Greetings from soggy Northern California. Rain and more rain predicted for the next several days. Reminds me of my trips to Seattle.
Ended up getting a Santa Fe Sport as my rental. AWD, which is nice. 37,000 miles, which isn't. Blue with black interior. XM is active, and the controls are really similar to the departed E-GT. No rear view camera, which is slightly bothersome.
Greetings from soggy Northern California. Rain and more rain predicted for the next several days. Reminds me of my trips to Seattle.
Ended up getting a Santa Fe Sport as my rental. AWD, which is nice. 37,000 miles, which isn't. Blue with black interior. XM is active, and the controls are really similar to the departed E-GT. No rear view camera, which is slightly bothersome.
If the rain lets up, I'll get a picture.
It is amazing how quickly you become reliant to the back up camera. I use it all the time and when I drive vehicles that don't have it I really notice its absence.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
@breld I have to say, given the speed at which you seem to get bored with a number of very nice and exciting vehicles, I wouldn't give a transportation appliance like a Highlander more than one week in your garage! I'd advise against it. I may be biased toward Kia vehicles as I've had a couple and like them a lot, but I'd venture to guess that even your Sedona is a more fun drive than a Highlander.
I wouldn't doubt the Sedona is at least as pleasurable to drive as a Highlander. Given my, ahem, attention span, the Toyota does hold some appeal for its resale, though I don't think those are at 4Runner or Tacoma levels.
And, personally, I think this is really attractive. It will be interesting to see how it presents in person, how they price it and, of course, how it drives and handles.
That Traverse does look nice. I'm a little surprised, though, that they have no plans to offer it with the diesel engine from the Colorado, given that its size and purpose lends itself really well to that drivetrain (not to mention the demand for the diesel pickup!).
I can't believe they used the same platform for ten years on the current Traverse. It doesn't seem like it's been that long.....
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
And, personally, I think this is really attractive. It will be interesting to see how it presents in person, how they price it and, of course, how it drives and handles.
Something amusing about the Stinger being on German plates. Huge dose of Audi from the rear, which makes sense with Schreyer. And those fender vents, hmm.
That Traverse does look nice. I'm a little surprised, though, that they have no plans to offer it with the diesel engine from the Colorado, given that its size and purpose lends itself really well to that drivetrain (not to mention the demand for the diesel pickup!).
I can't believe they used the same platform for ten years on the current Traverse. It doesn't seem like it's been that long.....
It does look nice. I took a look at the Canyon yesterday, I love the exterior but the speedometer/tach look so cheap. The rest of the interior was well done except for the switches down low, not sure I want to see how those work/feel after a couple of years.
28firefighter, what was that Kia experience, might I ask?
It is a bit further up - but basically classic old-school dealer tactics. Back and forth to the manager 10 times, telling me my spreadsheet of lease costs couldn't possibly right compared to their multi-thousand dollar software, making me grind it out with them, F&I tactics, etc.
@tifighter had a much better experience at a dealer a bit further away, so perhaps it was just this one franchise.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
Even with the good experience, the dealer I worked with had a K900 that appeared nailed to the floor. It is going to be hard for Kia to play at higher price points without a little soul-searching about the brand and how it connects with the end consumer.
Even with the good experience, the dealer I worked with had a K900 that appeared nailed to the floor. It is going to be hard for Kia to play at higher price points without a little soul-searching about the brand and how it connects with the end consumer.
Can't say I'm surprised. The purchase experience for someone buying a $50k+ car needs to be different from someone spending $15k on a Soul. They just haven't figured out how to bridge that.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
Yeah, it's not like the Japanese didn't do some research before investing in creation of Acura, Infiniti and Lexus. The upfront costs are high, but so are the eventual margins.
Sharp vehicle. The General is on a weight loss kick. Good for them. It certainly makes the cars I've driven from them handle much better (and usually better than comparable models found from other manufacturers).
Now, if they could just get their customer service act together, they may just be onto something.
I know it's crazy, but tomorrow will be the 3rd week my CTS has been in the shop.
We were fortunate with our Kia experience in the end. The one we started at acted like we were crazy for targeting the lease payment we wanted, which was based on real numbers that I had researched. The second one we went to almost immediately agreed to our pricing, and gave a real strong trade for our Odyssey.
In fact, that same dealer has a Durango I like. I may give them another shot - if anyone will step up on the Sedona, I'd imagine it's them.
We were fortunate with our Kia experience in the end. The one we started at acted like we were crazy for targeting the lease payment we wanted, which was based on real numbers that I had researched. The second one we went to almost immediately agreed to our pricing, and gave a real strong trade for our Odyssey.
In fact, that same dealer has a Durango I like. I may give them another shot - if anyone will step up on the Sedona, I'd imagine it's them.
I smell a punch...
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
breld-it sounds like your 2nd Kia dealer runs their operation a lot smarter - for them and the buyer.
28firefighter - the thing is, Kia should be past the grind-it-out on a 4-square on paper stage by now. Shame on them...they'll lose you as a customer potentially, and, perhaps anyone you feel like sharing the experience with. With more volumes up that shouldn't be happening, really.
Traverse looks nice. That is the direction the Enclave is heading from what I read. Should be on the lots just in time later this year when ours goes back.
I prefer smaller. the Acadia might be OK. I am really thinking my next car, if used, will be something like a 2010 Escape. Compact CUV for the hatch carrying capacity. Makes sense, until I change my mind again!
If I'm stuck with an SUV I want big. I figure I've got one more three year lease once the current one goes back at the end of the year. After the kids are out of strollers, I think we can make it work with a large sedan.
If we are driving on vaca to the shore or something once a year we will take two cars or I will rent something.
I prefer smaller. the Acadia might be OK. I am really thinking my next car, if used, will be something like a 2010 Escape. Compact CUV for the hatch carrying capacity. Makes sense, until I change my mind again!
I was darn close to picking the Terrain. I saw the new Acadia when I was at the dealer. Good looking rig.
'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've been trying to compare it to our Outback. The Subie has the big H-6 engine, so the Santa Fe is sluggish by comparison. It rides nieces, and has an ok compliment of features.
Innocuous, in other words. Wouldn't want to own one, but for the four of us, it will do.
If I'm stuck with an SUV I want big. I figure I've got one more three year lease once the current one goes back at the end of the year. After the kids are out of strollers, I think we can make it work with a large sedan.
If we are driving on vaca to the shore or something once a year we will take two cars or I will rent something.
Even if it's not necessary, an SUV (or minivan) is very helpful with kids. Strollers are helpful too. We just went to Disney over the summer with my 10, 7, & 5 year old. We took a stroller. It helps hauling stuff around even if the kids aren't in it.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
The Murano didn't want to start today at lunchtime. Not like the battery was dead, more like the engine was flooded or wasn't getting fuel. When I got home, I started it several times in the driveway, and it was fine each time. Weird.
Also, had the tires balanced and rotated at Discount Tire last week, and they said the TPMS sensors all check out fine, although on long trips, the TPMS light will randomly come on. Could just be one of them getting a low battery (but not completely dead).
The Murano is still a great vehicle, will hit the one year anniversary here in a couple of months. Not looking to get rid of it anytime soon unless there's a killer lease deal on a full-size truck that will bury the negative equity I have.
The Murano didn't want to start today at lunchtime. Not like the battery was dead, more like the engine was flooded or wasn't getting fuel. When I got home, I started it several times in the driveway, and it was fine each time. Weird.
Also, had the tires balanced and rotated at Discount Tire last week, and they said the TPMS sensors all check out fine, although on long trips, the TPMS light will randomly come on. Could just be one of them getting a low battery (but not completely dead).
The Murano is still a great vehicle, will hit the one year anniversary here in a couple of months. Not looking to get rid of it anytime soon unless there's a killer lease deal on a full-size truck that will bury the negative equity I have.
It's the "unless" that will get you every time around these parts.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
The Murano didn't want to start today at lunchtime. Not like the battery was dead, more like the engine was flooded or wasn't getting fuel. When I got home, I started it several times in the driveway, and it was fine each time. Weird.
Also, had the tires balanced and rotated at Discount Tire last week, and they said the TPMS sensors all check out fine, although on long trips, the TPMS light will randomly come on. Could just be one of them getting a low battery (but not completely dead).
The Murano is still a great vehicle, will hit the one year anniversary here in a couple of months. Not looking to get rid of it anytime soon unless there's a killer lease deal on a full-size truck that will bury the negative equity I have.
Gas is cheap now. Interest rates are low. Residuals are high for Full Size trucks/SUVs.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
If I'm stuck with an SUV I want big. I figure I've got one more three year lease once the current one goes back at the end of the year. After the kids are out of strollers, I think we can make it work with a large sedan.
If we are driving on vaca to the shore or something once a year we will take two cars or I will rent something.
Even if it's not necessary, an SUV (or minivan) is very helpful with kids. Strollers are helpful too. We just went to Disney over the summer with my 10, 7, & 5 year old. We took a stroller. It helps hauling stuff around even if the kids aren't in it.
True, I swear even now with as young as they are the stroller ends up more like a cart to lug stuff around. At any rate, the double one we have takes up far too much room. It barely fits in the rear of the SUV with the third row up. Amazingly, it fits nicely in the Elantra trunk. Didn't expect that.
We have a City Mini Double. It folds flat. I brought it with me back in '09 when I was shopping for an X3 replacement. It fit in the trunk of our TSX remarkably well. It also fits in my Legacy's big trunk.
You can make "anything" work. A Fit will satisfy 90% of your daily driving needs. You could rent an SUV or Minivan for weekend/vacation trips. Having an SUV is just so much easier.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
A lot of miles for a 14. A lot of money for the miles.
I agree on the money, on miles it's right at 15k/yr depending on when it was put in service. It would be a good buy if I needed something but I don't. My job will necessitate a move this spring, which is a great thing, so I need to focus on that for now.
We have a City Mini Double. It folds flat. I brought it with me back in '09 when I was shopping for an X3 replacement. It fit in the trunk of our TSX remarkably well. It also fits in my Legacy's big trunk.
You can make "anything" work. A Fit will satisfy 90% of your daily driving needs. You could rent an SUV or Minivan for weekend/vacation trips. Having an SUV is just so much easier.
We have some Graco model. It does fold reasonably flat, but still tall.
I know an SUV is more practical it is just that as nice as ours is we really just prefer a car. It's probably wishful thinking on my end. By the time the kids are out strollers I'll probably have to lug around sports stuff, etc.
I remember well those years with strollers, car seats, etc. And especially getting toddlers in and out of the car seats - that's where having a large door opening and a higher seating position is better on the back. Sure was nice once the kiddos can get in and out of the cars and seats themselves.
Personally, I like having enough cargo space for baby stuff (when they're young) and the sports stuff (as they get older) so that I'm not having to be too creative in cramming everything in. When I shopped the 428i GC, I actually did a rough measurement of the cargo area to make sure the boys' huge baseball bags would fit without much trouble.
I agree with @nyccarguy - most reasonably sized cars will work; but sometimes having extra space comes in handy.
I'm tempted to go look at it, but that would be a bad idea. It's bigger than I need but it has to be more reliable than the Touareg......
It's amazing how those hold their value. I chatted with someone this morning at the car wash who had a 2004 Lexus LX. He loves the car, even compared to his wife's new Suburban. Bought it a couple years ago with about 100k miles on it for $18,500.
If I could find a nice one like that, I'd consider one. I imagine it's one of those where you'd have pretty minimal depreciation, like a 4Runner or Tacoma.
It's amazing how those hold their value. I chatted with someone this morning at the car wash who had a 2004 Lexus LX. He loves the car, even compared to his wife's new Suburban. Bought it a couple years ago with about 100k miles on it for $18,500.
If I could find a nice one like that, I'd consider one. I imagine it's one of those where you'd have pretty minimal depreciation, like a 4Runner or Tacoma.
If I was looking for something for the long haul this would be my first choice, but I'm a CCBA so nothing I buy is for the long haul.
Thankfully my job is allowing me to move this spring, so that will be my focus for the next few months.
@breld and @michaell I'll be in touch via PM about moving your way!
Also, had the tires balanced and rotated at Discount Tire last week, and they said the TPMS sensors all check out fine, although on long trips, the TPMS light will randomly come on. Could just be one of them getting a low battery (but not completely dead).
Depending on the weather, speeds, etc., the light may have come on due to "pressure too high" rather than "pressure too low." TPMS is designed to work within a tolerance range, so that can be exceeded both on the lower and upper ends. The light on my 2010 Forester tends to come on during long trips on sunny (and warm) days, because we run the rear tires at 40 PSI when we haul heavy loads. I think the upper tolerance for the sensors is something like 44 or 45 PSI, with the low-end tolerance at ~25. Naturally, the pressure will rise when the heat builds up, so it is likely to trip the warning light under those conditions, even though there's no cause for alarm.
If you run your tires at a pressure higher than spec (I typically run 35 PSI on my cars) intentionally, then perhaps it is just a range tolerance issue and therefore "working as intended."
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
I don't know if GM still does this but my last GM car, an '08 HHR displayed tire pressure for each tire. It was interesting to watch the pressure vary from wheel to wheel and it took out any guess work as to what tire might have triggered the light. On the Hondas we've had, only the light comes on and the burden is on me to figure out which tire.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
It's amazing how those hold their value. I chatted with someone this morning at the car wash who had a 2004 Lexus LX. He loves the car, even compared to his wife's new Suburban. Bought it a couple years ago with about 100k miles on it for $18,500.
If I could find a nice one like that, I'd consider one. I imagine it's one of those where you'd have pretty minimal depreciation, like a 4Runner or Tacoma.
If I was looking for something for the long haul this would be my first choice, but I'm a CCBA so nothing I buy is for the long haul.
Thankfully my job is allowing me to move this spring, so that will be my focus for the next few months.
@breld and @michaell I'll be in touch via PM about moving your way!
Good choice, I love Denver and Colorado Springs both.
It's amazing how those hold their value. I chatted with someone this morning at the car wash who had a 2004 Lexus LX. He loves the car, even compared to his wife's new Suburban. Bought it a couple years ago with about 100k miles on it for $18,500.
If I could find a nice one like that, I'd consider one. I imagine it's one of those where you'd have pretty minimal depreciation, like a 4Runner or Tacoma.
If I was looking for something for the long haul this would be my first choice, but I'm a CCBA so nothing I buy is for the long haul.
Thankfully my job is allowing me to move this spring, so that will be my focus for the next few months.
@breld and @michaell I'll be in touch via PM about moving your way!
Fun! We sure love it here! My wife is a true native of the Denver area and I grew up in Colorado Springs before going to school up in Denver.
Comments
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
2018 Traverse
Not that I'm looking to buy new at all.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Kia Stinger
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
I can't believe they used the same platform for ten years on the current Traverse. It doesn't seem like it's been that long.....
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Curious to see the pricepoint. I'm having flashbacks already to the Kia experience with my BIL/SIL, though.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
@tifighter had a much better experience at a dealer a bit further away, so perhaps it was just this one franchise.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
Now, if they could just get their customer service act together, they may just be onto something.
I know it's crazy, but tomorrow will be the 3rd week my CTS has been in the shop.
In fact, that same dealer has a Durango I like. I may give them another shot - if anyone will step up on the Sedona, I'd imagine it's them.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
28firefighter - the thing is, Kia should be past the grind-it-out on a 4-square on paper stage by now. Shame on them...they'll lose you as a customer potentially, and, perhaps anyone you feel like sharing the experience with. With more volumes up that shouldn't be happening, really.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
If we are driving on vaca to the shore or something once a year we will take two cars or I will rent something.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
'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
'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
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Looks nice. How are you liking it?
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
'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
Innocuous, in other words. Wouldn't want to own one, but for the four of us, it will do.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Also, had the tires balanced and rotated at Discount Tire last week, and they said the TPMS sensors all check out fine, although on long trips, the TPMS light will randomly come on. Could just be one of them getting a low battery (but not completely dead).
The Murano is still a great vehicle, will hit the one year anniversary here in a couple of months. Not looking to get rid of it anytime soon unless there's a killer lease deal on a full-size truck that will bury the negative equity I have.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
http://www.fiatusaofwilmington.com/used/Toyota/2014-Toyota-Land+Cruiser-dc6dd2620a0e0a1771591b19b21e8481.htm
I'm tempted to go look at it, but that would be a bad idea. It's bigger than I need but it has to be more reliable than the Touareg......
You can make "anything" work. A Fit will satisfy 90% of your daily driving needs. You could rent an SUV or Minivan for weekend/vacation trips. Having an SUV is just so much easier.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
I know an SUV is more practical it is just that as nice as ours is we really just prefer a car. It's probably wishful thinking on my end. By the time the kids are out strollers I'll probably have to lug around sports stuff, etc.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Personally, I like having enough cargo space for baby stuff (when they're young) and the sports stuff (as they get older) so that I'm not having to be too creative in cramming everything in. When I shopped the 428i GC, I actually did a rough measurement of the cargo area to make sure the boys' huge baseball bags would fit without much trouble.
I agree with @nyccarguy - most reasonably sized cars will work; but sometimes having extra space comes in handy.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
If I could find a nice one like that, I'd consider one. I imagine it's one of those where you'd have pretty minimal depreciation, like a 4Runner or Tacoma.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Thankfully my job is allowing me to move this spring, so that will be my focus for the next few months.
@breld and @michaell I'll be in touch via PM about moving your way!
If you run your tires at a pressure higher than spec (I typically run 35 PSI on my cars) intentionally, then perhaps it is just a range tolerance issue and therefore "working as intended."
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman