I'm not against renting a stripper model if it's a rig that I like the body design of and it's riding dyamics. I enjoyed the 2014 Nissan Rogue I rented out of Sea-Tac in Dec. of 2014 - that was the last car I rented. It's not the type of car I like, though, for a purchase. Although I would consider a 2017 Kia Sportage to buy - but it is no longer offered with a manual transmission as far as I know, that is a problem.
I'm in my hotel in Palo Alto. I did get a Jetta as my rental. Blue, but I think it's a '15 - no camera, no USB, no touchscreen.
Was it an automatic, Michaell? Bet it was.
I don't think I've ever rented a car in North America that was a stick.
I don't think I've ever rented a car in North America that was a stick.
Yep, automatic.
Now we're gettin' down ta brass tacks. They need ta offer manual trannies for those of us who don't want an automatic tranny. I broke my two-car string of buying sticks when I bought our 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS. It did have paddle shifters, at least, and I was very happy with that race car compact. I know, guys, it was a 4-cyl. but I loved that car - the reviews were stupid that put down that car. I didn't think it was going to suffer a catastrophic belt failure that fateful late June day in 2014, or I would still be driving the car today. I'm glad ta be back in a stick, and a Kia stick. Simple, boxy small Korean rig that has no shakes, rattles or rolls and delivers the goods. The fact that rental car companies are not offering sticks for rent is not right.
Even the last few rentals I've had in Europe were automatics. In Lisbon, I told the counter person that I was fine with a stick, and he told me they rarely have sticks at all anymore. Same thing in Geneva.
Even the last few rentals I've had in Europe were automatics. In Lisbon, I told the counter person that I was fine with a stick, and he told me they rarely have sticks at all anymore. Same thing in Geneva.
It's sort of the "dumbing-down of drivers, worldwide." No offense ta people who love ta drive automatics - that's not what I mean. I'm not trying ta be Dennis Rodman...ish, either. I just noticed this lack of transmission choices available to car renters.
If anyone who is interested in a GTI is looking, there is a dealer down in VA that is advertising $7k off 2016 GTIs on another board and $1k under invoice on 2017s. That is a lot of car for the money...
The problem is there are not many 2016 lower level trims around - mostly Autobahns.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
What's (asking everyone) your opinion on a near 10 year old car only having 21K miles?
I am looking in the used market for a nice daily driver to rack up the "drone" miles on, and '04-'08 Acura TL's would suite me nicely I think.
Found an '07 with 21K miles. So low mile it scares me. Wouldn't you be wanting to change the timing belt at 10 years regardless of mileage? I feel like if I got an '08 with 100K miles I'd be better off in some ways as certain services have already probably been done, and any defects weeded out. I'd imagine Acuras could go 200K easily without any major issues.
They also have an '08 with 24K miles. Acura didn't suffer from the V6 Honda transmission issue did it? Other then that (and maybe the old AC) I can see low mile used cars being attractive. But less than 3K miles per year is REALLY low. Always liked and wanted a TL from that vintage; and they seem to be a dime a dozen on the used market now ($14-$20K) depending on mileage.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
The proliferation of inexpensive DSGs and CVTs for lower power applications might be behind it, too. A manual in Europe has been as much of a cost issue as anything else.
Timing belt should be 10 years regardless of miles. But most likely, would be fine. Depends if you feel lucky.
Yes, those are the same trannies. Though by 2007, I think much less of an issue. Especially in the TL.
Really depends to me how much of a $ premium they want for the miles. 100k on one of these does not scare me, if maintained (especially trans fluid replacement). If you get it, I would replace all the fluids immediately. And the belts. So probably a quick 1k in preventive maintenance, but probably many cheap years to follow.
Test drove '16 Accord LX (told about $2,500 under sticker is the going rate which would make it about $21K), '16 Kia Optima FE base model (told about $3000 under sticker is the going rate making it about 20,500 I think), and '16 Passat S where best quotes coming in at a smidge over $18K!
Other than Passat; A little rich for my blood giving all the base models lack certain essentials that I like, but the next level up trim is usually at least 2K more if not 3K. I drove the Kia FE model, which is tuned to be slow and get good mileage. I'd rather probably have the normal version as it was slow despite a quick shifting auto (seemed like maybe the best transmission of the 3)
Accord had the most power and seemed it would beat the Passat's also FE tuned 1.8T in a drag race. Never a big fan of the 1.8T, just felt slow too, but not as bad as the Kia 2.4 FE.
You lease experts; which one would lease the cheapest right now; Accord right?
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
My guess, accord will be the worst. From my shopping, Hondas are better to buy than lease. A Kia or sonata will go cheap now. And the Passat, probably fire sale at this point.
My guess, accord will be the worst. From my shopping, Hondas are better to buy than lease. A Kia or sonata will go cheap now. And the Passat, probably fire sale at this point.
Fire sale, but the Passat S model does cut costs galore; no push button start, tiny screen in dash (Kia guilty here too), no leather steering wheel, small 16" wheels.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Test drove '16 Accord LX (told about $2,500 under sticker is the going rate which would make it about $21K), '16 Kia Optima FE base model (told about $3000 under sticker is the going rate making it about 20,500 I think), and '16 Passat S where best quotes coming in at a smidge over $18K!
Other than Passat; A little rich for my blood giving all the base models lack certain essentials that I like, but the next level up trim is usually at least 2K more if not 3K. I drove the Kia FE model, which is tuned to be slow and get good mileage. I'd rather probably have the normal version as it was slow despite a quick shifting auto (seemed like maybe the best transmission of the 3)
Accord had the most power and seemed it would beat the Passat's also FE tuned 1.8T in a drag race. Never a big fan of the 1.8T, just felt slow too, but not as bad as the Kia 2.4 FE.
You lease experts; which one would lease the cheapest right now; Accord right?
I have to agree with you about the 1.8T in the Passat. The 2.0T is a lot better, you wouldn't think there would be that much difference in 0.2 liters. I think you're right about the 1.8T being tuned for fuel economy, whereas we all know the 2.0T is tuned for GLH.
Does anyone else remember the GLH? Way, way back, Lee Iacocca released a version of the Dodge Omni which was really fast. When asked about the name GLH, he admitted that it stood for "Goes Like H-e-double-L"
I think the Passat S is a lot of car for $18k. But I suspect if you bought the Accord for $2.5k more money, 3 or 4 years from now you would get back the 2.5k in resale value. And possibly more.
I think you can lease a Cruze pretty cheap right now, from the ads I've seen. No clue on anything else.
Yes, I'd do the t-belt at 10 years regardless of mileage. You may also want to do the tensioner, water pump, serpentine belt, and serpentine tensioner while you're in there, so it could end up being pretty expensive.
I would even consider an SE Jetta, like @Michaell . They are a very good size given the class and likely to be much better with the 1.8T than the Passat.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
Yes, I'd do the t-belt at 10 years regardless of mileage. You may also want to do the tensioner, water pump, serpentine belt, and serpentine tensioner while you're in there, so it could end up being pretty expensive.
Agreed - have these done - it will be worth it in the long run.
My Dad had 86 Shelby Charger, I still think they are cool even today. In the 80s my Uncle ran a huge Dodge dealer and everyone had a Chrysler product in one way shape or form.
As for the cheap leases, I think the Passat has to be the cheapest mid size car to lease at the moment. I really think you could be in the 215ish range with just first payment down.
I would even consider an SE Jetta, like @Michaell . They are a very good size given the class and likely to be much better with the 1.8T than the Passat.
The Jetta SE only comes with the 1.4T. Sport and SEL have the 1.8T
not a lot of inventory left. Accords are leasing well, relative to MSRP.
Yes, I'd do the t-belt at 10 years regardless of mileage. You may also want to do the tensioner, water pump, serpentine belt, and serpentine tensioner while you're in there, so it could end up being pretty expensive.
Agreed - have these done - it will be worth it in the long run.
Stating this from experience, are you?
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
Outside water leak by the outside faucet. Plumber here right now fixing problem, wife found it at 6:30 when she put the trash cans away, was home sick today and didn't hear anything at 5:50 this morning when I took the trash and recycling bins to the curb. Should be about $190ish with the coupon we have but will have water tonight as we had to turn it off to the whole house. Ah, the pleasures of home ownership!! But even with renting, we'd have to call someone to fix it. Like a garage door breaking, these things usually happen at night or on a weekend, never happens at midday when it's easier. Plumber just left, took him under an hour and all is fixed for $193.90 using coupon. Folks, have your kids become plumbers as they do very well it seems!!! We have water...yay!!!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Plumber just left, took him under an hour and all is fixed for $193.90 using coupon. Folks, have your kids become plumbers as they do very well it seems!!! The Sandman
My friend Jimmy came from a family of plumbers, even his sisters were married to plumbers. Jimmy worked for his brother’s plumbing company. One Sunday in 1958 Jimmy got a call about a flooded basement, so he asked me (age 14, Jimmy was two years older) to ride along as his apprentice.
We found a basement with about two feet of water. We donned waders, Jimmy found the drain, inserted a snake while I cranked the muscle end (no electric drive back then). Five minutes and problem solved.
Then Jimmy gave the customer a sizable bill. The customer says “Look boys, I’m a union man myself, but this is a lot, especially for a couple of kids.” Jimmy replies “It’s not so much us as it is the truck carrying thousands of dollars of tools and supplies, plus double-time on Sunday.” Damn right, plumbers do make a lot.
Yeah, but with our '08 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS in late June of 2014, I had just had the car checked at the Mitsubishi dealer in stever's hometown of Las Cruces, NM, at Sisbarro Mitsubishi. The maintenance manual did not call for the serpentine belt ta be replaced yet at the car's mileage. The timing chain is not mentioned in the maintenance manual anywhere that I could find it as needing maintenance. The service advisor at Sisbarro Mitsubishi said that the "belts all look good." They changed oil and did a few things the car needed. So we thought we were all right. The A/C had been serviced, everything was up ta snuff on the compact from Japan. What happened with the Lancer GTS is we had a serpentine belt that Mitsubishi found "would wear out prematurely" and break in "some customer instances" or some sort of verbage like that...break prematurely.
Well, the recall didn't start for about 2 weeks after our belt broke and caused the timing chain seizure and ultimate engine failure. We traded it in on the '11 Kia Soul and a couple weeks later got the recall notice on the '08 Lancer GTS from Mitsubishi Corporate. We called to see if they could help - I mean, it was their failing serpentine belt that caused our Lancer's engine failure. "If you would have called us right after your Lancer broke down, we could've helped you with this problem."
OK, but, are most people going to think of calling Corporate for their carmaker when they're stranded and needing help? Some people might have but not once did I think of doing that or even needing ta do that. Talk about irritating treatment. Our Lancer GTS may have only been worth about $6,000 or $7,000 bucks before that failed Mitsubishi engine part, but after it failed our '08 Lancer GTS was only worth $2,000 in trade for a Kia or Mitsubishi. Fortunately my wife and I had paid the car off about a year earlier. The car had about 130,000 miles on it and we both still loved the car. Very annoying experience and what is kind of weird is that I would consider buying another Mitsubishi one day. I just don't see how they think that their customers would know ta call Corporate after a breakdown of one of their cars. Something was rotten in El Paso that day.
Plumber just left, took him under an hour and all is fixed for $193.90 using coupon. Folks, have your kids become plumbers as they do very well it seems!!! We have water...yay!!!
I must have gotten lucky. I discovered the drainpipe for the kitchen sink would dribble water onto the basement floor when you pulled the plug on a sinkful of water. Called a plumber, guy came early this morning and found the problem - a small hole on the side of the pipe in the basement joists likely caused by an electrician who was here last fall doing some rewiring. Replaced the section of pipe, in and out quickly, cost was $92.
Very poetic--we hit the 29th punch of the year on August 29:
Smooth, easy transaction. The car is very quiet, even on the highway. It has nav but doesn't have a backup camera (!) or auto climate control. Amazing how quickly we take these things for granted. Also, the keyless ignition doesn't automatically crank, so you have to push and hold the start button with your foot on the brake in order to start the engine. Every other keyless ignition I've driven, you just put your foot on the brake and tap the start button. There is turbo lag at low RPMs, but once you get above 10 MPH or so, the car has good acceleration. I've already put it to work:
Since we have had the 2012 S60 for two years, I started browsing to see what piqued my interest. Nothing for the money at this point (~$25k or less). I like the Mercedes GLC, and the Acura TLX, but they haven't come down in price yet. I wish the ILX offered AWD, as it would be a decent entry level "premium" sedan.
I got to thinking, has anyone used swapalease or lease trader? I wonder if anyone consistently uses it to get new cars - i.e. take over someone's lease for the remaining timeframe, then when that one is up, take over another lease. Assuming your situation is pretty flexible, meaning single or married without kids, drive few miles per year, and can sustain the possibility of having only one car for a month or two, it could be a pretty fun and an "inexpensive" way to churn cars. There are some pretty good deals to be had, and not to mention, some of these people might be desperate to get out of the car for many reasons, so they might be willing to haggle.
So on Saturday, the "minimum oil level" warning came on in the SQ5, advising me to add no more than a quart of oil. Seemed kind of unusual to me, given it's a CPO vehicle with 7k miles on it. But Sunday morning I picked up a quart of oil and poured it on in. Sunday afternoon, the warning came back on.
So...first thing Monday morning I stop by the Audi dealership. They are kind enough to take me in without an appointment and check things out. I also mention that the gas nozzle is a little difficult to push through the opening - something I have encountered on the car at each fill-up (different gas stations). Figured I may as well have them look at that too while I was there.
A little while later, the service adviser comes by and lets me know they think the oil warning is the result of a faulty sensor - fortunately they have those in stock and can replace it pretty quickly, so I should be out within an hour or so.
Meanwhile, they drove it to a gas station and confirmed that it was indeed unusually difficult to slide the nozzle in to fill up the gas tank.
A little later, the advisor comes by and says, well, they were measuring the opening of the gas tank opening and dropped the tool into the gas tank! They were trying to fish the tool back out.
It's now after lunchtime, but I'm appreciative that they got me in on a busy Monday morning, so I say I'll just go grab some lunch and check in when I get back.
Long story short (too late, I know) - when I get back, I'm told they are replacing the fuel tank!
So the other side of the story, and the more fun part, is I have a Q5 2.0T as a loaner and thought I'd share my impressions since a few of us (like @stickguy) were bringing those up as a "next car" option.
That 2.0T engine is more than just fine in the car. Obviously there's a lot more grunt in my SQ5, but not unlike the BMW "28i's" (or 30i's now I suppose), the 4 cylinder turbo engine seems to always be a pleasant surprise. The 8-speed automatic is responsive (as it is in my own car), particularly in sport mode. The larger profile tires on the standard wheels certainly make the ride more compliant - which is welcome in many circumstances, but I'll personally take the slight trade off in comfort for the improved handling.
It's a great all-around car - a nice sized SUV, very smooth and quiet, comfortable to drive but spirited enough to add some fun to the commute. I'd recommend it!
I also took note of the computed gas mileage of the 2.0T loaner - it was at 24.7 mpg since whenever it was last reset. I'm around 20 mpg on my car - the difference isn't as great as I would have thought, so while 20 mpg isn't very good, I'm not losing any sleep over the improved mileage on the 2.0T.
The SQ5 is no worse, and may be even a bit better, on gas mileage than the S4. I assume the 8-speed automatic helps with that vs. the 6-speed manual. But the gas tank is significantly larger, at just under 20 gallons, so the range is around 450-475 miles, where I wouldn't get to 400 on the S4. Obviously it's more expensive to fill up, but I do appreciate the longer range between those fill-ups.
Funny, I can't match the fuel economy on the highway of the S4, of course I had the super efficient 7-speed DSG and now I have a 6-speed DSG in the TTS. However, I do better in the city and in heavily snarled traffic. Overall, I might be getting a smidge better fuel economy with the TTS, as with my driving style, I have to work the little 2.0T harder than the loafing but still powerful 3.0 Supercharged.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
So on Saturday, the "minimum oil level" warning came on in the SQ5, advising me to add no more than a quart of oil. Seemed kind of unusual to me, given it's a CPO vehicle with 7k miles on it. But Sunday morning I picked up a quart of oil and poured it on in. Sunday afternoon, the warning came back on.
With the sensor being defective is the crankcase now overfilled by a quart? Will the Audi garage drain some out?
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
I have to work the little 2.0T harder than the loafing but still powerful 3.0 Supercharged.
Part of the fun, isn't it?
Yes, and gas is "relatively" cheap these days I suppose. Of course, I worked the 3.0 a lot too in the S4, and quickly found myself near or at triple digit speeds. Luckily I only got one speeding ticket in that thing, and of course, no one saw me going 130 as it was a blur.
For sure that 3.0 has some long legs at high speeds.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
I would think they are replacing the tank because the opening wasn't right, not because of the dropped tool???? That's a big time job, cost me about $1,700 in the A3 when a sheared buck knife found its way into the center line bottom wall of my fuel tank. One of those freak things. Of course, insurance paid part of that.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
So on Saturday, the "minimum oil level" warning came on in the SQ5, advising me to add no more than a quart of oil. Seemed kind of unusual to me, given it's a CPO vehicle with 7k miles on it. But Sunday morning I picked up a quart of oil and poured it on in. Sunday afternoon, the warning came back on.
With the sensor being defective is the crankcase now overfilled by a quart? Will the Audi garage drain some out?
Yeah, I assume (and will confirm) that they will gets things straight.
So on Saturday, the "minimum oil level" warning came on in the SQ5, advising me to add no more than a quart of oil. Seemed kind of unusual to me, given it's a CPO vehicle with 7k miles on it. But Sunday morning I picked up a quart of oil and poured it on in. Sunday afternoon, the warning came back on.
With the sensor being defective is the crankcase now overfilled by a quart? Will the Audi garage drain some out?
@sda - he won't have the SQ5 long enough to find out
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
andres3 - my comment on high limits on the highway is that high speeds on the freeway are fine, as long as they're reasonable. The problem is in congested areas. We're cruising around the KC Metro lately, and yes, memories of Seattle traffic have come cropping up. In open areas when you want ta change lanes, they seem to want ta Mario Andretti-it around here. But meshing that with Standard Chevron drivers creates problems when people want to change lanes. They're cruising along at 65mph or so, and decide they want ta be in another lane. Sure, they're taught ta check their side mirrors first. Along comes Mario Andretti, and Standard Chevron pulls out right in front of him because he didn't see him after a quick check of his mirror. Most people don't do well with needing ta have lighting-quick reflexes on the freeway. It can get dangerous real quick, is what I'm saying.
Of course, I'm not saying I don't have lightning-quick reflexes.
I also took note of the computed gas mileage of the 2.0T loaner - it was at 24.7 mpg since whenever it was last reset. I'm around 20 mpg on my car - the difference isn't as great as I would have thought, so while 20 mpg isn't very good, I'm not losing any sleep over the improved mileage on the 2.0T.
The SQ5 is no worse, and may be even a bit better, on gas mileage than the S4. I assume the 8-speed automatic helps with that vs. the 6-speed manual. But the gas tank is significantly larger, at just under 20 gallons, so the range is around 450-475 miles, where I wouldn't get to 400 on the S4. Obviously it's more expensive to fill up, but I do appreciate the longer range between those fill-ups.
Thanks as always for the official @breld loaner car write up. I see a lot of the 2.0T Q5s in my neck of the woods. I have a watchful eye on my wife's friend's 2016 Q5 2.0T Quattro. She's about a year into a 3 year / 7,500 mile per year lease (22,500 total). I'll have to inquire about her buyout. Her car is dark blue with brown interior, has Nav, Pano Roof, 19" Wheels (I know, @stickguy would prefer a little more sidewall). It might make for a good buy compared to other CPO units out there.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Comments
Yep, automatic.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Yep, automatic.
Now we're gettin' down ta brass tacks. They need ta offer manual trannies for those of us who don't want an automatic tranny. I broke my two-car string of buying sticks when I bought our 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS. It did have paddle shifters, at least, and I was very happy with that race car compact. I know, guys, it was a 4-cyl. but I loved that car - the reviews were stupid that put down that car. I didn't think it was going to suffer a catastrophic belt failure that fateful late June day in 2014, or I would still be driving the car today.
I'm glad ta be back in a stick, and a Kia stick. Simple, boxy small Korean rig that has no shakes, rattles or rolls and delivers the goods. The fact that rental car companies are not offering sticks for rent is not right.
Oh well, huh?
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
It's sort of the "dumbing-down of drivers, worldwide." No offense ta people who love ta drive automatics - that's not what I mean. I'm not trying ta be Dennis Rodman...ish, either. I just noticed this lack of transmission choices available to car renters.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
The problem is there are not many 2016 lower level trims around - mostly Autobahns.
I am looking in the used market for a nice daily driver to rack up the "drone" miles on, and '04-'08 Acura TL's would suite me nicely I think.
Found an '07 with 21K miles. So low mile it scares me. Wouldn't you be wanting to change the timing belt at 10 years regardless of mileage? I feel like if I got an '08 with 100K miles I'd be better off in some ways as certain services have already probably been done, and any defects weeded out. I'd imagine Acuras could go 200K easily without any major issues.
They also have an '08 with 24K miles. Acura didn't suffer from the V6 Honda transmission issue did it? Other then that (and maybe the old AC) I can see low mile used cars being attractive. But less than 3K miles per year is REALLY low. Always liked and wanted a TL from that vintage; and they seem to be a dime a dozen on the used market now ($14-$20K) depending on mileage.
'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
Timing belt should be 10 years regardless of miles. But most likely, would be fine. Depends if you feel lucky.
Yes, those are the same trannies. Though by 2007, I think much less of an issue. Especially in the TL.
Really depends to me how much of a $ premium they want for the miles. 100k on one of these does not scare me, if maintained (especially trans fluid replacement). If you get it, I would replace all the fluids immediately. And the belts. So probably a quick 1k in preventive maintenance, but probably many cheap years to follow.
I could be happy with one of those units.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Other than Passat; A little rich for my blood giving all the base models lack certain essentials that I like, but the next level up trim is usually at least 2K more if not 3K. I drove the Kia FE model, which is tuned to be slow and get good mileage. I'd rather probably have the normal version as it was slow despite a quick shifting auto (seemed like maybe the best transmission of the 3)
Accord had the most power and seemed it would beat the Passat's also FE tuned 1.8T in a drag race. Never a big fan of the 1.8T, just felt slow too, but not as bad as the Kia 2.4 FE.
You lease experts; which one would lease the cheapest right now; Accord right?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Does anyone else remember the GLH? Way, way back, Lee Iacocca released a version of the Dodge Omni which was really fast. When asked about the name GLH, he admitted that it stood for "Goes Like H-e-double-L"
I think the Passat S is a lot of car for $18k. But I suspect if you bought the Accord for $2.5k more money, 3 or 4 years from now you would get back the 2.5k in resale value. And possibly more.
Now as to leasing, I don't have a clue.
Yes, I'd do the t-belt at 10 years regardless of mileage. You may also want to do the tensioner, water pump, serpentine belt, and serpentine tensioner while you're in there, so it could end up being pretty expensive.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?&id=OIP.M6df4a86f24b6a69e4adb0dc3dd869558o0&w=299&h=181&c=0&pid=1.9&rs=0&p=0&r=0
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Agreed - have these done - it will be worth it in the long run.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
As for the cheap leases, I think the Passat has to be the cheapest mid size car to lease at the moment. I really think you could be in the 215ish range with just first payment down.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
not a lot of inventory left. Accords are leasing well, relative to MSRP.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Plumber just left, took him under an hour and all is fixed for $193.90 using coupon. Folks, have your kids become plumbers as they do very well it seems!!! We have water...yay!!!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
We found a basement with about two feet of water. We donned waders, Jimmy found the drain, inserted a snake while I cranked the muscle end (no electric drive back then). Five minutes and problem solved.
Then Jimmy gave the customer a sizable bill. The customer says “Look boys, I’m a union man myself, but this is a lot, especially for a couple of kids.” Jimmy replies “It’s not so much us as it is the truck carrying thousands of dollars of tools and supplies, plus double-time on Sunday.” Damn right, plumbers do make a lot.
Yeah, but with our '08 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS in late June of 2014, I had just had the car checked at the Mitsubishi dealer in stever's hometown of Las Cruces, NM, at Sisbarro Mitsubishi. The maintenance manual did not call for the serpentine belt ta be replaced yet at the car's mileage. The timing chain is not mentioned in the maintenance manual anywhere that I could find it as needing maintenance. The service advisor at Sisbarro Mitsubishi said that the "belts all look good." They changed oil and did a few things the car needed. So we thought we were all right. The A/C had been serviced, everything was up ta snuff on the compact from Japan. What happened with the Lancer GTS is we had a serpentine belt that Mitsubishi found "would wear out prematurely" and break in "some customer instances" or some sort of verbage like that...break prematurely.
Well, the recall didn't start for about 2 weeks after our belt broke and caused the timing chain seizure and ultimate engine failure. We traded it in on the '11 Kia Soul and a couple weeks later got the recall notice on the '08 Lancer GTS from Mitsubishi Corporate. We called to see if they could help - I mean, it was their failing serpentine belt that caused our Lancer's engine failure. "If you would have called us right after your Lancer broke down, we could've helped you with this problem."
OK, but, are most people going to think of calling Corporate for their carmaker when they're stranded and needing help? Some people might have but not once did I think of doing that or even needing ta do that. Talk about irritating treatment. Our Lancer GTS may have only been worth about $6,000 or $7,000 bucks before that failed Mitsubishi engine part, but after it failed our '08 Lancer GTS was only worth $2,000 in trade for a Kia or Mitsubishi. Fortunately my wife and I had paid the car off about a year earlier. The car had about 130,000 miles on it and we both still loved the car. Very annoying experience and what is kind of weird is that I would consider buying another Mitsubishi one day. I just don't see how they think that their customers would know ta call Corporate after a breakdown of one of their cars. Something was rotten in El Paso that day.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Smooth, easy transaction. The car is very quiet, even on the highway. It has nav but doesn't have a backup camera (!) or auto climate control. Amazing how quickly we take these things for granted. Also, the keyless ignition doesn't automatically crank, so you have to push and hold the start button with your foot on the brake in order to start the engine. Every other keyless ignition I've driven, you just put your foot on the brake and tap the start button. There is turbo lag at low RPMs, but once you get above 10 MPH or so, the car has good acceleration. I've already put it to work:
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
We really ought to have some kind of centralized meet up and then all sell them back to the same dealer....
The rest of you are going to have quite a drive..
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I got to thinking, has anyone used swapalease or lease trader? I wonder if anyone consistently uses it to get new cars - i.e. take over someone's lease for the remaining timeframe, then when that one is up, take over another lease. Assuming your situation is pretty flexible, meaning single or married without kids, drive few miles per year, and can sustain the possibility of having only one car for a month or two, it could be a pretty fun and an "inexpensive" way to churn cars. There are some pretty good deals to be had, and not to mention, some of these people might be desperate to get out of the car for many reasons, so they might be willing to haggle.
I have never driven an ATS, but I think like the looks of it enough to live with it for 15 months: http://www.swapalease.com/lease/details/2016-Cadillac-ATS.aspx?salid=1054353
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
So...first thing Monday morning I stop by the Audi dealership. They are kind enough to take me in without an appointment and check things out. I also mention that the gas nozzle is a little difficult to push through the opening - something I have encountered on the car at each fill-up (different gas stations). Figured I may as well have them look at that too while I was there.
A little while later, the service adviser comes by and lets me know they think the oil warning is the result of a faulty sensor - fortunately they have those in stock and can replace it pretty quickly, so I should be out within an hour or so.
Meanwhile, they drove it to a gas station and confirmed that it was indeed unusually difficult to slide the nozzle in to fill up the gas tank.
A little later, the advisor comes by and says, well, they were measuring the opening of the gas tank opening and dropped the tool into the gas tank!
It's now after lunchtime, but I'm appreciative that they got me in on a busy Monday morning, so I say I'll just go grab some lunch and check in when I get back.
Long story short (too late, I know) - when I get back, I'm told they are replacing the fuel tank!
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
That 2.0T engine is more than just fine in the car. Obviously there's a lot more grunt in my SQ5, but not unlike the BMW "28i's" (or 30i's now I suppose), the 4 cylinder turbo engine seems to always be a pleasant surprise. The 8-speed automatic is responsive (as it is in my own car), particularly in sport mode. The larger profile tires on the standard wheels certainly make the ride more compliant - which is welcome in many circumstances, but I'll personally take the slight trade off in comfort for the improved handling.
It's a great all-around car - a nice sized SUV, very smooth and quiet, comfortable to drive but spirited enough to add some fun to the commute. I'd recommend it!
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
The SQ5 is no worse, and may be even a bit better, on gas mileage than the S4. I assume the 8-speed automatic helps with that vs. the 6-speed manual. But the gas tank is significantly larger, at just under 20 gallons, so the range is around 450-475 miles, where I wouldn't get to 400 on the S4. Obviously it's more expensive to fill up, but I do appreciate the longer range between those fill-ups.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
For sure that 3.0 has some long legs at high speeds.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Of course, I'm not saying I don't have lightning-quick reflexes.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD