not having cable is one thing, but how the heck can you survive without a cell phone! Especially living in the boonies, and driving as much as you do.
I guess it is mostly just recognizing that life functioned just fine before cell phones and it still can now. That being said, I do have wireless internet (basically a little box that is a cell signal transmitter), so I can do some cell-like things with the tech we tend to take with us on trips. As an example, my iPod connects to my Q7's bluetooth, so, if I have my MiFi device with me in an area that has reception, I can make a call through Skype just as if I had a cell phone. Cheating, I know.
Unless I'm on a trip, though, I don't have any such access. I don't carry the MiFi unit with me normally, and so my iPod, which is typically with me, is just a little pocket occupier.
CDs. I have lots of them, and all of my cars have a CD or DVD player in them (my 08 Forester even has a SIX DISC changer!! Hahhaha), but it is a rarity if I ever use one. I do like having the option (for when all else fails). I have used an iPod or other MP3-based device for my car audio since 2005 (probably longer than most people, TBH), though, so it seems like old hat to not use a CD in a car. I basically went from tape decks to MP3, and just skipped CDs altogether. When I did use CDs in my cars, it was almost exclusively by means of a portable player (remember those? The CD Walkman?) connected to a tape adapter with a stereo mini cord attached.
I had some very eye opening conversations with @xwesx when I went to test drive that Forester for him last year.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Was watching a YouTube car review, the car reviewer mentioned that the car had a CD player and wondered why a new car would have such antiquated technology! Really! I need Blue Tooth or an IPod with a docking system or some such. Is a CD player a lost feature on most new cars?
I have to admit I haven't used the CD player in my cars in maybe 15 years. On the '14 ATS it was an optional extra that came with it and was handily located in the glove box! I never used it. The '17 ATS does not have it. I can transfer anything I have on CD to a USB stick and use that.
Haven’t used the CD in years since I was a teenager so about 10 maybe a little more than that number of years used to have a bunch of CDs no idea where they are now just older technology like everything else they came before and went ha ha Ha can you check if my mom‘s rule has one brother car did still it was a 2016
I was shocked when reading through the A/V system manual for the Q7 to figure out why my new 64MB SD card would not work: My car has a DVD player rather than a CD! You can actually watch DVD video on the little in-dash screen, but only while the car is parked... ... ... Why would I want to sit in the car watching a movie on that little tiny screen?
When I get another "new" car (e.g., current or future technology from now, not necessarily me buying a "factory new" car), I do not expect it will have a CD, or even DVD, and I doubt I will miss it at all, either!
See?! I'm not a completely lost cause.
Not completely....
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
my Elantra does not have a CD (almost positive on that) but pretty sure my 2015 Sonata still did. RDX does. I have CDs in there, but never actually play them.
I used cd's in my rentals and miss a cd player in the Golf. VW f'ed up the first year Golf by not giving an aux connector or a USB port...dumb! Luckily Stick showed me how to get around that issue with a small amazon.com purchase so now, it almost works like it should. My next vehicle will have all the updated tech out there or won't even consider it. And a larger back up camera. I remember the CT 200H's I drove were a bit noisy but found a nice 2017 unit and want to see if it's still the "slug" it was and as noisey. Not sure I want to go with a hybrid but with all the driving I do, might just be the right vehicle for this time in my life. Considered a new 2018 Beetle but again, will have to see how it drives. It has a turbo 2.0 engine which is bigger than my 1.8 unit but not sure how low the seating is. Size wise, it's perfect so will give it a shot. The new warranty is pretty good to. They still have that 2017 Jetta GLI with the xenon's for just under $19K with just under 20K miles in a charcoal over black configuration. Like the color and the 1.8t engine and that it's an "SEL" model so is the top of the line Jetta. They also have another 2014 Eos in that brown over tan I liked last year. That one was a nicer unit but this one could work. Has lower miles and a lower price also but wish I could just get it and keep the Golf, so make it my toy. Still all over the place so first things first. Test drive the Lexus to either take it off my list or consider it. Then on to the Hyundai/Kia hybrids. Off next Tuesday so will do some test driving then if I feel o k. Also getting the Golf inspected by the appraiser.
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Keep us updated! I remember you drove 1 or 2 CT200h Lexus models a few years ago and weren't particularly thrilled with them. Something like there being a distinct wind noise.
Cable is NUTS! My bill is up to $204/month right now (Phone/Cable/Internet). That's almost what it would cost to lease a Civic Si (which I would enjoy much MORE).
Yes, but the gas to have fun with the Si is more than the electricity of watching Cable TV, LOL.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
'16 TTS has a CD player and I use it. Who has time to burn CD's to another medium?
It is in the glove box though; talk about inconveniently placed! Almost like BMW used to do cup holders.
BMW put the cup holders in the glovebox? Interesting, if a bit inconvenient.
I don't think that's what he meant.. BMW used to have cupholders that popped out from the dash, just above the glove box. Disaster waiting to happen.
Our Infiniti had a hard drive (2011 model).. It was handy to download your CD, the first time you listened to it, then you could put it away. I still listen to CDs, as I don't subscribe to a streaming service. But, my wife's car has Sirius/XM, and I never feel the need to have my own music, there.
I love the Porcelain interior but suspect many would not.
This is a good comment:
"I know a guy that leased one of these new……$2700 month! He traded out of a SLR that ended up costing him $100 a mile in depreciation. He paid over sticker to get an early SLR and then found it was too difficult to drive (he was partially disabled). Held onto the SLR too long and got killed at trade in time so he figured leasing the new CL65 would limit his losses."
At 55K miles I would be worried about some expensive needs with a car like this.
I love the Porcelain interior but suspect many would not.
This is a good comment:
"I know a guy that leased one of these new……$2700 month! He traded out of a SLR that ended up costing him $100 a mile in depreciation. He paid over sticker to get an early SLR and then found it was too difficult to drive (he was partially disabled). Held onto the SLR too long and got killed at trade in time so he figured leasing the new CL65 would limit his losses."
At 55K miles I would be worried about some expensive needs with a car like this.
Me too - criminal defense attorney, divorce attorney....
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
The color combo on that CL65 is what got me, perfect for the car. They are a lot less troublesome than the prior generation, but running costs will still be immense. It's like a Learjet for the road.
Keep us updated! I remember you drove 1 or 2 CT200h Lexus models a few years ago and weren't particularly thrilled with them. Something like there being a distinct wind noise.
Cable is NUTS! My bill is up to $204/month right now (Phone/Cable/Internet). That's almost what it would cost to lease a Civic Si (which I would enjoy much MORE).
Yes, but the gas to have fun with the Si is more than the electricity of watching Cable TV, LOL.
But the Civic Si would get better gas mileage than my Infiniti.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
CDs? I still have dozens of cassettes! And no place to play 'em. Of course, the last few I tried in a now dead boombox started to unravel...
My Jag has a cd player, I can upload 10 CDs to the hard drive. So, 11 CDs to play with. That 2004 XJR was the beginning of the aluminum period for Jag, I believe. As well as improved reliability ratings.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I don't suppose anyone here has experience with the bulky convertible rear-facing car seats in the Civic or Civic Si? Asking for a friend, of course.
A couple of points about that:
(1) You've got 1 kid. If it is going to be you and Sam in the car, then who cares about the positioning of the front passenger seat. Most times 3 of you will be together, you'll be in the X1. We made do with rear facing car seats in my 2001 Prelude and my wife's 2000 Mazda Protege. You Your friend should be fine with a Civic Si.
(2) He'll (assuming your friend has a child Sam's age) be out of the rear facing car seat before you know it. Although they keep changing the recommendations. My 1st 2 were OK in their rear facing seat for 1 year. My daughter sat rear facing for 2 years.
Crazy to think how fast they grow up. My 11 year old just uses a regular seat belt. My 9 year old is in a booster seat with no back. We let him ride with no booster from time to time. My 6 year old daughter sits in a high back booster seat and once in a while a no back booster seat.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I don't suppose anyone here has experience with the bulky convertible rear-facing car seats in the Civic or Civic Si? Asking for a friend, of course.
What is your commute like? I ask because as much as I like a stick, I wouldn't want to commute in Seattle traffic with one, and it sounds like whatever is on deck will replace your C, yes?
We actually use my car quite a bit on the weekends for around-town running where we don't need a lot of stuff, so front seat position does matter. The Civic was appealing because it is downright cavernous in the back seat relatively to even some cars that are bigger...
Also, there may be #2 at some point in the future...TBD.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
I don't suppose anyone here has experience with the bulky convertible rear-facing car seats in the Civic or Civic Si? Asking for a friend, of course.
What is your commute like? I ask because as much as I like a stick, I wouldn't want to commute in Seattle traffic with one, and it sounds like whatever is on deck will replace your C, yes?
I have no commute. I WFH full time, shuttling Sam to/from school, very rare jaunts into downtown, and otherwise just weekend driving. Thought did cross my mind though.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
Also, I want to add that I'm trying to avoid what I did with the C which was getting a car my wife wasn't happy with simply because it was a good deal. So I'm open to other thoughts with decent back seats. GTI and WRX are out - barely fit one slim-line car seat in the back even with the seat moved forward.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
I can't believe that she has a problem with a car that nice. what exactly is the issue? My wife would not complain at all if I upgraded her to the passenger seat in a C class instead of the Elantra!
Also, I want to add that I'm trying to avoid what I did with the C which was getting a car my wife wasn't happy with simply because it was a good deal. So I'm open to other thoughts with decent back seats. GTI and WRX are out - barely fit one slim-line car seat in the back even with the seat moved forward.
If I was interested in that car, the fact that it has lived in Mass for the last four years would rule it out for me. I have been to that state and seen how people drive there (everyone, mind you). Cars there surely age in dog years mechanically, even if they look good on the surface!.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
I can't believe that she has a problem with a car that nice. what exactly is the issue? My wife would not complain at all if I upgraded her to the passenger seat in a C class instead of the Elantra!
Basically? It's too nice. In fact, I think she would almost prefer the Elantra - my opinions be damned.
(1) This particular car is fairly flashy for us - it has drawn way more attention than I ever imagined, even having the X1. I suppose she just feels self-conscious about it and wants something more subdued.
(2) She doesn't like how it drives and therefore won't drive it on days when we really need to swap cars (e.g. I need to go to Home Depot, Costco etc.)
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
Speaking of wives & cars. Since I have driven the Prelude 2x this week and her Pilot once, my wife (who self proclaims to not particularly care about cars) has taken quite a liking to my Infiniti. I'm enjoying driving the Prelude in the nice weather. Maybe once the Q40 is paid off in 2 years, a Civic Si lease would fit the bill nicely.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Also, I want to add that I'm trying to avoid what I did with the C which was getting a car my wife wasn't happy with simply because it was a good deal. So I'm open to other thoughts with decent back seats. GTI and WRX are out - barely fit one slim-line car seat in the back even with the seat moved forward.
Mostly seeing WRX, the occasional 328, etc. If you need back seat room, what about something like an Accord Sport manual?
I saw that earlier today. May go look at it.
Wife has presented me with two options: Get a fun to drive, more expensive car that I'll be happy with, or get something very inexpensive and have my fun car right now (a la a 350z). With the latter option I could easily lease an Accord/Passat/Jetta/ in an automatic to fill that role.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
Also, I want to add that I'm trying to avoid what I did with the C which was getting a car my wife wasn't happy with simply because it was a good deal. So I'm open to other thoughts with decent back seats. GTI and WRX are out - barely fit one slim-line car seat in the back even with the seat moved forward.
Ugh - I see this all the time in the lease forums. Folks registering and plastering posts in a dozen different threads, looking for numbers, trying to find the "best deal".
I tell them to do some test drives and find a car (or cars) that they like. I tell them that a great lease deal isn't all that great if you don't like the car.
Some months back, a poster got an absolutely killer deal on a Jaguar F-Type - his payment was something like .67% of MSRP.
A month later, he comes back, wanting to swap it out because the car he chose didn't have enough power (he might have been related to @roadburner).
Those rear-facing car seats are just awkward and take up a lot of space! It takes quite a large car to truly fit those nicely with room to spare for positioning front seats.
If you can, I'd try to take the seat with you when you check out potential candidates.
Having said that, the current Civic is pretty cavernous in the rear seat - I would think it would be at least as good as the X1.
I like that manual A4.
You mentioned a Passat as a potential car to lease - you certainly would not have an issue with backseat room with that, and lease deals should be tremendous.
Comments
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
When I get another "new" car (e.g., current or future technology from now, not necessarily me buying a "factory new" car), I do not expect it will have a CD, or even DVD, and I doubt I will miss it at all, either!
See?! I'm not a completely lost cause.
Not completely....
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
I remember the CT 200H's I drove were a bit noisy but found a nice 2017 unit and want to see if it's still the "slug" it was and as noisey. Not sure I want to go with a hybrid but with all the driving I do, might just be the right vehicle for this time in my life. Considered a new 2018 Beetle but again, will have to see how it drives. It has a turbo 2.0 engine which is bigger than my 1.8 unit but not sure how low the seating is. Size wise, it's perfect so will give it a shot. The new warranty is pretty good to. They still have that 2017 Jetta GLI with the xenon's for just under $19K with just under 20K miles in a charcoal over black configuration. Like the color and the 1.8t engine and that it's an "SEL" model so is the top of the line Jetta.
They also have another 2014 Eos in that brown over tan I liked last year. That one was a nicer unit but this one could work. Has lower miles and a lower price also but wish I could just get it and keep the Golf, so make it my toy. Still all over the place so first things first. Test drive the Lexus to either take it off my list or consider it. Then on to the Hyundai/Kia hybrids.
Off next Tuesday so will do some test driving then if I feel o k. Also getting the Golf inspected by the appraiser.
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Sounds like old tech, though. It may be time for an upgrade. Then, you don't even need to buy a "beater." Your 2014 model can be it!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
It is in the glove box though; talk about inconveniently placed! Almost like BMW used to do cup holders.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Our Infiniti had a hard drive (2011 model).. It was handy to download your CD, the first time you listened to it, then you could put it away. I still listen to CDs, as I don't subscribe to a streaming service. But, my wife's car has Sirius/XM, and I never feel the need to have my own music, there.
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https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2010-bmw-328/
Bid away!
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
This should be interesting
This too, I've noticed some recent momentum for the best of the best of these cars
I'd want a PPI, but wow
An honest truck
Before they were official
This is a good comment:
"I know a guy that leased one of these new……$2700 month! He traded out of a SLR that ended up costing him $100 a mile in depreciation. He paid over sticker to get an early SLR and then found it was too difficult to drive (he was partially disabled). Held onto the SLR too long and got killed at trade in time so he figured leasing the new CL65 would limit his losses."
At 55K miles I would be worried about some expensive needs with a car like this.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2004-jaguar-xjr-6/
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I like it. Grey seats are very nice looking. And one of the few cars I like in Silver. Very classy on that shape.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
My Jag has a cd player, I can upload 10 CDs to the hard drive. So, 11 CDs to play with.
That 2004 XJR was the beginning of the aluminum period for Jag, I believe. As well as improved reliability ratings.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
(1) You've got 1 kid. If it is going to be you and Sam in the car, then who cares about the positioning of the front passenger seat. Most times 3 of you will be together, you'll be in the X1. We made do with rear facing car seats in my 2001 Prelude and my wife's 2000 Mazda Protege.
YouYour friend should be fine with a Civic Si.(2) He'll (assuming your friend has a child Sam's age) be out of the rear facing car seat before you know it. Although they keep changing the recommendations. My 1st 2 were OK in their rear facing seat for 1 year. My daughter sat rear facing for 2 years.
Crazy to think how fast they grow up. My 11 year old just uses a regular seat belt. My 9 year old is in a booster seat with no back. We let him ride with no booster from time to time. My 6 year old daughter sits in a high back booster seat and once in a while a no back booster seat.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
Also, there may be #2 at some point in the future...TBD.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Mostly seeing WRX, the occasional 328, etc. If you need back seat room, what about something like an Accord Sport manual?
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
(1) This particular car is fairly flashy for us - it has drawn way more attention than I ever imagined, even having the X1. I suppose she just feels self-conscious about it and wants something more subdued.
(2) She doesn't like how it drives and therefore won't drive it on days when we really need to swap cars (e.g. I need to go to Home Depot, Costco etc.)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Wife has presented me with two options: Get a fun to drive, more expensive car that I'll be happy with, or get something very inexpensive and have my fun car right now (a la a 350z). With the latter option I could easily lease an Accord/Passat/Jetta/ in an automatic to fill that role.
I tell them to do some test drives and find a car (or cars) that they like. I tell them that a great lease deal isn't all that great if you don't like the car.
Some months back, a poster got an absolutely killer deal on a Jaguar F-Type - his payment was something like .67% of MSRP.
A month later, he comes back, wanting to swap it out because the car he chose didn't have enough power (he might have been related to @roadburner).
Not much I could tell him, at that point.
(ask @kyfdx about the Z4 lease he got)
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Those rear-facing car seats are just awkward and take up a lot of space! It takes quite a large car to truly fit those nicely with room to spare for positioning front seats.
If you can, I'd try to take the seat with you when you check out potential candidates.
Having said that, the current Civic is pretty cavernous in the rear seat - I would think it would be at least as good as the X1.
I like that manual A4.
You mentioned a Passat as a potential car to lease - you certainly would not have an issue with backseat room with that, and lease deals should be tremendous.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD