Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

Darn. My favorite local dealer just loaded a bunch of incoming units to his site (no pics or prides yet). Like he is torturing me, with newer and older stuff.

A 2014 Lexus ES350. Dark blue over beige. A 2008 C300 sport, low miles. And a holy grail, 2005 ranger edge, long cab, V6, 5 speed manual. And only 192k on it, but brand new clutch!

And for QB, a 2007 escalade. And it is the LWB ESV (aka a suburban).

Dang. I wish I was in the market now.

andres3

roadburner said:

I've read the Fusion weighs 4000 pounds- I'd just as soon have a Charger R/T.

4,000 lbs is unacceptable to me unless it can seat 8 or more passengers or fit 4x8 plywood in the bed.
One thing people will learn is that those heavy cars eat through brake pads and tires, and even more so if you use the HP it is capable of producing.

breld

sda said:

nyccarguy said:

For all you die hard manual guys:

https://www.acuraofwestchester.com/vehicle-details/used-2013-acura-tl-tech-19UUA9E57DA005611

Black/Black 2013 TL SH AWD with a stick and less than 20K miles. Although the asking price of $28K seems excessive.

You guys know how that goes

(TRADE IN) - NOBODY wants a stick. If it was an automatic, we'd give you $25K for it, but since it is a stick we can only give you $20K.

(ON THE LOT) - RARE! 6-SPEED MANUAL! Do a search of a 100 mile radius and tell us how many other Sticks there are out there with less than 20K miles! NONE! $28K firm!

You nailed it. Been there, experienced that...many times

I was pleasantly surprised when the Audi dealership expressed how my S4 would actually be a desirable car for them to take in, because of the unique nature of the manual. There's a first time for everything I suppose.

stevedebi

andres3 said:

roadburner said:

I've read the Fusion weighs 4000 pounds- I'd just as soon have a Charger R/T.

4,000 lbs is unacceptable to me unless it can seat 8 or more passengers or fit 4x8 plywood in the bed.
One thing people will learn is that those heavy cars eat through brake pads and tires, and even more so if you use the HP it is capable of producing.

The fusion weighs between 3400 and 3600. The Energi is the heaviest, at 3900, but it has the battery that contributes (and to be fair, makes it accelerate well, at least up to 30 or 40 MPH).

But it also rides really nice because it is built so well.

xwesx

I want to say that my Passat is ~3400#, which seemed high to me for a car of this size - that's as much as our 2010 Forester! All cars are pretty bloated these days.

Even still, I took "my curve" at 55 this morning, and I must say that it handled it nearly as well as my Fiesta did.

andres3

3,400 is light these days.

qbrozen

graphicguy said:

Q....love watching (reading?) you shop for cars. FWIW, I like the Escalade, same gen as my previous Tahoe with a bigger motor. Dead nuts reliable and a nice ride.

I liked that Infiniti FX35, too. Not many changes to those over the years and should be reliable. I've looked at those on and off over the years and they've always ended up on my short lists (just never pulled the trigger).

Bradd....that TL SH AWD with a manual would be a hoot. Too bad they don't have photos. They didn't make many, and they didn't sell well when they were around according to my Acura dealer.

haha. thanks.

mjfloyd1

andres3 said:

mjfloyd1 said:

nyccarguy said:

@mjfloyd1 - how do you like your RS7? I saw a black/black one the other day & it was sharp!

I really like it. I have the air suspension and 21 inch wheels and it rides well. Insanely fast coming from a supercharged 3.0 A6. There are even ecu flashes pushing up HP and torque, but for me, right now, that seems crazy. It has the sport exhaust that backfires and farts and makes all sorts of rude noises. I find myself driving like a heathen just to hear the sounds. That leads to absolutely abysmal gas mileage but huge smile mileage (smiles per gallon)

Unlike the TTRS or the RS7, the TTS and (probably S7) can use a tune if your a driver that likes high HP.

I'm thinking APR, I'm thinking this weekend at Socal Euro Car Show at Qualcomm since my preferred shop will be there giving 10% discounts with free installation (a $50 value as install usually costs that much).

I figure the Stage 1 tunes on these Audi's makes up for the overbearing eco/green nannies we have in CA, responsible for negligible emissions and lousy low octane gas compared to other States and especially Europe.

Just felt right on the S4, and I'm sure it will on the TTS as well. I had the REVO tune on the S4 though.

Do you mean if you're a driver that likes high rpm??

I'd go Unitronic or EPL just for the convenience of flash at home. APR has had difficulties with the DSG flash on S6 and S7 and I wouldn't want the hassle of going to the APR dealer before service at Audi dealer to flash back to true stock.

andres3

mjfloyd1 said:

andres3 said:

mjfloyd1 said:

nyccarguy said:

@mjfloyd1 - how do you like your RS7? I saw a black/black one the other day & it was sharp!

I really like it. I have the air suspension and 21 inch wheels and it rides well. Insanely fast coming from a supercharged 3.0 A6. There are even ecu flashes pushing up HP and torque, but for me, right now, that seems crazy. It has the sport exhaust that backfires and farts and makes all sorts of rude noises. I find myself driving like a heathen just to hear the sounds. That leads to absolutely abysmal gas mileage but huge smile mileage (smiles per gallon)

Unlike the TTRS or the RS7, the TTS and (probably S7) can use a tune if your a driver that likes high HP.

I'm thinking APR, I'm thinking this weekend at Socal Euro Car Show at Qualcomm since my preferred shop will be there giving 10% discounts with free installation (a $50 value as install usually costs that much).

I figure the Stage 1 tunes on these Audi's makes up for the overbearing eco/green nannies we have in CA, responsible for negligible emissions and lousy low octane gas compared to other States and especially Europe.

Just felt right on the S4, and I'm sure it will on the TTS as well. I had the REVO tune on the S4 though.

Do you mean if you're a driver that likes high rpm??

I'd go Unitronic or EPL just for the convenience of flash at home. APR has had difficulties with the DSG flash on S6 and S7 and I wouldn't want the hassle of going to the APR dealer before service at Audi dealer to flash back to true stock.

Since I pretty much never need to use my Audi's warranty coverage (as they are pretty bulletproof the last decade), I don't worry about it. Also, you don't need to reflash for normal service or warranty on a light bulb. I imagine only flags would be raised if you had a complete engine, turbo, or DSG meltdown.

roadburner

rayainsw said:

The Charger R/T curb weights I have see are close to 4350 - just for context.
- Ray
That's RWD, not AWD...

Even better!

Sandman6472

After living through a bunch of hurricanes, I have a healthy respect for the damage they can inflict. Sure, most times they get it wrong because well, hurricanes aren't predictable. But trust me, living with no power for nine days and losing a part of one's roof is serious stuff...after day five with no power, we were past miserable!
So, all I can tell ya is to get some supplies and be ready. And if it misses you or isn't half bad, be thankful because things could always be worse!!

The Sandman

stevedebi

xwesx said:

I want to say that my Passat is ~3400#, which seemed high to me for a car of this size - that's as much as our 2010 Forester! All cars are pretty bloated these days.

Even still, I took "my curve" at 55 this morning, and I must say that it handled it nearly as well as my Fiesta did.

The Passat diesel is 3400. They range from 3100 to 3400 according to the VW folks. However, the TDI is very nimble and fun to drive. I also test drove a 2016 TSI, and it was also nimble, if a bit lower in the torque department. But still quite decent.

mjfloyd1

andres3 said:

mjfloyd1 said:

andres3 said:

mjfloyd1 said:

nyccarguy said:

@mjfloyd1 - how do you like your RS7? I saw a black/black one the other day & it was sharp!

I really like it. I have the air suspension and 21 inch wheels and it rides well. Insanely fast coming from a supercharged 3.0 A6. There are even ecu flashes pushing up HP and torque, but for me, right now, that seems crazy. It has the sport exhaust that backfires and farts and makes all sorts of rude noises. I find myself driving like a heathen just to hear the sounds. That leads to absolutely abysmal gas mileage but huge smile mileage (smiles per gallon)

Unlike the TTRS or the RS7, the TTS and (probably S7) can use a tune if your a driver that likes high HP.

I'm thinking APR, I'm thinking this weekend at Socal Euro Car Show at Qualcomm since my preferred shop will be there giving 10% discounts with free installation (a $50 value as install usually costs that much).

I figure the Stage 1 tunes on these Audi's makes up for the overbearing eco/green nannies we have in CA, responsible for negligible emissions and lousy low octane gas compared to other States and especially Europe.

Just felt right on the S4, and I'm sure it will on the TTS as well. I had the REVO tune on the S4 though.

Do you mean if you're a driver that likes high rpm??

I'd go Unitronic or EPL just for the convenience of flash at home. APR has had difficulties with the DSG flash on S6 and S7 and I wouldn't want the hassle of going to the APR dealer before service at Audi dealer to flash back to true stock.

Since I pretty much never need to use my Audi's warranty coverage (as they are pretty bulletproof the last decade), I don't worry about it. Also, you don't need to reflash for normal service or warranty on a light bulb. I imagine only flags would be raised if you had a complete engine, turbo, or DSG meltdown.

You roll the dice, you take your chances. I'd flash back to true stock for any service, as they can hook up to your OBD2 port and your local dealer has no say in whether you get flagged TD1. If you take it to the Audi dealer, Audi NA encourages a scan for all services. If it is a catastrophic failure, you are probably screwed anyway since they can dig deeper into the ecu and check all sorts of parameters.

I'm a "why risk it" kind of guy so I'd err on the side of caution, especially when Unitronic and EPL make it so easy. I don't have a dog in this fight though.

I'm not sure that I'd call Audis bulletproof with all the oil consumption / piston ring issues on 2 liter motors prior to 2013. There are some 3 liter motors with oil consumption issues and some that are having issues with crank pulleys coming apart and causing all sorts of collateral damage under hood.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/720926-Crank-pulley-failure-please-post-your-mileage-year-tune?highlight=Crank+pulley

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/720057-So-this-happened?highlight=Crank+pulley

nyccarguy

Build your own 2017 GTI is up on the VW site. The GTI Sport looks like a real winner. Plaid, heated seats, standard Performance Pack 220hp & upgraded brakes, Bi-Xenon Headlights, Driving Mode Selection... $29,995 MSRP with DSG

stickguy

but no moonroof I assume? That would be perfect. I love the plaid seats.

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

but no moonroof I assume? That would be perfect. I love the plaid seats.

Looks like the Moonroof comes standard on the SE Trim which starts at close to $31K. You also get leather and optional Driver Assistance Package.

28firefighter

The GTI Sport looks excellent. I think the only thing you don't get is fog lights. 

nyccarguy

@28firefighter - I was stalking Looking at GTI Sports and had a thought. Then I checked the balance of what I owe on the Subaru. I had a VERY bad thought this AM.

andres3

nyccarguy said:

Build your own 2017 GTI is up on the VW site. The GTI Sport looks like a real winner. Plaid, heated seats, standard Performance Pack 220hp & upgraded brakes, Bi-Xenon Headlights, Driving Mode Selection... $29,995 MSRP with DSG

Sounds like a winner to me too. What size wheels & tires on that one?

breld

@nyccarguy - I think you're the perfect candidate around here to be the first to get one of these GTI Sports.

Do it for us.

andres3

mjfloyd1 said:

andres3 said:

mjfloyd1 said:

andres3 said:

mjfloyd1 said:

nyccarguy said:

@mjfloyd1 - how do you like your RS7? I saw a black/black one the other day & it was sharp!

I really like it. I have the air suspension and 21 inch wheels and it rides well. Insanely fast coming from a supercharged 3.0 A6. There are even ecu flashes pushing up HP and torque, but for me, right now, that seems crazy. It has the sport exhaust that backfires and farts and makes all sorts of rude noises. I find myself driving like a heathen just to hear the sounds. That leads to absolutely abysmal gas mileage but huge smile mileage (smiles per gallon)

Unlike the TTRS or the RS7, the TTS and (probably S7) can use a tune if your a driver that likes high HP.

I'm thinking APR, I'm thinking this weekend at Socal Euro Car Show at Qualcomm since my preferred shop will be there giving 10% discounts with free installation (a $50 value as install usually costs that much).

I figure the Stage 1 tunes on these Audi's makes up for the overbearing eco/green nannies we have in CA, responsible for negligible emissions and lousy low octane gas compared to other States and especially Europe.

Just felt right on the S4, and I'm sure it will on the TTS as well. I had the REVO tune on the S4 though.

Do you mean if you're a driver that likes high rpm??

I'd go Unitronic or EPL just for the convenience of flash at home. APR has had difficulties with the DSG flash on S6 and S7 and I wouldn't want the hassle of going to the APR dealer before service at Audi dealer to flash back to true stock.

Since I pretty much never need to use my Audi's warranty coverage (as they are pretty bulletproof the last decade), I don't worry about it. Also, you don't need to reflash for normal service or warranty on a light bulb. I imagine only flags would be raised if you had a complete engine, turbo, or DSG meltdown.

You roll the dice, you take your chances. I'd flash back to true stock for any service, as they can hook up to your OBD2 port and your local dealer has no say in whether you get flagged TD1. If you take it to the Audi dealer, Audi NA encourages a scan for all services. If it is a catastrophic failure, you are probably screwed anyway since they can dig deeper into the ecu and check all sorts of parameters.

I'm a "why risk it" kind of guy so I'd err on the side of caution, especially when Unitronic and EPL make it so easy. I don't have a dog in this fight though.

I'm not sure that I'd call Audis bulletproof with all the oil consumption / piston ring issues on 2 liter motors prior to 2013. There are some 3 liter motors with oil consumption issues and some that are having issues with crank pulleys coming apart and causing all sorts of collateral damage under hood.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/720926-Crank-pulley-failure-please-post-your-mileage-year-tune?highlight=Crank+pulley

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/720057-So-this-happened?highlight=Crank+pulley

Doesn't Unitronic/EPL charge a lot extra for the extra devices pieces and parts you need to self adjust their software tuning? Either way, if they dig, they can find that you "reset" parameters; so it is of no risk and/or value to go that way. From what I understand REVO and APR are undetectable to the untrained unfocused eye. A simple scan won't reveal anything or any tuning. So they do have to dig deeper regardless of what you do.

Also, there was a court case that pretty much settled the issue and said you can't deny warranty claims based on unrelated modifications. Of course, it is just a published court case and that won't stop a bad company from denying a warranty claim and making you take it to court.

28firefighter

nyccarguy said:

@28firefighter - I was stalking Looking at GTI Sports and had a thought. Then I checked the balance of what I owe on the Subaru. I had a VERY bad thought this AM.

They basically took the unicorn for 2016 (S, LP, PP) and bundled them together with keyless start, black mirros, and different wheels.

That said, the MSRP is about 1500 higher than the MSRP on my DSG S with Lighting Package and no Performance Pack, so you're paying for all the options somewhere. I just suspect there will be more inventory of them.

nyccarguy

breld said:

@nyccarguy - I think you're the perfect candidate around here to be the first to get one of these GTI Sports.

Do it for us.

So here's what I was thinking last night: (option A) At my current rate of accelerated Legcacy payments, it will be paid off in approximately 20 months. In a year, I'll owe less than $7K. Since the Pilot will be hovering around the 100K mile mark by this time next year and I know my wife drives it out of necessity, maybe I can give her the Legacy and look into getting a GTI Sport for myself. We'll keep the Pilot around for weekend/vacation/bad weather duty.

(option I'll have a decent amount of equity in the Legacy by next year. I could use that equity as a down payment & make the price of a Golf R easier to swallow.

sda

There are a lot of Honda Pilots in our area. I was having lunch at a sandwich shop today and just outside the window were two Pilots parked side by side. One silver, one gray. The silver one leaves, and a white Pilot took its place. What are the odds of that?

stickguy

nyccarguy said:

@28firefighter - I was stalking Looking at GTI Sports and had a thought. Then I checked the balance of what I owe on the Subaru. I had a VERY bad thought this AM.

Do it. You know you want it. Do it.

but no AWD. i thought this was a must have for you? Though put winter tires on it, and will likely be every bit as good as the Sube on all seasons.

still, I can't deal with such a low profile tire. I don't know how that would survive your drives on 95 and the CBE

and deciding that you don't need a moonroof, actually opens up quite a few more options (and cheaper versions of some cars)

stickguy

my neighbor has a gen 1 silver pilot. next house over from them, they have a gen 1 gray pilot.

nyccarguy

My Legacy has a slick top (no moonroof).

mjfloyd1

andres3 said:

@mjfloyd1 - how do you like your RS7? I saw a black/black one the other day & it was sharp!

I really like it. I have the air suspension and 21 inch wheels and it rides well. Insanely fast coming from a supercharged 3.0 A6. There are even ecu flashes pushing up HP and torque, but for me, right now, that seems crazy. It has the sport exhaust that backfires and farts and makes all sorts of rude noises. I find myself driving like a heathen just to hear the sounds. That leads to absolutely abysmal gas mileage but huge smile mileage (smiles per gallon)

Unlike the TTRS or the RS7, the TTS and (probably S7) can use a tune if your a driver that likes high HP. I'm thinking APR, I'm thinking this weekend at Socal Euro Car Show at Qualcomm since my preferred shop will be there giving 10% discounts with free installation (a $50 value as install usually costs that much). I figure the Stage 1 tunes on these Audi's makes up for the overbearing eco/green nannies we have in CA, responsible for negligible emissions and lousy low octane gas compared to other States and especially Europe. Just felt right on the S4, and I'm sure it will on the TTS as well. I had the REVO tune on the S4 though.

Do you mean if you're a driver that likes high rpm?? I'd go Unitronic or EPL just for the convenience of flash at home. APR has had difficulties with the DSG flash on S6 and S7 and I wouldn't want the hassle of going to the APR dealer before service at Audi dealer to flash back to true stock.

Since I pretty much never need to use my Audi's warranty coverage (as they are pretty bulletproof the last decade), I don't worry about it. Also, you don't need to reflash for normal service or warranty on a light bulb. I imagine only flags would be raised if you had a complete engine, turbo, or DSG meltdown.

You roll the dice, you take your chances. I'd flash back to true stock for any service, as they can hook up to your OBD2 port and your local dealer has no say in whether you get flagged TD1. If you take it to the Audi dealer, Audi NA encourages a scan for all services. If it is a catastrophic failure, you are probably screwed anyway since they can dig deeper into the ecu and check all sorts of parameters. I'm a "why risk it" kind of guy so I'd err on the side of caution, especially when Unitronic and EPL make it so easy. I don't have a dog in this fight though. I'm not sure that I'd call Audis bulletproof with all the oil consumption / piston ring issues on 2 liter motors prior to 2013. There are some 3 liter motors with oil consumption issues and some that are having issues with crank pulleys coming apart and causing all sorts of collateral damage under hood. http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/720926-Crank-pulley-failure-please-post-your-mileage-year-tune?highlight=Crank+pulley http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/720057-So-this-happened?highlight=Crank+pulley

Doesn't Unitronic/EPL charge a lot extra for the extra devices pieces and parts you need to self adjust their software tuning? Either way, if they dig, they can find that you "reset" parameters; so it is of no risk and/or value to go that way. From what I understand REVO and APR are undetectable to the untrained unfocused eye. A simple scan won't reveal anything or any tuning. So they do have to dig deeper regardless of what you do. Also, there was a court case that pretty much settled the issue and said you can't deny warranty claims based on unrelated modifications. Of course, it is just a published court case and that won't stop a bad company from denying a warranty claim and making you take it to court.

The flash at home cable is $150 for Unitronic and either $150 or 200 for EPL.  Some places charge $50 to $100 for reflashes, so it would cost $100 to $200 to get flashed to stock and then reflashed to APR each time.  Audi can't deny unrelated claims like a light bulb if you have a TD1, but it would still stink to get a drive train TD1 for something simple.  The TD1 just adds a huge hassle factor if you end up having a drive train claim.  I look at the cable cost as a convenience fee that I'd gladly pay if I wanted an ecu tune.

Michaell

Not much profit for the dealer here:

http://www.mcdonaldag.com/used/Hyundai/2013-Hyundai-Elantra+GT-b537f47f0a0e0adf41c9e44a103ca3c6.htm

They paid $12,070 for it in trade.

nyccarguy

I don't know what it is about the Fusion Sport. I should want one NOW, but the styling is ALMOST too subdued

stickguy

Probably because it still smells like pizza?

besides, the number they showed you, and what they actually paid for it, are not going to be the same thing.

Michaell

stickguy said:

Probably because it still smells like pizza?

besides, the number they showed you, and what they actually paid for it, are not going to be the same thing.

I suppose that's true. A good cleaning of the interior should rid it of the smell.

I much prefer the smell of new car. Speaking of which, I need to wash and gas up the Jetta. And, I think I'm going to order some chrome tips for the exhaust.

sda

Michaell said:

Not much profit for the dealer here:

http://www.mcdonaldag.com/used/Hyundai/2013-Hyundai-Elantra+GT-b537f47f0a0e0adf41c9e44a103ca3c6.htm

They paid $12,070 for it in trade.

Not much of a $$ spread. What the real numbers are, always a mystery.

Michaell

sda said:

Michaell said:

Not much profit for the dealer here:

http://www.mcdonaldag.com/used/Hyundai/2013-Hyundai-Elantra+GT-b537f47f0a0e0adf41c9e44a103ca3c6.htm

They paid $12,070 for it in trade.

Not much of a $$ spread. What the real numbers are, always a mystery.

I noticed no pix. Wonder if they fixed the bumper.

henryn

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

Probably because it still smells like pizza?

besides, the number they showed you, and what they actually paid for it, are not going to be the same thing.

I suppose that's true. A good cleaning of the interior should rid it of the smell.

I much prefer the smell of new car. Speaking of which, I need to wash and gas up the Jetta. And, I think I'm going to order some chrome tips for the exhaust.

That ought to add at least 10 or 15 horsepower, don't you think? Maybe you should get in a dyno test before and after, for comparison.

andres3

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

Probably because it still smells like pizza?

besides, the number they showed you, and what they actually paid for it, are not going to be the same thing.

I suppose that's true. A good cleaning of the interior should rid it of the smell.

I much prefer the smell of new car. Speaking of which, I need to wash and gas up the Jetta. And, I think I'm going to order some chrome tips for the exhaust.

SoCal Euro Car show is tomorrow; got the TTS ready for it.

So you want your Jetta's exhaust tips to shine like this:



P.S. Yes, I'm now officially partially in compliance with license plate laws as of today.
P.S.S. Yes, the car seat fits in the TTS.

stickguy

so, my favorite local guy got a couple of budget cars in. One is a 2000 Sube Legacy wagon. Only $1,950!

and hardly broken in, at jut 306,000 miles. Wonder if the head gaskets got replaced on this one?

stever

Probably on their third set.

Michaell

Yes, shiny:

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41UASLQvloL._SX300_QL70_.jpg&imgrefurl=https://www.amazon.com/Atpmtas%C2%AE-Components-Stainless-Exhaust-Muffler/dp/B0157PDXGU&docid=7bk5mQCzgDBVoM&tbnid=EeHmLGQcLmW8tM:&w=300&h=227&itg=1&bih=672&biw=1024&ved=0ahUKEwiqqdv_s_LOAhUN72MKHRAODRYQMwgjKAcwBw&iact=mrc&uact=8

stever

Here's a nice interior mod well suited for Colorado (no, not a "pipe").

In your case, I guess a Taylormade handle may work even better.

stickguy

Steve, thought of you today. saw online a link to a Forbes article about the 25 best places to retire. Las Cruces cam in 15th.

who it is that lives in State College, PF? That came in something like 10th.

shockingly (not) no place in NJ came close to making the list, which is actually for people that live in NJ/NY/CT, to help them figure out where to escape to!

sda

Michaell said:

sda said:

Michaell said:

Not much profit for the dealer here:

http://www.mcdonaldag.com/used/Hyundai/2013-Hyundai-Elantra+GT-b537f47f0a0e0adf41c9e44a103ca3c6.htm

They paid $12,070 for it in trade.

Not much of a $$ spread. What the real numbers are, always a mystery.

I noticed no pix. Wonder if they fixed the bumper.

Pix up. Looks nice, bumper fixed. Wonder if they replaced the cover or repaired it?

stever

stickguy said:

Steve, thought of you today. saw online a link to a Forbes article about the 25 best places to retire. Las Cruces cam in 15th.

who it is that lives in State College, PF? That came in something like 10th.

Yep, that's @PF_Flyer in State College.

Las Cruces has been a fun place. We went to the patio bar today to see a duo we follow and had some green chili quesadillas and margaritas for a lazy lunch.

But if the secret's out, I guess we'll have to seek out the next spot. How are the winters in the Pine Barrens?

roadburner

From Jalopnik:
The 325 Horsepower Ford Fusion Sport Is Not the Audi Slayer We Wanted
I'm hearing of 0-60 times in the mid to low five second range.
Yawn.

corvette

Well-equipped, it's in the $40k range. Not really fair to compare it to an Accord EX-L V6.

Michaell

sda said:

Michaell said:

sda said:

Michaell said:

Not much profit for the dealer here:

http://www.mcdonaldag.com/used/Hyundai/2013-Hyundai-Elantra+GT-b537f47f0a0e0adf41c9e44a103ca3c6.htm

They paid $12,070 for it in trade.

Not much of a $$ spread. What the real numbers are, always a mystery.

I noticed no pix. Wonder if they fixed the bumper.

Pix up. Looks nice, bumper fixed. Wonder if they replaced the cover or repaired it?

The damage was about 6" square. Unlikely to have been repaired. It sucks that I filled the tank up the day before I traded it in. And, the TPMS warning light is on.

andres3

corvette said:

Well-equipped, it's in the $40k range. Not really fair to compare it to an Accord EX-L V6.

But, since I'm mad at the direction that Acura has gone, fair to compare it to the molasses slow TLX with either engine option.

andres3

So I was ready to pull the trigger on a Optima LX Turbo, but the blue paint underwhelmed me. More purple hue than I like, but worse, it was super orange peel city the to max. Not sure if it is Kia, that particular one (there weren't 2 to compare), or what, but man I was disappointed in the paint job. The blue accentuates the body shop quality paint job.

Due to that disappointment we were $450 apart at the end of the night so I'm home without a punch. Kia is apparently incentivizing the 2 year lease $300 better than the 3 year lease, but I don't like the numbers on the 2 year lease because it gives less time to bury all the hidden fees of a lease, and that shows in the payment.

I also don't like that rebates are taxed; not considered a discount .

tjc78

For curiosity what were the lease numbers (and MSRP).

nyccarguy

andres3 said:

So I was ready to pull the trigger on a Optima LX Turbo, but the blue paint underwhelmed me. More purple hue than I like, but worse, it was super orange peel city the to max. Not sure if it is Kia, that particular one (there weren't 2 to compare), or what, but man I was disappointed in the paint job. The blue accentuates the body shop quality paint job.

Due to that disappointment we were $450 apart at the end of the night so I'm home without a punch. Kia is apparently incentivizing the 2 year lease $300 better than the 3 year lease, but I don't like the numbers on the 2 year lease because it gives less time to bury all the hidden fees of a lease, and that shows in the payment.

I also don't like that rebates are taxed; not considered a discount .

2 year leases are tricky like that. You've got you acquisition fee up front, your disposition fee at the end (assuming you ride the lease out & don't lease another of the same make), as well as registration, plates (in CT the car is titled to the leasing company, so you can't transfer plates), plus all your rebate taxes that get rolled into 24 months as opposed to 36 months. You've got close to $1800 - $2000 right there. That adds an extra $83 per month to the lease.

Good thing you walked. No harm, no foul. I'm curious as to what the numbers are as well. You could always try another dealer. Labor Day is a L O N G weekend!