Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Mr_Shiftright

I think at $5 a gallon you'd start seeing electric or hybrid G-wagens, since few people probably take them off road anyway. (which is ironic, since they are very good off-road). Think of a "G-EV" wagen as "feel good marketing". That way, you can "feel good" about driving this monster around on batteries, while still vacationing in Thailand to go surfing, having burned up, per passenger, enough jet fuel to equal one year's carbon emissions on your average gasoline car.

The G-Wagen--- From Bundeswehr to Burberry!

fintail

I don't think I can agree with that in its entirety. Gasoline is $5 or more per gallon in much of the developed world, and there's zero demand for an electric or hybrid G (if it would even work for something so big and heavy). The target market just doesn't care. Don't get me wrong, there's plenty of room for eco-chic or allaying weird guilt at the high end of the market too, but the person who buys a new G, especially an AMG variant, either through ostentation or pragmatism, just doesn't care.

stickguy

I think Bradd is nuts buying a car that can barely break 20 MPG, on premium, when he puts 18K/year on the thing. He might have to sell a kid to run a G Wagon!

Mr_Shiftright

I'm betting otherwise. This basically awful truck has had its price hyped to ridiculous levels by celebrities, but once that wears off (and doesn't it always?), and if you're patient, you'll get your 50% depreciation and then some. Maybe celebs don't care about gas prices, but they sure do care about what's "in" and what's "not". So once Kim Kardashian and Hilary Duff have had enough of theirs, then it can be your turn!

fintail

Well, there hasn't been an EV or hybrid G yet, and none are rumored for production, so one might hope your bet is playing the long game The people who can lay out the money for a new don't care much about fuel costs, especially for vehicles that won't be doing 20K/year in commuting duty.

The G has remarkable long term resale. New ones will depreciate, as 99+% of new cars depreciate a bit in the first 5-10 years, but the depreciation floor is another story. Priced the same when new, a 15 year old G500 vs S500 is worth many times more. These things have also been trendy since the day they arrived as official imports over 15 years ago, and were exotics before that, and show no signs of slowing down - the updated model is receiving a lot of press. I don't see a decline for this model anytime soon. If it was going to happen, it would have started already.

Michaell

Another day hanging with Mr. and Mrs. @breld, looking at cars. And, I ended up testing driving one myself.

Met them at the Infiniti dealer, where @breld spotted a clean, almost new 2017 Volvo XC90 Momentum. I rode shotgun during the test drive - my first extended time in a late model Volvo.

Seats are as comfortable as everybody claims. However, my left knee kept hitting the center console - might have been because I had the seat pulled forward to allow more room for the salesman, who was behind me.

Adequate power - I've not ridden in the Hemi Durango, so I don't have a point of reference to compare the two. But, every time he booted it, it got up to speed quite nicely. Good handling, too. After testing driving cars in Denver for over 20 years, I have to admit that the test drive loop was the best I've ever been on. A couple of highway stretches, linked by some twisty 2-lane that was pretty empty (exclusing bicyclists). And this was on a Saturday.

Infotainment was very tablet like in its interface. This example had the Bowers and Wilkins upgraded stereo system, so the sound reproduction was fantastic.

Overall, a really nice car. Only 3800 miles on it, so not a huge discount from new, @breld said.

Next was the Cadillac dealer, which had a Tesla Model X listed. Sadly, it was out getting serviced so we didn't see or test drive it.

Across the street is the Chevrolet dealer, where the @breld family wanted to look at the Bolt. I didn't ride in it, so I'll let him tell you his impressions.

While I was waiting for them, I spotted a 2017 Malibu Hybrid. What caught my eye first was the MPG ratings on the window sticker - 43 city, 49 highway. Then, the price - just over $28K. Seems like a lot of value for the money - the equipment list is pretty similar to my Jetta, with the addition of power seats. Salesman came up and asked if I wanted a test drive. After a moment, we both realized he sold us our Outback 3 years ago. First time that's happened to me.

Anyway, a decent test drive followed - mostly in town, with a short highway stint.

The Malibu is quite handsome, on the outside. This one was the ubiquitous silver over black, which wouldn't be my preferred color combo. Inside, the materials approximate those in my Jetta - that is, a fair amount of hard plastic. But, all the right features - Apple CarPlay, rear camera, power seats.

I wanted to like it more, but it just left me a bit cold. It may be that it's a hybrid, but the extra mileage doesn't make up for the lack of driving personality. Just - meh.

Here's the kicker - as a leftover 2017, the dealer was offering a cool $10K off sticker price.

For $18K, it's a much better value proposition - for someone, just not me. I just like the driving dynamics of my Jetta more.

Looking at my lease sheet, today represents the halfway point of my lease. I'm averaging just over 29MPG in 8500 miles, and enjoy every moment I'm behind the wheel. Which isn't much, as you can tell.

ab348

The black interior in a Malibu LT (I am guessing that was the trim level) is just dismal. No contrasting color except for I believe the headliner and it is rather gloomy in there.

stickguy

good value on the Bu. But you forgot to mention, how was the back seat and rear window?

That would have been a good option for my daughter. though, other than the MPG (when she starts paying for the gas), I doubt she would like it at all.

Been getting a lot of mail and email from the VW dealer we got the Jetta from. 4 payments left (next one due 3/3), so payoff now is only about $900. Getting close! Probably sitting at about 26,000 miles I would guess. I didn't renew the Car Net plan for the last year, so can't spy on it any longer. They really want me to bring that back to get a replacement. Including an offer to pull ahead and just waive the last 4 payments. So I suspect if I wanted to, could bring it back right now, and get into a 2018 1.4SE for the same, or lower, monthly payment (sign and drive). Lose some displacement, gain a lot of features.

Good thing, depending on how we want to go when the lease is up, is that by June the new 2019 Jetta will be out, and if they are still sitting on 18s to dump, should be major deals to be had if you want to lease. Not sure if the kid will do that or not (and if so, would be best if it was a lease intending to buy at the end, so a 2018 with 6 year warranty could work). Won't be my money!

stickguy

so, got a BMW X5 in the garage now. No, not mine. SIL and BIL drove down and I took them to Philly airport today, and they left her car here. Easier to stick it in the garage to keep it out of the way. Man, what a barge. Looks huge parked where the RDX usually is. Doesn't help that BIL pulled it up a bit too far. might have to adjust it tomorrow.

happened to be chatting cars with him, and were discussing my daughters pending graduation, and need for new car, and how she might take the Elantra. So, he asked me what I was looking at to replace it with. And I honestly had no clue. Probably a good reason to just keep it myself! We shall see.

stickguy

If I do get something, I am thinking it will shift a little more toward the luxury end of the spectrum. Ideally not too much bigger, but power seats and fancier stereo maybe. But still fun to drive, and quick. Very possible will troll for a killer lease with the intent of doing a lease to buy deal. Possibly a small wagon/CUV style though. And based on how terrible the roads are becoming again from the weather, more sidewall!

Might do something with VW, since that works out coming from a lease, depending on what the new models look like (and the deals). The RDX replacement, if it overwhelms us, could be an option. Something like a QX30 size mini CUV (or an X1)? Or some of the options I looked at last time. TLX? S60? that could work if the deals reappear. Also will look at a Volt this time! And test drive the Accord finally.

could also just let the Jetta go away, and hold off on replacing it, and let the kid drive the Elantra, assuming she is going to be living with us for a while. Need to figure out what she is doing with living first and go from there.

kyfdx

X1 = normal SUV inside
QX30 = mini-hatchback

My impression from test drive

Michaell

Regarding the Malibu, I forgot to look In the back seat. But I did notice the extreme slope of the rear window, especially after I got back into the Jetta and its more upright glass.

BTW, that wasn't the only car that I saw today that had $10k off the sticker price. At the Infiniti dealer, I sat in a 2017 Q50 2.0T AWD, white over graphite. Unlike the G37/Q40, I fit fine in the front seat. Decent equipment levels, but (obviously) better materials than the Chevrolet. I did peek in the back seat after I adjusted the front seat for me - not a lot of room back there. But, I think I've used the back seat in the Jetta maybe twice in 18 months.

Anyway, was talking with the SM and he offered $10k off sticker without any prompting. Problem is, this particular Q50 stickers at $41k to start. For 208HP. Be interesting to drive it, just to see if it's as underpowered as it seems.

stickguy

if you are getting a 2017 at this point, can also go used. My local Acura dealer (I just happened to be browsing last night) had a 2017 TLX V6 FWD tech CPO. 2,200 miles. I think it was listed at $30,500 (or was it 32K?) In any case, about $10K off of MSRP, and the CPO warranty extension to offset barely any miles.

Good chance you could do the same at Infiniti, and get the unlimited miles warranty too!

stickguy

found it. I was kinda right both ways. But at $30,495, it is more than $10K off sticker for the refreshed 2018 model, and about 10k off original MRP.

https://www.acuraturnersville.com/inventory/certified-used-2017-acura-tlx-3-5-v-6-9-at-p-aws-with-technology-package-front-wheel-drive-sedan-19uub2f52ha000065

Michaell

stickguy said:

found it. I was kinda right both ways. But at $30,495, it is more than $10K off sticker for the refreshed 2018 model, and about 10k off original MRP.

https://www.acuraturnersville.com/inventory/certified-used-2017-acura-tlx-3-5-v-6-9-at-p-aws-with-technology-package-front-wheel-drive-sedan-19uub2f52ha000065

I like that Acura, if for no other reason than it doesn't have a black interior.

stickguy

acura actually has 4 options. that gray (which I don't mind), beige (in our RDX, and also fine), Black, and Espresso (which I love, particularly with the dark red exterior, but also nice with white paint).

mjfloyd1

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-Mercedes-Benz-G-Class-d78?sourceContext=criteo&utm_campaign=criteo_remarketing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=criteo#listing=198558334

Only 156K miles. Asking $30K

breld

On the G-wagon, my neighbor has one. He got in an accident in his previous-gen X5M, and instead of repairing it, replaced it with the used G. I have no idea what year it is, since they don't seem to change much. It is in a very cool shade of gray-blue that I've never seen on that vehicle (most seem to be black or silver?).

Anyway, he doesn't speak too glowingly of it. For longer drives, he says he and his wife prefer her VW CC for the comfort.

Won't deny that it's a very cool rig though.

Mr_Shiftright

mjfloyd1 said:

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-Mercedes-Benz-G-Class-d78?sourceContext=criteo&utm_campaign=criteo_remarketing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=criteo#listing=198558334

Only 156K miles. Asking $30K

All the comforts and features of a 1990 Jeep Wrangler. I think it's way cooler to look at it than actually live with it. The new ones (I've only driven older ones) apparently have decisively addressed the somber utilitarian aspects that made it seem more like an East German product than a West German one.

tbirdmarco

 Michael and broiled nice on the restrooms you guys did yesterday enjoyed reading all about it doing anymore today or tomorrow Monday 

tbirdmarco

Lol lol lol you all know what I meant ha ha 

breld

As @michaell mentioned, it was a nice sunny Saturday here in Denver (as opposed to the snow last weekend), so a good day for car browsing. My main focus was on the eventual replacement for the Durango, as well as a quick look at the Bolt.

• Volvo XC90 - ever so slightly used 2017 XC90; a well-equipped Momentum model which was probably priced $5-6k off a new discounted 2018. With less than 4k miles on it, it's probably not the worst buy, but I'd rather take on another 10-15k miles and save several more thousand. But...very nice test drive. Comfort is what you'd expect. I love that it has all the safety tech features mostly standard. It's an elegant car inside and out - this one was the Osmium Gray with the Amber interior. Power is more than adequate - it's at least as quick (probably quicker) as the Durango R/T, but obviously with a different character. More like the feel of a European sport sedan than a "trucky" SUV. Which is good and bad - I kinda like the overall feel of the Durango.
  
• Audi Q7 - used 2017 Q7 at a Land Rover dealer. Priced just a bit higher than the XC90, but with 20k miles, but nevertheless very comparable. Going into it, I was convinced the Audi was a better driver, and the 3.0T doesn't disappoint, but overall, I'm not sure anymore it's superior to the XC90 experience. As much as I appreciate Audi interiors, this one doesn't appeal to me as much as the Volvo. Clearly a great choice, but I think I may go with the Volvo between the two.
  
• LR Discovery - since I was there at a Land Rover dealer, why not take another look and make a direct comparison with the Discovery? The look and feel, inside and out, is certainly a departure from the other two and I found myself appreciating that difference. I drove the supercharged V6 (as opposed to the diesel). Overall, I found it to be retain some of the characteristics that I like about the Durango, but with a notable upgrade in refinement.
  

So...I really like the Land Rover, but it's a bit tougher move right now since they're not on the used market.

breld

As far as the Bolt - I was really impressed with it. It felt just as quick as the i3, perhaps with a little more potential for tire spin (my wife proved that a couple times on the test drive). But it has a more traditional look, both interior and exterior. The rear seats are much roomier and with easier access compared to the suicide doors of the i3.

Well-equipped LT model is discounted (without further negotiation) to about $34k - add the $7,500 federal credit and $5,000 Colorado credit, and I'd consider that a real bargain.

The interior materials are a bit nicer in the i3, and I actually like the look of the BMW's interior better. But having said that, if I had to do it over again with what I know now, I would have gone with the Bolt for its range over the i3.

kyfdx

The only person I ever met with a G-Wagen was a professional football player. (he was a cornerback, so no size issues). He liked it, but bought it when he was in Dallas.

My wife and I had to stop at the local jewelry store, a couple of weeks back. Guy was parked out in front in one, with his wife in the store. Told my wife to pick out something quick, before the lady bought everything.

Mr_Shiftright

breld said:

As far as the Bolt - I was really impressed with it. It felt just as quick as the i3, perhaps with a little more potential for tire spin (my wife proved that a couple times on the test drive). But it has a more traditional look, both interior and exterior. The rear seats are much roomier and with easier access compared to the suicide doors of the i3.

Well-equipped LT model is discounted (without further negotiation) to about $34k - add the $7,500 federal credit and $5,000 Colorado credit, and I'd consider that a real bargain.

The interior materials are a bit nicer in the i3, and I actually like the look of the BMW's interior better. But having said that, if I had to do it over again with what I know now, I would have gone with the Bolt for its range over the i3.

Check this out---a read out on a Bolt screen, and the driver swears on the bible that he was in no way hypermiling:

suydam

I’m sure you can get that range. The problem if you’re on a trip is that you can’t be sure there will be a charging station handy. Until the charging infrastructure improves, I like the security of my 8 gallon gas backup on the Volt. It is getting better very fast, however, especially in downtown public parking garages and malls, and we will take a serious look at the Bolt in 2 years when the Volt lease is up.

fintail

In going down the G-Wagen rabbit hole, I have learned that keyless-go isn't even optional on the current model, but it does appear on the MY 2019 update. Apparently the modifications needed to the door hardware were too much against the vintage nature of the vehicle. You have to press a button to unlock, and you have to turn the fob to start it. It's like going back in time. Funny.

roadburner

Mr_Shiftright said:

breld said:

As far as the Bolt - I was really impressed with it. It felt just as quick as the i3, perhaps with a little more potential for tire spin (my wife proved that a couple times on the test drive). But it has a more traditional look, both interior and exterior. The rear seats are much roomier and with easier access compared to the suicide doors of the i3.

Well-equipped LT model is discounted (without further negotiation) to about $34k - add the $7,500 federal credit and $5,000 Colorado credit, and I'd consider that a real bargain.

The interior materials are a bit nicer in the i3, and I actually like the look of the BMW's interior better. But having said that, if I had to do it over again with what I know now, I would have gone with the Bolt for its range over the i3.

Check this out---a read out on a Bolt screen, and the driver swears on the bible that he was in no way hypermiling:

The i3 is really a "city car" in the sense that it's designed for urban/suburban short trips. I certainly wouldn't own one as an only car. If I just had to drive something with green credentials it would be a 330e M Sport.

thebean

kyfdx said:

The only person I ever met with a G-Wagen was a professional football player. (he was a cornerback, so no size issues). He liked it, but bought it when he was in Dallas. My wife and I had to stop at the local jewelry store, a couple of weeks back. Guy was parked out in front in one, with his wife in the store. Told my wife to pick out something quick, before the lady bought everything.

Terrance Newman?

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

I think Bradd is nuts buying a car that can barely break 20 MPG, on premium, when he puts 18K/year on the thing. He might have to sell a kid to run a G Wagon!

Speaking of my car which can barely break 20 mpg on premium, yesterday I got home from work, ate lunch, then had to take my 11 year old to a hockey game about 1/2 hour away (on back roads).  I had 40 miles to empty and a 20 mile drive.  Not wanting to risk it & knowing I was traveling to a town where I'm unfamiliar, I decided to gas up at this station right off the Merritt Parkway.  In addition to being right off the highway, it is the only place to fill up before you go into "North Stamford," which is the ritzy part of town.  I paid $3.85 per gallon to fill up.  It cost me $60 and some change.  

corvette

I had 1/4 tank left in the Tahoe yesterday and it only cost about $40 to fill up with regular. The price differential on E85 wasn’t large enough to offset the lower mileage. It is nice to have the ability to game the system and buy ethanol on occasions when it’s more than 30% or so cheaper than regular. I’ve also seen E15 at a very steep discount to regular gas, which is odd, since regular gas typically has 10% ethanol to begin with. The price difference was way more than you’d expect for a 5% change in the blend. 

tjc78

@fintail
Our 2017 Enclave didn’t have keyless start available.  I guess the platform was just too old to support it.   What I find funny is that even in 2008 when that platform was launched keyless was already getting pretty popular.  

fintail

I wonder how many older or lower spec platforms it doesn't exist on yet. One gets used to it pretty quick, and it might seem a little quaint going back.

MB started it on the S-class as an option for MY 2000, E-class for MY 2003, although not standard on the E until the current model.

tjc78 said:

@fintail
Our 2017 Enclave didn’t have keyless start available.  I guess the platform was just too old to support it.   What I find funny is that even in 2008 when that platform was launched keyless was already getting pretty popular.  

fintail

I wonder how many older or lower spec platforms it doesn't exist on yet. One gets used to it pretty quick, and it might seem a little quaint going back.

MB started it on the S-class as an option for MY 2000, E-class for MY 2003, although not standard on the E until the current model.

tjc78 said:

@fintail
Our 2017 Enclave didn’t have keyless start available.  I guess the platform was just too old to support it.   What I find funny is that even in 2008 when that platform was launched keyless was already getting pretty popular.  

imidazol97

corvette said:

I had 1/4 tank left in the Tahoe yesterday and it only cost about $40 to fill up with regular. The price differential on E85 wasn’t large enough to offset the lower mileage. It is nice to have the ability to game the system and buy ethanol on occasions when it’s more than 30% or so cheaper than regular. I’ve also seen E15 at a very steep discount to regular gas, which is odd, since regular gas typically has 10% ethanol to begin with. The price difference was way more than you’d expect for a 5% change in the blend. 

I thought the difference is 75% or more in the ethyl alcohol content. If the normal fuel is up to 10% and E85 is 85% ethanol...

rny421

fintail said:

I wonder how many older or lower spec platforms it doesn't exist on yet. One gets used to it pretty quick, and it might seem a little quaint going back.

My 2012 Volvo S60 doesn't have it. It has the fob (no key) that goes into the slot in the dash, but it was an option to have the full "keyless start" where you just need the key fob on you. Oddly enough, the Volvo allows you to keep the key in the ignition slot and lock the door. Ask me how I know

fintail

That reminds me of a BMW X5 I rented in 2013 (Sixt, Florida). The keyless worked for the doors (I think), but to start it, you put the fob in a slot, then pushed a button. Seemed kind of funny to me. As this was a rental car in a US fleet, it was not loaded. Dorky about the key slot, too. I don't think my MB will let me do it, at least it doesn't let one do it via the touch sensors on the handles.

rny421 said:

My 2012 Volvo S60 doesn't have it. It has the fob (no key) that goes into the slot in the dash, but it was an option to have the full "keyless start" where you just need the key fob on you. Oddly enough, the Volvo allows you to keep the key in the ignition slot and lock the door. Ask me how I know

Michaell

fintail said:

That reminds me of a BMW X5 I rented in 2013 (Sixt, Florida). The keyless worked for the doors (I think), but to start it, you put the fob in a slot, then pushed a button. Seemed kind of funny to me. As this was a rental car in a US fleet, it was not loaded. Dorky about the key slot, too. I don't think my MB will let me do it, at least it doesn't let one do it via the touch sensors on the handles.

rny421 said:

My 2012 Volvo S60 doesn't have it. It has the fob (no key) that goes into the slot in the dash, but it was an option to have the full "keyless start" where you just need the key fob on you. Oddly enough, the Volvo allows you to keep the key in the ignition slot and lock the door. Ask me how I know

My daughter's first MINI (2010 model year) worked the same as that X5 - fob in slot, then push button to start. Her 2014 MINI is full keyless.

qbrozen

My 135i had and the wife's Rover has the fob in the slot thing. I find it annoying and have no idea why it was ever designed. ADDING steps is the opposite of technological progression.

au1994

We did a quick out of town trip this weekend and had the opportunity for an extended test drive. I use National and have earned “executive” status which makes the choices a little more interesting at the bigger airports at least.  We flew into Houston and browsing the lot I spied a silver Maxima in the sea of SUV’s and Chrysler 300s. Man, what a choice! Put around 300 miles on it with a lot of that being highway and this is the only time I’ve ever hated to turn in a rental.

- styling: I know there’s a lot of swoops angles and such going on but I like it. Didn’t comprise visibility at all. Just looked unique to me.

-  comfort: I can’t say enough. This was the mid lev SV and the leather buckets up front were just amazing. No complaining from the backseat ether. 

- drivetrain: power from the V-6 was great and a nice growl but not obtrusive. There is some noticeable torque steer if you get on it from a start. I didn’t have any issue with the CVT. Hardly knew it was there. Used 3/4 of a tank in my 300 miles which was acceptable to me.

- fit/finish: very good for the class. No rattles over some rough roads. It is a little plasticy on some of the interior bits but overall the switchgear felt good. The leather on the seats was better than the X1and on par with much more expensive vehicles.

-trunk: handled our large suitcase and my sons carry on sized as well as 3 backpack/ computer bags with some room to spare.

As you can tell I’m in love/lust. I’m usually not a fan of bigger cars and at 192in this is big in my book but it does not drive that way. Man, I should have stuck with a basic, boring Chrysler!

kyfdx

thebean said:

kyfdx said:

The only person I ever met with a G-Wagen was a professional football player. (he was a cornerback, so no size issues). He liked it, but bought it when he was in Dallas.

My wife and I had to stop at the local jewelry store, a couple of weeks back. Guy was parked out in front in one, with his wife in the store. Told my wife to pick out something quick, before the lady bought everything.

Terrance Newman?

Yes... seems like a nice guy. He is in Minnesota, now. Might be the oldest cornerback in the league.

js06gv

Hit the Dallas car show yesterday. I don't think I've missed one in 35+ years. As usual, lots of good stuff there but I was surprised at the makes that were a no show. I'm used to BMW bailing on the show, as they've done this for several years, but also missing were Volvo (surprising given the refreshed product line) and of all things Cadillac. What's a car show without a spattering of 100K + Escalades taking up a bunch of real estate?

My favorite was a little surprising given my usual tastes. They had three of the 2019 Rams there, and wow what a truck. If I decide to replace my F-150 anytime soon, this will be the truck. Looks great in and out, and is a huge improvement over the goofy-grille 2017-2018 models. The tech is amazing, but the one thing I'd be a little worried about is the center stack which protrudes out a little in the now typical style of an iPad on the dash, but in this case it is the size of about 3 of them together. Really impressive package overall though, and makes the just refreshed 2018 F-150 seem already outdated.

Also in the Mopar section, an SRT Durango which got my father-in-law excited given his 2015 R/T. It rang in at 72K. Surprisingly, there were no Hellcats on display and no Demon either. I also really wanted to see a Trackhawk, and not only was it absent but there were no SRT Grand Cherokees either. In fact, no Hemi GCs whatsoever. The new Wrangler was a hit.

Really liked the Kia Stinger and Genesis lineup. I thought there would be a prototype of the new G70 but they only had the other two. The back seat award goes to the G90 and all the controls and adjustability. It was incredible. I liked the style in and out of the new Lexus LS, but the grille has gotten ridiculous even by Lexus standards. The new Bullitt Mustang looks awesome, but doubt I can afford one once they come out and are marked up beyond belief. New Expedition and Navigator are impressive. I was also surprised how much I liked the new Regal sedan and wagon.

Unrelated to the car show, I had a similar experience to @au1994 and had a shot at a new Maxima Platinum at National in KC last week. I had started putting my bags in it when I spotted a 2018 F-150 with blue still on the white walls so I figured it would be fresh and I chose it instead. It had 600 miles on it and was a very base XLT 4x4 but had no Ecoboost badge which meant it should have the V-8. It did, and I got to try out the new 10-speed automatic. The truck was very quick with this trans and another (I think) 35 hp over mine, but it is shifting all of the time. Ten speeds seems like a bit much. Downshifts were a little on the harsh side, which may be because the truck was so new and trans hadn't gone through its learning procedure yet. Even in base form, the updates over my 2013 King Ranch were apparent and I enjoyed the truck. Until I saw the Ram at the car show, that is!

nyccarguy

@js06gv

Doesn't the base F150 come with a 3.5L NA V6?

stickguy

Yes

js06gv

nyccarguy said:

@js06gv

Doesn't the base F150 come with a 3.5L NA V6?

It does, but that is a 3.3L NA V6 now. As basic as this one was (manual seats, etc) it at least had the 5.0L option. So it had the right sound to it. That and 4x4 were about it.

breld

@au1994 - I had a very similar impression from having a Chrysler 300 as a rental last year. It was such a pleasure to drive around!

js06gv

And @nyccarguy, trust me I popped the hood on that truck first, before I committed to taking it off the lot! lol. Although, I could've verified it once inside too, as the base V6 still gets the old 6 speed auto for now.

nyccarguy

js06gv said:

And @nyccarguy, trust me I popped the hood on that truck first, before I committed to taking it off the lot! lol. Although, I could've verified it once inside too, as the base V6 still gets the old 6 speed auto for now.

I figured YOU would know. I just HAD to ask the question.

graphicguy

So....chalk this up for lesson learned.

About 6 months ago I was cleaning out my tech closet. In there were monitors, keyboards, mice, CPUs, motherboards, graphics cards, etc.

I put them separately on ebay to see if I could get a little walking around money for them. Sold most of everything, and gave the rest to a shelter.

Anyway, mentioned there was a graphics card. It was still in the box and shrink wrap, never used. But, it was 3 years old. Tech years are like dog years. In its day, it was top notch. Today, it was a middling performer, at best. I put it up with “no reserve”. Top bid, buys it.

I think it sold for $150, which isn’t bad for a 3 year old graphics card. Seller pays shipping. No returns, no warranty, sale was listed as final. I described it with its specs from 3 years ago. Made mention it worked with older Intel and AMD processors, and probably would work with newer ones with a driver update, which they could get from the CPU companies. But, that was not a guarantee.

The person who bought it contacted me right after the auction, stating he was a medical student, had a wife and new baby at home, was really in debt with college tuition. I could tell where this was going. He wanted to know if I would take less than HIS WINNING BID. Uhhhhhh...that’s a big N......O......! Then, he wanted to know if I would pay for shipping to MI, where he lived. I was irritated but really didn’t feel like putting it up for bid again. I think shipping was like $15 via USPS, so I agreed to ship it to him on my dime.

Fast forward to yesterday. This guy emails me via eBay stating the graphics card was used, it locked up his system, that it was counterfeit (it came directly from the manufacturer, so that was untrue). I calmly informed him it was new, as the box and shrink wrap should indicate. And, it WAS NOT COUNTERFEIT.

Then, he said it overheated and wouldn’t work. I tried to do a bit of tech support and help him figure out what was going on. But, it became clear he didn’t want help. He wanted me to give him his money back on something he couldn’t use any more.

eBay contacted me stating he told them what I sold was counterfeit. Luckily, I had the S/N and model number of the product on hand, which showed it wasn’t counterfeit. EBay closed the case in my favor.

I gues he tried to claim eBay’s money back guarantee program. But, you need to file your claim within 30 days of the auction close.

Given this guy now has my email address, he’s now emailing me with all sorts of derogatory messages, which I’ve sent to my email provider.

All this aggravation for $150 less shipping!

Michaell

@au1994 - your write up on the Maxima echoes my thoughts when I test drove one last year with @breld. It's comfortable, quick, well screwed together and, in darker colors, not that bad looking.

Glad you enjoyed your rental. I've got another A4 lined up at Silvercar in a few weeks when I head back to CA to visit family.