The Camry/NX driver is probably younger than me - would have been unusually young when acquiring the Camry (original owner). Just not a big car person, and now at that point in working life where they can afford something nice.
I saw a very new Maserati coupe this afternoon, they say something, not always 100% positive.
The car was in a village style shopping area with upscale apartments above businesses as well as townhomes along the street where parking garage is. Upscale. It's the Greene, done like Easton Town Center in Columbus. Same developer is doing Liberty Town Center in West Chester (Ohio) IIRC.
I'm used to some pretty high prices in this area. A new complex opening soon (Ink Block Boston) has apartments renting in the $40/sq ft per month area:
You can get 280K houses in my area. You just have to get a time machine and go back to Clinton's first term. They are now worth seven figures.
That McLaren is a nice sighting. Today I saw a late model Ferrari something or other being very slowly parallel parked by someone who probably hasn't been driving very long, and that's all I will say about that.
Also a 4er GT, which is a unique special piece of design.
I see GLA every other day or so. New C class just about every day. C is designed to be a mini S, kind of like what Audi and now BMW are doing with their "sausages of different lengths" ideal. I hope the next E is a little different.
I'm used to some pretty high prices in this area. A new complex opening soon (Ink Block Boston) has apartments renting in the $40/sq ft per month area:
I'm used to some pretty high prices in this area. A new complex opening soon (Ink Block Boston) has apartments renting in the $40/sq ft per month area:
My bad. It's interesting that these units are targeting at mid to late twenties aged high tech workers making over 6 figures a year who care more about a doggie day care in the building than parking spots or a gym.
I've seen 3 Lexus NX in the past day. One was a base model, which looks really really plain - that thing needs the F-Sport trim.
Stopped by the MB dealer to show off the dash cam to my salesman (he's a car guy too) - they had the most loaded E350 I have ever seen, I think it had every option but strangely missing dynamic seats. Designo paint and interior, every gadget and nicknack - 73K, probably the most loaded 6cyl around. Also a loaded S550 sitting in the showroom - quilted interior, 4 place seating, huge option load - around 150K I think. I sat in it, and could live in it.
Lexus is the latest brand to go off the deep end on horrid looking beaks. You would think they would have learned by now it is a bad idea. Nice car though. Sat in one at the auto show.
funny thing. Every year, I check out all the Lexus models. And every year, the only one I like, and find comfortable, is the ES.
Looking at some overstyled makes, I think this is a new version of 1958. MB might have saggy rear ends and all Audis look alike, but they have nothing on some competitors to the east.
It's possible. You'd be surprised at how many limo drivers are actually independent contractors working for the livery companies. They get a great deal on a lease through the company and run it as an independent business like a cab operation. But they are responsible for all maintenance and costs of operation.
Many of the traditional livery companies in Boston have gone to Escalades as their clients are used to large SUV's. If the business is organized as above the drivers who lease have to get what the company tells them to.
Spotted a new bigmouth Camry today, it was a bold rental car. Also a Ferrari with dealer plates, but really hard to tell if these things are new or a couple years old.
@fintail said: Went car looking - no TLXs, and the layout of local Acura dealer who has about 3 parking spots didn't make me want to hang around. M4 - MSRP 83 or 86K, good luck (it'll sell). Lexus showroom was pretty bare, but an almost zero option IS250 seemed unusual. Used A7 was the most interesting thing on the Toyota lot - man the 4Runner has a homely face. Chatted up a friendly salesman at the less than crowded Caddy dealer, who had 5x ELR on the lot - first thing he said was "problem with those is that they are too expensive", good. New CTS is a really nice looking ride.
One Boston area CAddy dealer has almost cleared out his ELR inventory by knocking $20k off the MSRP. Of course, there's a $14k rebate, so $20k is a good start. Get it down to $50k, maybe a better seller?
There is one on Rt9 in Framingham that had a big poster on the side of it for $26,000 off. It must've worked cause it was gone the following weekend.
There is one on Rt9 in Framingham that had a big poster on the side of it for $26,000 off. It must've worked cause it was gone the following weekend.
Caddy of Norwood was advertising on the radio $25k off their '14s (I think they had 5). But, their website noted $31k off msrp. The fine print noted the federal tax credit, so fuzzy math. But, if I was truly interested, I'd go for at least the $31k off msrp, pre-tax credit. Still a tough sell for a toy. If it had the performance (think Tesla) to match it's looks, maybe...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Checked a co-workers new Nissan Murano this morning, I had no idea they were even on sale. No commercials, no launch news on the auto sites, nothing...
Anyways, in typical Murano fashion, it was polarizing and unique. Not surprising, this guy likes polarizing. Before this, he had a GMC Terrain (one of the ugliest vehicles out there IMO) that lunched it's motor at 90k due to a slipped timing chain, and before that an Isuzu Vehicross (Anybody remember those?)...
Interior certainly upgraded from the last one and it's certainly more cohesive than the last one IMO... Actually, the exterior looked very close to the concept that was shown in Chicago last year as well. It's certainly more cohesive than the last one IMO... How come Nissan can translate the details from concept to production so well when so many others water them down (I'm looking at you Subaru)?
Actually, the exterior looked very close to the concept that was shown in Chicago last year as well. It's certainly more cohesive than the last one IMO... How come Nissan can translate the details from concept to production so well when so many others water them down (I'm looking at you Subaru)?
Easy - when you are committed to producing a "polarizing" (translate: bad-looking) vehicle, you can not bother to worry about what people might think. Most companies produce concept designs that are "out there" knowing they would need to tone them done for mass acceptance. Nissan just throws the bad looking stuff onto the production line.
Saw 3x Lexus RC-F today - one gaudy colored one at the dealer, 2 on the road. Pains me to say it, it looks better in person than in pics. Front end is still a catastrophe, but the greenhouse isn't as offensive as it seems to me in pics.
Saw a Lexus NX yesterday. Not a bad looking thing. Much sportier looking than the RX. Not sure if it will attract a younger crowd to the brand or just more Lexus crowd who want to feel younger.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
If only, Michaell... Including mine, two XFs and an X-Type! That I know of, 1200 folks on site here.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Mazda - sat in a CX-5, a Mazda 3, and a Mazda 6. Interiors are not that bad, but why is it always black these days? Hate black interiors. Good values - all 3 of these vehicles top out between 29K and 31K, which is kind of interesting. The CX-5 is probably the most vehicle for that money, but not the one I would buy.
Acura - Sat in their cars in the showroom. As usual, good mix of pricing and some luxury although not a true luxury brand. What you get with them is a partially-Germanic vehicle with outstanding reliablity and reasonably low cost of repairs. Great cars if you buy and keep for a long time. ILX - I like the size (I prefer smaller cars), but the interior didn't wow me although the leather was really soft. The dash is too squarish for my tastes - looks too much like the current hideous Jetta interior to me. TLX - Looks pretty nice, surprisingly not that different than my current '05 TL. I wouldn't pay that amount for a car that doesn't seem all that different than the one I have now - which still looks and runs great. RDX - Nice midsized SUV, reasonable luxury and price. Seems a little less impressive to me than when I sat in one a few years ago. Did I mention that the interior was black? Perhaps that was it. MDX - Wow the pricing has gone up on this vehicle. No way would I pay >$55K for one of these - but I don't like bigger SUVs. I'd own a minivan before this.
Audi - Hadn't been into an Audi dealer in years. I owned a new '98 A4 which I sold when I got the Acura. Acura is reliable but the Audi was special in other ways. A8 - Truly luxurious barge at a breathtaking price. Q5 - I really like the size of this vehicle if I were getting an SUV. I also really liked the brown/tan color combo in the interior. Still, for $42K for a near-stripper model, it didn't seem nice enough to me for that price. I didn't think the interior was $12K nicer than the Mazda CX-5 - but at least it was in a color other than black! A4 - still a very nice car, nice interior. Price is like $10-$15K higher than I paid in '98, and I had a 6 cyl and these are 4 cyls. The seats are either a super sporty seat or a couch seat (the standard seat) which is too flat for me. Too bad there is not a standard seat with sort of in-between bolstering like my '98 was. A3 - Smaller, nice looking car. Interior was tight - perhaps even a bit tight for me and I like small cars. Interior was sort of nice but you could tell it was cheaper. I was a bit underwhelmed.
Overall observations - The luxury makes have prices that are more stratospheric than ever before - I suppose it's because everybody leases and few buy. The Audi salesman said ~80% of their cars are leased. Transmissions - I lament the disappearance of the manual. Even in the cars that still offer manual, none were to be found. The Mazda dealer said they were very rare. I miss the manual but I am grudgingly coming to the conclusion that I have already owned my last manual car. My son had said he wanted to learn manual but it's probably a skill like recording a cassette tape that is gone - unless in Europe perhaps.
With a good looking and running classic ('05) TL, I think I'm going to bide my time a bit longer. Nothing I liked was at a good price and I really can't justify those kind of expenses, even though I could afford it. I suppose I could buy a couple years used.
Interesting observations, especially on price. It's really true, especially in terms of lower level models, which have exploded in price. Luxobarges haven't inflated nearly as much, relatively. I use the example of an S-class - in 1992, the average spec one would be 85-90K. Say 105-110K for a typical 2015, so about a 20-25% increase. Average spec C or 3er (or equivalent like the A4 you mention) is at least 50% more now, and it takes no work to load up a C or 3er to 60K - insane. Kind of the same, or different, than some socio-economic trends, depending on the viewpoint. The middle cars have inflated just a little more than the top, but a bit less than the lower lines.
Your TL, relative to the brand, really is a classic - maybe the high point of Acura design. The brand is trying to do better now, but isn't all there yet.
Mazda - sat in a CX-5, a Mazda 3, and a Mazda 6. Interiors are not that bad, but why is it always black these days? Hate black interiors. Good values - all 3 of these vehicles top out between 29K and 31K, which is kind of interesting. The CX-5 is probably the most vehicle for that money, but not the one I would buy.
With a good looking and running classic ('05) TL, I think I'm going to bide my time a bit longer. Nothing I liked was at a good price and I really can't justify those kind of expenses, even though I could afford it. I suppose I could buy a couple years used.
Interesting observations, especially on price. It's really true, especially in terms of lower level models, which have exploded in price. Luxobarges haven't inflated nearly as much, relatively. I use the example of an S-class - in 1992, the average spec one would be 85-90K. Say 105-110K for a typical 2015, so about a 20-25% increase. Average spec C or 3er (or equivalent like the A4 you mention) is at least 50% more now, and it takes no work to load up a C or 3er to 60K - insane. Kind of the same, or different, than some socio-economic trends, depending on the viewpoint. The middle cars have inflated just a little more than the top, but a bit less than the lower lines.
Your TL, relative to the brand, really is a classic - maybe the high point of Acura design. The brand is trying to do better now, but isn't all there yet.
Yes, at 150K on my '05 TL I would normally be about ready to buy another something. I can't say that anything excites me very much at a price that I find tolerable. I look at my current TL and I agree that it is almost a classic in appearance for Acura - they sold tons of them, they have good resale values and mine has been exceptionally reliable. It's interior is still nicer than many of the newer cars (and is not black...).
I obviously like smaller premium sedans and I don't see much out there at a decent price. Here is kind of how I see the market in my general ballpark:
BMW 3 series - hugely overpriced (I realize this is not true for some people) relative to what you get, numb steering, not much luxury. German repair costs. MB C class - same as 3 series but more luxury, less sporty. German repair costs. Audi A4 - Way pricy. Ugly couch seat unless you go sport seat. Not great value since you'd have to spring for like $5-10K extra to get things you already get on a loaded Mazda. Audi A3 - a bit small. Looks a little bit cheap inside. VW Jetta - bland outside, totally bland inside. I realize that I had a rental that was lower grade and probably the higher trims are better. Also, VW dealers and repair costs. Mazda 3 - Haven't actually driven it but this is close. But so many black interiors. I've read they're a bit noisy so I'd like a bit more refinement, but at least great driving dynamics. Mazda 6 - similar to the 3 - but a bit large. Acura TLX - too close in size and style to my current TL; I might as well keep driving it. Acura ILX - good size, ok looks, ok interior but kind of squarish. A lot of Civic DNA which isn't that good. Toyota - No Lexus - No. I guess I should take a look at the IS - the newest model to me actually is the first where I find the looks tolerable. Honda - They've lost their way - not as sporty as they used to be. Lots of hard plastic.
I'm also not in the mood for German reliablity issues and repair prices although I tend to love the dynamics of those cars. I buy my cars and keep them a long time - if I were leasing for 3 years it wouldn't matter so much. But with BMW softening up their 3-series and the manual trannys being pretty much gone for everybody, there is not a lot to entice me.
For value that is why I was looking at Mazda, and at Acura, as I can get reliability and reasonable repair costs while maintaining some of the dynamics that I like. But when I look at say, a loaded Mazda 6 or Mazda 3 - I'm not sure they look that much better than my existing TL. Even at ten years old.
Assuming the TL is maintained, I am sure you can get it up to 200K before it suffers a real malady. You got your money's worth either way, so from here on, it is free motoring. After 10 years, I'd be too attached to let go, maybe bored, but I end up kind of bonding, and am trying not to do that with a modern car - one "forever car" is enough"
Black interior is a German thing, IMO. Practical, easy to keep clean, looks "classy" to boring people. It's also kind of dreary.
The decent priced premium cars are late model used/lease return with a big warranty. New is for lease, used is for purchase. Many leased cars rack up few miles, and can be a good deal after 27-36 months or whatever the standard term. You might even get some new car smell. I might buy and hold if we could get a C diesel wagon, otherwise, if cash flow looks workable, I will probably lease again, unless I find something really cool for sale. My issue is that most used cars I like are getting too old to be 100% reliable low maintenance daily drivers. Most 2000+ stuff bores me, no matter the brand.
Audi has become trendy, no longer sold as a value compared to BMW or MB. Lexus isn't far behind, a well optioned IS isn't cheap.
I am not sure which mainstream brand car I'd pick. I like a slightly larger car, to me the E is "just right". I'd probably lean towards Accord, maybe Fusion. But at the price of a loaded one, I might just risk it on a 6 year old AMG with an aftermarket warranty, and help an oil company meet profit targets.
Yes, at 150K on my '05 TL I would normally be about ready to buy another something. I can't say that anything excites me very much at a price that I find tolerable. I look at my current TL and I agree that it is almost a classic in appearance for Acura - they sold tons of them, they have good resale values and mine has been exceptionally reliable. It's interior is still nicer than many of the newer cars (and is not black...).
I obviously like smaller premium sedans and I don't see much out there at a decent price. Here is kind of how I see the market in my general ballpark:
For value that is why I was looking at Mazda, and at Acura, as I can get reliability and reasonable repair costs while maintaining some of the dynamics that I like. But when I look at say, a loaded Mazda 6 or Mazda 3 - I'm not sure they look that much better than my existing TL. Even at ten years old.
Assuming the TL is maintained, I am sure you can get it up to 200K before it suffers a real malady. You got your money's worth either way, so from here on, it is free motoring. After 10 years, I'd be too attached to let go, maybe bored, but I end up kind of bonding, and am trying not to do that with a modern car - one "forever car" is enough"
Black interior is a German thing, IMO. Practical, easy to keep clean, looks "classy" to boring people. It's also kind of dreary.
The decent priced premium cars are late model used/lease return with a big warranty. New is for lease, used is for purchase. Many leased cars rack up few miles, and can be a good deal after 27-36 months or whatever the standard term. You might even get some new car smell. I might buy and hold if we could get a C diesel wagon, otherwise, if cash flow looks workable, I will probably lease again, unless I find something really cool for sale. My issue is that most used cars I like are getting too old to be 100% reliable low maintenance daily drivers. Most 2000+ stuff bores me, no matter the brand.
Good thoughts. I've thought about a slightly used C-class as I do like the size and look of recent models. Just not sure I want the stigma, or the cost of maintenance. I suppose I should give one a drive.
For the TL, I am somewhat attached as it is really reliable and familiar. It has nav, bluetooth (things that were cutting edge in '05) and premium sound, a nice interior. My driver's seat is beginning to crack in the center bottom cushion a bit due to 150K miles of my butt on it. But I am a bit bored with the car, too, after so long. But there is certainly no good financial justification to get rid of it.
I sort of like the look of the Kia Soul - if they could make it run like an Audi with an Audi interior it would be a cool car. Too bad that the good looking quirky smaller cars are often junky inside and in refinement. I liked the looks of the PT Cruiser, too, but then inside...
The RLX pretty much summarizes Acura's problems. It's a non-entity in the marketplace. Their other vehicles are improving, hope the figure how to compete in the RLX's niche.
I stopped by an Acura dealer few months ago and was surprised that for a flagship, the RLX is priced in the $50k range. Even more surprised is that is starts at $49k here in Canada and $55k in the US. It's usually the other way around, cars tend to be cheaper in the US.
But with the TL/TLX having pretty much same tech, powertrain, and options, it's no wonder the TL cannibalized some of the RL/RLX sales as it's thousands cheaper for similar content.
Comments
I saw a very new Maserati coupe this afternoon, they say something, not always 100% positive.
A $280K car is rare in these parts.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
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2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I'm used to some pretty high prices in this area. A new complex opening soon (Ink Block Boston) has apartments renting in the $40/sq ft per month area:
http://www.inkblockboston.com/1-ink#!/apt/unit/3-612
That McLaren is a nice sighting. Today I saw a late model Ferrari something or other being very slowly parallel parked by someone who probably hasn't been driving very long, and that's all I will say about that.
Also a 4er GT, which is a unique special piece of design.
I see GLA every other day or so. New C class just about every day. C is designed to be a mini S, kind of like what Audi and now BMW are doing with their "sausages of different lengths" ideal. I hope the next E is a little different.
My bad. It's interesting that these units are targeting at mid to late twenties aged high tech workers making over 6 figures a year who care more about a doggie day care in the building than parking spots or a gym.
Stopped by the MB dealer to show off the dash cam to my salesman (he's a car guy too) - they had the most loaded E350 I have ever seen, I think it had every option but strangely missing dynamic seats. Designo paint and interior, every gadget and nicknack - 73K, probably the most loaded 6cyl around. Also a loaded S550 sitting in the showroom - quilted interior, 4 place seating, huge option load - around 150K I think. I sat in it, and could live in it.
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funny thing. Every year, I check out all the Lexus models. And every year, the only one I like, and find comfortable, is the ES.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
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Many of the traditional livery companies in Boston have gone to Escalades as their clients are used to large SUV's. If the business is organized as above the drivers who lease have to get what the company tells them to.
One Boston area CAddy dealer has almost cleared out his ELR inventory by knocking $20k off the MSRP. Of course, there's a $14k rebate, so $20k is a good start. Get it down to $50k, maybe a better seller?
There is one on Rt9 in Framingham that had a big poster on the side of it for $26,000 off. It must've worked cause it was gone the following weekend.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Anyways, in typical Murano fashion, it was polarizing and unique. Not surprising, this guy likes polarizing. Before this, he had a GMC Terrain (one of the ugliest vehicles out there IMO) that lunched it's motor at 90k due to a slipped timing chain, and before that an Isuzu Vehicross (Anybody remember those?)...
Interior certainly upgraded from the last one and it's certainly more cohesive than the last one IMO... Actually, the exterior looked very close to the concept that was shown in Chicago last year as well. It's certainly more cohesive than the last one IMO... How come Nissan can translate the details from concept to production so well when so many others water them down (I'm looking at you Subaru)?
Hope to take it for a spin at lunch today.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
And an NX, because Bellevue. I can see it going to those who want the Lexus soft road experience but think an RX is too motherly.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
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'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
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Turns out they sold about 2,500 in CA, and they're all being recalled:
http://jalopnik.com/toyota-recalling-all-its-tesla-powered-rav4-evs-for-cra-1691020149
Mazda - sat in a CX-5, a Mazda 3, and a Mazda 6. Interiors are not that bad, but why is it always black these days? Hate black interiors. Good values - all 3 of these vehicles top out between 29K and 31K, which is kind of interesting. The CX-5 is probably the most vehicle for that money, but not the one I would buy.
Acura - Sat in their cars in the showroom. As usual, good mix of pricing and some luxury although not a true luxury brand. What you get with them is a partially-Germanic vehicle with outstanding reliablity and reasonably low cost of repairs. Great cars if you buy and keep for a long time.
ILX - I like the size (I prefer smaller cars), but the interior didn't wow me although the leather was really soft. The dash is too squarish for my tastes - looks too much like the current hideous Jetta interior to me.
TLX - Looks pretty nice, surprisingly not that different than my current '05 TL. I wouldn't pay that amount for a car that doesn't seem all that different than the one I have now - which still looks and runs great.
RDX - Nice midsized SUV, reasonable luxury and price. Seems a little less impressive to me than when I sat in one a few years ago. Did I mention that the interior was black? Perhaps that was it.
MDX - Wow the pricing has gone up on this vehicle. No way would I pay >$55K for one of these - but I don't like bigger SUVs. I'd own a minivan before this.
Audi - Hadn't been into an Audi dealer in years. I owned a new '98 A4 which I sold when I got the Acura. Acura is reliable but the Audi was special in other ways.
A8 - Truly luxurious barge at a breathtaking price.
Q5 - I really like the size of this vehicle if I were getting an SUV. I also really liked the brown/tan color combo in the interior. Still, for $42K for a near-stripper model, it didn't seem nice enough to me for that price. I didn't think the interior was $12K nicer than the Mazda CX-5 - but at least it was in a color other than black!
A4 - still a very nice car, nice interior. Price is like $10-$15K higher than I paid in '98, and I had a 6 cyl and these are 4 cyls. The seats are either a super sporty seat or a couch seat (the standard seat) which is too flat for me. Too bad there is not a standard seat with sort of in-between bolstering like my '98 was.
A3 - Smaller, nice looking car. Interior was tight - perhaps even a bit tight for me and I like small cars. Interior was sort of nice but you could tell it was cheaper. I was a bit underwhelmed.
Overall observations - The luxury makes have prices that are more stratospheric than ever before - I suppose it's because everybody leases and few buy. The Audi salesman said ~80% of their cars are leased. Transmissions - I lament the disappearance of the manual. Even in the cars that still offer manual, none were to be found. The Mazda dealer said they were very rare. I miss the manual but I am grudgingly coming to the conclusion that I have already owned my last manual car. My son had said he wanted to learn manual but it's probably a skill like recording a cassette tape that is gone - unless in Europe perhaps.
With a good looking and running classic ('05) TL, I think I'm going to bide my time a bit longer. Nothing I liked was at a good price and I really can't justify those kind of expenses, even though I could afford it. I suppose I could buy a couple years used.
And yet, In Luxury-Car Race, Profits Get Dented (WSJ)
Sounds like the German luxo brands are trying to outspend each other on marketing.
Your TL, relative to the brand, really is a classic - maybe the high point of Acura design. The brand is trying to do better now, but isn't all there yet.
I obviously like smaller premium sedans and I don't see much out there at a decent price. Here is kind of how I see the market in my general ballpark:
BMW 3 series - hugely overpriced (I realize this is not true for some people) relative to what you get, numb steering, not much luxury. German repair costs.
MB C class - same as 3 series but more luxury, less sporty. German repair costs.
Audi A4 - Way pricy. Ugly couch seat unless you go sport seat. Not great value since you'd have to spring for like $5-10K extra to get things you already get on a loaded Mazda.
Audi A3 - a bit small. Looks a little bit cheap inside.
VW Jetta - bland outside, totally bland inside. I realize that I had a rental that was lower grade and probably the higher trims are better. Also, VW dealers and repair costs.
Mazda 3 - Haven't actually driven it but this is close. But so many black interiors. I've read they're a bit noisy so I'd like a bit more refinement, but at least great driving dynamics.
Mazda 6 - similar to the 3 - but a bit large.
Acura TLX - too close in size and style to my current TL; I might as well keep driving it.
Acura ILX - good size, ok looks, ok interior but kind of squarish. A lot of Civic DNA which isn't that good.
Toyota - No
Lexus - No. I guess I should take a look at the IS - the newest model to me actually is the first where I find the looks tolerable.
Honda - They've lost their way - not as sporty as they used to be. Lots of hard plastic.
I'm also not in the mood for German reliablity issues and repair prices although I tend to love the dynamics of those cars. I buy my cars and keep them a long time - if I were leasing for 3 years it wouldn't matter so much. But with BMW softening up their 3-series and the manual trannys being pretty much gone for everybody, there is not a lot to entice me.
For value that is why I was looking at Mazda, and at Acura, as I can get reliability and reasonable repair costs while maintaining some of the dynamics that I like. But when I look at say, a loaded Mazda 6 or Mazda 3 - I'm not sure they look that much better than my existing TL. Even at ten years old.
Black interior is a German thing, IMO. Practical, easy to keep clean, looks "classy" to boring people. It's also kind of dreary.
The decent priced premium cars are late model used/lease return with a big warranty. New is for lease, used is for purchase. Many leased cars rack up few miles, and can be a good deal after 27-36 months or whatever the standard term. You might even get some new car smell. I might buy and hold if we could get a C diesel wagon, otherwise, if cash flow looks workable, I will probably lease again, unless I find something really cool for sale. My issue is that most used cars I like are getting too old to be 100% reliable low maintenance daily drivers. Most 2000+ stuff bores me, no matter the brand.
Audi has become trendy, no longer sold as a value compared to BMW or MB. Lexus isn't far behind, a well optioned IS isn't cheap.
I am not sure which mainstream brand car I'd pick. I like a slightly larger car, to me the E is "just right". I'd probably lean towards Accord, maybe Fusion. But at the price of a loaded one, I might just risk it on a 6 year old AMG with an aftermarket warranty, and help an oil company meet profit targets.
Yes, at 150K on my '05 TL I would normally be about ready to buy another something. I can't say that anything excites me very much at a price that I find tolerable. I look at my current TL and I agree that it is almost a classic in appearance for Acura - they sold tons of them, they have good resale values and mine has been exceptionally reliable. It's interior is still nicer than many of the newer cars (and is not black...).
I obviously like smaller premium sedans and I don't see much out there at a decent price. Here is kind of how I see the market in my general ballpark:
For value that is why I was looking at Mazda, and at Acura, as I can get reliability and reasonable repair costs while maintaining some of the dynamics that I like. But when I look at say, a loaded Mazda 6 or Mazda 3 - I'm not sure they look that much better than my existing TL. Even at ten years old.
For the TL, I am somewhat attached as it is really reliable and familiar. It has nav, bluetooth (things that were cutting edge in '05) and premium sound, a nice interior. My driver's seat is beginning to crack in the center bottom cushion a bit due to 150K miles of my butt on it. But I am a bit bored with the car, too, after so long. But there is certainly no good financial justification to get rid of it.
I sort of like the look of the Kia Soul - if they could make it run like an Audi with an Audi interior it would be a cool car. Too bad that the good looking quirky smaller cars are often junky inside and in refinement. I liked the looks of the PT Cruiser, too, but then inside...
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
But with the TL/TLX having pretty much same tech, powertrain, and options, it's no wonder the TL cannibalized some of the RL/RLX sales as it's thousands cheaper for similar content.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Before the loonie crashed, some MBs were cheaper, spec for spec, in Canada than in the US. A rare event indeed.