Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

sounds fine for a 2 year lease. Would not want that as described for a long term relationship.

qbrozen

No papework today. She was worried she would miss fedex and I guess she did.

mjfloyd1

@28firefighter do the different trim levels provide any less hard plastic in the interior?

nyccarguy

@28firefighter - BRAVO!  Your Stelvio is drop dead gorgeous!  I love the color too!  WOW!  You already know this, but your deal is just fantastic at under $300 per month for 2 years.  That’s a 10K per year lease?  Mazel-Tov!

28firefighter

mjfloyd1 said:

@28firefighter do the different trim levels provide any less hard plastic in the interior?

Not that I’m aware of. It may be different in the Quadrofoligio. nyccarguy said:

@28firefighter - BRAVO!  Your Stelvio is drop dead gorgeous!  I love the color too!  WOW!  You already know this, but your deal is just fantastic at under $300 per month for 2 years.  That’s a 10K per year lease?  Mazel-Tov!

10k. Thanks!  I’m really excited. 

stickguy

all this car buying has me antsy. Decided that if a TLX is the next car (the girls are both on board with one of those!) will shoot for a 2018. Wife really prefers new, so that is a lot closer. Plus some of the extra goodies will be nice to have. And it will be a LT keeper buy, so best not to get something that is already out of date.

might need to slide until around Christmas though to let supply ramp up and prices to drop a bit more.

I did however find a bonus to the V6 model (besides being faster). It comes with power adjustable thigh support. I really like that normally, but not essential since the standard seats are super comfy.

need to go out next week with the wife and try one out, and swing by the Volvo dealer too. with maybe a quick detour through the Alfa place (right across the highway from the Acura dealer!)

jpp75

@28firefighter Congrats on the Stelvio! I love the color. A friend of mine test drove one a month or so ago and I drove it as well, I agree with all your comments. For the price you're paying though it can't be beat.

jpp75

So C30 update and a fun day of test drives with @breld and @michaell. I decided that I needed to try a 6-speed out to see if/how I liked it compared to the automatic. As others have commented not all manuals are created equal and sometimes the auto is the better choice.

Ironically there's only 1 6-speed manual in Denver right now:
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?sourceContext=carGurusHomePageModel&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=d1043&zip=80204#listing=158181527

The dealer is "Miracle Finance" which pretty much tells you all you need to know, but being the only stick in the area I decided to give it a try. We arrived and found a dealership with a lot of inventory, mostly trucks with large wheels and tires of questionable quality. We found the car and it was immediately clear this one wasn't one to buy, a majorly cracked windshield, a VERY worn drivers seat and moderate hail damage. But I went in and got the keys and went off on a drive with @michaell and @breld. The A/C was inoperative and it was a warm day in Denver, there was an aftermarket "boost" gauge installed (also inoperative) so it was clear this car had a lot of needs. It only had 70k on it but it's clear they were a hard 70k. Regardless, I found the 6 speed very fun to drive, engaging and smooth. Due to the lack of A/C and cramped quarters we did a short drive, but enough to keep me interested in the 6 speed. Even at half the price I wouldn't buy it.

@breld and I then went to look at the red C30 I initially posted. It was in much better shape, but does have 125k on it.

https://www.royalintlauto.com/2008-Volvo-C30/Used-Hatchback/Denver-CO/11152544/Details.aspx

Once again it had to be jump started, but we took it for a quick drive. A great car, priced fair and in good shape. One disappointment, from the first time I drove it someone has scraped the drivers door. It has a bit of a crease in it and a sizeble dent. Nothing horrible but disappointing given it was in great shape a few weeks ago. They recently dropped the price from $7,495 to $6,995. The guy if it's still there in 30 days they'd probably wholesale it. A part of me had wanted to be disappointed in the manual so I could just get this one, but turns out that wasn't the case and I decided I would be settling with the auto.

As I was taking @breld home we decided to go look at one more. It was listed as a manual on the website but the pictures showed it was an auto, but we figured a test drive wouldn't hurt, especially since it was an R-Design.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?sourceContext=carGurusHomePageModel&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=d1043&zip=80204#listing=212984223_isFeatured

We arrive, are immediately greeted by a salesperson who gets us the keys. While we're waiting for her we immediately notice it's not an R-Design and has a few cosmetic flaws, but decide why not drive it. We take it out and I immediately notice the brake pedal is very soft, disconcerting but whatever. It also smells like it has been smoked in at some point. I drive for a bit, it's fine, strong engine but certainly doesn't drive or ride any better than the others we've driven even though it only has 50k on it and is 4 years newer. We switched drivers for the last little bit and as @breld is accelerating we get an Engine Temp warning light. @breld lets off the accelerator and it goes back down to normal. We accelerate again after a red light and as we're approaching the dealership the needle goes into the red again with the accompanying warning messages. As we're pulling into the lot we notice steam coming out from under the hood. Quite an experience and a reminder that low miles don't always translate to a better car.

@breld found another 6 speed at CarMax down in Colorado Springs, but it's priced higher, however has lower miles.

https://www.carmax.com/car/15972276

I decided to run down this evening and look at it just for fun. It was in great shape, I like the wheels on it much better than the others and other than a minor squeak from the hatch area it's clean and drives great. One oddity, no cruise control, which I probably wouldn't use much (and couldn't due to traffic). After thinking it over I was able to reconcile the higher price for the car I want and will likely go back Monday and close the deal. There are a few others around the country for similar prices that are a little nicer, but they're all on the east coast and for a second fun car I'm not going to be that picky.

Overall though a fun day of car exploring at certain car lots and some good stories.

28firefighter

Fun day, @jpp5862!  The C30 was a fun ride but the auto in mine definitely was a let down along with the less-than-usable hatch. As a fun car it seems like a no brainer!

Michaell

While I was only able to accompany @jpp5862 for the first of his 4 test drives today, I'll second his opinion of the blue C30 stick shift. Was very sad looking. The aftermarket boost gauge said "Type R" on the face - I didn't think to ask @breld if it was similar to anything he had in his Type R.

I also noticed a 6-speed 335xi on the lot - black over black. Every wheel had been curbed, and there was a long scratch (keyed?) down the entire passenger side flank. If you wanted the prestige of driving the roundel, this would have done it. But, from what I've heard about the engine in those, it too would be a hard pass.

I also had the pleasure of taking the Jetta SEL that @breld bought for his step-daughter out for a test drive. This was a loaded car! Loved the configurable dash, even though the gauges had been set up with a pink glow. Engine and transmission are identical to my Jetta, so I knew what I was getting into. But, the features on the SEL trim made me give great pause to the idea of a CPO TLX. Upgraded stereo, huge sunroof, and much more solid than my Jetta. Experienced lane keep assist for the first time. While it was unnatural at first, I felt it was ultimately a good feature to have.

I should have taken a picture of them, as I parked behind it on the street. The new one is 185.1" in length, while my 2016 is 183.3". The new one looks considerably longer, however.

qbrozen

jpp5862 said:

So C30 update and a fun day of test drives with @breld and @michaell. I decided that I needed to try a 6-speed out to see if/how I liked it compared to the automatic. As others have commented not all manuals are created equal and sometimes the auto is the better choice. Ironically there's only 1 6-speed manual in Denver right now: https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?sourceContext=carGurusHomePageModel&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=d1043&zip=80204#listing=158181527 The dealer is "Miracle Finance" which pretty much tells you all you need to know, but being the only stick in the area I decided to give it a try. We arrived and found a dealership with a lot of inventory, mostly trucks with large wheels and tires of questionable quality. We found the car and it was immediately clear this one wasn't one to buy, a majorly cracked windshield, a VERY worn drivers seat and moderate hail damage. But I went in and got the keys and went off on a drive with @michaell and @breld. The A/C was inoperative and it was a warm day in Denver, there was an aftermarket "boost" gauge installed (also inoperative) so it was clear this car had a lot of needs. It only had 70k on it but it's clear they were a hard 70k. Regardless, I found the 6 speed very fun to drive, engaging and smooth. Due to the lack of A/C and cramped quarters we did a short drive, but enough to keep me interested in the 6 speed. Even at half the price I wouldn't buy it. @breld and I then went to look at the red C30 I initially posted. It was in much better shape, but does have 125k on it. https://www.royalintlauto.com/2008-Volvo-C30/Used-Hatchback/Denver-CO/11152544/Details.aspx Once again it had to be jump started, but we took it for a quick drive. A great car, priced fair and in good shape. One disappointment, from the first time I drove it someone has scraped the drivers door. It has a bit of a crease in it and a sizeble dent. Nothing horrible but disappointing given it was in great shape a few weeks ago. They recently dropped the price from $7,495 to $6,995. The guy if it's still there in 30 days they'd probably wholesale it. A part of me had wanted to be disappointed in the manual so I could just get this one, but turns out that wasn't the case and I decided I would be settling with the auto. As I was taking @breld home we decided to go look at one more. It was listed as a manual on the website but the pictures showed it was an auto, but we figured a test drive wouldn't hurt, especially since it was an R-Design. https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?sourceContext=carGurusHomePageModel&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=d1043&zip=80204#listing=212984223_isFeatured We arrive, are immediately greeted by a salesperson who gets us the keys. While we're waiting for her we immediately notice it's not an R-Design and has a few cosmetic flaws, but decide why not drive it. We take it out and I immediately notice the brake pedal is very soft, disconcerting but whatever. It also smells like it has been smoked in at some point. I drive for a bit, it's fine, strong engine but certainly doesn't drive or ride any better than the others we've driven even though it only has 50k on it and is 4 years newer. We switched drivers for the last little bit and as @breld is accelerating we get an Engine Temp warning light. @breld lets off the accelerator and it goes back down to normal. We accelerate again after a red light and as we're approaching the dealership the needle goes into the red again with the accompanying warning messages. As we're pulling into the lot we notice steam coming out from under the hood. Quite an experience and a reminder that low miles don't always translate to a better car. @breld found another 6 speed at CarMax down in Colorado Springs, but it's priced higher, however has lower miles. https://www.carmax.com/car/15972276 I decided to run down this evening and look at it just for fun. It was in great shape, I like the wheels on it much better than the others and other than a minor squeak from the hatch area it's clean and drives great. One oddity, no cruise control, which I probably wouldn't use much (and couldn't due to traffic). After thinking it over I was able to reconcile the higher price for the car I want and will likely go back Monday and close the deal. There are a few others around the country for similar prices that are a little nicer, but they're all on the east coast and for a second fun car I'm not going to be that picky. Overall though a fun day of car exploring at certain car lots and some good stories.

Nice. Good luck.
with the bun warmers and hair dryer, that has to be a Version 2, no? In which case, it is actually not a bad price.

stickguy

Michael, agreed that it looks much bigger. And drives really well. the R line does not have configurable gauges, but the daughter I don't think will ever miss that. And the lower line stereo is actually pretty good (much better than in my car) and again, she is not complaining. Very impressive car overall. Especially since you can get an SE (basically the R line with 16" wheels and solid color seats) for a sales price just under 20K.

one quibble. I think the trans is different. It has an 8 speed now, and I believe that the prior model (at least our 2015 1,8) had a 6 speed. In any case, so far my daughter's car is getting phenomenal MPG

stickguy

JPP, nice looking car. I really do like these. and agree that you should not settle. If you do compromise you will never really be happy with it and probably not keep very long.

ab348

stickguy said:

all this car buying has me antsy. Decided that if a TLX is the next car (the girls are both on board with one of those!) will shoot for a 2018. Wife really prefers new, so that is a lot closer. Plus some of the extra goodies will be nice to have. And it will be a LT keeper buy, so best not to get something that is already out of date.
---
need to go out next week with the wife and try one out, and swing by the Volvo dealer too. with maybe a quick detour through the Alfa place (right across the highway from the Acura dealer!)

Sounds like the TLX is not all that secure in your mind.

jpp75

qbrozen said:

Nice. Good luck.
with the bun warmers and hair dryer, that has to be a Version 2, no? In which case, it is actually not a bad price.

Thanks q, it is a 2.0 which also has the upgraded stereo. I really liked the wheels on this one better as well. If I was willing to drive (or ship) one back from PA or SC I found a couple that have nicer wheels and are a little newer, but for the cost of the drive and/or shipping I could easily replace the wheels if I ever wanted to. Overall for what I'm looking for in a second fun car the one in CO Springs is perfect.

@stickguy I agree, @breld and I discussed this yesterday. If I did offer something crazy like $5,500 for the red one and they bit I would get a great deal but in the long run I wouldn't enjoy the car as much. And while this is a depreciating asset I do think a couple of years down the road if/when I tire of it I can sell it and recoup some of the extra I'm paying for this one. Not all of it of course, but more than I could on the red one.

Michaell

stickguy said:

Michael, agreed that it looks much bigger. And drives really well. the R line does not have configurable gauges, but the daughter I don't think will ever miss that. And the lower line stereo is actually pretty good (much better than in my car) and again, she is not complaining. Very impressive car overall. Especially since you can get an SE (basically the R line with 16" wheels and solid color seats) for a sales price just under 20K.

one quibble. I think the trans is different. It has an 8 speed now, and I believe that the prior model (at least our 2015 1,8) had a 6 speed. In any case, so far my daughter's car is getting phenomenal MPG

Ah, didn't realize that VW had slipped a couple more gears into the transmission. Yes, my 2016 has a six speed slushbox. I saw north of 40MPG on the way to the test drive yesterday.

tjc78

The MPG of the compact sedans is pretty great these days.  

My mom drove my SIL and kids down to the beach in my Elantra and the computer showed 42.6.   Impressive, I don’t think I’ve ever gotten that.  I’m sure my Mom drives a little slower than me.  

Us, mom and SIL (w/ 2 little ones too) are all at the shore this weekend.   My SIL has to leave today so she will take my car home.   Mom will come back with us on Tuesday.  

Didnt want my SIL to drive her miled up Corrola here.   She wants to buy my Elantra when the lease is up, but payment plus full coverage may stretch her budget too much.  It’s a shame.  I don’t think it will have 17k on it.   It is nearing two years old and at about 11,500.   

Enclave is a year this week and will be at pretty much the exact mileage as the Elantra 

Mr_Shiftright

stickguy said:

JPP, nice looking car. I really do like these. and agree that you should not settle. If you do compromise you will never really be happy with it and probably not keep very long.

I'm interested in a C30 as well, but I'm having zero luck finding a manual transmission car in my area that isn't a complete beater (as you guys have also experienced on one occasion). I think what I'll do is drive a few automatics to make sure this is a car I'll stick with for a while, and then maybe extend my reach for a manual transmission one.

stickguy

if you can find a manual S40 T5, can try that too to see how you like the clutch and shifter. Same drivetrain so should feel the same.

Mr_Shiftright

We don't do 4-doors, unfortunately. But if I did, it looks like 2008 on up is the one to buy.

breld

I was telling @jpp5862 yesterday that back in 2004, I test drove a manual V50 T5 - that was a pretty cool wagon.

stickguy

I did not mean to buy one. Just test drive it to see if you liked how the manual version drove, in case you needed to buy remote.

benjaminh

stickguy said:

all this car buying has me antsy. Decided that if a TLX is the next car (the girls are both on board with one of those!) will shoot for a 2018. Wife really prefers new, so that is a lot closer. Plus some of the extra goodies will be nice to have. And it will be a LT keeper buy, so best not to get something that is already out of date.

might need to slide until around Christmas though to let supply ramp up and prices to drop a bit more.

I did however find a bonus to the V6 model (besides being faster). It comes with power adjustable thigh support. I really like that normally, but not essential since the standard seats are super comfy.

need to go out next week with the wife and try one out, and swing by the Volvo dealer too. with maybe a quick detour through the Alfa place (right across the highway from the Acura dealer!)

If there's a chance you might try to keep a TLX for 6+ years, new might be a good way to go since a 2018 or later gives you CarPlay & AcuraWatch. The leftover 2018 TLXs have 1.9 financing for 5 years, but my hunch is that the $5500 lease incentive might be more valuable, esp when combined with a low mileage lease. Iirc you don't drive all that much, which might make a 7500 mile a year lease possible? That will keep your monthly payments down somewhat, but still leave you with a low residual at the end of the 3-year lease, and you could decide to buy then if you want—or walk away if CCB gets you again. Acura also has a good program if you go over on your miles. And at the end of the lease you have the option to buy for c.50% of msrp.

stickguy

a huge lease incentive then buying out would work out great for me. Though from some recent checking, the supply of 18s new is really thin, and all V6 models.

I will be stopping in this week to the dealer. Will certainly ask. But a 2018 CPO is probably going to be a better LT option. I think. Gotta fire up a spreadsheet to know for sure.

Mr_Shiftright

stickguy said:

I did not mean to buy one. Just test drive it to see if you liked how the manual version drove, in case you needed to buy remote.

Oh, that's a good idea. I wonder if manual trans is any more common? I'll look around.

Mr_Shiftright

Found one locally. I don't like the miles, but I like the dealer and the color. Local car, two owners, California history.

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/ctd/d/2006-volvo-s40-t5-awd-6-spd/6678285656.html

Price is about $1K too high, even for a dealer but this outfit is also a Volvo repair facility, soooooo.....if they've done a boatload of work on the car and can prove it---might be worth the premium.

stickguy

the AWD is quite fun to drive. But a different animal than the C30. I really like the V50 version.

Michaell

stickguy said:

the AWD is quite fun to drive. But a different animal than the C30. I really like the V50 version.

I remember test driving a V50 T5 years ago in Glenwood Springs. Automatic, but still fast.

jpp75

Mr_Shiftright said:

I'm interested in a C30 as well, but I'm having zero luck finding a manual transmission car in my area that isn't a complete beater (as you guys have also experienced on one occasion). I think what I'll do is drive a few automatics to make sure this is a car I'll stick with for a while, and then maybe extend my reach for a manual transmission one.

I drove the auto first and found it engaging, but after driving the manual yesterday it's definitely the one to get. Even the manual that was in rough shape had an engaging drive with the manual. Since this will be your main car I'd definitely extend your search to get one.

benjaminh

Mr_Shiftright said:

Found one locally. I don't like the miles, but I like the dealer and the color. Local car, two owners, California history.

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/ctd/d/2006-volvo-s40-t5-awd-6-spd/6678285656.html

Price is about $1K too high, even for a dealer but this outfit is also a Volvo repair facility, soooooo.....if they've done a boatload of work on the car and can prove it---might be worth the premium.

I thought you only wanted a 2-door? Seems like another one of those out of the frying pan and into the fire options you're so fond of....

Michaell

benjaminh said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Found one locally. I don't like the miles, but I like the dealer and the color. Local car, two owners, California history.

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/ctd/d/2006-volvo-s40-t5-awd-6-spd/6678285656.html

Price is about $1K too high, even for a dealer but this outfit is also a Volvo repair facility, soooooo.....if they've done a boatload of work on the car and can prove it---might be worth the premium.

I thought you only wanted a 2-door? Seems like another one of those out of the frying pan and into the fire options you're so fond of....

Gotta read the whole thread... the S40 T5 stick has the same power train as the C30. The idea is if he likes the stick in the 4-door, he'll widen his search for the right C30...

corvette

Mr_Shiftright said:

Found one locally. I don't like the miles, but I like the dealer and the color. Local car, two owners, California history.

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/ctd/d/2006-volvo-s40-t5-awd-6-spd/6678285656.html

Price is about $1K too high, even for a dealer but this outfit is also a Volvo repair facility, soooooo.....if they've done a boatload of work on the car and can prove it---might be worth the premium.

It seems unusual for one of those not to have a sunroof.

Mr_Shiftright

I'm not entirely opposed to 4 doors if the car is engaging. I do load a lot of stuff into my car, and lately, some of it is valuable, so perhaps I will think about getting out of a hatch. But I"m never compromising on the manual transmission.

I went through car buying sprees in my younger days--I mean, I was getting ridiculous about it. Now having a truck, a hatch and a motorcycle seems to settle me down. I can just swap those out once in a while.

corvette

This looks interesting, although I'm not fond of fire engine red on that car. Whether the DSG fluid was changed would be a concern.

https://rallye-motors.com/2012-Volkswagen-Jetta/Used-Car/Cincinnati-OH/11519891/Details.aspx

Mr_Shiftright

That's over my Scary-German-Car 80,000 mile limit. Yeah, I know, I'm a wimp.

corvette

I guess this one is over your limit too. It's weird that it's on a subprime lot, since the Carfax is clean and shows regular service at the local dealer.

https://www.idrivefinancial.com/inventory/bmw/5 series/614154/

Mr_Shiftright

High miles for a 2014. A BMW might shy from it.

corvette

I went and drove this since I had some time to kill today:
https://www.craigandlandrethpre-owned.com/2013-Volkswagen-CC/Used-Car/Clarksville-IN/11251792/Details.aspx

Turbo lag was worse than I remember the 2.0T in the GLI having. It drove very nicely and solid most of the time, but the suspension at one point had a little bit of a floaty feeling over bumpy pavement. It's kind of a contradiction--hot rod engine and very heavily bolstered seats in a soft wrapper.

Their description "garage kept," "showroom condition" was super disappointing. One of the wheels has terrible curb damage, clear coat peeling on another wheel, and there are a lot of scratches that are too deep to buff out on the exterior.

They have it listed for $12,700 plus "customer care benefits package" of $249.50 and $199.50 doc fee, so $13,149. I'm thinking it's worth $11,500 retail if they could have a detail pro restore it to clean condition. I doubt that is doable, plus I'm not in love with the car.

28firefighter

Looks just like my old one except mine was blue. Everything you described is accurate, plus mine was a rattle box. 

jpp75

So add another punch to the list. I went and picked up the C30 this morning. @breld and @michaell accompanied me and @breld was kind enough to drive us down in the Q7 which is simply a great vehicle all around.

We did a quick visual check of the exterior, a good looking car from 10 feet away, up close nothing abnormal for a 10 year old used car but also not a garage queen. A good wax and maybe clay bar will do wonders for it, hoping to do that in a couple of weeks.

The buying process was simple enough, I wasn't a huge fan of CarMax but I get the appeal for "normal" car buyers.

Long story short, I LOVE the car. The drive back to Denver from Colorado Springs was relatively uneventful, and I loved it so much I took a drive up to the mountains this afternoon. I put about 200 miles on it today and no issues, which is always good. The manual in this car is really great, the clutch has a high uptake which I prefer and the shifter is solid and easy. It's the perfect compliment to the Touareg and so fun to drive.

I'm really happy with the purchase, and @Mr_Shiftright I highly recommend this car in a manual. I'll take some pics tomorrow and post them.

corvette

Help enable me, guys. What else should I be looking at? My criteria at this point is something with a 0-60 of 6-ish seconds, and Bluetooth audio streaming. Strongly prefer a backup cam and xenon/HID/LED lights. I’d consider another coupe if it has a high seating position.

Chrysler 300, Buick Regal Turbo or Lacrosse, Mercedes C300, BMW 328i, Taurus SHO? I’d consider something like an Impala or Avalon if the price were right.

corvette

jpp, what year and mileage on that Volvo? Updating the list.

jpp75

corvette said:

jpp, what year and mileage on that Volvo? Updating the list.

2008 and it had 83,5XX on it this morning when I picked it up.

jpp75

corvette said:

Help enable me, guys. What else should I be looking at? My criteria at this point is something with a 0-60 of 6-ish seconds, and Bluetooth audio streaming. Strongly prefer a backup cam and xenon/HID/LED lights. I’d consider another coupe if it has a high seating position.

Chrysler 300, Buick Regal Turbo or Lacrosse, Mercedes C300, BMW 328i, Taurus SHO? I’d consider something like an Impala or Avalon if the price were right.

The other cars I can think of that fit the bill would be an Audi A6, Lexus GS, or a Hyundai Genesis (with the V8 I think it gets you in the 6ish seconds range?).

roadburner

228i or 230i would be my pick. Also the Mustang EcoBoost and the AWD Fusion Sport, as well as a Civic Si.

corvette

roadburner said:

228i or 230i would be my pick. Also the Mustang EcoBoost and the AWD Fusion Sport, as well as a Civic Si.

Qualified maybe on the 2-series, I'd have to sit in one. I veto the Mustang, since I just got rid of one due to the seating position. :@ I don't really want a manual, so the Si is out.

laurasdada

Congrats on the Stelvio, FF. We'll look forward to updates on the ride. Monty Python Blue, with Forbidden Chocolate would be my first color combo choice, too.
I stopped by my local Alfa dealer Saturday, sadly no hot dogs or popcorn. Or many shoppers, but enthusiastic, knowledgeable salesperson. They've now separated Fiat, so solo Alfa. But, a shared location with the Kia showroom (and Stinger still looks just too much like an Optima to these eyes).

Just wanted to do a walk around of the Giulia and Stelvio and sit in them both. Stelvio is the more practical choice, small boot in the Giulia, as well as easier ingress/egress for this old man. But, there is still something about sitting high (Here's to Mr. Bus Driver...), that doesn't turn me on. I just like the at one with the tarmac feeling, the cocoon, of the sedan more. Up front the interiors are the same, do like the very large column mouunted shifter paddles, not plastic as in my XF. But, as noted, hard plastics visible, the nav is basically a game of Pong. I didn't go too in depth, as it was just a meet and greet. Will drive when the time is right.

NFL Network replaying the Super Bowl, foolishly I'm watching. Any chance the Pats will win?

stickguy

no car shopping today (but after a couple gin and tonics by the pool, wife is all on board with a TLX!) but we did go out shopping for a new bed. worse than car shopping, but we ended up finding one we liked, and after seeing the same one at a local store we like (Boscovs), we decided to just pull the trigger. Maybe could have haggled it a little lower, but I was good enough and wanted to be done.

stickguy

the Stelvio for 2019 I believe is getting Carplay. so takes the rudimentary Navi out of play.

qbrozen

corvette said:

Help enable me, guys. What else should I be looking at? My criteria at this point is something with a 0-60 of 6-ish seconds, and Bluetooth audio streaming. Strongly prefer a backup cam and xenon/HID/LED lights. I’d consider another coupe if it has a high seating position. Chrysler 300, Buick Regal Turbo or Lacrosse, Mercedes C300, BMW 328i, Taurus SHO? I’d consider something like an Impala or Avalon if the price were right.

Missing some key info from your demands. Price range? Age range? Mileage range? What do you mean by high seating position? I mean, the coupe versions of many of those on your list are just the same as their sedans. Do you have a RWD/AWD preference? Is a CUV out of the question?