Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

Better than a Nissan version!

I should have actually sat down to haggle a cheap price on the CX5 I saw before I got the Elantra. that would have been popular with everyone in the family.

pensfan83

stickguy said:

nice looking Prelude. if the rebuild was done right, should have lots of life left. Interior looks great.

I talked to the owner. He is an airline mechanic and did the rebuild himself. Clutch and timing belt as well. Said he got the head gasket tanked as well, not sure what that is. It doesn't burn oil according to him. He sent me a few additional pictures and it looks like the tires are mismatched. The entire car used to be red but was repainted in a midnight pearl, a color I found was exclusive to the NSX. From the pictures I saw it seems to have been done right is the engine bay was also taken care. 

The biggest thing I would be concerned about is the oil consumption as those engines are notorious for consuming it. If the rebuild was in fact done right then it's less of a worry. I've spent a few hours doing some research on it and this particular model gets a lot of praise because of the mechanical 4-wheel steering, the simple interior layout, and the driving dynamics. Other than the potential for oil consumption the really doesn't seem to be a lot else that is problematic. 

Also the wheels that are on it are from an Integra GSR and he said the AC does not work but he is planning to have that fixed before the car is sold. He also sent me a close up of where some paint is chipping between the fender and the door on the driver's side. 

We're planning to meet locally so I can take a look at it and give it a test drive. 

stickguy

I know from Bradd that the downside to the 4WS system is really expensive clutch replacement. So if that was taken car of during a rebuild (would have been nuts not to!) that is a big plus.

tjc78

stickguy said:

I would probably complain about it. But the wife would love it! Darned nice car though. and of course, I am cheap. But yes, an S60 is more my size.

I absolutely loved the S90 I had as a rental.  I’d buy one in a minute if I could 

corvette

tjc78 said:

stickguy said:

I would probably complain about it. But the wife would love it! Darned nice car though. and of course, I am cheap. But yes, an S60 is more my size.

I absolutely loved the S90 I had as a rental.  I’d buy one in a minute if I could 

The T8 is the “cool” plug in hybrid one, and I don’t think it leases well. 

Michaell

I'm finally at a point where I can recount my experience with the TLX from yesterday.

My research for a replacement of the Jetta when the lease is due continued yesterday. With @benjaminh recently picking up a TLX, and both @graphicguy and @pensfan83 already owning them, I thought I should take a look at a CPO.

The local Acura dealer had a 2015 TLX base. 24,000 miles, silver over grey leather, priced at just under $21K. @breld, naturally, had a contact at the dealer, and as he is now a sales manager (I think), he turned us over to a younger sales guy. He tossed us the keys and told us to enjoy ourselves - it had a 1/2 tank of gas.

Cool! Both @breld and @jpp5862 were able to accompany me on the test drive, with nobody to interfere with an honest evaluation.

First, the outside. I'll admit I don't know a lot about these, but the 2015 was the first year of the redesign, and this one had the chrome "beak" up front. With the silver exterior, it wasn't that prominent, to me. A tidy size - what I might consider a tweener - not a compact, but not a mid-size. Good sized trunk.

The salesman was nice enough to start it up for us, as temps were pushing 100 today in Denver. My first impression of the interior is that the Honda DNA is obvious. Everything is logically placed, worked with precision, and exuded a sense of quality. The seats were as comfortable as everyone had promised. Once I adjusted the seats, I was perfectly positioned behind the steering wheel.

Off we go - slowly. You've heard me say repeatedly that I'm addicted to the torque of my little turbo engine in the Jetta, so was prepared for a different driving dynamic with the naturally aspirated 2.4L engine in the Acura. But, pushing the right pedal didn't give me much of the response I was looking for, even in city driving. Took a few minutes to find the button that switched the transmission mode from "ECO" (really?) to "Sport". Ah, much better. Quicker to rev, it changed the entire driving experience. There is also a "Normal" and "Sport+" mode, but I didn't test those.

The suspension is tuned for a nice balance between ride and handling. Both my companions commented on how comfortable they were. We hit a few expansion joints on the test drive, but the TLX absorbed them with no problems.

I'll admit I didn't find any twisty roads to see how sporty it is, but given how little I drive, I'm not sure how important that is.

Bottom line - this is a car I really,really like. Everyone says I need to get the Tech package, which adds Nav, an upgraded sound system, BLIS and a few other goodies. The 2015's don't have CarPlay, but I'm sure I could plug in my phone to the USB port and play music through it.

I don't think I need the V6, and I'm pretty sure I don't need AWD. When I get closer to lease end, I don't think I'd have any problem finding a 2016 example with low miles in my budget. There are plenty of choices available. I did a search of my old SoCal ZIP code, and found quite a few cars that would work, at a price under $25K.

benjaminh

Michaell said:

I'm finally at a point where I can recount my experience with the TLX from yesterday.... Everything is logically placed, worked with precision, and exuded a sense of quality....I did a search of my old SoCal ZIP code, and found quite a few cars that would work, at a price under $25K.

Agree @Michaell that the quality of the TLX seems high. As a long-time Honda owner I can say it's significantly beyond an Accord in almost all ways—comfort, handling, braking, steering, transmission performance/feel, stereo sound, etc.

I'm almost sure you know this already, but CarPlay/AndroidAuto is used mainly for navigation—but it's much better and easier to use than any built-in navi system. It also allows you to make and answer phone calls and texts in a doable way. My last Accord had it, and I only use it the text/phone call function as briefly as possible to, for instance, arrange a pick-up place with my son, let my wife know when I'll be home, etc. The system will read your texts to you, and you don't need to reply to them at all—and often I don't.

But anyway, congrats on finding a car that might work for you. The TLX is a compelling choice as some of us here have found, a luxury performance sedan that's thousands less than competing BMW and Audi models. And given that it's an Acura I'm guessing that the ownership experience usually involves only scheduled maintenance for the first 10 years/100k miles.

Since you could probably get a brand-new 2019 TLX 2.4 for c. 30k, it might be worth considering that option given the—as you know—nice lease incentives. But if you can find a 3-year old TLX with low miles for close to c. 20k then that might be the way to go if you don't need CarPlay/AndroidAuto. Blind spot monitoring is a nice feature, but not really needed as the rear visibility in the TLX is good.

PS For reference, here's some detailed information from Acura on the TLX, with separate essays and tech info on chassis, powertrain, interior, exterior, etc....

http://acuranews.com/acura-automobiles/channels/tlx-press-kit

benjaminh

Michaell said:

....
The local Acura dealer had a 2015 TLX base. 24,000 miles, silver over grey leather....

Small point, but the base model TLX is "leatherette" rather than real leather, which is true with a base BMW 320i as well.

Since 2015 was the first all-new TLX, probably the next all-new TLX will be arriving a little more than year from now as a 2020 model. This means that prices on this current generation are likely to be a good value during the next year.

benjaminh

Michaell said:

....We hit a few expansion joints on the test drive, but the TLX absorbed them with no problems....

Yes, the TLX's ride is on the sporty-firm side on smooth roads, and so I wondered how it would do with big bumps—but it's quite good. Here's part of the tech explanation from Acura about that....

"Acura's Amplitude Reactive Dampers provide both superior ride comfort and sporty handling, helping the new TLX provide a truly engaging driving experience in all driving situations. Two separate damping mechanisms are utilized, with one tuned for maximum efficiency on smoother roads with small inputs and the other tuned to handle large inputs such as rough roads, potholes, and sudden steering and braking action. Front triple-path damper mounts further improve ride comfort without sacrificing handling. The result is a vehicle that remains composed and comfortable in a wide range of conditions.

The core technology contained within the Amplitude Reactive Dampers is their two separate damping pistons, including a main piston and a second piston. To improve overall ride comfort, when smaller inputs occur during normal driving conditions, only the main piston works to provide the ideal damping characteristics. To improve the TLX's ride and handling during more severe conditions, the second piston operates to provide additional damping force. Amplitude Reactive Dampers operate on a purely mechanical basis that does not require electronic controls."

Basically fancy expensive shock absorbers??

stickguy

you people are really making me regret not getting a TLX now. Problem is, if I take the family in to the Acura dealer to spend money we don't have, I am pretty sure that the RDX will attract their attention. Though that will be a lot more expensive.

benjaminh

stickguy said:

you people are really making me regret not getting a TLX now. Problem is, if I take the family in to the Acura dealer to spend money we don't have, I am pretty sure that the RDX will attract their attention. Though that will be a lot more expensive.

Yes, the new 2019 RDX is a knock out. Wow. I had a lot of time to look at it and sit in it while we were waiting for the paperwork on my TLX, and my salesguy even demonstrated the ELS sound system in RDX. Stunning panoramic sunroof. Interior detailing that seems rather Mercedes-like to me. It's like a next-generation or something for the brand. My TLX is very nice, but the new RDX made it seem almost ordinary in comparison.

But if your leasing goal is c. 300 a month the new RDX is way over that, maybe more like 450 or so with Tech and AWD. But a new 2018 TLX Tech 2.4 might be under 300 a month, and that's still a very nice ride.

ab348

What is the RDX based on? The previous ones always struck me as being too small for a Civic platform, have yet to see a new one.

breld

When we were done with the TLX test drive, we did take some time to poke around the new RDX, and were all impressed.  

I know it’s all cosmetic, but I’m a sucker for the A Spec treatment.  There was a Fathom Blue one with the red interior.  Perhaps a bit bold, but I like that Acura is offering it.  The interior is very nicely updated too.  

I imagine the 2.0 turbo brings it more in line with the European competition as far as feel and driving manners too.  

All that time at the Acura dealership did remind me of how fond I am of the brand. I wish they were applying the A Spec treatment to the MDX Sport Hybrid model, and not just the regular V6.  I’d be tempted. 

benjaminh

ab348 said:

What is the RDX based on? The previous ones always struck me as being too small for a Civic platform, have yet to see a new one.

Acura claims that the body and chassis for the new RDX are unique to Acura. And so while the previous RDX was based on the CR-V, Acura is claiming that this RDX is all-new and unique to the brand. My guess is underneath somewhere there's some connection with the also all-new CR-V, but....Anyway, here's a little bit from Acura on the new RDX:

"The RDX redesign features a new-from-the-ground-up, Acura-exclusive platform, a powerful, responsive and efficient new powertrain, and a more spacious, premium and tech-savvy cabin. With its new turbocharged engine, segment-first 10-speed transmission and the newest generation of available Acura Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®), the new RDX is also the quickest, best-handling RDX ever; and with its new longer and wider platform, the 2019 RDX also boasts top-class cabin and cargo space with exceptional comfort, utility and versatility.

New Acura features and technologies being introduced for the first time on the new RDX include next-generation Acura sport seats with up to 16-way power adjustability, Acura/ELS Studio 3D™ premium audio system, natural language voice recognition, and the first ever deployment of Acura's True Touchpad Interface™, an intuitive, easy-to-learn user interface designed from a clean slate around the driver and the driving experience....

Power comes from a new direct-injected and turbocharged 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC inline-4-cylinder engine with VTEC® valvetrain. With peak output of 272 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque (both SAE net), the RDX has the highest power output among key competitors....

The RDX's body structure is an all-new, bespoke design that is lighter, more rigid and more tightly sealed than before, and features multiple new material and design attributes, including a world's first two-piece (inner and outer) ultra-high-strength-steel front door ring design, a new double-ring rear frame structure, and Acura's first use of high-performance structural adhesives. The new unit body, utilizing high-strength steel for over 50 percent of its construction, is roughly 20 pounds lighter than before, substantially more rigid throughout, and should assist the RDX to receive its targeted top-class collision safety ratings.

New measures taken to improve cabin quietness include an Acura SUV-first application of sound-absorbing acoustic spray foam in 12 body cavities, a 15 percent increase (by surface area) in sound-deadening material, the use of triple door seals and upgraded glass (thicker or acoustic laminated) all around."

http://hondanews.com/releases/2019-acura-rdx-press-kit#exterior

stickguy

the platform might be unique, but I suspect it is based off off some corporate one, just heavily reworked. Not an issue to me, since once thing Honda does well is chassis. And after a quick drive, it really works. And the engine pulls strong. Great seats of course, and the stereo in the Advance trim (the 16 speaker version) is amazing. I am sure the 12 speaker ELS in the tech trim level is more than fine too!

graphicguy

stickguy said:

I had a few cars in the past where I spent way too much time at the service department (hint: if you walk in and all the mechanics know you, you are there too often! That was the Plymouth dealer when we had a Voyager). I just have no tolerance for that any longer. So try to pick cars where it is not likely to happen but if I get one that does have recurring issues, not likely it will be around long!

AMEN!

BTW....I love my TLX. Now heading into the 2nd year of ownership and had not one....nada....nothing it needed to go back for. Only thing I’ve done is change the oil, check the other fluids, have some inspections done and rotate the tires. Even that was cheap (with a dealership coupon)....I t hink $60.

Love driving it....quick, confident, comfortable, good handler. Great seats, stereo and tech.

Not in the market for an SUV, but if I were, the RDX would be the first one I’d check out.

graphicguy

breld said:

When we were done with the TLX test drive, we did take some time to poke around the new RDX, and were all impressed.  

I know it’s all cosmetic, but I’m a sucker for the A Spec treatment.  There was a Fathom Blue one with the red interior.  Perhaps a bit bold, but I like that Acura is offering it.  The interior is very nicely updated too.  

I imagine the 2.0 turbo brings it more in line with the European competition as far as feel and driving manners too.  

All that time at the Acura dealership did remind me of how fond I am of the brand. I wish they were applying the A Spec treatment to the MDX Sport Hybrid model, and not just the regular V6.  I’d be tempted. 

The blue metallic with red leather was my 2nd choice (I have red over red, which I’ve yet to see another on the road for over my years of ownership). Yes, it’s bold. But, I like bold. Hell, I liked the “beak” version of the TL.

benjaminh

I didn't go over one of the details of my numbers before, and so to waste time....

As most here will recall, once I experienced the Honda Sensing on my wife's new CR-V, I decided to look into whether I could afford to get that for myself given how much I drive, and at first I thought about leasing a new Accord.

But in looking at the lease pages here on Edmunds I realized with a shock that it seemed like you could lease a loaded 2018 TLX 2.4 Tech for about the same price a 2018 Accord EX 2.4. The Accord EX is a very good car, but has cloth seats (and only the driver's is power), a painfully mediocre sound system, a CVT, etc. Here are the numbers that I was working from for comparison for leasing a 2018 Accord EX from my local Honda dealer:

2018 Accord EX lease $207 a month before taxes and DMV fees
MSRP $28,365
Offer Price $26,076
Adjusted Cash Down -$4,342
Taxes Not Included DMV Fees Not Included
Acquisition Fees $595
Total Financed $22,329
Documentary Fee $500
First Month Payment $207
Due At Signing $5,215
Term 36 Mo Annual Miles 12,000 Mi

With taxes and DMV fees I think leasing a 2018 Accord EX would be about $240 a month in my state with this large amount due at signing. Maybe someone could do better than this deal on this car, but the bottom line I've read over and over is "Accords don't lease well."

The trade-in calculator at Edmunds thought my trade was worth about 15,500, which is just about what the Acura dealer first offered. But in one step and without a fuss they boosted their trade-in offer to 17k as closing time for the dealer neared. Maybe the estimate from Edmunds was off? Or maybe they were really eager to make the sale? Probably both. Anyway, with the remaining loan of c.11.3 that I had on the car suddenly I could put c. 5700 into the deal.

Anyway, the equity in my trade-in was about 500 more than the due at signing above for the Accord EX, but that 500—and maybe 1000+—was to me almost "free money" due to the really good value they were giving me on the trade.

Anyway, the bottom line was that the lease on the 2018 TLX Tech was 229 a month including all taxes and fees, making it a little bit less than a lease on an 2018 Accord EX.

The TLX needs premium fuel and has a slightly smaller back seat, but otherwise these are dramatically different cars—and in most ways the TLX is dramatically better imho. And yet the price is about the same for a lease for one simple reason: incentives from Acura.

At the end of a three year lease the Accord EX has a residual value of about 16.2k, while the TLX Tech has a value of 18.3.

Michaell

graphicguy said:

When we were done with the TLX test drive, we did take some time to poke around the new RDX, and were all impressed.  

I know it’s all cosmetic, but I’m a sucker for the A Spec treatment.  There was a Fathom Blue one with the red interior.  Perhaps a bit bold, but I like that Acura is offering it.  The interior is very nicely updated too.  

I imagine the 2.0 turbo brings it more in line with the European competition as far as feel and driving manners too.  

All that time at the Acura dealership did remind me of how fond I am of the brand. I wish they were applying the A Spec treatment to the MDX Sport Hybrid model, and not just the regular V6.  I’d be tempted. 

The blue metallic with red leather was my 2nd choice (I have red over red, which I’ve yet to see another on the road for over my years of ownership). Yes, it’s bold. But, I like bold. Hell, I liked the “beak” version of the TL.

There was a red / red TLX A-Spec in the showroom yesterday. 

ab348

A 2000 Acura Integra Type R sells for over $41K and commenters are saying what a great deal it was. I don't get it.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2000-acura-integra-type-r-15/

fintail

Something like that is like an early Z28 or Mach I to late run Xers, up to my generation. Very few survived without being completely ruined by mods. Not sure what it is really worth, but enough people who were young then and couldn't get one for whatever reason, now have the spare funds to indulge.

I think real bargains on BaT are very thin on the ground anymore.

pensfan83

I've been scouring the country for clean Integras Preludes, or EM1 Civic Si's. There was a 2000 Integra GSR with almost 200K that still fetched $6,100.

I have found to get a relatively clean example of one of the cars above I would have to pay anywhere from $8,000 to $10,000 which is well over my budget. The ultra low mile Integra Type Rs are getting more than what they stickered for 18 to 20 years ago.

We'll see how the Prelude I found on Ebay looks in person on Wednesday, I have a number in mind but I'm willing to bet it's too low.

ab348

fintail said:

I think real bargains on BaT are very thin on the ground anymore.

Oh, no question about that. I think it is closer to a Barrett-Jackson kind of thing where people routinely overpay.

sda

benjaminh, you did well with the TLX lease. It is a fine car. You mention that the audio system in the Accord EX is mediocre. Is that in the 2018 or your previous Accord? I have found the audio in my '13 EX to sound best when I listen to a CD, yes I still play them! Fidelity is flat on FM and a bit better thru my Delphi Sky-fi XM converter. Not a good picture, somehow got cut off.

fintail

I've seen plenty of MBs go for more than I'd want to pay.

BaT has also created a small industry of flippers - I know there are a couple, I think out of CA, who scour the PNW for nice 70s-80s MBs to flip there. I think about as highly of that as I do of house flippers.

ab348 said:

Oh, no question about that. I think it is closer to a Barrett-Jackson kind of thing where people routinely overpay.

benjaminh

sda said:

benjaminh, you did well with the TLX lease. It is a fine car. You mention that the audio system in the Accord EX is mediocre. Is that in the 2018 or your previous Accord? I have found the audio in my '13 EX to sound best when I listen to a CD, yes I still play them! Fidelity is flat on FM and a bit better thru my Delphi Sky-fi XM converter. Not a good picture, somehow got cut off.

The sound quality in my 2016 Accord EX was adequate/mediocre, and from the large number of complaints I've read at driveaccord.net about the EX stereo in the 2018 things haven't improved.

A few things were added to my 2016 EX compared to your 2013 EX, including XM radio, AndroidAuto, built-in garage door opener, and remote start. My new TLX lacks remote start, but my wife says the leased car gets our one-car garage most of the time, and so most of the time it won't be missed.

stickguy

wonder if my wife will accept the stereo being inferior as a valid reason to change cars? Actually, she probably would. I don't think she ever really cared for the Elantra. She puts it in the "get what you want" category, but would probably prefer to ride around in something else. She liked the Sonata.

jpp75

stickguy said:

Better than a Nissan version!

I should have actually sat down to haggle a cheap price on the CX5 I saw before I got the Elantra. that would have been popular with everyone in the family.

I've had a few CX-5s for rentals lately and have grown quite fond of them. When @Michaell and I test drove on last summer I found it lacking on power, but I seem to have gotten used to it. Lately National has had the CX-5 GT with the adaptive cruise, BLIS, etc. (forget the name of the package), so very nicely equipped and I find the drive very enjoyable. Power is light but adequate.

jpp75

As @breld mentioned had the chance to meet him and @Micahell and part of the @breld family for lunch yesterday. We went to the Acura dealer after, oddly they didn't have a new RDX in the showroom, a few MDX and TLX models but no RDX. @Michaell drove a TLX, I'll let him share his impressions of the 4-cyl base model but for $20k and change it was a great buy. I really enjoyed the test drive, as I told @Micahell and @breld for that amount of money I don't think you could really buy a better car new or used.

After the drive we talked out to look at the RDX, they had 2 A-Spec models, both locked but then an employee pulled an Advance up and left it unlocked when he got out. Overall I really liked what I was able to see and it had tons of room in the back seat and cargo area. I'd like to see one with the keys and check out the dash/infotainment but it was close to 100 yesterday so lingering in a hot car wasn't an option.

Oh also, in addition to the $20k TLX, when we parked after the drive we noted a used RLX sitting next to it. Just for fun I checked it out, a 2014 with 18k miles on it for $26k. Definitely a lot of car for the money, probably not a bad drive and I guess you definitely won't see yourself on the road.

Sandman6472

Kept my GLA 250 almost four days before swapping it out fora RAV4 back in March. Talk about thirsty and I felt a bit claustrophobic to be honest. They look nice but are bigger than they seem. Never even tried to get it in the garage while the Rav4 did actually fit.
Think long and hard before going after that MB Stick!!

The Sandman

stickguy

since you guys are "at altitude", isn't an NA car like the CX5 always going to feel weaker, especially compared to a turbo? I have not actually driven one since they first came out (when they only had the 2.0l engine, which definitely was a touch weak). but at least on paper, and compared to my drives in a Mazda6 with the same engine, I assume it would be OK for us. Not as fast as the RDX, but we don't really take advantage of the extra 100HP all that often.

chatted about cars with the wife while floating in the pool this afternoon. She is flexible. Just would be a tough sell getting her to trade out of her car, though she did admit it would be nice to have the modern goodies. So we shall see.

need to figure out moving first (if we do) and how that impacts job situation (exploring changes there is on the table too). So with kinda major items like that in play, not making a change at the moment is a smart idea.

I expect though somewhere between Xmas and presidents day (conveniently, the philly auto show is right in between!) we will make some sort of automotive move.

stickguy

it must have been an optical illusion. The GLA is only 174" long (so about 6" shorter than my car, and only about 6" longer than your Golf). The RAV4 is 184" long, so a full 10 inches longer than the MB.

can't speak to MPG, though the GLA is EPA rated better, but as always, YMMV.

probably I would never get one given what they cost, but I still might try one out since I like the looks, size and concept of it.

stickguy

If I wanted something bigger (I don't and the wife also said she does not want anything bigger than the RDX we have now), I would be at the Sube dealer. We went to a street fair today (artisan stuff, so fancy, in a well to do town) and Subaru (their US HQ is about 10 minutes from there) must have been some sort of sponsor. At one end, they had a big tent set up with giveaways, and had 5 cars on display (open and everything).

One was a dark blue Ascent. Very snazzy. And had fantastic seats. Quilted leather sports seats in a gorgeous espresso color. Very sharp. Nice looking interior. Just, kinda big. No sticker, but I am sure that was a top line model so probably quite pricey! I wonder if they are popular?

tjc78

I just can’t get into any Subaru product.  We had a first gen Forester at work for a while and I loathed it.  I actually took the beat Town and Country over it 

stickguy

they are different (unique?). Certainly not mainstream. So, not surprised there will be major fans, and people that just don't like them. I do like them for the most part. Owned 2 I believe, but that was quite a while ago.

stickguy

got me thinking what I would get if I was to get something. Assuming new only to narrow it down!

Sedans, probably only something nice for it to make sense. TLX or S60. They seem to fit the bill, and I like them. Or go radical, when the new G70 comes out (that the baby Genesis 3 series competitor?) If Caddy was giving away the ATS, sure, why not!

going with a CUV, either an RDX if going big, or a CRV, or maybe the upcoming RAV4 design. modern goodies, right size, reasonably economical. Not crazy expensive. That would be for the wife though.

Michaell

stickguy said:

got me thinking what I would get if I was to get something. Assuming new only to narrow it down!

Sedans, probably only something nice for it to make sense. TLX or S60. They seem to fit the bill, and I like them. Or go radical, when the new G70 comes out (that the baby Genesis 3 series competitor?) If Caddy was giving away the ATS, sure, why not!

going with a CUV, either an RDX if going big, or a CRV, or maybe the upcoming RAV4 design. modern goodies, right size, reasonably economical. Not crazy expensive. That would be for the wife though.

During the test drive yesterday, we agreed that I would need to test a CPO S60 as well. Lots of time to sort this out.

corvette

I'm traveling to London next month. Will probably spend a couple days tooling around outside the city. Does anyone have car rental recommendations? Is Sixt the best? Would prefer something like a C-class.

au1994

stickguy said:

got me thinking what I would get if I was to get something. Assuming new only to narrow it down!

Sedans, probably only something nice for it to make sense. TLX or S60. They seem to fit the bill, and I like them. Or go radical, when the new G70 comes out (that the baby Genesis 3 series competitor?) If Caddy was giving away the ATS, sure, why not!

going with a CUV, either an RDX if going big, or a CRV, or maybe the upcoming RAV4 design. modern goodies, right size, reasonably economical. Not crazy expensive. That would be for the wife though.

With the ATS going away, there are probably some good incentives coming, if they are not here already. I kinda like them. A local dealer has a really nice looking blue over gray. Same with the S60. With the new one hitting the lots the outgoing model is probably a steal right now. We know from @benjaminh’s deal that there are some good numbers on the 18 TLX.

If I was in the market (and aren’t we always?!?!) those 3 would get a really hard look from me. Bang for the buck wise, it seems that a TLX with Tech is hard to beat.

benjaminh

And my local BMW dealer says that you can lease a new 320i xdrive for 299 a month with nothing down....

https://www.louisvillebmw.com/new-specials.html

qbrozen

benjaminh said:

And my local BMW dealer says that you can lease a new 320i xdrive for 299 a month with nothing down....

https://www.louisvillebmw.com/new-specials.html

"Plus tax, tag, title, acquisition fee, dealer fees, first payment, and dealer added features."

That leaves much to the imagination.

au1994

benjaminh said:

And my local BMW dealer says that you can lease a new 320i xdrive for 299 a month with nothing down....

https://www.louisvillebmw.com/new-specials.html

I’d definitely pass on that. I’m sure that’s a unicorn stripper model that by the time you optioned one up with some basics, you’d exceed that 299 price. As noted, there are soooo many better choices out there than a 320i.

qbrozen

au1994 said:

benjaminh said:

And my local BMW dealer says that you can lease a new 320i xdrive for 299 a month with nothing down....

https://www.louisvillebmw.com/new-specials.html

I’d definitely pass on that. I’m sure that’s a unicorn stripper model that by the time you optioned one up with some basics, you’d exceed that 299 price. As noted, there are soooo many better choices out there than a 320i.

I just glanced at their inventory and they have a 330i sport for nearly the same MSRP. Wonder if they'd hit the 299 on that one. It is a service loaner, too.

stickguy

Ooh.

benjaminh

Here's a slightly interesting comparison. Looks like in some cases you can get a top-of-the-line CPO 2015 TLX SHAWD V-6 Tech at c. 24k, which in this case is less than a CPO 2015 Accord Touring V-6 at c.25k at another dealer. Here's the listing at my local dealer of the TLX, which they say has 4 new tires, etc., plus a warranty up to 7 years 100k miles on the powertrain...

https://www.acuraatoxmoor.com/used/Acura/2015-Acura-TLX-1f4886480a0e0ae770d7a92be2937543.htm?_vsrefdom=p.685

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/733091397/overview/

Michaell

benjaminh said:

Here's a slightly interesting comparison. Looks like in some cases you can get a top-of-the-line CPO 2015 TLX SHAWD V-6 Tech at c. 24k, which in this case is less than a CPO 2015 Accord Touring V-6 at c.25k at another dealer. Here's the listing at my local dealer of the TLX, which they say has 4 new tires, etc., plus a warranty up to 7 years 100k miles on the powertrain...

https://www.acuraatoxmoor.com/used/Acura/2015-Acura-TLX-1f4886480a0e0ae770d7a92be2937543.htm?_vsrefdom=p.685

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/733091397/overview/

I like that TLX, but I think I'd like something other than a black interior. I could live with those miles, too.

roadburner

qbrozen said:

benjaminh said:

And my local BMW dealer says that you can lease a new 320i xdrive for 299 a month with nothing down....

https://www.louisvillebmw.com/new-specials.html

"Plus tax, tag, title, acquisition fee, dealer fees, first payment, and dealer added features."

That leaves much to the imagination.

BMW of Louisville has upped the the Doc fee to $499(I Think) as well as adding mandatory chargers for mop n' glow and wheel locks About $1,500 in all...

stickguy

I think I have done my last black interior.

pensfan83

@Michaell good review of the TLX, as I'm sure you know @graphicguy and myself love ours and @benjaminh has been similarly satisfied. Since you have some time I wouldn't rule out a refreshed TLX. By the time you're ready to pull the trigger the oldest 2018's would be around 2 years old so there may be some additional options.

The differences are subtle, but make a noticeable difference from everything I've heard and read. You get AcuraWatch and Android Auto/Car Play standard regardless of trim and the infotainment was updated to be more responsive.

benjaminh

Michaell said:

....I like that TLX, but I think I'd like something other than a black interior. I could live with those miles, too.

Yeah. I don't think I've ever had a car with a black interior—until now. Not my first choice for heat or looks, but given that it's a lease I'm also thinking that if I turn it in 3 years from now rather than buying it that the seats will still be fine. White leather seats might be a bit tricky to keep pristine.