Years ago someone on one of these discussions described their experience with a their 10-year-old Jaguar, bought new. The dealer didn't want it back in trade! That's some depreciation.
I think a SLK will bottom out no lower than 10K - in today's money, and that's for a legitimately decent car. Older E55 and S55 are stabilizing around there, and the older C AMGs aren't much less - mind you, this is for nice cars, and there are many neglected ones out there.
Speaking of AMG, I was behind a white C63S AMG on the way home today.
I saw one of those BMW things that is fairly large and looks like a Mazda 3 hatchback on steroids. Looks kind of silly but could not get close enough to read the badge.
Yeah true but this is just a hatchback version of the X3, trying to lure that occasional Macan or RX buyer away---offering less practicality for the sake of styling. And now they're offering an M version, which pretty much wipes out any ground clearance advantage of owning the X4 in the first place, while upping the price close to an X6.
If that's not "niche-crazy", I don't know what it.
The Germans are definitely out-nicheing everyone. X1, X3, X4, X5, X6, eventual X7, and there's an X2 concept now. MB has GLA, GLC, GLE, GLE coupe, GLS, G-Wagen. Ride height makes easy access for oldsters and false confidence for the inept. And just as important, it is trendy, kind of showy - turn heads at the mall.
There are times when a CUV/SUV does seem appealing to me despite how much I love the driving experience of the ATS. Like when I was shopping for a headboard for my bed. They all come in large boxes, no way can I possibly get it home with my car, even if the rear seat folded down, which it doesn't. It has been almost 20 years since I had a car where the rear seat didn't fold. I didn't even bother to check that before buying since I just assumed it was so. But Caddy doesn't give you one unless you move up a model level. Crazy.
But having said that, it is usually one or two times a year I need that capacity, and I would be saddled with a ponderous driving experience the rest of the time.
Well, I think moving to hatch/wagon style is a good thing. I find them much more useful. The silly part is jacking them all up, and often putting AWD on. A normal ride height wagon drives just like a sedan. But can hold a lot more.
Hey, I'm still in the years of carting mucho junk back and forth to college. So big bulk cargo capacity is important to me! Plus, better set up for transporting a dog.
I like our CUV. Better in the ways that count to me: More headroom, front and rear, great legroom, so can fit 4 tall (6' 5" for two of them) adults with no head bumping. Easier in/out, better visibility, and MUCH more flexible in terms of carrying things/dog/dog crate/etc. Does it use a bit (20%) more gas? Sure. Does it not handle quite as well? Not to me, in 99% of my boring driving.
The supposed deficiencies of CUVs are the favorite whipping boy of much of the car press, but most of the reasons cited are either out of date or unimportant to most drivers. Would I like a Boxster, if I lived somewhere it would be fun? Sure, but that's not here.
Well, I think moving to hatch/wagon style is a good thing. I find them much more useful. The silly part is jacking them all up, and often putting AWD on. A normal ride height wagon drives just like a sedan. But can hold a lot more.
Hey, I'm still in the years of carting mucho junk back and forth to college. So big bulk cargo capacity is important to me! Plus, better set up for transporting a dog.
Just read MB is bringing an E400 wagon here. Looks pretty sweet.
'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
I really prefer smaller cars now. The RDX is plenty long enough (183"?). It is just somewhat wide, with a big blocky front end that makes in seem bigger than it really is.
something in the 175-185" range will work. Don't really want to be pushing 200" again.
I looked at the E wagon during the last shop. It is a nice car, but the cost difference between it and the Volvo more than paid for adding solar to our house. And the Volvo isn't exactly a penalty box. Still, the new gen E does look pretty nice, and you aren't forced into a little engine only like the new V90.
Of course, it's moot for me, as I'd want a diesel, and VW has put that on hold for almost everyone for at least the near future.
Yes, they've really outdone themselves this time, haven't they? They lost my interest anyway when they Americanized their sedans a few years ago. I'm all for their top brass being arrested in the country. But don't I wish the banks would've had quite a few scores of their execs put in the slammer for torching the economy in 2008? You betcha.
I am not too upset about VW hurting themselves, as there aren't a lot of VAG products I really pine for. For VW, I'd be most likely to consider the Alltrack or maybe some kind of AWD Passat (I know, not a thing here), but I would want diesel for any of them. This is off the shelf now, maybe forever in this market. The diesel name has been harmed as a whole too, which no upcoming MB diesels having any kind of ETA here.
I have no problem with financial penalties, but I think arrests may be heavy handed looking at how few (virtually zero) have been arrested for similar crimes. Law enforcement and the justice system as a whole have to be consistent to be credible - and they are sorely lacking in credibility right now. But when you are handsomely rewarded and effectively can't be fired, why not use some ego? IMO, that's a key driver in this - federal regulator types take themselves very seriously, and when it is shown to the public that they were fooled, they take it personally. The amounts of the fines also must be consistent, and I don't think they are. It'll be interesting if this same thing continues in the new regime. With the swamp about to be drained of old vermin, to be replaced with a new mixture of crocodiles. piranhas, and vultures, it will be interesting.
No doubt numerous FIRE sector trash along wish some political/praetorian leadership types of the past few decades deserve the slammer a lot more. We have a few who are effectively war criminals who roam around with impunity today. Maybe a discussion for another venue
Yes, they've really outdone themselves this time, haven't they? They lost my interest anyway when they Americanized their sedans a few years ago. I'm all for their top brass being arrested in the country. But don't I wish the banks would've had quite a few scores of their execs put in the slammer for torching the economy in 2008? You betcha.
I looked at the E wagon during the last shop. It is a nice car, but the cost difference between it and the Volvo more than paid for adding solar to our house. And the Volvo isn't exactly a penalty box. Still, the new gen E does look pretty nice, and you aren't forced into a little engine only like the new V90.
It seems like the very reasons to own a diesel are being eroded by ever more clever new technologies in automotive propulsion. Fuel economy, torque---these once unassailable bastions of diesel cars are being eradicated.
A reporter is looking to talk to someone who was originally shopping for a new car, but decided to buy a CPO vehicle instead because it was a better deal. If you're willing to assist, please send an email to PR@Edmunds.com no later than Monday, January 16, 2017.
Saw 2 new C coupes this evening. I've also been seeing more illuminated grille stars lately, still seems a bit tacky to me. But maybe fitting for the mysteriously monied demographic around here.
Today in the workplace parking garage saw a new freshly plated Bentley Continental - pretty sure this is the CEO's car. Also a Model X with a front plate (!), BC plates, maybe Canadia enforces such laws.
Gee I thought all the Bentleys were in Florida (thankfully).
Three years ago when I was working, our CEO took a shine to one of the local private liquor retail CEOs and they started having lunch together, etc. This guy had been one of the biggest regional independent cellphone retailers back in the '90s and early '00s before selling out to Bell. He was reported to have made $150 million on the deal. He is an ex-prizefighter and a bit of an odd duck, never says much, not well-educated, not someone you would want angry with you, but a self-made man and an interesting businessman. I actually like him because you always know exactly where you stand with him. He took the $150 mil and bought up a bunch of other businesses, did well with some, ran others into the ground. Spent a chunk of it on a lavish lakefront home that he recently demolished and rebuilt. And on a string of expensive cars.
One day I was in my office, which was immediately above our Exec parking and main entrance. Normally I never heard anything from down there but this day I heard a rorty exhaust note. I looked out my window to see him leaving in his Bentley Continental coupe. Wow, what a sound. That was one of his summer cars. His winter car was a M-B S-Class. Probably along with a half-dozen others apiece in either category.
Saw a new Ridgeline today, reminds me of a cut-down Pilot.
re: Bentley, South Beach/Miami is definitely a good place if you like them, dime a dozen there. Not too unusual in pricier west coast areas either. I don't think it is the prettiest car ever, but the Continental design has aged very well. Earlier ones can now be had for the price of a moderately equipped C/3er etc, shouldn't be tempting but somehow is.
CEO's other car is a Ferrari 458, which I see at least weekly. I prefer older models, my head turns more at a 328 than at a new one.
I've driven the Continental. Meh.
I think C&D summed it up in 2010:
"one tends to be impressed by it rather than fall in love with it. It’s also a little out of tune with the times"
Have you driven the new Continental, shifty?
I'm not sure what that quote could be about since the Conti wasn't produced at that time.
'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
"one tends to be impressed by it rather than fall in love with it. It’s also a little out of tune with the times"
Have you driven the new Continental, shifty?
I'm not sure what that quote could be about since the Conti wasn't produced at that time.
That would be weird because I just looked at a 2010 Bentley Continental. My sources say 2003-2011 for the "Continental GT". It was the first VW/Bentley.
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Shifty thinks it is a bad deal.
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Hey, no fair-----I'm all for you buying it. I got my popcorn, my beach chair and I'm ready for the daily blogs.
I'm virtually squealing in anticipation.
http://www.sears.com/duramax-4-ft-w-x-6-ft-d/p-SPM11977518315?plpSellerId=Wayfair.com&prdNo=22&blockNo=22&blockType=G22
http://www.garden-fountains.com/30-inch-roman-bowl-planter/
'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
Speaking of AMG, I was behind a white C63S AMG on the way home today.
Behold the tasteful and elegant X4. They are relatively common in this area, as some demographics love such things.
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If that's not "niche-crazy", I don't know what it.
But having said that, it is usually one or two times a year I need that capacity, and I would be saddled with a ponderous driving experience the rest of the time.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
(Don Corleone voice): "And someday, ab348, you may be asked to do something for us in return".
Hey, I'm still in the years of carting mucho junk back and forth to college. So big bulk cargo capacity is important to me! Plus, better set up for transporting a dog.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The supposed deficiencies of CUVs are the favorite whipping boy of much of the car press, but most of the reasons cited are either out of date or unimportant to most drivers. Would I like a Boxster, if I lived somewhere it would be fun? Sure, but that's not here.
'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
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'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
something in the 175-185" range will work. Don't really want to be pushing 200" again.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Of course, it's moot for me, as I'd want a diesel, and VW has put that on hold for almost everyone for at least the near future.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
They lost my interest anyway when they Americanized their sedans a few years ago.
I'm all for their top brass being arrested in the country. But don't I wish the banks would've had quite a few scores of their execs put in the slammer for torching the economy in 2008? You betcha.
I have no problem with financial penalties, but I think arrests may be heavy handed looking at how few (virtually zero) have been arrested for similar crimes. Law enforcement and the justice system as a whole have to be consistent to be credible - and they are sorely lacking in credibility right now. But when you are handsomely rewarded and effectively can't be fired, why not use some ego? IMO, that's a key driver in this - federal regulator types take themselves very seriously, and when it is shown to the public that they were fooled, they take it personally. The amounts of the fines also must be consistent, and I don't think they are. It'll be interesting if this same thing continues in the new regime. With the swamp about to be drained of old vermin, to be replaced with a new mixture of crocodiles. piranhas, and vultures, it will be interesting.
No doubt numerous FIRE sector trash along wish some political/praetorian leadership types of the past few decades deserve the slammer a lot more. We have a few who are effectively war criminals who roam around with impunity today. Maybe a discussion for another venue
As the US hasn't had a diesel E wagon in decades, I don't know if we'll ever have one again.
A reporter is looking to talk to someone who was originally shopping for a new car, but decided to buy a CPO vehicle instead because it was a better deal. If you're willing to assist, please send an email to PR@Edmunds.com no later than Monday, January 16, 2017.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
One day I was in my office, which was immediately above our Exec parking and main entrance. Normally I never heard anything from down there but this day I heard a rorty exhaust note. I looked out my window to see him leaving in his Bentley Continental coupe. Wow, what a sound. That was one of his summer cars. His winter car was a M-B S-Class. Probably along with a half-dozen others apiece in either category.
Almost as bad as @breld...
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
re: Bentley, South Beach/Miami is definitely a good place if you like them, dime a dozen there. Not too unusual in pricier west coast areas either. I don't think it is the prettiest car ever, but the Continental design has aged very well. Earlier ones can now be had for the price of a moderately equipped C/3er etc, shouldn't be tempting but somehow is.
CEO's other car is a Ferrari 458, which I see at least weekly. I prefer older models, my head turns more at a 328 than at a new one.
I think C&D summed it up in 2010:
"one tends to be impressed by it rather than fall in love with it. It’s also a little out of tune with the times"
I'm not sure what that quote could be about since the Conti wasn't produced at that time.
'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
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
'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
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
I'm not sure what that quote could be about since the Conti wasn't produced at that time.
That would be weird because I just looked at a 2010 Bentley Continental.