Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

xwesx

tjc78 said:

I remember traveling to Montana when they didn't have speed limits.   90 with the CC on and didn't touch the pedals for over 90 miles.  That was a boring hour...  

Ya, I remember that too. Driving on the I90 at 65 mph with vehicles passing me.... some of them double or more my speed. That was nerve-wracking, quite honestly. But, I would have really liked to have been in one of those other vehicles!

andres3

xwesx said:

tjc78 said:

I remember traveling to Montana when they didn't have speed limits.   90 with the CC on and didn't touch the pedals for over 90 miles.  That was a boring hour...  

Ya, I remember that too. Driving on the I90 at 65 mph with vehicles passing me.... some of them double or more my speed. That was nerve-wracking, quite honestly. But, I would have really liked to have been in one of those other vehicles!

LOL! What hooptie were you driving where you felt the need to go 65 MPH when others were doubling that speed.

xwesx

Hoop tie?!   No such beast was *I* driving!  

1969 Chevrolet c20 stepside pickup.  

xwesx

How do I access my saved topics on a mobile device?

qbrozen

On my phone, there is a little black bar that pops up at the bottom of my screen (but only when scrolling or I hit the bottom of the page, so it is kind of annoying), and in that bar is a star. Click the star to bring up saved topics list.

qbrozen

Lemme see if I can post my screenshots. First is black bar and second is with the star menu open.

xwesx

Ah.  Thank you!

xwesx

Fun day for me.  I've been in the anchorage Audi and Porsche dealership all day.  I'm sitting next to these, and watched them bring both into the showroom:

qbrozen

I'll take both!

xwesx

qbrozen said:

I'll take both!

No problem, sir! Your total, with multi-car discount, comes to $220,000 plus $6,000 shipping. Will that be cash or charge?

xwesx

Whoop!   Too late on the Cayman.  A confident young lady just bought it!  

Michaell

xwesx said:

Whoop!   Too late on the Cayman.  A confident young lady just bought it!  

Is she securing financing from the Bank of Mom & Dad?

Mr_Shiftright

Michaell said:

xwesx said:

Whoop!   Too late on the Cayman.  A confident young lady just bought it!  

Is she securing financing from the Bank of Mom & Dad?

No, she works for Google.

qbrozen

xwesx said:

Whoop!   Too late on the Cayman.  A confident young lady just bought it!  

In that case, I withdraw my offer. I only want the pair. Was already stacking my pennies.

stickguy

I would not have thought there was a big market for Porsches in Alaska.

2 weeks back I was in the Porsche dealer (that is where the lady to pay for VW service after hours is located). And they fired up a couple to move one out and put another in. Was loud. She complained they do it all day to her, she thinks just to have fun. Sounded good though!

told me a funny story. Just had a car in (not sure which Porsche), that came in on a flatbead, and had to be lifted onto the truck somehow. Because the lady lost both key fobs. And without them, the car would do nothing. Not roll, nada. And they needed the car to reprogram keys I think. So super fancy expensive car, had to get hoisted onto a truck just because the owner lost her keys.

the kicker (and apparently her husband yet for this one), is that she had 2 fobs. But to keep track of them, had clipped them together. so when she lost one, she lost both.

Sandman6472

My plan of swapping out the key fobs monthly seems to be working, no need to replace either battery yet and we're in year 3 now. Keep the current set in the center cup holder when parked in the garage and the other set in the key bowl on the table by the front door. This way everyone knows where the car keys are. On the A3, wife has a set, I have the other and keep it in the bowl also. Have been using this system since we moved to Florida almost 48 years ago. When we lived in Westchester, keys were kept in the cars all the time whether they were in the garage or not. Our little town was so safe, front doors were never locked and keys were left in the ignitions in the driveway. Guess we felt safe back in the late 50's to late 60's as there was almost no crime to speak of. Moving down to the greater Ft. Lauderdale area in '69, cured us of this habit and the bowl by the front door took over.
Some folks I know keep a wooden key holder with multiple hooks in the kitchen for the same purpose. Takes this function out of the having to think about it box because the whole family knows where these things go. I like things to be easy, or as easy as they can be in life...makes for a happier existence!

The Sandman

stickguy

I thought it was not good to keep them in the car, since then the car was always "hot" with the key? Maybe I am wrong though. happens once in a while.

I just keep my keys in my pocket. Never have to worry about walking out without them. Especially if you have to switch cars.

Wife just has her fobs buried in her pocketbook. Good luck ever finding those.

fintail

I'd rather have the 911 in the background. Nice pic though, that's one she'll treasure in 40 years.

nyccarguy

Today our 2011 Pilot is officially 6 years old.  The official mileage total is 92,500.  It passed CT state emissions, got 4.5 quarts of Mobil 1 5w 20 Full Synthetic, a new filter, & a tire rotation.  They noted that the rear control arm Bushings are cracking (due to age/mileage) & there is a slight leak in the front axle.  

Since the Pilot was sidelined, that means the wife got to jet around in the Q40, and it was me and my good 158,000 mile buddy the Prelude.  The Prelude still rocks.  Not nearly as fast as my Infiniti, but oh the handling.  It is so light on its feet.  After 15 years, the AC blows ICE COLD.

breld

@nyccarguy - I'm always envious when you bring up that magnificent Prelude of yours! I always have then tendency to then go to craigslist in search of one, but they are a rare species (well, one that would be worth buying anyway).

breld

I have a friend flying in from North Carolina today and we'll be chatting cars quite a bit this weekend I suspect, as he is is full on shopping mode.

His last car was a 1st gen Toyota Solara SLE V6 - you know, back when Toyota made cars that lived up to their reputation. After spending a year in China, he and his wife are back in the states and finally ready to get new cars.

She just bought a new RDX for herself, and he has long been thinking of a TLX. He's a musician and has always been drawn by Acura's sound system upgrade, but apparently they took that "5.1 Surround" system away - either for 2017 or the upcoming 2018 model.

Anyway, his budget is around $40k, in vague terms, he's looking for a sports sedan or coupe, he keeps his cars for a long, long time, and try as I might, I haven't been able to convince him or his wife to consider used.

TLX definitely an option; I also threw out the new Q60. I'll also suggest looking at some Lexus product (like an IS). But that $40k budget is a funny one - most luxury makes break that barrier quickly these days, so you're sort of left with the higher end of the non-luxury makes.

Suggestions welcome.

Michaell

breld said:

I have a friend flying in from North Carolina today and we'll be chatting cars quite a bit this weekend I suspect, as he is is full on shopping mode.

His last car was a 1st gen Toyota Solara SLE V6 - you know, back when Toyota made cars that lived up to their reputation. After spending a year in China, he and his wife are back in the states and finally ready to get new cars.

She just bought a new RDX for herself, and he has long been thinking of a TLX. He's a musician and has always been drawn by Acura's sound system upgrade, but apparently they took that "5.1 Surround" system away - either for 2017 or the upcoming 2018 model.

Anyway, his budget is around $40k, in vague terms, he's looking for a sports sedan or coupe, he keeps his cars for a long, long time, and try as I might, I haven't been able to convince him or his wife to consider used.

TLX definitely an option; I also threw out the new Q60. I'll also suggest looking at some Lexus product (like an IS). But that $40k budget is a funny one - most luxury makes break that barrier quickly these days, so you're sort of left with the higher end of the non-luxury makes.

Suggestions welcome.

Sounds like a fun day of shopping is on your agenda.

@graphicguy just went through this exercise - $40K budget, something sporty.

Accord Touring (great deals to be had, what with the new model coming out this fall)
Toyota Avalon (ok, not sporty, but should last a good, long time)
Infiniti Q50 (you mentioned the Q60, but there are insane discounts on the Q50 at the moment)
BMW 320i (underpowered, perhaps, but can get one reasonably equipped under the $40K barrier)
Nissan Maxima (we just test drove this, and again, pretty solid discounts available)

Given that the sedan market is struggling, I think anything that stickers up to $45K could likely be had for under $40K with some decent negotiation.

graphicguy

stickguy said:

I would not have thought there was a big market for Porsches in Alaska.

2 weeks back I was in the Porsche dealer (that is where the lady to pay for VW service after hours is located). And they fired up a couple to move one out and put another in. Was loud. She complained they do it all day to her, she thinks just to have fun. Sounded good though!

told me a funny story. Just had a car in (not sure which Porsche), that came in on a flatbead, and had to be lifted onto the truck somehow. Because the lady lost both key fobs. And without them, the car would do nothing. Not roll, nada. And they needed the car to reprogram keys I think. So super fancy expensive car, had to get hoisted onto a truck just because the owner lost her keys.

the kicker (and apparently her husband yet for this one), is that she had 2 fobs. But to keep track of them, had clipped them together. so when she lost one, she lost both.

Hmmmm....in that case, wouldn't it have been easier to just take a technician to the car with new fobs?

ab348

stickguy said:

told me a funny story. Just had a car in (not sure which Porsche), that came in on a flatbead, and had to be lifted onto the truck somehow. Because the lady lost both key fobs. And without them, the car would do nothing. Not roll, nada. And they needed the car to reprogram keys I think. So super fancy expensive car, had to get hoisted onto a truck just because the owner lost her keys.

the kicker (and apparently her husband yet for this one), is that she had 2 fobs. But to keep track of them, had clipped them together. so when she lost one, she lost both.

Just another example of not-ready-for-prime-time automotive electronics tech. Like the beer tap shift control on the Cad XT5 that requires multiple pages in the owners manual to tell you how to put it in neutral and keep it there without it automatically going into Park when you open the door, so it can roll freely through a pull-through car wash without anyone inside. Good luck with that.

graphicguy

Michaell said:

breld said:

I have a friend flying in from North Carolina today and we'll be chatting cars quite a bit this weekend I suspect, as he is is full on shopping mode.

His last car was a 1st gen Toyota Solara SLE V6 - you know, back when Toyota made cars that lived up to their reputation. After spending a year in China, he and his wife are back in the states and finally ready to get new cars.

She just bought a new RDX for herself, and he has long been thinking of a TLX. He's a musician and has always been drawn by Acura's sound system upgrade, but apparently they took that "5.1 Surround" system away - either for 2017 or the upcoming 2018 model.

Anyway, his budget is around $40k, in vague terms, he's looking for a sports sedan or coupe, he keeps his cars for a long, long time, and try as I might, I haven't been able to convince him or his wife to consider used.

TLX definitely an option; I also threw out the new Q60. I'll also suggest looking at some Lexus product (like an IS). But that $40k budget is a funny one - most luxury makes break that barrier quickly these days, so you're sort of left with the higher end of the non-luxury makes.

Suggestions welcome.

Sounds like a fun day of shopping is on your agenda.

@graphicguy just went through this exercise - $40K budget, something sporty.

Accord Touring (great deals to be had, what with the new model coming out this fall)
Toyota Avalon (ok, not sporty, but should last a good, long time)
Infiniti Q50 (you mentioned the Q60, but there are insane discounts on the Q50 at the moment)
BMW 320i (underpowered, perhaps, but can get one reasonably equipped under the $40K barrier)
Nissan Maxima (we just test drove this, and again, pretty solid discounts available)

Given that the sedan market is struggling, I think anything that stickers up to $45K could likely be had for under $40K with some decent negotiation.

Michaell....pretty much nailed it on pricing. I found those cars which I was seriously interested in, with MSRPs around $45K, could be had for right around that $40K mark, give or take some pennies.

Breld.....a '17 TLX all loaded up (Advance package with SH AWD) would definitely fill the bill. The ELS factory sound system is easily the best I've heard in any car, at any price. They did away with being able to play DVD-A discs (of which I have quite a few of that I play at home) but I think they still play those DTS encoded discs (which are pretty rare). What they won't play are DVD movies because of liability concerns.

My Q50, with the Premium package, blind spot warning, Bose, etc....pretty well loaded up, I was able to buy buy for $10K off. So, as Michaell said, good discounts on those. If he's really into the coupe version Q60, the ones I saw at my dealership were pretty well loaded and had stickers that were touching $60K.

All of the Qs I liked had either the 3.0 dual turbo six (which is a blast) or the Red 400 version of the motor with 400 HP (which is even more of a blast). They handle well, ride well, look good in and out (IMHO), built well, with good materials, and they're fast.

Since mine hit 1,000 miles, MPG has improved to around 23 MPG in town, and I just finished a trip where I was hitting pretty close to 30 MPG. So, pleased with that, too.

Mine came in at around $38K, so well under $40K limit.

Toyota Avalon is something I'd buy before laying down $10K more for a Lexus ES. But, even there, I'm betting you can get an ES for right around $40K, and definitely get a (non F-Sport) IS in that range. The loaded Avalon I looked at was a Limited and I could have bought it for about the same as the Q50. Not sporty, but all the luxury and technology anyone could possibly ask for. Plus, the JBL system does indeed play DVD-A disks (not sure about DVD movie discs).

If I hadn't bought the Q50, I would have been all over the Accord Touring. V6. That's a fun drive. Again, totally loaded up. Relatively quick and reliable as anything on the market. I could have bought one for somewhere in the $32K range.

I think the current TLS had some teething issues with the 9-speed trans when it first came out. From all the forums I look at and reviews I've read, Acura worked on the software and the transmission works fine the past couple of MYs. I wouldn't hesitate to get into a TLX.

Neighbor's wife has a 320i. Nice car. Pretty spartan and not all that quick, but hey, it's a BMW. She likes it. I think the sticker on it was somewhere in the low to mid $40s. So, probably another solid $40K car.

I'd look at the A4 in that range, too. You could probably buy a Premium Plus model in that range.

There's the Cadillac ATS, but everyone here knows how I feel about those.

The good news, that $40K-$50K segment is hyper competitive right now. Lots of good cars in that range.

qbrozen

graphicguy said:

I have a friend flying in from North Carolina today and we'll be chatting cars quite a bit this weekend I suspect, as he is is full on shopping mode.

His last car was a 1st gen Toyota Solara SLE V6 - you know, back when Toyota made cars that lived up to their reputation. After spending a year in China, he and his wife are back in the states and finally ready to get new cars.

She just bought a new RDX for herself, and he has long been thinking of a TLX. He's a musician and has always been drawn by Acura's sound system upgrade, but apparently they took that "5.1 Surround" system away - either for 2017 or the upcoming 2018 model.

Anyway, his budget is around $40k, in vague terms, he's looking for a sports sedan or coupe, he keeps his cars for a long, long time, and try as I might, I haven't been able to convince him or his wife to consider used.

TLX definitely an option; I also threw out the new Q60. I'll also suggest looking at some Lexus product (like an IS). But that $40k budget is a funny one - most luxury makes break that barrier quickly these days, so you're sort of left with the higher end of the non-luxury makes.

Suggestions welcome.

Sounds like a fun day of shopping is on your agenda.

@graphicguy just went through this exercise - $40K budget, something sporty.

Accord Touring (great deals to be had, what with the new model coming out this fall)
Toyota Avalon (ok, not sporty, but should last a good, long time)
Infiniti Q50 (you mentioned the Q60, but there are insane discounts on the Q50 at the moment)
BMW 320i (underpowered, perhaps, but can get one reasonably equipped under the $40K barrier)
Nissan Maxima (we just test drove this, and again, pretty solid discounts available)

Given that the sedan market is struggling, I think anything that stickers up to $45K could likely be had for under $40K with some decent negotiation.

Michaell....pretty much nailed it on pricing. I found those cars which I was seriously interested in, with MSRPs around $45K, could be had for right around that $40K mark, give or take some pennies.

Breld.....a '17 TLX all loaded up (Advance package with SH AWD) would definitely fill the bill. The ELS factory sound system is easily the best I've heard in any car, at any price. They did away with being able to play DVD-A discs (of which I have quite a few of that I play at home) but I think they still play those DTS encoded discs (which are pretty rare). What they won't play are DVD movies because of liability concerns.

My Q50, with the Premium package, blind spot warning, Bose, etc....pretty well loaded up, I was able to buy buy for $10K off. So, as Michaell said, good discounts on those. If he's really into the coupe version Q60, the ones I saw at my dealership were pretty well loaded and had stickers that were touching $60K.

All of the Qs I liked had either the 3.0 dual turbo six (which is a blast) or the Red 400 version of the motor with 400 HP (which is even more of a blast). They handle well, ride well, look good in and out (IMHO), built well, with good materials, and they're fast.

Since mine hit 1,000 miles, MPG has improved to around 23 MPG in town, and I just finished a trip where I was hitting pretty close to 30 MPG. So, pleased with that, too.

Mine came in at around $38K, so well under $40K limit.

Toyota Avalon is something I'd buy before laying down $10K more for a Lexus ES. But, even there, I'm betting you can get an ES for right around $40K, and definitely get a (non F-Sport) IS in that range. The loaded Avalon I looked at was a Limited and I could have bought it for about the same as the Q50. Not sporty, but all the luxury and technology anyone could possibly ask for. Plus, the JBL system does indeed play DVD-A disks (not sure about DVD movie discs).

If I hadn't bought the Q50, I would have been all over the Accord Touring. V6. That's a fun drive. Again, totally loaded up. Relatively quick and reliable as anything on the market. I could have bought one for somewhere in the $32K range.

I think the current TLS had some teething issues with the 9-speed trans when it first came out. From all the forums I look at and reviews I've read, Acura worked on the software and the transmission works fine the past couple of MYs. I wouldn't hesitate to get into a TLX.

Neighbor's wife has a 320i. Nice car. Pretty spartan and not all that quick, but hey, it's a BMW. She likes it. I think the sticker on it was somewhere in the low to mid $40s. So, probably another solid $40K car.

I'd look at the A4 in that range, too. You could probably buy a Premium Plus model in that range.

There's the Cadillac ATS, but everyone here knows how I feel about those.

The good news, that $40K-$50K segment is hyper competitive right now. Lots of good cars in that range.

That is a nice improvement in mileage over the old 3.5-3.7 units. I can rarely break 21mpg mixed driving in my EX. Same was true of my previous G35x.

stickguy

I really enjoyed the TLX I drove (FWD, V6). I know that the 4 is plenty of engine for me, but man, all that HP was seductive. Basically the powertrain from our RDX, with a few more ponies, in a lighter and more aerodynamic car, with less driveline drag. And 3 more gears. So yeah, it moved, considering the RDX is a little hot rod already. Do I need the extra? Not really. Do I want it? Twist my arm!

stickguy

and if he is buying right now, the deals on the 2017 TLX are fantastic, since the 2018s hit on 6/1 officially. Though not sure what inventories are like now, since prices have been good for a while.

pensfan83

Quite a wealth of knowledge in this thread. There are cars I wouldn't have given a second thought to looking at but based on the effusive praise for some, looking at you Infinity, I may have to add to the list.

Michaell

My loaner while the daughters MINI is in for service. 

stickguy

is that the new version or the old style?

stickguy

this one might actually be a good deal. Price not too bad, and miles are low. Has a sunroof! ever driven one though.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2009-saturn-vue-awd_4dr_v6_xe-used-16424922.html

ab348

@breld - Despite the comment above, my ATS has been absolutely trouble-free and is a hoot to drive. Essentially a 2+2 as the back seat is only good for little people. Not sure what the deals are on them right now as Caddy is trying to resist big incentives, but maybe there are some quietly being offered if you are serious.

Michaell

stickguy said:

is that the new version or the old style?

New clubman. Base engine but AWD. No backup camera, though. 

tjc78

breld said:

I have a friend flying in from North Carolina today and we'll be chatting cars quite a bit this weekend I suspect, as he is is full on shopping mode.

His last car was a 1st gen Toyota Solara SLE V6 - you know, back when Toyota made cars that lived up to their reputation. After spending a year in China, he and his wife are back in the states and finally ready to get new cars.

She just bought a new RDX for herself, and he has long been thinking of a TLX. He's a musician and has always been drawn by Acura's sound system upgrade, but apparently they took that "5.1 Surround" system away - either for 2017 or the upcoming 2018 model.

Anyway, his budget is around $40k, in vague terms, he's looking for a sports sedan or coupe, he keeps his cars for a long, long time, and try as I might, I haven't been able to convince him or his wife to consider used.

TLX definitely an option; I also threw out the new Q60. I'll also suggest looking at some Lexus product (like an IS). But that $40k budget is a funny one - most luxury makes break that barrier quickly these days, so you're sort of left with the higher end of the non-luxury makes.

Suggestions welcome.

I had a 2000 Solara SLE V6.  That really was a nice car. White over beige and NO gold emblem package.  Back then it seemed they all had it tacked on.   I always was complimented on that one.  

Mr_Shiftright

Michaell said:

My loaner while the daughters MINI is in for service. 

It has too many doors!

Michaell

Mr_Shiftright said:

Michaell said:

My loaner while the daughters MINI is in for service. 

It has too many doors!

The clamshell in the back does take some getting used to - 6 doors total.

breld

Michaell said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Michaell said:

My loaner while the daughters MINI is in for service. 

It has too many doors!

The clamshell in the back does take some getting used to - 6 doors total.

Hmmm - that looks a lot like the loaner our house guests have for the next several days!

Michaell

breld said:

Michaell said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Michaell said:

My loaner while the daughters MINI is in for service. 

It has too many doors!

The clamshell in the back does take some getting used to - 6 doors total.

Hmmm - that looks a lot like the loaner our house guests have for the next several days!

I put something like 40 or so miles on the Clubman today, and I've had one as a loaner in the past, so here are my thoughts.

As the picture shows, this is a sort of ungainly shape. I know most folks (I'm looking at you, @Mr_Shiftright) believe that MINI should stick with 2 doors only. But, there are 4 doors that look worse *cough*Civic*cough*. It could grow on me, however.

There is ample room up front and behind the rear seats, but with the seats adjusted for my 5'11" frame, there isn't a lot of rear seat room.

The interior is pretty nice. Leatherette seats, but leather on the steering wheel. The ergonomics are still a bit strange in some ways, but they've at least moved the window switches to the "right" place on the door. If this was your only car, you'd adjust pretty easily. As I noted earlier, no backup camera, and XM wasn't set up. Dashboard is also more traditional, as well.

This was the base model, which means it has the 1.5L 3-cyl turbo - something like 130-140 HP. 6 speed automatic, with a 3 position switch for driving mode - Sport, Normal or Eco. I kept it in Sport the whole time I had it.

When you fire it up, you don't notice the 3 banger - to me, it sounds like any small displacement 4-cyl engine. It is pretty punchy if you put your foot into it. But, the transmission seemed to want to hunt when pulling away from a stop at part throttle. Not sure if that is the programming to maximize MPG, but it felt like the DSG transmission I drove a few years ago in the VW CC.

What I was most impressed with, however, was the ride. Unlike the MINIs my daughter has owned, the new generation ride pretty well, without giving up the great handling that is part and parcel of the MINI DNA. Drove both city streets and some highway, and the car was composed and - dare I say it? - comfortable.

I've driven a bunch of cars over the years on long road trips - the '06 ION, various SUVs, and even my late father-in-laws early 90's Subaru Legacy wagon. I could easily see myself driving this MINI to CA, or Vegas, or Sedona, and not feel punished at the end of the trip.

Overall, I'll have to do some pricing - no idea what these run, and, like any MINI, you could go crazy with the options. Something for me to think about when the Jetta goes back.

Michaell

stickguy said:

this one might actually be a good deal. Price not too bad, and miles are low. Has a sunroof! ever driven one though.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2009-saturn-vue-awd_4dr_v6_xe-used-16424922.html

I'd suggest you sit in it - we had an '08, and I found that the drivers seat didn't go back far enough for me - and I'm 5'11".

benjaminh

breld said:

I have a friend flying in from North Carolina today and we'll be chatting cars quite a bit this weekend I suspect, as he is is full on shopping mode.

His last car was a 1st gen Toyota Solara SLE V6 - you know, back when Toyota made cars that lived up to their reputation. After spending a year in China, he and his wife are back in the states and finally ready to get new cars.

She just bought a new RDX for herself, and he has long been thinking of a TLX. He's a musician and has always been drawn by Acura's sound system upgrade, but apparently they took that "5.1 Surround" system away - either for 2017 or the upcoming 2018 model.

Anyway, his budget is around $40k, in vague terms, he's looking for a sports sedan or coupe, he keeps his cars for a long, long time, and try as I might, I haven't been able to convince him or his wife to consider used.

TLX definitely an option; I also threw out the new Q60. I'll also suggest looking at some Lexus product (like an IS). But that $40k budget is a funny one - most luxury makes break that barrier quickly these days, so you're sort of left with the higher end of the non-luxury makes.

Suggestions welcome.

breld said:

I have a friend flying in from North Carolina today and we'll be chatting cars quite a bit this weekend I suspect, as he is is full on shopping mode.

His last car was a 1st gen Toyota Solara SLE V6 - you know, back when Toyota made cars that lived up to their reputation. After spending a year in China, he and his wife are back in the states and finally ready to get new cars.

She just bought a new RDX for herself, and he has long been thinking of a TLX. He's a musician and has always been drawn by Acura's sound system upgrade, but apparently they took that "5.1 Surround" system away - either for 2017 or the upcoming 2018 model.

Anyway, his budget is around $40k, in vague terms, he's looking for a sports sedan or coupe, he keeps his cars for a long, long time, and try as I might, I haven't been able to convince him or his wife to consider used.

TLX definitely an option; I also threw out the new Q60. I'll also suggest looking at some Lexus product (like an IS). But that $40k budget is a funny one - most luxury makes break that barrier quickly these days, so you're sort of left with the higher end of the non-luxury makes.

Suggestions welcome.

I think AndroidAuto/CarPlay is really useful. Recommend getting a new car with that. The 2017 TLX has great deals, but lacks that key feature. For 2018 they've added it.

qbrozen

stickguy said:

this one might actually be a good deal. Price not too bad, and miles are low. Has a sunroof! ever driven one though.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2009-saturn-vue-awd_4dr_v6_xe-used-16424922.html

Almost had me. Sadly, though, that is not the Honda 3.5.

Sandman6472

I still like the Mini, a lot! A 2 door would work for me though the 4 door would be more practical plus, the doors will weigh less. From what I've read and heard, the ride of the new one's doesn't punish the driver as much and dare I say might be as smooth as my current Golf! Think I could get used to the funkiness of the interior pretty quickly but, it would have to drive as nicely as my Golf does. We just came in from dinner and of course, I drove. But it really isn't a chore because it's such a nice driving machine. Would love it a bit more if it had the Apple radio but am happy enough with the XM. Hopefully my next ride will have all the current tech and I'll be extremely happy.

The Sandman

Mr_Shiftright

Well the 4 doors make it *theoretically possible* for an adult to get in the back seat, whereas with the 2-door version this isn't pretty to watch. You don't gain much cargo space with the 4-door and really no gain if the rear seatbacks are upright. As this Shiftright guy implied earlier, the 4-door version is a bit ungainly.

But you know, for a young family it could work as a fun family car.

stickguy

Michael, I thought that was a countryman. Only model I would likely be interested in.

QB is that that the GM 3.5? Still a pretty nice engine though. I would not mid that over the Honda 3,5

xwesx

fintail said:

I'd rather have the 911 in the background. Nice pic though, that's one she'll treasure in 40 years.

Yeah, same here! But, the 911 was a lot (LOT) more expensive.... She had only saved up $75K. Hahhaha

xwesx

If fuel economy is a high priority, I hit a solid 29 mpg on my run to Anchorage and back in the Q7. We were running 70 the whole way.

Not necessarily good news from the shop visit. The engine MIL is due to a sensor issue in the urea tank. The vehicle is using the fluid at the correct rate, but the level sensor is not working properly, so it only really "reads" the level when it is down to <500 miles of range.

But, the bridge warranty is in effect, so the visit was pretty cheap for us. We just have to do it again when the parts for repairing it are in.

Michaell

stickguy said:

Michael, I thought that was a countryman. Only model I would likely be interested in.

QB is that that the GM 3.5? Still a pretty nice engine though. I would not mid that over the Honda 3,5

Yes, the engine in the VUE XE is the corporate GM 3.5

Our '05 VUE had the Honda 3.5 and 5-speed auto - nice combination. Unfortunately, the rest of the car was total plastic (inside and out)

Michaell

sandman_6472 said:

I still like the Mini, a lot! A 2 door would work for me though the 4 door would be more practical plus, the doors will weigh less. From what I've read and heard, the ride of the new one's doesn't punish the driver as much and dare I say might be as smooth as my current Golf! Think I could get used to the funkiness of the interior pretty quickly but, it would have to drive as nicely as my Golf does. We just came in from dinner and of course, I drove. But it really isn't a chore because it's such a nice driving machine. Would love it a bit more if it had the Apple radio but am happy enough with the XM. Hopefully my next ride will have all the current tech and I'll be extremely happy.

The Sandman

Sandy, I had a chance to drive my Jetta later in the day. As nice as the new MINI rides, the Jetta (or your Golf) will feel like a limo by comparison.

You've got to really, really like the MINI if you want to own one. It takes a real commitment to enjoy the whole car. If you are infatuated with just the looks, you may not like the whole experience. And a 10 minute test drive won't be enough. My daughter was so enamored of the looks she looked past all the other issues.

qbrozen

stickguy said:

Michael, I thought that was a countryman. Only model I would likely be interested in.

QB is that that the GM 3.5? Still a pretty nice engine though. I would not mid that over the Honda 3,5

Only 220 hp in that GM V6. Kind of a pig.