Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

I would take that 530 and not look back!

So, had the RDX to the tire store for a brake check, since the fluid light was coming on. As suspected, it was pretty much time for front brakes, so since winter is coming and the wife is commuting again with it, I threw in the towel and had them done. New pads, shiny new rotors (they said the old ones had heat sports and some ridges, and really recommended replacement), tuned up calipers, and a brake fluid flush. So after tires and battery last year, it better be good to go for a while.

tjc78

Poof... there goes $500! 

stickguy

while we were out (after dropping the RDX off), took the wife for a lap through the automall for some sitting. Surprisingly, she did not complain. Pretty much her way of saying she does not really like my car! Sat in a new Santa Fe (first time). Nice. Pricey. Very roomy inside. Not buying one. Also sat in an RDX and TLX. Both nice.

then swung through the BMW store, and had the guy open up an X2. Really nice. Had the fancy seats, including power adjustable bolsters. I liked! and kind of surprising to me, me wife really liked it. Actually preferred it to the X1 it was parked next to. I think she would be happy with a BMW. Just not the payments (45K sticker, didn't even have BLIS, but it did have huge B's). I would probably get the X1 instead. drives the same, more practical.

Then went over to Volvo. Place was actually hopping. a good sign!. ended up driving a 2015 S60 polestar. Red over beige. Very sharp. 29K miles, CPO. I really, really liked how it drove. Wife was quite complimentary too. deceptively quick. Smooth, and fantastic seats of course. I guess a bit outdated info tech, but it is what it is. No BLIS, but I could live with that (good visibility) but no BU camera was a deal breaker. If it had that, I might have taken a run at it. Also saw a nice 2018 service loaner. MSRP $40,500, 4,900 miles, and tagged for $29,995 but "they would talk". Silver over black. Not ideal. But, had all the options on it.

Finally stopped at Acura (different dealer). Sadly our saleslady was no longer there, so got a new guy I would not deal with again. got past the payment questions, he finally went to get a car to try (I specifically asked for a 4 cyl) and he showed up with a V6. Kept saying it was the same other than the shifter. Even my wife knew that was not true! short drive. It was nice. Definitely a bigger/heavier feeling car. My wife liked it (according to her, she is old, so big and comfy is fine). Not too big to be doable, but definitely bigger than my ideal. The 6 was sweet, but kind of pointless exercise since I wanted to try the 4. some other time and place.

stickguy

anyway, we discussed what made sense. Both decided that leasing now was not ideal. We talked about trading in her RDX, but she thought it was kind of a waste to get a new car to do a stop and go commute. Though she would not mind one! And that trading in my car, and bumping up the payment (instead of taking on a 2nd one) was a better idea. That would be our travel/out together car, and the RDX would serve commuter duty and hauling the dog around. I am good with that plan. Takes advantage of the 4 years registration I already paid for, and the sales tax credit on a trade. Just need to nail down an actual price target, and decide what I want that fits into it.

Still want to look at a CX5 mazda. Still leery of a CRV. Would like a small CUV/hatch, but sedans are fine. Not hurry of course, so could also wait until next summer and look at a slightly used 2019 S60.

So I will keep looking, and when something that feels right pops up, will jump on it. But I really liked the Volvo. Could be happy with that for a long time. And at some point, would put the wife in that for commuting and upgrade the other car.

stickguy

tjc78 said:

Poof... there goes $500! 

the brakes? $362 including tax. the trip to BJs while we were waiting took care of the other $140.

Mr_Shiftright

OK TEAM! Your mission, (should you decide to accept it) will be to help a friend of mine pick out the perfect AWD vehicle. I will give you the criteria, and your suggestions will be much appreciated.

1. This vehicle stays in Colorado. in the mountains, and is used to take people to and fro the airport, do shopping, haul skis and gear, maybe some trash bags, a piece of furniture, etc. Limited annual miles. No heavy duty grunge work. Primarily a people mover. Not an off-roader, but should be quite capable in snow or on flat fire roads or gravel.

2. It should be used, with maybe 40K--60K on it.

3. It should be either AWD or select-on-the-fly 4X4. No manual locking hubs (if anybody still does that).

4. Has to carry 7+ passengers + some luggage.

5. Does not need a boatload of hi-tech. They simply don't care about any of it. If it has some features, fine, if not, fine.

6. Fuel mileage not a big consideration given the limited use (2,000 miles a year?).

Anything popping into your heads?

corvette

Oddly enough, I got a shipping confirmation for the remote starter this morning, so I withdrew the chargeback I filed.

stickguy

a suburban. Your big issue on anything much smaller is with 7 people, you have zero cargo room (in something like an MDX szed SUV).

ab348

Needing to hold 7 passengers plus some luggage is going to narrow that down quite a bit. Maybe a long-wheelbase Expedition?

Mr_Shiftright

That's a good call--they just wore out their last Suburban. What about a used Tahoe? Are there any other 7-passenger trucks you can think of that don't compromise on luggage space?

ab348

Yeah, a Tahoe XL would work. Otherwise I think you're looking at AWD minivans. Maybe a Pacifica?

Mr_Shiftright

Hmm....possibly...I'm thinking though...wouldn't a 'Burb or Tahoe maybe have more roof support for a rack?

How is ground clearance on those AWD vans? Where his house is, is around 8,000 feet.

suydam

Minivan. Honda Odyssey AWD.

qbrozen

Maybe I'm wrong but I don't think the Pac has an AWD option.

Suburban was what popped into my head. 7+luggage is a tall order. The Envoy XL wasn't awful for luggage space, but still less than a minivan. You really have to go with the beastly SUVs to meet all those needs.

fintail

I see no budget was listed, I nominate GLS63 AMG.

tjc78

Mr_Shiftright said:

OK TEAM! Your mission, (should you decide to accept it) will be to help a friend of mine pick out the perfect AWD vehicle. I will give you the criteria, and your suggestions will be much appreciated. 1. This vehicle stays in Colorado. in the mountains, and is used to take people to and fro the airport, do shopping, haul skis and gear, maybe some trash bags, a piece of furniture, etc. Limited annual miles. No heavy duty grunge work. Primarily a people mover. Not an off-roader, but should be quite capable in snow or on flat fire roads or gravel. 2. It should be used, with maybe 40K--60K on it. 3. It should be either AWD or select-on-the-fly 4X4. No manual locking hubs (if anybody still does that). 4. Has to carry 7+ passengers + some luggage. 5. Does not need a boatload of hi-tech. They simply don't care about any of it. If it has some features, fine, if not, fine. 6. Fuel mileage not a big consideration given the limited use (2,000 miles a year?). Anything popping into your heads?

If a Tahoe / Suburban isn’t wanted they may be able to get by with a previous gen Acadia / Traverse / Enclave.   We have stuffed 7 into ours with luggage a few times. 

If im not mistaken they are the largest non truck based SUVs.  

tjc78

stickguy said:

Poof... there goes $500! 

the brakes? $362 including tax. the trip to BJs while we were waiting took care of the other $140.

Ha, that’s not a bad price for the brakes.  

I dropped a few bucks at BJs today too as always! 

Mr_Shiftright

fintail said:

I see no budget was listed, I nominate GLS63 AMG.

Well he could afford it, but...it's just not him.

Hmm...I may have to look into cargo specs on the Acadia / Traverse / Enclave. Hadn't thought of that.

Do you really think an Odyssey minivan AWD can handle deep snow?

suydam

Probably not. I just can’t think of any vehicle that can handle 7 people plus gear better than a minivan. Does Subaru make a vehicle large enough for those requirements? I think they will have to make some compromises somewhere.

pensfan83

Picked up the Prelude earlier and it's all set. Front rotors/pads/calipers were replaced, stabilizer links, tie rods, ball joints. Also did a brake fluid change and an alignment. Tires have plenty of life as do the rear brakes. However when those are due for replacement I'll probably do the rotors/pads/calipers in the rear too. My wallet's a bit lighter but all in all I'm happy with the work for the price. Hopefully with the limited miles it will see it's mechanically set for a few years. The tech who worked on the car commented it was one of the cleanest Preludes that's come through the shop, which only handles Hondas and Acuras, in years.

pensfan83

Mr_Shiftright said:

OK TEAM! Your mission, (should you decide to accept it) will be to help a friend of mine pick out the perfect AWD vehicle. I will give you the criteria, and your suggestions will be much appreciated.

1. This vehicle stays in Colorado. in the mountains, and is used to take people to and fro the airport, do shopping, haul skis and gear, maybe some trash bags, a piece of furniture, etc. Limited annual miles. No heavy duty grunge work. Primarily a people mover. Not an off-roader, but should be quite capable in snow or on flat fire roads or gravel.

2. It should be used, with maybe 40K--60K on it.

3. It should be either AWD or select-on-the-fly 4X4. No manual locking hubs (if anybody still does that).

4. Has to carry 7+ passengers + some luggage.

5. Does not need a boatload of hi-tech. They simply don't care about any of it. If it has some features, fine, if not, fine.

6. Fuel mileage not a big consideration given the limited use (2,000 miles a year?).

Anything popping into your heads?

Durango?

breld

pensfan83 said:

OK TEAM! Your mission, (should you decide to accept it) will be to help a friend of mine pick out the perfect AWD vehicle. I will give you the criteria, and your suggestions will be much appreciated. 1. This vehicle stays in Colorado. in the mountains, and is used to take people to and fro the airport, do shopping, haul skis and gear, maybe some trash bags, a piece of furniture, etc. Limited annual miles. No heavy duty grunge work. Primarily a people mover. Not an off-roader, but should be quite capable in snow or on flat fire roads or gravel. 2. It should be used, with maybe 40K--60K on it. 3. It should be either AWD or select-on-the-fly 4X4. No manual locking hubs (if anybody still does that). 4. Has to carry 7+ passengers + some luggage. 5. Does not need a boatload of hi-tech. They simply don't care about any of it. If it has some features, fine, if not, fine. 6. Fuel mileage not a big consideration given the limited use (2,000 miles a year?). Anything popping into your heads?

Durango?

Good call.  I loved my Durango.  And since I’m in the minority, they are a good value. 

stickguy

There is no AWD Odyssey. Can get it in a Sienna. The space will work, but I don't think I want to be off roading (even dirt/fire roads) in a loaded down minivan.

In the durango, with the rear seat up, is there any cargo space left? Not to mention, can you fit adults in the 3rd row?

qbrozen

Durango is way too small.

breld

So I did take the time this afternoon to take a quick look at the 530i.

It’s a really nice example.  Of course there are a few nicks and blemishes here and there, but overall nicer than most anyone would expect for a 15 year old car.  I’d throw $300 into it for some PDR and that should take care of it.  

The M-tech body kit is nice and tasteful and seems to have been installed well.  The dual tailpipe setup is a little silly but again, done well.  

Interior is in beautiful shape.  Some missing pixels on the radio and instrument display, but cup holders were intact!

My test drive wasn’t that long as I didn’t have much time, but it drove very nice - solid and tight as expected.  

It’s becoming more and more rare to find a nice E39.  

stickguy

so, when do you pick it up?

corvette

It looked really great in the photos. The radio / instrument display pixels are an easy fix, mailed the radio display on my old E39 off to a guy who fixed it fairly inexpensively.

I'm still leery of owning another piece of old German iron, but you never know. One of my friends bought a W220 S-Class (not Mercedes' finest product, by far) and says it's been great, especially compared to the BMWs he used to own.

benjaminh

stickguy said:

....Also saw a nice 2018 service loaner. MSRP $40,500, 4,900 miles, and tagged for $29,995 but "they would talk". Silver over black. Not ideal. But, had all the options on it....

This Volvo sounds like a potentially good deal—esp. if they'll go a bit below 30k. Can you still lease a service loaner? It seems like you're fixed on buying, but as you know the thing with leasing is that if there are enough incentives it makes more sense than buying. For my 2018 TLX there was only 1.9 financing if you bought, and my guess was that I would have been lucky to get 3k off of the list price on top of that. But for leasing the incentive was $6250. Given the residential on the TLX Tech of $18,400 it's like a close to 0% interest loan with a with a bigger discount for the lease. Plus it gives us a bit more freedom. If something truly amazing is available in the summer of 2021 when my lease is up I can still consider that, but if I want to buy it's like every dollar of my lease payments have gone toward the principal. I imagine the same might possibly be true on a Volvo if the lease incentives are good.

stickguy

did not ask if I could lease it. We are thinking buy on this car, to keep it a longer time. But, if you get a big enough discount, can always sell it too. One issue is I have to get rid of my current car, and if I trade it in, I get about $1,000 tax credit. The loaner already has a big discount built in, so buying is fine.

found this TLX. I like the red. Would rather not have black interior though. If I was beige inside, would probably be back there monday. This is the dealer we just sat in the showroom cars though. Should have asked to drive here!. Price is certainly good for a CPO. pretty sure if I go TLX I will stick with the 2018 for the extra features and upgrades.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/746840635/overview/

Mr_Shiftright

OK, I'll put Durango on the list--thanks---have to do some research on interior room but I think Q is right--might be too small to accomplish everything.

benjaminh

stickguy said:

did not ask if I could lease it. We are thinking buy on this car, to keep it a longer time. But, if you get a big enough discount, can always sell it too. One issue is I have to get rid of my current car, and if I trade it in, I get about $1,000 tax credit. The loaner already has a big discount built in, so buying is fine.

found this TLX. I like the red. Would rather not have black interior though. If I was beige inside, would probably be back there monday. This is the dealer we just sat in the showroom cars though. Should have asked to drive here!. Price is certainly good for a CPO. pretty sure if I go TLX I will stick with the 2018 for the extra features and upgrades.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/746840635/overview/

Nice cpo TLX. Like you I was hoping for a light interior, but I'm now getting fond of the black, much to my surprise. I keep my car clean, but it's nice not to even have to worry about black jeans leaving a slight discoloration on blond leather as happened a little bit over time with the light leather on my 2008 Accord EXL. Since you're not attached to the color, and could easily walk away, it might make a more possible to get some kind of trade-in for your Elantra? And is there Acura financing for cpo cars? The TLX is very close in price to the Volvo. Might be interesting to compare and contrast and see which one you like better—and which one is a better deal. Maybe you can pit the two places against each other a little? My guess is that a Volvo is a fairly reliable car, but I'm also guessing that an Acura is more reliable after 4 years or so. But I really don't know. We haven't subscribed to Consumer Reports for a while, but that might be worth looking up....

Mr_Shiftright

Looks like the Ford Expedition might qualify? Seems to have good cargo space.

stickguy

The S60 is pretty tried and trued at this point. one advantage to an older design. And it is under warranty for a long time so not a concern to me. the Acura, certainly not worried about that, and the red one has well over 6 years total warranty left on it.

I would need to see the black in person, to see what contrast there is. The Volvo, that was pretty black inside. Though my Elantra has a black interior, it actually does not seem as dark to me. Not sure why, can't just be the red highlights!

might run down this week to look at it if still there. I do need to drive the 4 cyl. Might not even like it.

I did discuss with the wife over dinner and she asked which I liked better. Just from driving, I think the Volvo. Though looking big picture (what we will do with it), not sure if that would change. But both cars are really nice.

tbirdmarco

 Sounds like a plan stick guy, if you get a chance this week can you bring the drive and see what’s what with it. 

Mr_Shiftright

I see the Expedition EL is the longer WB, as is the Yukon XL. Is there a stretch Suburban. I can't seem to figure that out. Anybody know?

stickguy

nope. basically a Yukon XL stretches out the base model to roughly be a suburban. Might not be quite the full length, but at least close. But I think it is just a GMC badged Burban.

pensfan83

Forgot about the Expedition. I think last few years of the prior gen had the 3.5 EcoBoost too.

jpp75

I also vote Expedition XL, or a Navigator if they want something a little nicer. I'm not sure how they are with 7 people and luggage but a Sequoia or Lexus GX 460 might be worth looking at as well.

jpp75

@stickguy I like both the TLX and the Volvo. Obviously I have a soft spot for Volvos but you can't go wrong with either. A back-to-back test drive of both would probably help narrow down the gap.

stickguy

that is what I did today. with a stop at the christmas tree shop for the wife (had to bribe her with something). Just to dopey salesman got the wrong engine.

jpp75

I hate it when sales people do that. I test drove a Lexus IS350 a few years ago and the sales lady brought an F-Sport when I wanted to drive a regular one. Very annoying.

stickguy

in this case, especially so, since I have driven the V6 and the car a few times, and the only thing I actually wanted to try was the 4 banger.

corvette

In terms of length and interior space, roughly:
Tahoe = Yukon = Expedition = Navigator
Suburban = Yukon XL = Expedition EL = Navigator L

Mr_Shiftright

jpp5862 said:

I also vote Expedition XL, or a Navigator if they want something a little nicer. I'm not sure how they are with 7 people and luggage but a Sequoia or Lexus GX 460 might be worth looking at as well.

The Sequoia is pretty light on cargo space with 3 seats up. The Suburban has around 39 cubic ft. and the Toyota about 19 cubic ft. Not much if you measure it out. That's about 6 medium size suitcases.

stickguy

I forgot to mention the other car we saw. There was an XC40 in the Volvo showroom. was surprisingly nice, and roomy. More space in the back than in the X2. Nice, nice interior. I assume the new S60 will be similar to it. Other than the burnt orange paint, the wife really liked it, and though we could even get by with one as our "family" car. Helps that we can get away folding down the back seats when we travel since normally won't have kids with us.

Did not drive one though. Not something I am in any danger of buying soon.

benjaminh

stickguy said:

in this case, especially so, since I have driven the V6 and the car a few times, and the only thing I actually wanted to try was the 4 banger.

For the 4-cylinder TLX make sure you put the dynamic mode in "Sport." As you probably know, the mode selector is a small button next to the gear shift.

tbirdmarco

 Corvette wow so you heard from the original company that you ordered the remote start from and you should be getting it now. Stick guy sounds like you’ll have a punch in the near future ha ha but yes stinks when sales people don’t listen and bring you more expensive model or something you’ve no interest in driving, I think they do it I’m purposely try to drag you in. But yes drive a four cylinder PLX I guess this week when you get a chance. 

Michaell

benjaminh said:

stickguy said:

in this case, especially so, since I have driven the V6 and the car a few times, and the only thing I actually wanted to try was the 4 banger.

For the 4-cylinder TLX make sure you put the dynamic mode in "Sport." As you probably know, the mode selector is a small button next to the gear shift.

+1

When I test drove the 4-cyl TLX, the car seemed lethargic until I did that. Made a world of difference afterwards.

kyfdx

At the mall, yesterday, Cadillac was doing a driving event for the new XT4. (Cadillac Detours).
About a half-dozen of them.

From behind, they look bigger than they are, due to high beltline and sharp angles. You only get a sense of them being smaller from the side view.

Nice, though. They should sell well. Compared to an Audi or BMW, they seem to be an in-between size. Bigger than the X1 or Q3, but maybe just a little smaller than the Q5/X3?

Mr_Shiftright

I think the Q3 is going to offer some sport versions so it will have that advantage over the XT4.