Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

breld

qbrozen said:

breld said:

Yesterday's venture out for car browsing was really fun with @michaell and @jpp5862! And dangerous. Just when I thought I was so content.

So...my wife has generally been the one more fond of the Land Rovers, but I decided to take a Discovery out (the new non-Sport 3-row model) and fell in love with it (as did @jpp5862). I suppose I like the bit more distinct look, inside an out, compared to many others in the class. We drove the diesel, which had great grunt, both from a sound and feel perspective. About 5 mpg better than the supercharged V-6, so a notable improvement in that area.

But...no way I'll drop that kind of cash on a new luxury vehicle (though I would thoroughly encourage @jpp5862 to - his record is better than mine on keeping cars). So, I'll lust after the Discovery over the next 1-2 years until used ones start showing up.

But with the itch now for a more luxurious 3-row SUV, wife and I drove some other contenders:

• Audi Q7 - found a 15k mile used 2017 Q7. At first blush, I was surprisingly disappointed in the interior feel and look. Could be that this one wasn't cleaned very well, and while I generally like brown seats, I didn't like it in this particular example. And this didn't have Audi's new TFT screen at the gauges. Overall not bad at all, just not as striking as I had expected. But it definitely drives most like a sport sedan than any other SUV I've experienced. Love that 3.0T engine - shifts smooth; ride is a great balance between sport and luxury.
  
• Mazda CX-9 - even though I've rejected the current CX-9 before, it still intrigues me, so went to take another look. Overall, it does do the best job of competing with the luxury brands, as compared to the other more mainstream SUVs. The interior was almost on par with the Audi we had just driven. Their 4 cylinder performs well around the city - just as they intended. Strong acceleration, and smooth shifts with its traditional 8-speed auto (I think it's 8?). But...same complaint I've had in the past (not that I thought it would change) - the center console is positioned very high in a position where resting my knee against it is very uncomfortable. The sales manager actually said I wasn't the first person to bring that up.
  
• Volvo XC90 - Much like the Discovery, I lusted after these when they first came out, so makes sense to check them out again on the used market. Drove a 2017 well-equipped model with about 19k miles. Much like the CX-9, the turbo/super charged 4 cylinder was excellent. Certainly not the same grunt or sound offered by my current Hemi, but comparable torque and quickness. Not surprisingly, great interior and certainly the best seats we sat in all day - this one had the upgraded contour seats. Obviously different feel than the Durango, if I do want to go for more luxury. Best thing is these are not holding their value as well as the Audi. This one listed at $46k, about $10k less than most used Q7's I could find. And the Volvo dealer indicated they could deal lower.
  

@qbrozen - what's something like that going for at auction (so 2017 XC90, silver/black, Momentum model and well-equipped with Vision package and probably other features I'm not aware of, 19k miles). They actually got it off auction from Florida.

I see 6 in the past 3 weeks with 11k to 19k miles. All got $45k. None in FL. Must not have been a Manheim auction, unless they have had it since Sept.

________________

Yeah - this one I'm looking at actually came from California, not Florida; I was mistaken.

Hmm...so at $45k auction, this one listed at $46k seems to be a good buy. Good and bad - it's priced very fair, but I thought there may be more room to negotiate.

breld

stickguy said:

If I have learned anything by reading the adventures of Mr. and Mrs. Breld, it is that if they are fixated on a certain car, but somehow talk themselves into a lesser alternative (to be "practical" or "fiscally prudent"), it rarely lasts long. Been there, done that too. If what you really, truly, want is still too expensive, just hang onto the current ride a little longer until the price drops.

You're not wrong. Being able to justify things goes both ways.

breld

nyccarguy said:

Speaking of slackers.  I found @breld's Type R replacement.   A certified (of course) year old or so Audi S5 Sportback will strike the balance between the Type R's performance and the German driving experience he craves.

I do indeed like those A5/S5 sportbacks. Not so sure it drops into the price range for a swap of the Type R in a year - perhaps longer.

breld

ab348 said:

Saw my first Type R on the road here the other day. Man, that wing...

Yeah...it's great, isn't it?

breld

@qbrozen - thanks for the feedback on XC90 auction values. So at $45k at auction, seems the one I looked at yesterday, listed at $46.5k, is a good buy. Which is nice, except I was optimistic that there was more room to negotiate.

Eh...nothing to lose - the salesperson indicated they would be anxious to move a unit before month-end. That could just be sales talk, but if he calls and asks the "is there anything we could do..."

breld

I'll just add that @michaell REALLY liked the Accord. He and @jpp5862 went on the test drive of it while my wife, stepson and I browsed the neighboring BMW lot. As we walked back to the Honda lot, @michaell had a big smile on his face.

I found it interesting that the Accord Sport had virtually the same MSRP as the Elantra Sport he had just driven. Now the Elantra had a higher level of equipment at that price, but still...the Accord is a pretty good value.

breld

Here's the listing for the XC90 I'm interested in:

2017 XC90

I like the silver over black on my R/T, so it's easy to like this Volvo too. Those upgraded seats are a really attractive option at this price level - though I wouldn't scorn Volvo's standard seats.

Realistically, chances are slim I'll do anything at this point, but it's certainly something to think about (and fun to do so). I keep saying it, but it is true that I really enjoy the Durango. If I still had the V6 model I originally purchased, I'd be more apt to make this trade now - the additional cost would seem more worth it, but the R/T version offers something very unique in this segment not easily replicated. When I do end up trading "up" it'll be with the recognition that I'm ready for an different driving experience for my family hauler.

Michaell

breld said:

suydam said:

So anything small is vanilla???  Many smaller  cars handle better and are more fun to drive. Hardly vanilla. 

I think @michaell is simply saying that it's good to have choices and be open to other cars outside of one segment.

Yep, that's it, exactly.

I prefer smaller cars, myself. Midsize, at the largest.

I've owned, and driven regularly, large SUVs - an Expedition and an Explorer. Ponderous, but it's what the wife wanted at the time. Plus a number of smaller SUVs - 2 Saturn VUEs and the Mazda CX-7.

We've also had a new VW Beetle, a Ford Focus, Saturn ION, Saturn L300 and the Elantra GT, in addition to my current DD, the Jetta.

Even the 2015 Outback my wife has feels big, to me. But, we've used it almost like a pickup truck on occasion, and it's nice to have that utility.

As my wife says, "that's why they make chocolate and vanilla ice cream" - choice.

28firefighter

I give the Durango 2 weeks. 

Michaell

28firefighter said:

I give the Durango 2 weeks. 

Two weeks?

If it happens, it will be before Halloween. And, only if the dealer calls asking what it would take ...

(the only thing that hasn't happened yet is for @breld to ask @qbrozen what the trade value of the Durango is)

tbirdmarco

@stickguy yea! I no! lollollol hoping this plan does stick and work out for you in your faver! yes you have to see if you will like the new car you just got that much that you just rather keep that car for your selfe and work on the wife! we shal see!

tbirdmarco

@Michaell yes choices witch is all an dood thing for us all!

roadburner

breld said:

ab348 said:

Saw my first Type R on the road here the other day. Man, that wing...

Yeah...it's great, isn't it?

Not necessarily talking about anyone here; but I think that criticism of certain cars such as the Type R is often motivated by envy...

roadburner

Michaell said:

breld said:

suydam said:

So anything small is vanilla???  Many smaller  cars handle better and are more fun to drive. Hardly vanilla. 

I think @michaell is simply saying that it's good to have choices and be open to other cars outside of one segment.

Yep, that's it, exactly.

I prefer smaller cars, myself. Midsize, at the largest.

I've owned, and driven regularly, large SUVs - an Expedition and an Explorer. Ponderous, but it's what the wife wanted at the time. Plus a number of smaller SUVs - 2 Saturn VUEs and the Mazda CX-7.

We've also had a new VW Beetle, a Ford Focus, Saturn ION, Saturn L300 and the Elantra GT, in addition to my current DD, the Jetta.

Even the 2015 Outback my wife has feels big, to me. But, we've used it almost like a pickup truck on occasion, and it's nice to have that utility.

As my wife says, "that's why they make chocolate and vanilla ice cream" - choice.

As for needing larger vehicle's that's why Enterprise exists...

graphicguy

roadburner said:

breld said:

ab348 said:

Saw my first Type R on the road here the other day. Man, that wing...

Yeah...it's great, isn't it?

Not necessarily talking about anyone here; but I think that criticism of certain cars such as the Type R is often motivated by envy...

I’ve seen one around my ‘burg. I like it...a lot...wing and all.

Funny thing is, it’s being driven my a “mature” gentleman. Kind of gives me a bit of hope that some day I’ll have something to row the gears in, again!

fintail

I don't know about the envy line, it's not like the car is unaffordable or unattainable for most posting here anyway. It's a mildly expensive performance model of a mass market brand. I'd like it more if it was less flamboyant. I suspect in some areas around here, park it on the street and it would be gone in an hour.

js06gv

breld said:

Here's the listing for the XC90 I'm interested in:

2017 XC90

I like the silver over black on my R/T, so it's easy to like this Volvo too. Those upgraded seats are a really attractive option at this price level - though I wouldn't scorn Volvo's standard seats.

Realistically, chances are slim I'll do anything at this point, but it's certainly something to think about (and fun to do so). I keep saying it, but it is true that I really enjoy the Durango. If I still had the V6 model I originally purchased, I'd be more apt to make this trade now - the additional cost would seem more worth it, but the R/T version offers something very unique in this segment not easily replicated. When I do end up trading "up" it'll be with the recognition that I'm ready for an different driving experience for my family hauler.

I was just going to say, how long do you think you'd be happy with a 2.0L 4cyl after getting out of a 5.7L Hemi? Don't get me wrong...I'm a huge fan of 2.0L turbo motors but I can't imagine that big Volvo not struggling some with that engine plus a full load.

jpp75

A little late catching up but I echo what @michaell and @breld said about our driving experiences on Saturday. I was interested in the Velar so @michaell and mrs breld and i took it for a drive, the 4-cyl diesel model. Nice vehicle but not something I'd be interested in as a daily driver. When we got back @breld was looking at the Discovery and we took that one out for a drive and it's much more what I was looking for in a car. Out of everything we've driven the last few months it's the only one I like as much as my Touareg. And even though I may keep them a little longer than @breld the model I would want is around $65k which is just too much to spend right now but when the Touareg lease is up at the end of 2018 a lightly used one might be an option. Of course if VW ends up selling the leftover TDI Touaregs they have out there then that could also be a more affordable option on a car I already love.

I rode along with @Michaell for the Elantra and Accord drives. The Elantra is a great car, I can see the appeal and with what you get for that price it's certainly a great choice. The Accord though is just so much better, I'll echo @breld's comment, as a passenger I could tell the enthusiasm @Michaell had the moment we drove off the lot in the Accord. I actually liked the front end in person, and we commented on how it almost has an A5/A7 look to the profile. A great car for sure.

All in all a great day of car browsing!

stickguy

Good input all. I do know know that if I did trade up to an accord, it will be an EX or EXL. To get what I want on it. Definitely a higher price point ($6k at least OTD at this point for an EX I think, more to step up to leather). But sounds like a good car for me, in terms of what I like, just larger than what I have. But i'm thinking it drives "smaller" than it actually is.

Another option by next summer is the next Jetta on the new (MQB?) platform. SEL Or GLI could be interesting, and will have a VW coming off lease!

houdini1

jpp5862 said:

A little late catching up but I echo what @michaell and @breld said about our driving experiences on Saturday. I was interested in the Velar so @michaell and mrs breld and i took it for a drive, the 4-cyl diesel model. Nice vehicle but not something I'd be interested in as a daily driver. When we got back @breld was looking at the Discovery and we took that one out for a drive and it's much more what I was looking for in a car. Out of everything we've driven the last few months it's the only one I like as much as my Touareg. And even though I may keep them a little longer than @breld the model I would want is around $65k which is just too much to spend right now but when the Touareg lease is up at the end of 2018 a lightly used one might be an option. Of course if VW ends up selling the leftover TDI Touaregs they have out there then that could also be a more affordable option on a car I already love.

I rode along with @Michaell for the Elantra and Accord drives. The Elantra is a great car, I can see the appeal and with what you get for that price it's certainly a great choice. The Accord though is just so much better, I'll echo @breld's comment, as a passenger I could tell the enthusiasm @Michaell had the moment we drove off the lot in the Accord. I actually liked the front end in person, and we commented on how it almost has an A5/A7 look to the profile. A great car for sure.

All in all a great day of car browsing!

Honda's dilemma. I still think that if the Accord had a nice front end, no one would buy an Acura.

stickguy

RB, renting an SUV or minivan when I need space ain't happening. Fine for a quick local hit (picking up something bulky like a bed or dresser), but we need it for week long vacations to the beach, or holiday trips to visit family. Or Carting stuff around to the kids, and handy for transporting rescue dogs. Too expensive and a hassle to keep renting for that. Easier to have one that covers the need. Compact/mid size CUV (RDX, X1/X3, Forester, CX5, CRV) just makes a perfect DD for my wife and utility car for the family. Plus she likes sitting up a little higher.

Michaell

stickguy said:

RB, renting an SUV or minivan when I need space ain't happening. Fine for a quick local hit (picking up something bulky like a bed or dresser), but we need it for week long vacations to the beach, or holiday trips to visit family. Or Carting stuff around to the kids, and handy for transporting rescue dogs. Too expensive and a hassle to keep renting for that. Easier to have one that covers the need. Compact/mid size CUV (RDX, X1/X3, Forester, CX5, CRV) just makes a perfect DD for my wife and utility car for the family. Plus she likes sitting up a little higher.

+1 on most of those items, for us.

Wife really, really likes the Outback.

Now, if I can find something that I'd like enough to keep for a good, long time. We had both the L300 and ION for 7 years, but that was out of necessity, not desire.

stickguy

houdini1 said:

jpp5862 said:

A little late catching up but I echo what @michaell and @breld said about our driving experiences on Saturday. I was interested in the Velar so @michaell and mrs breld and i took it for a drive, the 4-cyl diesel model. Nice vehicle but not something I'd be interested in as a daily driver. When we got back @breld was looking at the Discovery and we took that one out for a drive and it's much more what I was looking for in a car. Out of everything we've driven the last few months it's the only one I like as much as my Touareg. And even though I may keep them a little longer than @breld the model I would want is around $65k which is just too much to spend right now but when the Touareg lease is up at the end of 2018 a lightly used one might be an option. Of course if VW ends up selling the leftover TDI Touaregs they have out there then that could also be a more affordable option on a car I already love.

I rode along with @Michaell for the Elantra and Accord drives. The Elantra is a great car, I can see the appeal and with what you get for that price it's certainly a great choice. The Accord though is just so much better, I'll echo @breld's comment, as a passenger I could tell the enthusiasm @Michaell had the moment we drove off the lot in the Accord. I actually liked the front end in person, and we commented on how it almost has an A5/A7 look to the profile. A great car for sure.

All in all a great day of car browsing!

Honda's dilemma. I still think that if the Accord had a nice front end, no one would buy an Acura.

Accord definitely can pilfer sales from the TLX, but I don't think changing the front end will make much difference to that. I really need to go see one of these in person.

My wife is fine with eventually moving my car to our daughter, but she wants no part of more looking in the interim!

suydam

I’m not sure about the Accord driving smaller. I had a ‘13 Accord which I liked very much. However, turning radius, handling, parking in small spaces, is just so much better with the 2 smaller vehicles I have now. Not much of an issue in the countryside where I was, but I really notice things like that now.

stickguy

One very nice feature on the Elantra. Really tight turning radius. Makes parking lots a breeze, combined with a foot less car to swing around!

Michaell

suydam said:

I’m not sure about the Accord driving smaller. I had a ‘13 Accord which I liked very much. However, turning radius, handling, parking in small spaces, is just so much better with the 2 smaller vehicles I have now. Not much of an issue in the countryside where I was, but I really notice things like that now.

I'll agree with you, as Santa Barbara is not a terribly car-friendly town. Smaller is better, there.

ab348

houdini1 said:

Honda's dilemma. I still think that if the Accord had a nice front end, no one would buy an Acura.

I smell a huge business opportunity here. A bolt-on replacement front end kit for the new Accord. Remove the chrome dental retainer and what there is of the grilles and come up with something that looks better (probably not too tough for a designer) including a proper lower air intake grille. Outsource the manufacturing to China and sell them for $500 a pop. You'd make millions.

This would be like those Rolls-Royce kits they used to put on VW Beetles but much more tasteful.

suydam

For Toyota’s, I could see that market, but the Accord’s front end is not that extreme.

fintail

I've seen beak removal kits for the late TL:







For Toyotas, I think it would be more involved, as the predator maw is larger.

qbrozen

breld said:

Here's the listing for the XC90 I'm interested in:

2017 XC90

I like the silver over black on my R/T, so it's easy to like this Volvo too. Those upgraded seats are a really attractive option at this price level - though I wouldn't scorn Volvo's standard seats.

Realistically, chances are slim I'll do anything at this point, but it's certainly something to think about (and fun to do so). I keep saying it, but it is true that I really enjoy the Durango. If I still had the V6 model I originally purchased, I'd be more apt to make this trade now - the additional cost would seem more worth it, but the R/T version offers something very unique in this segment not easily replicated. When I do end up trading "up" it'll be with the recognition that I'm ready for an different driving experience for my family hauler.

hmmm... Carfax is a little suspect. They have had it for 3 months already. No listing of it being at an auction. And did you see this entry at just 16k miles?
Engine/powertrain computer/module reprogrammed
Front brake pads replaced
Instrument cluster checked
Spark plug(s) replaced
Tire condition and pressure checked

Scary.

28firefighter

The 2018 GLI MQB is something that is on my radar for replacing the GTI at some point. Wife has no problem with me holding the GTI for another year, but does think (given my early ownership reliability issues) that holding it past the B2B warranty may not make sense. I suggested an extended warranty. She suggested something a bit larger, if it were cost effective to do so. Now we get into this discussion about what we really "need" in a family hauler.

There is nothing in the sub-30k price point that really appeals to me that would make me as happy as my GTI does.

Mr_Shiftright

Michaell said:

And, he's kept the Durango for 7 (!) months.

Yes but those are "Breld Months"....like dog years...multiply by 7!

breld

qbrozen said:

breld said:

Here's the listing for the XC90 I'm interested in:

2017 XC90

I like the silver over black on my R/T, so it's easy to like this Volvo too. Those upgraded seats are a really attractive option at this price level - though I wouldn't scorn Volvo's standard seats.

Realistically, chances are slim I'll do anything at this point, but it's certainly something to think about (and fun to do so). I keep saying it, but it is true that I really enjoy the Durango. If I still had the V6 model I originally purchased, I'd be more apt to make this trade now - the additional cost would seem more worth it, but the R/T version offers something very unique in this segment not easily replicated. When I do end up trading "up" it'll be with the recognition that I'm ready for an different driving experience for my family hauler.

hmmm... Carfax is a little suspect. They have had it for 3 months already. No listing of it being at an auction. And did you see this entry at just 16k miles?
Engine/powertrain computer/module reprogrammed
Front brake pads replaced
Instrument cluster checked
Spark plug(s) replaced
Tire condition and pressure checked

Scary.

Yikes! Hadn't yet looked at the Carfax that closely yet - thanks for the heads up!

breld

Mr_Shiftright said:

Michaell said:

And, he's kept the Durango for 7 (!) months.

Yes but those are "Breld Months"....like dog years...multiply by 7!

Not that this will surprise anyone, but the sad thing is that 7 month ownership period is longer than that of any of my last 3 vehicles - GTI (4 months), 428xi GC (5) and SQ5 (4). Of course, the V6 Durango that came before the current one was a quick 2 months, but the Kia Sedona before that was owned for 25 months. I was hoping the functionality of the family vehicle would result in a longer ownership period for this one too, but perhaps not.

breld

js06gv said:

breld said:

Here's the listing for the XC90 I'm interested in:

2017 XC90

I like the silver over black on my R/T, so it's easy to like this Volvo too. Those upgraded seats are a really attractive option at this price level - though I wouldn't scorn Volvo's standard seats.

Realistically, chances are slim I'll do anything at this point, but it's certainly something to think about (and fun to do so). I keep saying it, but it is true that I really enjoy the Durango. If I still had the V6 model I originally purchased, I'd be more apt to make this trade now - the additional cost would seem more worth it, but the R/T version offers something very unique in this segment not easily replicated. When I do end up trading "up" it'll be with the recognition that I'm ready for an different driving experience for my family hauler.

I was just going to say, how long do you think you'd be happy with a 2.0L 4cyl after getting out of a 5.7L Hemi? Don't get me wrong...I'm a huge fan of 2.0L turbo motors but I can't imagine that big Volvo not struggling some with that engine plus a full load.

I'd miss the "character," sound and feel of the Hemi, but from what I've read, I think the Volvo is every bit as quick, if not quicker, than the Durango. For that matter, I'm pretty sure a Highlander or Pilot is quicker with their V6s (but not as entertaining!).

A recent comparo review on C&D pitted 4 luxury 3-row SUVS against each other - the Q7, XC90, Range Rover Sport and X5. The XC90 was called out for being the "slowest" with its 4 cylinder, with the Q7 being the quickest 0-60. The Q7? 5.5 sec...the XC90? 6.0 sec.

js06gv

breld said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Michaell said:

And, he's kept the Durango for 7 (!) months.

Yes but those are "Breld Months"....like dog years...multiply by 7!

Not that this will surprise anyone, but the sad thing is that 7 month ownership period is longer than that of any of my last 3 vehicles - GTI (4 months), 428xi GC (5) and SQ5 (4). Of course, the V6 Durango that came before the current one was a quick 2 months, but the Kia Sedona before that was owned for 25 months. I was hoping the functionality of the family vehicle would result in a longer ownership period for this one too, but perhaps not.

Wasn't there a 1 or 2 month Beetle in there somewhere too? Haha

I bet you have a very comprehensive spreadsheet of your list. You should post it here for the entertainment value!

breld

Yeah - I think that Beetle was the shortest-lived ever; but that one falls in the wife's bucket, not mine.

And yes, I do have a comprehensive spreadsheet for reference!

Michaell

breld said:

Yeah - I think that Beetle was the shortest-lived ever; but that one falls in the wife's bucket, not mine.

And yes, I do have a comprehensive spreadsheet for reference!

I'm not sure our servers have enough space to host it.

That, or we'd have to trim the list to the last 12 or 24 months.

Mr_Shiftright

Maybe we could hook up an RSS feed from his inventory right to the forums? I'd prefer real time data so that I'm up to date.

qbrozen

breld said:

Yeah - I think that Beetle was the shortest-lived ever; but that one falls in the wife's bucket, not mine.

And yes, I do have a comprehensive spreadsheet for reference!

What is the count? Not kids or other relatives. Just your personal list plus those as a married couple?

qbrozen

I'm actually curious now. Does this work?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/fqs9iupyrmt1hvw/car history.xlsx?dl=0

stickguy

If you have a drop box account. I think I do on my laptop, but not on this iPad

kyfdx

qbrozen said:

I'm actually curious now. Does this work?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/fqs9iupyrmt1hvw/car history.xlsx?dl=0

I can read it, and I don't have dropbox

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

I'm actually curious now. Does this work?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/fqs9iupyrmt1hvw/car history.xlsx?dl=0

Works! Impressive

kyfdx

New member needs advice:
https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/48957/general/x/help-with-buying-a-used-car/p1?new=1

Michaell

Mr_Shiftright said:

Maybe we could hook up an RSS feed from his inventory right to the forums? I'd prefer real time data so that I'm up to date.

OK, that made me seriously LOL.

stickguy

it opened up on the laptop. only thing missing is dates bought/sold (or at least years owned!).

qbrozen

stickguy said:

it opened up on the laptop. only thing missing is dates bought/sold (or at least years owned!).

you should be able to scroll to the right. I can on my laptop.

I see there does not seem to be a scrollbar, though. I can do it with my trackpad using 2 fingers.

stickguy

ah, yes. Did not see that the first time. Very complete. Just curious, what is the significance of the rows highlighted in pink?

graphicguy

3G and 4G Acura TLs (I owned both) had folks customizing the grills. Apparently, it's a Honda/Acura thing, as they did the same on the Accords.

Not sure why. If you didn't like the styling, why buy it?

Some I saw looked good. Others well, they were questionable, at best!

The 3G was a fun car...not the fastest, nor with the best ride. But, it handled well and had pretty much every option that was available at the time on any car.

The 4G swung more towards the luxury ride end. Handling got a little blunted (Except with the SH AWD, which is outstanding on both dry weather and inclement weather). Again, pretty quick and had all the tech that any car had when it was released.

5G split the difference between the 3G and 4G. except for the 2018 refresh, which makes the TLX exciting to drive again....at least in A-Spec guise. And, I love the styling, in and out.