I spotted a NEW (insert make/model) today!

fezo

Oh, I know. I've see what is pretty much your DTS on the road and it's an attractive vehicle. The people that mess them up should be convicted of eyeslaughter.

fintail

Saw a new unplated Crosstour today...I wonder if the 2010s are going for blowout prices.

Also saw a douched-out new A4 with huge wheels...what Clarkson said about Audi seems to be growing true on this side of the pond,

fezo

Of course it was unplated. There are no plated Crosstours. That would mean someone bought one.

anythngbutgm

White Snuze on the highway loafing along in the slow lane. The old lady behind the wheel with hands at 10 and 2. Looked like an LT model with hubcaps.

lemko

...new silver "Prius-style" Honda Insight. I remember the original Insight which was a tiny two-seater "bullet" with skirted wheels.

fezo

I wonder how Insights are depreciating. A hybrid that was way cheap could appeal to me.

I'm waiting to see a real life Snuze. Not like I can go to the local dealer who has one new car in - an Impala at the moment. Next nearest dealer is maybe 30 miles away. Dealership situation in NJ looks terrible for Chevy. We do have a thriving Buick - GMC dealer in town.

stickguy

looks better in my (more southern) end of the state. 4 good size dealers (that I can think of) in a ring around my town. Anywhere from 5-10 miles from my house.

1 car? Is the rest trucks, or is some guy running a Chevy dealership out of his driveway? The one that I stopped at last week to see a Cruze had fewer cars than in past years (and lots of acreage to put them on), but he still had at least 15 Camaros all lined up on th main road out front. And 2 nice GS Corvettes in the showroom.

ateixeira

Remember that Kramer sitcom had a chase scene with a couple of those?

It was hilarious, the sound-effects crew used hair dryers!

fintail

Saw a Lotus Evora this morning, at the dealer. As I was walking by, I gave it a look-see to get the price. 88K. Yikes.

ateixeira

I got the same 2GR V6 engine in the 8-seat model.

Toyota Sienna.

4x the number of seats for 1/4th the cost. 16x better value! LOL

fezo

Check it out -Gardner Chevrolet in Manahawkin.

He's got a silver Impala LT.

The dealership in Toms River folded as well (now occupied by a Mazda - Subaru dealer that expanded).

fezo

Oh, dear. Worse than I expected in some ways. When you go to chevy's site and ask for a dealer it tells you the nearest dealer is Gardner Chevrolet-Oldsmobile-Cadillac. Just maybe they want to update?

That said there's a couple of dealer 26 miles away so I overestimated 30...

lemko

...silver Mercedes GLK350 and a bright yellow Audi S4.

tifighter

Okay, not spotted, but driven. I was in Switzerland again last week and had a VW Caddy Bluemotion to drive in a 5sp manual. This is rated up to 46 mpg in a package with plenty of room. At one point, I had four passengers and luggage, but it never felt too strained. Best mileage I saw on the trip computer was 32mpg, but that was in the city. Anyhow, I want one...

fintail

Saw 2x Cruze at the local dealer today, and another S60 at the nearby Volvo lot.

qbrozen

saw the new Odyssey at my sons' daycare. My wife says she is loving it, which is kinda weird to hear her say about a minivan. uh-oh. No way in hell we can afford $40k.

We had a new mazda3 sedan loaner while the wife's car was in for service. Thought it odd that they had what is essentially a base model (2 liter and no moonroof) but with alloy wheels and bluetooth. huh. Anyway, it was uninspiring and very very small inside. My son could no fit behind me. Hell, nobody could, and I didn't even have the seat back all the way. Even with my knees against the dash, there was about 2 inches between my seatback and the front edge of the backseat.

When picking her car back up, I checked out the mazda2. Found the seating position more comfortable than the 3 and MORE BACKSEAT LEGROOM. How weird is that? Also discovered the boot had more usable space than you would think looking at it from the outside. Very deceiving. Not a bad looking little car.

ajvdh

Technically not "new", but rare enough: Not one, but two Noble M12s. One white, the other black. The white car's owner was apparently petrified by his ride, spending most of his laps giving point bys to everyone else. The black one was driven very well; I don't think even the true race cars were quicker. Also, a new Gallardo, which was about the only car going slower than the white Noble.
Interestingly, the Gallardo was trailered in, while both Nobles came and left under their own power.

ateixeira

I have yet to see the new Ody in the flesh.

In pics that big seam for the sliding doors bugs me. Honda said it was to create a wider interior, but that argument doesn't add up because the Sienna is narrower outside yet wider inside in both 2nd and 3rd rows.

It may be ugly, but at least it servers a dysfunction.

fintail

I've seen a couple - the little dealer in the podunk town where my mom lives even had one a couple weeks ago. The beltline dip is the weird thing for me. But, for a van it might just add a little character. Maybe.

anythngbutgm

Saw a couple over the weekend. In person it looks good and the characterline isn't as prominent.

But the "Swagger Wagon" is off and running in sales and appears to be selling like gangbusters. Especially the SE trim. The only one I see more of is the older gen 2 Odysseys (98 - 04)...

ateixeira

I haven't liked the photos, but I'm waiting to see it in the flesh before I give a final verdict.

I think the upkick seems strange, too.

stickguy

parked next to one last week. Not that hideous, but far from attractive. Color probably makes a big difference too.

Just one more step i nHonda's program to make each generation or new model uglier than the last.

but, at least the dip makes it easier to spot from the side (same way the Freestar you could tell by the drooping back window).

stickguy

lady about 3 houses down seems to have gotten a new car to replace her beetle convertible.

walking the dog last night, saw what appeared to be a BMW 1 series convertible parked in her garage.

Must be nice to have no kids sucking up all your money!

explorerx4

saw at least 500 Chevy Cruze on my trip over the weekend.
Oh wait, I drove by Lordstown.

stever

It could be a while before I see a new Ody, but that price tag got my attention too.

What's a "typically outfitted" Sienna running? Somewhere between $24k for the base and pushing $40k for all the bells eh?

ateixeira

Higher now..surprisingly higher.

Back in 07, when I got mine, a CE could be had for $21k, my mid-level LE was $25.5k, and you had to get AWD/leather/moon roof/laser cruise control/DVD/Navi to break $40k.

The new base model is a 4 banger, a mid-level LE is more like $27k now. I'd say Sienna prices are up a good $2500 across the board.

Still, to get a 6EAT on the Ody you have to get the Touring, and it's over $40k, and there's one model above that!

I'm glad I already bought my van, put it that way.

texases

Saw an Acura ZDX: still not liking it;
Saw a new Infiniti M37: odd, it looks better in pictures, lots of bumps and lumps in the body just don't work for me;
Have yet to see a BMW 5GT, thought I would by now, this must say something about slow sales (not that I'm complaining)...

ateixeira

I saw a 5GT today as well. Awkward looking.

The weirdest part is the hatch opens 2 ways, but when i test drove one even the guys with the BMW polo shirts could not figure out how to open the trunk without opening the hatch.

Seemed overly complex and heavy to me.

tifighter

Seemed overly complex and heavy to me.

So, it is German, then.

ateixeira

LOL, no doubt.

fintail

Saw about 10 Hybrid Lexus Hybrid HS250h Hybrid h Hybrid cars on the lot today...looks like a sales bomb. I guess few want a 43K Prius.

Not brand new, but I also saw 2 IS-F on the road today, along with a C63. I know which I would choose.

I've seen quite a few new style 7ers lately too.

stever

I'm glad I already bought my van, put it that way.

I'm glad mine hasn't died yet. Might be time to try another Voyager Caravan when the time comes.

tifighter

The 2011 Caravan actually looks pretty good. Curious to hear about mileage with the new 3.8L. The R/T sounds pretty cool.

But I'm weird; I like the Sienna SE a lot, and have a small crush on the Transit Connect...

stever

small crush on the Transit Connect...

Yeah, like that one too.

stickguy

friends that recently had twins needed something bigger than a 1999 Accord. So, off to minivan land. ended up shopping largely by price vs. features. And they managed to get a T&C (I think, could be a dodge) for way way way less than a Honda or toyota. Even got by far the best trade in value. Thing is loaded too. DVD, roof, leather. I think it is a limited.

Not sure what they actually paid, but the payments are significantly lower. And, they actually liked it better in many ways (driving, comfort, features) than the other choices.

And transit connects are all over the place by me. many replacing Econolines that really didn't carry that much weight or volume of stuff.

tifighter

Probably not the best for canoe duty, however. Sorry Steve...

stever

I dunno - they sell a lot of ladder racks for the Connect so that's a good sign. May have to go back to short little solo boats though.

ateixeira

Isn't the Pentastar V6 in the new vans a 3.6l?

tifighter

Yeah, you are right Juice. 3.6L with 283hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. I'm not really a Chrysler expert, for sure, but it sounds like a pretty good package. The press release mentions that the suspension on all Caravans is reworked for better dynamics, which makes me wonder if the R/T will have further tweaks, or if it will be just a bigger wheel/tire combo.

This category has heated up; no doubt. Plus the new Quest is just around the corner...

stever

My current Quest has been a gem, but I haven't been excited about them since the joint venture with Ford dissolved several years back (can you say excited about minivans? Maybe about the VW concept van that never went forward).

I don't have much brand loyalty, but maybe I'll have to take a look when the time comes.

ateixeira

Yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing the new Quest...

Toyota's interior isn't as good as the previous one.

The new Ody looks a bit odd, plus you have to spend $40k to get the 6EAT and the 28mpg they keep hyping.

Now Dodge, soon Nissan...definitely competitive. Both Honda and Toyota left an opportunity for new entries to step up and earn some conquest sales.

tifighter

Both Honda and Toyota left an opportunity for new entries to step up and earn some conquest sales.

I agree; I think Chrysler (& Nissan to a lesser extent) have a chance to regain some consumer mindshare/equity this time around. Right now, I think that Honda may be the biggest loser; they had the #1 van, and went more expensive at a time when consumers are looking a little harder at value. Press reaction is mixed. That hwy MPG rating is one of their biggest marketing tools, and it may be enough to win sales (smart consumers know that the combined rating is what matters). Expect lots of LX lease deals soon.

I honestly think Toyota and Chrysler will fight for #1 & 2 in the category. Nissan TBD.

ateixeira

Yeah, most Odys get an EPA 21 mpg combined.

That's a far cry from the 28 they keep plastering all over the ads.

Very misleading.

anythngbutgm

Saw a new Juke on my way home from work yesterday.

Ribbit...

Also a Snuze in Silver, couple of new Odysseys and the usual load of "Swagger Wagons" and new Sonatas. I've seen a few of the new Kia Sportages already too.

Lastly, here's a strange one. A Nissan Rogue with ground effects and dual exhaust located under the center of the rear bumper a la GC SRT. Ewww :sick:

kyfdx

Hey! I saw a new Juke, as well.. New owner about a block from my house... with temp tags..

Also, spotted a new Mazda2.. I think that and the new Fiesta will do well...

andys120

GM has been advertising the new Regal heavily and I have yet to see one despite temporarily residing in a Buick- heavy environment (you have no idea how popular Buicks are in retirement communities).

I though I saw some in front of a dealership so I pulled over and had a quick peek. There were about six in a row, all in light colors that barely register but I did notice that the cars had a clean, compact look, almost sporty, as befitting an Opel Insignia in disguise. In the right color these might look like something but I guess the best you can do is black dark red metallic.

I noticed a couple had portho...err...ventiports on the top of the hood while others had none. :confuse: We've come to a point where the stylists at GM don't even know they should put the holes on the side where people can see 'em. :confuse: :sick:

Aside from that, and the totally avoidable error of naming after it one of Buick's least sporty lines, the Regal could be a step in the right direction for Gov...er ..General Motors.

kyfdx

Maybe a LaCrosse or two mixed in there? They have portholes on top of the hood...

anythngbutgm

Couple of CR-Z's one in a really neat blue color, A bunch of new Grand Cherokees, all V6's (based on the single exhaust outlet), a drop dead gorgeous Aston Vantage in Boston on Saturday and a couple of Crosstours which I notice dealers are finally moving (I assume a price adjustment was necessary).

And while not even remotely "New" anymore, what is up with the gas smell on the Lambdas? I followed yet another Buick Enclave that absolutely reeked of petrol, it was naussiating. Is there a recall for gas tanks or fuel lines on those things? That's the 3rd one I've come across and it is quite dangerous. :sick:

fintail

Saw a Ferrari California yesterday...parked in a crowded downtown area with the top down...must have good security features.

explorerx4

It was gray and didn't look bad, although I couldn't see the front.