tank, they don't need a new engine and transmission at 200K. Just sayin'...
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Here in Colorado, we also pay a 'personal property tax' on our vehicles with our annual registration.
The formula works like this.
Start with 85% of the 'base' MSRP - before any options.
Then, multiply that amount by 2.1% for the first year taxes. Each year the tax rate decreases (1.5%, 1.2%, .9%) until year 5 where it bottoms out at .45%, or $10, whichever is greater.
At 10 years the tax is reduced to $3.
But, this can be claimed on your tax return.
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MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Our worldly possessions are down to three minivan loads. And that's about two loads too many.
So the next car really should be white (and I do like white cars).
@driver100, I guess the number won't work from Canada, but you can call our Live Advice team toll free during their daily hours (8-5 PST 7 days a week) and they'll be happy to price and spec out a car for you. Comes in handy at the dealership. Click on the Live Help link up top right for more info.
Here in MA, we pay an annual excise tax on cars that works out to be $25 per $1000 of the value based on the following scale:
In the designated year of manufacture- 90% of MSRP
In the second year - 60% of MSRP
In the third year - 40% of MSRP
In the fourth year - 25% of MSRP
In the fifth and succeeding years -10% of MSRP.
It's also pro-rated for the first year. So if I were to buy a $35K 2014 today, I would pay:
35,000 / 1000 x 25 x .9 / 12 x 4 = $262.50. Year 2 would be $525.
Registration for standard plates is $60 every other year.
One can look at taxes many different ways. For instance, I have a friend who touts the great income and sales tax free nature of New Hampshire yet complains about his property tax which is about 4 times what I pay and his house is worth 25% less. To top it off, he felt that the schools were pretty poor in his town so he spent another $20K a year putting his kids through private schools. NH also has a 9% meal tax which is pretty high IMHO.
The California tax rate of 13.5% is on those who make over $1 million. It ranges from a low of 1% to the 13.5%. But the property tax rate in CA is pretty low due to proposition 13.
As for Florida, yes it is great for residents as they sales tax on everything but food. But here in MA, we don't have a sales tax on clothing whereas Florida does. Florida of course relies heavily on tourist spending with a lodging tax of up to 13% which IMHO, they should take advantage of.
I think white is a much nicer color than that blue diamond silver color you originally ordered. White and silver are the most popular colors down here. I am surprised that white is so popular up in Canada where you guys get quite a bit of snow. The white cars blend in with the snow on the ground making the car less visible I would think. Down here, white is more practical since it reflects the sun the most of any other color.
I stopped into my Mercedes Dealer today for car wash (the car was filthy from sitting outside for 3 or more weeks. He pulled up the ordering guide for the car I ordered and I was correct - Edmunds is incorrect! The Lane Tracking Package (blind spot monitors and lane tracking) IS a standard feature of the E400 in the U.S. as is the Premium Package, fold down rear seats, AMG 18" wheels with all season tires, and power folding outside rear mirrors.
I am finally going to have all season tires on a car for better wear and longevity. I will also be able to rotate the tires for the first time since all the wheels and tires are the same size.
I am going to try to build the E400 on the main site for Edmunds to see what takes place.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Mike....thought of you yesterday. I was on my way to IKEA to buy some chairs my wife wanted. There's a Benz dealer right along the way and about two blocks away. For grins, I decided to see if they had any '15 C300s. They had two, one white and one silver. Interior is pretty. Might be teh colors, but I'm ambivalent about the exterior. Hard to tell them apart from the current E class, which for some reason looked nicer, but the only E class I saw was in 'black, which I like.
Sticker was $50K and change on both. But, both were 4 cyl, so hard for me to get excited about them. I THINK they had Nav but no leather. Kind of a tough pill to swallow for $50K and not toltally loaded up. Maybe the C400 is the way to go, if it comes all loaded up out of the box (C400).
That seems pretty rich for a 4 cyl C class with no leather. Pass.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
The discussion on colors is interesting, as I was out cruising the dealership lots this morning (they are all closed here on Sundays) looking at what might tickle my fancy if I decide to change cars once the lease on the Regal is up in a couple of months. I was struck by how dark and dreary so many of the colors on the cars inventory were.
I don't know if this is typical everywhere or a local thing, but the dealers here seem loath to order a car for stock with anything other than a black interior. That is bad for me as I hate black interiors. I saw a Lacrosse at one of the Buick dealers in "Champagne Silver", which isn't silver at all but a pale gold or tan metallic, and figured that would have some color inside. Nope, black. All the Lacrosses I saw were black leather. I don't think I want one of those anyway, but black leather kills it for me. The other ones in inventory were a black metallic paint outside which I don't like either, and "Graphite Blue" which I thought was black until I got close - it is very, very dark and I didn't like it.
Over on the Cadillac side, all models in inventory were also black leather. At first I thought they were all painted black. A few were - some solid black, some that same metallic black as the Buick - but others just looked black. One was painted "Majestic Plum" which is a color I had seen listed on Caddy's web page but had never recognized in the flesh. Well, it turns out it is so dark that it reads as black unless it's in direct sunlight. Really a shame, it is kind of lifeless. They had one in Phantom Gray, which is a dark gray but not a shade I like (some grays look good to me but not this one). The ATS models were parked alongside the CTS models and they really look small by comparison. I like the CTS better but it is much more expensive too.
I rolled through the BMW lot fairly quickly as I'm not that interested in them but I was struck by how all the cars in inventory seemed to be painted either black or white. There may have been a silver one but I'm not sure of that. Aside from one of the 2-seaters (Z4?) which was red, no color at all there. Odd.
Over to the Mercedes dealer. Lots of black cars here too but naturally a lot of Iridium Silver also. I saw an E class sedan in Cavansite Blue, which was also very dark but not as dark a blue as the Buick. It looked good to me but I don't know if I'd want a dark blue car. It was one of the few without a black interior - I'd say almost all of the M-Bs here had black inside except for that blue E-class, which was crystal gray with black trim inside, and another new E-350 sedan in a brown metallic that looked OK with a nice beige interior. I can't find that brown on the website so I don't know what's up with that.
I was surprised to see they have 2 leftover 2013s parked out front, one of them a 550, with writing on the windshields about how much they are discounted. The 2013 E550 sedan claimed a sticker of $82K and was marked down to $69K. But they are the old style cars and I think they might have a hard time moving them.
They had a C-series coupe parked next to an E-350 coupe out front also. I like the look of the E coupe much better than the C but was surprised that it didn't look all that much bigger than the C. Inside it seemed much smaller than the E sedans so I would have to see if I fit OK. This one was white and looked great outside, but it had a black interior which I think would have looked better in some other shade.
I really miss the days of colorful cars inside and out.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
I read some reviews from owners of 1990 91 Volvos, and they all said they were pretty good, one had 300k miles with no major problems. But, it could be a case of people who keep them and have good luck with them praise them...those that have one's that don't do so well, just trade them and forget them.
One rule I was thinking of after Oldfarmers post is: Don't spend more on a car repair than the car is worth!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Yes, I saw a C400 this morning at the dealership. Just my opinion, but when you are spending $54,000 for a C class (which is what a C400 probably goes for), I think you are much better off with an E350. For around $56,500 MSRP, you can get a nicely loaded E350. I personally do not feel leather is needed with a Mercedes because the MBTex (rich vinyl) is so much like the real leather, you really can't tell the difference. The only reason I get leather is because I need the ventilated seats down her, and the only was to get the ventilated seats with perforated holes to allow the air to flow through the seat and back of the seat is to order the leather.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Actually, you are right about white not being so popular in Canada. When I looked up the information white was #1 in the USA and all of a sudden around the world. All those ISIS Toyota trucks are always white.
In Canada, the number one choice is silver, and white is way down the list, probably for the reason you gave...looks like snow.
Country-wide, 22.3 per cent of Canadians chose silver/grey for their new car, black followed well behind at 14.1 per cent, blue came in at 13.6 per cent and red followed at 11.6 per cent.
Surprisingly, the colour white -- a popular choice in warmer climes -- came in at just fifth place at 6.9 per cent.
The study suggests Canada's messy winter driving conditions may have led drivers here to avoid the hard-to-keep-clean colour choice.
I can't imagine changing tires as often as you did on your high performance cars. I'll be glad to have all-season tires and not run flats. As we get older we tend to like our creature comforts, and it is nice if you can make life easier for yourself.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I agree with your opinions on color. I prefer a lighter interior, hard to keep clean but it just seems to be brighter and livelier. Black is popular because it needs less maintenance, you just don't have to worry about it as much.
About exterior colours. It seems the less expensive cars have some of the best colors...I have seen some nice blues on a Cruz and on Sonatas. Some of those cars also have nice light beige and gray interiors....at one time inexpensive cars only had black or gray.
One reason I like white is I don't really get tired of it, and I think it will always be in fashion, even on appliances. Harvest Gold and Olive Green and Bronze may fade, but white, never really goes out of style.....just to me anyway.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I'm 57 and I run summer rubber on the MS3 and the 328i, swapping them with suitable winter rubber in late November and going back to serious tires in early April. It takes me all of 30 minutes per car- thats why they make aluminum racing jacks and 18V cordless impact wrenches.
Cake.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive