The wealthiest guy in my neighborhood drives a Rolex and two Volvos.
I had a couple of them back in the 70's when they were considered practical boxy school teacher rides. Luxury items may require a lot of maintenance but they shouldn't break down so much. :sick:
Do the people that think Volvo is a luxury brand also think that Acura is one too?
Ooops dang wrong topic. Thought this was the luxury brands topic.
Back to topic had owned a 2003 Ford Ranger that was really boring. Had owned it for like 6 months and was looking really hard for something different. Then I noticed a low mileage C5 in the paper....thought to myself I think this would work out better than the Ranger. Unfortunately, I had to buy the C5 before selling the Ranger cause no one seemed to want to buy it. Eventually sold it to a retired carpenter who paid with an envelope of Benjamins.
I guess if you really wanted to get technical about it there are certainly levels of upscale. I would put anything above the usual mainstream Hondas Toyotas Chevys and Fords as luxury to me. You can't go by my opinion though , the most expensive car I have ever owned is a Chrysler Town&Country and I thought that was upscale when I first got it.
I'd take either in a heartbeat! Actually did look at the S40 and the TSX but the $ and the mpg's kinda turned me towards Honda and Toyota. We have a Mazda 3s which is very similar to the S40, same body and other interior similarities. Still lust after these two cars but with the spiking petrol prices, very glad I went with the Civic, which is very economical and cheap to keep. But whenever I see a white S40 or that light blue TSX, I start thinking about giving the kids my Civic and moving up!
Acura and Volvo as mid tier luxury sounds about right. I was thinking of them as "premium" brands, not luxury. Basically, a fancier car, bit higher price, but free loaners, etc. And of course, some snob appeal.
Talked to her more (she is visiting today, so it was easy!). She really likes the RX350, and probably would have gotten that last time but it was just out, and the lease price was nuts. Hence the Volvo. So that is prob. #1 on the list.
She alo like the CX-7 Mazda and RDX Acura, but I don't think she will end up downsizing that much.
ALso told her to check out the new MDX. She didn't like the way the last model drove, but should like the new one.
gas mileage isn't really the issue (work pays for most of it). Being a good eco weenie and "reducing her carbon footprint" is the real issue. But not, of course, at the expense of AC in the house, or dwonsizing to a Focus wagon!
Careful on that MDX. A good friend of mine has a 2007 that has had a clunking issue coming from the rear. After reading up on it the MDX board here has several members who exhibit the same issue. Unfortunately for all of them, Acura has not come out with a fix for the 2007 or 2008 MDX. Friend tells me his wife refuses to drive the MDX and has stolen his Avalon. :shades:
I don't get too caught up in the current perception of the brand. Using that line of reasoning, Jaguar wouldn't be a luxury brand. I figure if a company only has cars starting at around $30K and they all have leather and butt warmers and such, they are probably at least somewhere in the luxury car mix.
A lot of the ~$30k cars from Volvo, BMW, Audi, and (I think) Lexus don't have standard bun warmers. I think they ought to be standard on anything with leather (or faux leather) seats...
I've read the reviews on the new Jaguar XF, and it looks really classy, but I can't help but wonder how the electrics will hold up.
Have read that the '08 model is the last year for this car. The local dealer has about 5 '07's with mileage in the teens for around $18k. Am very tempted to go over and check them out, as I've always wanted one due to the great seats. Due to my spinal condition, I need a seat that I can manipulate to ease the pain and my Civic's seat is starting to give me major trouble. Bet I could probably sell my Civic for very close to what I bought it for 2 years ago, only have 15.5k on the odometer. Or my oldest might take it and I'd get her $15k that we've put aside for her 1st car. Sat in a lady's S40 at work and was amazed at how comfortable the seat was after I adjusted it with the power setting...my spine felt no pressure at all where I put the seat!
Oh, and she is a touch brand consious (OK, snobby), And nothing related to Germany.
snobby, brand consious, but no German cars???? I also like the idea for the Lexus hybrid, but I can't imagine the lease payments. The new MDX is real nice, the 2nd year, right, so maybe any 1st year bugs are worked out? Mazda, for someone who's "snobby" about cars?
Another Volvo is an obvious choice probably. Any American iron to consider? They're all going broke, so must be some great deals out there......
The local dealer has about 5 '07's with mileage in the teens for around $18k
Turbos? AWD? CPO? Leather, etc? I think (???) that V40's/50's don't have great resale value, so that could work for you. I'd bet V-max on the RWTIV board could give you the skinny on V40's.
PS-My EX has a current gen V50 turbo AWD & loves it. But, as she is completely insane, I'm not sure what to think.......
I have driven both the S40 with base engine and the Mazda3 with the 2.3 now, and I have to tell you the Mazda3 is the better of the two. The Volvo has numerous strikes against it, starting with the engine. Now I don't know about the turbo model, and I'm not super picky about seats, so S40 may still be the better choice for you. But maybe there are other even better choices....
Have you looked at the A3 and the upper trim Jettas? People also say the 9-3 is a pretty nice little car, with lots of GM incentivized backing from what I understand...as for the A3, I LOVED that one when I drove it.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
how well a Volvo S40 seat would transfer to a Mazda 3 . I have a friend that has done some unusual switches because of his back , like putting a BMW seat in a Intrigue. It might be a cheap way of combing the best of both cars.
I looked at one recently. It was a CPO '08, about 7K on it. THink it was offered for around 22K? An '07 with mid teens for 18K sounds like a good deal.
Probably service loaners, base model with the premium(?) package (power drivers seat and moonroof and Alloys). I didn't drive a Turbo, but the base 5 cyl seemed fine to me. And yes, great seats.
I really want a V50, but they are very rare as used cars.
Some of us do have seat issue (back troubles). I origianlly looked at Civics, but the seat was terrible for me, so I ended up with an Accord.
I came close on a Mazda 3, but the seat angle was wrong. The backrest comfort IIRC was OK, but you couldn't tilt the front edge up enough to get any thigh support.
I hate seats that pitch you forward as you raise the cushion, and the Civic and 3 both did that (since they cheaped out and went to a single ratchet height adjustment, instead of individual front and back). The Pro5 had great seats, and perfect f/r height adjustment. Other than that, the 3 was a great car.
At this point, for me, I won't get a car that doesn't have fully adjustable power seats (at least for the driver!)
I'm getting close to the point that I am seriously considering replacing my wonderful Civic because of the seats. But since I only drive about 20 miles a day, still mulling this over. Hopefully one of the girls will decide to "take it off my hands" by the late fall and then I could go buy a S40. All depends upon the price of petrol to. Will be driving up to Orlando next month with the 3, but my son will probably do all the driving so I can recline the passenger seat to make the 3 + hour drive more manageable for me.
I've been giving a running commentary over in the project cars forum, but I haven't found anything I have to have yet. The closest I've come is an E36 M3, but it has 156K on it. Ouch!
Here in NJ, trade-in value on an '06 S40 T5 with premium, automatic and ~30k miles is in the mid $15k range (deduct $1200 for a stick!). An '07 T5 with premium and auto and ~20k miles is in the low $19k range. AWD is about a $1500 add.
'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
The current RX350 is getting very close to the end of the model cycle (an updated Highlander came out recently) so there should be some good lease deals on it.
A +1 on checking out the Saab 9-3; its one of the few other cars that has seats in the same league as Volvo, and there always seems to be a HUGE incentive on them. Thanks GM. My best friend has 105k on a 04 Aero and its been very trouble free; my friends with later Volvos have not been so lucky.
Have you ever checked out the seats in a used bmw 3 series (E46 probably)? I think the bmw 3 is probably more reliable than the S40, but volvo fans may disagree.
Saabs could be an idea if you get a great lease deal (terrible resale).....
Are there any (affordable) Japanese cars with great seats? Also is the "Height" of the car an issue--are you "climbing down" into a Civic class car, & is that bad for your back?
The difference between sport and non-sport seats in an E46 is pretty huge. I find them both very comfortable, but the sport seats are certainly more confining and maybe a little less permissive of those of mucho girth.
We have come to a biggie in my dealing with a car I like and my body likes. I have three ruptured discs up in the cervical. I have become acutely aware of the twisting getting into that Celica involves. Some days, like today, I just take the van for the seats and general ease of getting in.
I'm beginning to think that I'll survive this summer and my second daughter will be driving by next which could mean moving the Celica to another driver (my wife wants in ahead of my daughter) and moving into a C70, 9-3 or 3 series convertible.
I should have q start pricing for me now....
Were I in better financial shape I'd push the whole thing up and start shopping now.
Even the Accord (an 00 sedan for anyone not following) is a low thing to get into. Over the years I've had two Volvos and a Saab so I know something of where the good seats are. I had an old Mercedes as well but would be a bit wary of newer ones.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
I have the height adjustment all the way up but it still's a little "climb down" into it. Love the car except the seats. Dealing with it for now with extended use of the battery implant in my lower spine. Yes, I became sort of "bionic" in January with a neuromuscular device surgically implanted into my lower spine. Without it, the car would be much harder to drive. But we'll stay in a holding pattern for awhile longer until the girls decide on what they want us to buy them.
I almost got a new Solara when they came out. Best I can recall, they aren't particularly low.
I had my eye on an older Volvo recently (at a local indy used lot). Only saw the ad, not in person.
a 2001 Volvo V70 2.4T. Silver over (I think) gray (not black). Loaded up with the usual goodies. Think it has about 85K on it, listed for about 8K.
Strange car I know to lust after, but I really like smaller wagons. And this one has the best seats of any Volvo, IMO, although the new S80 is pretty close.
Not vouching for the price of course, but I just like these! I don't need a car now, and if I was to get one, it would be something for a new long bad traffic commute (and I don't think this would be the one).
It's been killing me that the local lot has a C70 convertible that looks nice and is actually reasonable. Unfortunately my mechanic has warned me more than once that I don't want to be dealing with that guy. Has a bit of a reputation for finding things that need work and fixing them up himself and not so thoroughly.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
well, the fact that its STILL sitting there in convertible weather should tell you something. How long ago did you spot that? Has to be a couple of months now, no?
'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
At least 6 weeks. Actually I haven't looked recently to see if it is still there.
This guy is funny. He's got an 03 Outback on his lot that he's had for two full years now. I looked at it when he first had iit and it was insanely overpriced. If he'd been selling it then for what he's selling it for now it would have been gone. Of course he can't sell it at the current price because it's too much for what is now a two year older car!
Funny lot. Always has some great looking German stuff on the lot and things look good but they hang there and cost way more than market.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
When I had my E24 M6, I was always "climbing down" into the car, but into great Recaro seats. My E39: You don't climb down, or up, to get in to it. The seats: Stock, power seats, with leather. Not seats that you think "wow, great seats!" like in a volvo V70. But they're never uncomfortable, even with my bad back. Good seats, I can drive for hours.
Saw upclose a Mini S convert. today, dark green. Looked very tempting, on a sunny new england day. Owner said she loves it. (What are Mini seats like?).
My kid wants this for her 1st car. We're still going round and round on this issue. Did see a silver/silver '08 one today and it was outstanding looking in that color combo I must say. Maybe I should...no, no, not with my bad spine, but it looked very cool! If we could get an affordable lease on one, bet the wife would cave but I still think a 1st car should be "cheap to keep" with no drama. That's why we're seriously thinking of buying an Accent for one and an Elantra for the other. Probably how the final scenario will play out I suspect.
My step-daughter wanted a Mini for the longest time - until she found out it took premium fuel.
No mas!
She's quite happy with "Steve" - the name she's given to her Storm Grey '06 Saturn ION. Two years and 17K on the clock. I believe she's going to keep that car until the doors fall off.
My step-daughter wanted a Mini for the longest time - until she found out it took premium fuel.
No mas!
I've never understood the reasoning behind that so-called logic. Let's assume the Mini gets 28 mpg and is driven 15,000 miles per year. Let's further assume that the difference between regular fuel and premium is $0.25. The additional cost of premium will amount to $134 per year- or $0.37 cents per day. If an extra $134 per year is going to bust your step-daughter's automotive budget she NEEDS to stay in that Ion. I'd say she's got a good 2-3 years before the doors fall off...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Yeah, I have to agree with you. Given that she's averaged about 8-9K per year and the difference between RUG and Premium is only about .20, that $134 figure is probably even less.
However, it's cruel to say that the ION will be junk in 2-3 years - it won't rust (at least, not the vertical panels), it's only been to the dealer once for a non-maintenance visit (loose bolt in the driver's door power window mechanism) and returns about 30MPG. Has everything she needs in a car - OnStar (for Mom and Dad's piece of mind), AUX jack for the iPod, reasonably powerful engine (140HP). I have to admit that, for an appliance, it does the job pretty well.
Yeah, it'll have the resale value of week old lettuce, but, as previously mentioned, she'll drive it forever - at the rate she's piling on the miles, it'll be 10 years before she gets to 100K.
We took it on a trip from CO to UT in May and it got 32-33 MPG with three teenaged girls and all their stuff.
However, it's cruel to say that the ION will be junk in 2-3 years - it won't rust (at least, not the vertical panels), it's only been to the dealer once for a non-maintenance visit (loose bolt in the driver's door power window mechanism) and returns about 30MPG. Has everything she needs in a car - OnStar (for Mom and Dad's piece of mind), AUX jack for the iPod, reasonably powerful engine (140HP). I have to admit that, for an appliance, it does the job pretty well.
I was just joking. I wouldn't mind owning a Sky Red Line. Heck, I'd even consider an Astra if GM would bring the VXR over:
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
to paraphrase Michaell, as far as i know Hyundais also have the "have the resale value of week old lettuce".........while Mini's have very good resale value.....
Maybe it'd be worth it for you to at least test drive a Mini, check out the seats, etc?
I also read that the Mustang Bullitt has very good seats--from the GT500. Edmunds described them as a "kind of thickly upholstered, leather-covered La-Z-Boy version of a Recaro".
I mean hey, if it becomes Medically Necessary for one of us aging boomers with bad backs to order a new Bullitt, well, sometimes sacrifices have to be made. oh & then the necessity to adjust to going 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds......handy tho for those last-minute appointments with the chiropracter......(think your spouse'd buy any of that?) :surprise:
I mean hey, if it becomes Medically Necessary for one of us aging boomers with bad backs to order a new Bullitt, well, sometimes sacrifices have to be made. oh & then the necessity to adjust to going 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds......handy tho for those last-minute appointments with the chiropracter......(think your spouse'd buy any of that?)
I looked at a Bullitt when I was in one of my ambivalent moods concerning the Mazdaspeed. The local dealer had a $12K ADM sticker plastered on each of the two Bullitts in the showroom. For $45K I'll take a CPO M3 ZCP, thank you. That said, the seats in my MS3 are very comfortable. And Mini owners will even let MS3s park beside them at track events:
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I'm pretty much with roadburner on the premium gas issue. Fuel is so expensive now, what's an extra 30 cents/gallon? I mean, if you really want a car like a Mini, what're'ya gonna do, buy a corolla, or a Hyundai instead so you can save a couple hundred $$ per year on gas???
Just a wild guess here: there are a certain # of people out there with some kind of "premium gas phobia". I'm not sure the facts or the $$ spent really matter?
Just a wild guess here: there are a certain # of people out there with some kind of "premium gas phobia".
You can put my wife in that category.
Several years ago, when we were looking for cars, we drove the (then new) Subaru Outback XT - turbo engine that takes premium.
She had already driven the NA version and pronounced it slow, the XT, in comparison, was a rocket. She liked very much.
However, when she found that it took premium, it was pretty much crossed off the list. Tried to get her to explain her reasoning to me .. was a conversation I'd rather not remember.
So, we bought the '04 VUE, which, as you all know, got traded in on an '08 VUE last August. Both have the V6, and both take RUG.
I can plan what the car costs and account for that expense. I don't know what gas prices are going to be like - except, I know that premium is going to be more expensive to buy than regular.
The concept that I can get better mpg with one car that burns premium over another that gets worse mpg on regular (and thus costs me less to operate) just doesn't penetrate my skull - all I know is that I can fill up for a buck or two cheaper with RUG.
The differential around here is usually 24 cents a gallon.
Is that your MS3? I like it!--I should check them out. Last I read, the Bullitt is going for near invoice, but I haven't really investigated.
God help me--I just read the review of the Dinan 335i S2 in the Roundel.......whatever you do, don't read that article on p. 54 of the April 2008 Roundel.....
Comments
I had a couple of them back in the 70's when they were considered practical boxy school teacher rides. Luxury items may require a lot of maintenance but they shouldn't break down so much. :sick:
Ooops dang wrong topic. Thought this was the luxury brands topic.
Back to topic had owned a 2003 Ford Ranger that was really boring. Had owned it for like 6 months and was looking really hard for something different. Then I noticed a low mileage C5 in the paper....thought to myself I think this would work out better than the Ranger. Unfortunately, I had to buy the C5 before selling the Ranger cause no one seemed to want to buy it. Eventually sold it to a retired carpenter who paid with an envelope of Benjamins.
So is the Corvette your everyday driver now ?
The Sandman
Nah, the Titan is. In fact the Titan gets the best mileage better than the Ranger. The vette is used for golf on Sundays and Tuesdays. :shades:
Now that is a polite way of putting it!
I figured Acura gave up the luxury market when they didn't develope an 8 for the RL and killed the NSX.
Talked to her more (she is visiting today, so it was easy!). She really likes the RX350, and probably would have gotten that last time but it was just out, and the lease price was nuts. Hence the Volvo. So that is prob. #1 on the list.
She alo like the CX-7 Mazda and RDX Acura, but I don't think she will end up downsizing that much.
ALso told her to check out the new MDX. She didn't like the way the last model drove, but should like the new one.
gas mileage isn't really the issue (work pays for most of it). Being a good eco weenie and "reducing her carbon footprint" is the real issue. But not, of course, at the expense of AC in the house, or dwonsizing to a Focus wagon!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I've read the reviews on the new Jaguar XF, and it looks really classy, but I can't help but wonder how the electrics will hold up.
Sat in a lady's S40 at work and was amazed at how comfortable the seat was after I adjusted it with the power setting...my spine felt no pressure at all where I put the seat!
The Sandman
snobby, brand consious, but no German cars???? I also like the idea for the Lexus hybrid, but I can't imagine the lease payments. The new MDX is real nice, the 2nd year, right, so maybe any 1st year bugs are worked out? Mazda, for someone who's "snobby" about cars?
Another Volvo is an obvious choice probably. Any American iron to consider? They're all going broke, so must be some great deals out there......
On a Jaguar? Take a wild guess. :surprise: On a Jaguar, I'd be more worried about how everything is gonna hold up.
Turbos? AWD? CPO? Leather, etc? I think (???) that V40's/50's don't have great resale value, so that could work for you. I'd bet V-max on the RWTIV board could give you the skinny on V40's.
PS-My EX has a current gen V50 turbo AWD & loves it. But, as she is completely insane, I'm not sure what to think.......
Have you looked at the A3 and the upper trim Jettas? People also say the 9-3 is a pretty nice little car, with lots of GM incentivized backing from what I understand...as for the A3, I LOVED that one when I drove it.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Probably service loaners, base model with the premium(?) package (power drivers seat and moonroof and Alloys). I didn't drive a Turbo, but the base 5 cyl seemed fine to me. And yes, great seats.
I really want a V50, but they are very rare as used cars.
Some of us do have seat issue (back troubles). I origianlly looked at Civics, but the seat was terrible for me, so I ended up with an Accord.
I came close on a Mazda 3, but the seat angle was wrong. The backrest comfort IIRC was OK, but you couldn't tilt the front edge up enough to get any thigh support.
I hate seats that pitch you forward as you raise the cushion, and the Civic and 3 both did that (since they cheaped out and went to a single ratchet height adjustment, instead of individual front and back). The Pro5 had great seats, and perfect f/r height adjustment. Other than that, the 3 was a great car.
At this point, for me, I won't get a car that doesn't have fully adjustable power seats (at least for the driver!)
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The Sandman
An '07 T5 with premium and auto and ~20k miles is in the low $19k range.
AWD is about a $1500 add.
'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
YMMV...
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
Saabs could be an idea if you get a great lease deal (terrible resale).....
Are there any (affordable) Japanese cars with great seats? Also is the "Height" of the car an issue--are you "climbing down" into a Civic class car, & is that bad for your back?
I'm beginning to think that I'll survive this summer and my second daughter will be driving by next which could mean moving the Celica to another driver (my wife wants in ahead of my daughter) and moving into a C70, 9-3 or 3 series convertible.
I should have q start pricing for me now....
Were I in better financial shape I'd push the whole thing up and start shopping now.
Even the Accord (an 00 sedan for anyone not following) is a low thing to get into. Over the years I've had two Volvos and a Saab so I know something of where the good seats are. I had an old Mercedes as well but would be a bit wary of newer ones.
The Sandman :sick:
I think I'll be good for this year. I hope so.
Not that I'd expect great seats, but I wonder how the Solara convertibles are in that regard? I also wonder how much of a dip it is to get into one?
I had my eye on an older Volvo recently (at a local indy used lot). Only saw the ad, not in person.
a 2001 Volvo V70 2.4T. Silver over (I think) gray (not black). Loaded up with the usual goodies. Think it has about 85K on it, listed for about 8K.
Strange car I know to lust after, but I really like smaller wagons. And this one has the best seats of any Volvo, IMO, although the new S80 is pretty close.
Not vouching for the price of course, but I just like these! I don't need a car now, and if I was to get one, it would be something for a new long bad traffic commute (and I don't think this would be the one).
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
How long ago did you spot that? Has to be a couple of months now, no?
'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 guy is funny. He's got an 03 Outback on his lot that he's had for two full years now. I looked at it when he first had iit and it was insanely overpriced. If he'd been selling it then for what he's selling it for now it would have been gone. Of course he can't sell it at the current price because it's too much for what is now a two year older car!
Funny lot. Always has some great looking German stuff on the lot and things look good but they hang there and cost way more than market.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Saw upclose a Mini S convert. today, dark green. Looked very tempting, on a sunny new england day. Owner said she loves it. (What are Mini seats like?).
The Sandman
That said, daughter number two turns 16 in a couple of weeks and is drooling over Minis. I tell her it's good to have dreams.
No mas!
She's quite happy with "Steve" - the name she's given to her Storm Grey '06 Saturn ION. Two years and 17K on the clock. I believe she's going to keep that car until the doors fall off.
No mas!
I've never understood the reasoning behind that so-called logic. Let's assume the Mini gets 28 mpg and is driven 15,000 miles per year. Let's further assume that the difference between regular fuel and premium is $0.25. The additional cost of premium will amount to $134 per year- or $0.37 cents per day. If an extra $134 per year is going to bust your step-daughter's automotive budget she NEEDS to stay in that Ion. I'd say she's got a good 2-3 years before the doors fall off...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
However, it's cruel to say that the ION will be junk in 2-3 years - it won't rust (at least, not the vertical panels), it's only been to the dealer once for a non-maintenance visit (loose bolt in the driver's door power window mechanism) and returns about 30MPG. Has everything she needs in a car - OnStar (for Mom and Dad's piece of mind), AUX jack for the iPod, reasonably powerful engine (140HP). I have to admit that, for an appliance, it does the job pretty well.
Yeah, it'll have the resale value of week old lettuce, but, as previously mentioned, she'll drive it forever - at the rate she's piling on the miles, it'll be 10 years before she gets to 100K.
We took it on a trip from CO to UT in May and it got 32-33 MPG with three teenaged girls and all their stuff.
Premium gas used to bother me more when it was 10% more than regular. At 5% I think I can live with it if it is a car I really want.
I was just joking. I wouldn't mind owning a Sky Red Line. Heck, I'd even consider an Astra if GM would bring the VXR over:
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Maybe it'd be worth it for you to at least test drive a Mini, check out the seats, etc?
I also read that the Mustang Bullitt has very good seats--from the GT500. Edmunds described them as a "kind of thickly upholstered, leather-covered La-Z-Boy version of a Recaro".
I mean hey, if it becomes Medically Necessary for one of us aging boomers with bad backs to order a new Bullitt, well, sometimes sacrifices have to be made. oh & then the necessity to adjust to going 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds......handy tho for those last-minute appointments with the chiropracter......(think your spouse'd buy any of that?) :surprise:
I looked at a Bullitt when I was in one of my ambivalent moods concerning the Mazdaspeed. The local dealer had a $12K ADM sticker plastered on each of the two Bullitts in the showroom. For $45K I'll take a CPO M3 ZCP, thank you. That said, the seats in my MS3 are very comfortable. And Mini owners will even let MS3s park beside them at track events:
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Just a wild guess here: there are a certain # of people out there with some kind of "premium gas phobia". I'm not sure the facts or the $$ spent really matter?
You can put my wife in that category.
Several years ago, when we were looking for cars, we drove the (then new) Subaru Outback XT - turbo engine that takes premium.
She had already driven the NA version and pronounced it slow, the XT, in comparison, was a rocket. She liked very much.
However, when she found that it took premium, it was pretty much crossed off the list. Tried to get her to explain her reasoning to me .. was a conversation I'd rather not remember.
So, we bought the '04 VUE, which, as you all know, got traded in on an '08 VUE last August. Both have the V6, and both take RUG.
I can plan what the car costs and account for that expense. I don't know what gas prices are going to be like - except, I know that premium is going to be more expensive to buy than regular.
The concept that I can get better mpg with one car that burns premium over another that gets worse mpg on regular (and thus costs me less to operate) just doesn't penetrate my skull - all I know is that I can fill up for a buck or two cheaper with RUG.
The differential around here is usually 24 cents a gallon.
God help me--I just read the review of the Dinan 335i S2 in the Roundel.......whatever you do, don't read that article on p. 54 of the April 2008 Roundel.....