My E430 is still for sale but I'm not home to sell it! I'm in Canada on a RV trip. I was in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada the other day and needed to fill up the Honda CR-V.
Gas in Canada is sold by the liter and it was $1.41 a liter (their currency is par with the US)... so, I paid $5.34 a gallon for regular unleaded. Cost me $61 to fill up the lil' Honda!
I have a friend who is interested in the E430. I'm going to sell it to him for $14,000 if he wants it... if not, I'll put it up for sale for $16,000 and see what happens. I'll be back home at the end of July and deal with it then.
Mark156
2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
Is that your MS3? I like it!--I should check them out.
Yes, that one's mine. I think that you can get them on S Plan now. Mine has been totally problem free with the exception of one CEL incident where it remained on for about one day. The ECU was re-flashed at the next oil change pursuant to an emissions recall and the CEL has been dark ever since. I average 23-25 mpg in mixed driving, depending on how many times I participate in the Stop Light Grand Prix... The car also acquits itself pretty well on the track, with the OEM Bridgestones being the major limiting factor:
Next time I'm also going to fit Hawk HP+ front pads as added insurance. The stock pads are ATE pieces that worked well but I did restrict my speed on the front straight to only 110 or so. The one thing I really don't like about the MS3 is the fact that the Louisville Mazda dealers are simply horrible. Their reputations for sales and service are abysmal, and at least one dealer-Oxmoor-charges@25% over MSRP for parts(I usually avoid using the term "stealer", but in Oxmoor's case they have earned the title fair and square). I can get equivalent BMW parts cheaper than that from Swope...
Last I read, the Bullitt is going for near invoice, but I haven't really investigated.
I've also heard that you can now deal on the Bullitt- just not at my nearest dealer, who prefers to make a quick buck rather than build a loyal customer base. His philosophy is "Screw 'em all; there's plenty more where they came from."
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.....
I know... At the BMW CCA HPDE at Putnam Road Course last weekend one of the instructors had a Sparkling Graphite 135i fitted with coilovers and black O.Z. Superleggera wheels. I really liked it. From 90-110 it it was noticeably quicker than my sled. Stick the Dinan or Turner software into one and fit a real limited slip diff and it would be just about perfect.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Haven't the mags found the MS3 to be one of the best track cars out of the box (barring exotics, of course ... so maybe the best for anything less than a Lotus?)?
When I started autoX'ing last month, I took a look at those in my class in my region and knew the MS3 would be the one to beat. And, so far, that little red mazda has finished first in our class every time.
'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
Nice color--for some reason I thought you had a bright red MS3.
Thanks. That color(Cosmic Blue) has been replaced by a darker gray(Metropolitan). My ti is bright red and I wanted a different color that wouldn't attract so much attention from law enforcement. The only tickets and warnings I've received in the past two decades have happened when I was driving a bright red car... :P
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
It's the old red car syndrome. When people ask what color my Celica is I tell them "speeding ticket red." So far I've escaped...
Saw a stunning MR2 parked over at the bank yesterday. Nice British Racing Green with tan leather. I didn't dare look closer that I did for fear of seeing a for sale sign.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
I satisfied my MR2 addiction last year by buying a Miata. The same car was half of what MR2 were getting. Cheaping out may have hurt me though because the Miata was a tad smaller inside than the Mr2 , which lead me to selling it last month.
I know the green you are talking about and love it with the tan top.
and last night in the course of my wanderings I came across a TEN YEAR OLD Jetta TDI with more than 100K miles, the guy was asking $13K!!! I know gas is expensive, but no way....
Now the same lot had a '93 Miata, black, stick shift, hard top, some kind of limited edition or anniversary edition or something, with only 28K miles. Lately I have been looking twice at Miatas....it might be kind of fun to own one, what with owners always saying such great things about them. The guy wants $10K, which sounds steep for a 15 year old car even if it DOES only have 28K miles. And what about that? I'm not sure how comfortable I am with it having been driven so little.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I can't imagine the nicest '93 Miata in the world being worth much more than $6. You can get a late model Miata with all the options and low mileage for $10 or less.
Well, when the mileage is that low age isn't so much a factor. Question is whether or not a) you can fit in a 1st-gen Miata all day long, and b) you can get by with a car that has as much seating and cargo capacity as a smart.
The main thing to check for is if the timing belt & water pump were replaced around 80k miles, I don't know how much the years have an effect on the belt. The cost to replace is $400-$500.
I looked at several Miatas before ending up in the Celica. It really came down to needing the little bit of back space and something of a trunk. That and the Miata that really caught my eye was a 2001 special edition - again in British Racing Green - and it was more than I wanted to spend at the time.
Last week I was at Costco and ended up parked next to a Miata. It was the first time the Celica looked big. Our front bumpers were just about even and somewhere about a third of the way on my back tire the Miata just ended. The folks that owned it came out just as I was and was amazed at how much stuff they did manage to get into it. This was a second generation so the trunk could hold more than a box of Kleenex.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
I always kind of wondered about Mazda dealers. There aren't as many for one thing as Toyota, Honda, or even Subie dlrs., are there? Less places to get service.
My one experience was with a VW/Mazda dlr. in Mass., where I bought my horrible Passat. Worst dealer sales & service, at least on the VW side.
On the plus side, my ex-GF had this awful little Mazda 323. Awful, esthetically, & performance wise, but it never seemed to break, or need much service, even at 7 years old or so.....
I'm a Costco addict. I love seeing all the newish $60K vehicles there--M-B's, X5's, Lexuses (Lexi?), with people loading up toilet paper & dog food so they can save $20. That kills me. 'Course I'm there loading up my bmw wagon......it's like the modern "hunter-gatherer" syndrome.....
I had a couple of odd dealings - or more so non-dealings - with a Mazda dealer and a VW guy several years back.
The VW one was pretty routine. I was looking at a Passat in December of 99. Would have had the deal all worked out. The sales guy was fine but in the end I chickened out because my 80 Rabbit left such a hole in me that I shouldn't quite see doing it and ended up in our Accord. I'd have really liked that Passat but on the other hand I still have the Accord.
Anyway, a few months later the dealership burned to the ground (this was sad - it was a Porsche - Audi dealer, too). To this day they ar only in construction to try and put the dealership back - almost nine years later.
The Mazda guy, who is also a Lincoln - Mercury dealer was funny. we were van hunting at the time and trying everything. It seemed the less I wanted a particular vehicle the pushier the salesman was. The Mazda guy was a classic. My wife declared it too small and since the idea was for her to drive it that was it for me but not the sales guy. "What would you say if I knocked off..." Oy. The guy selling GM dustbusters was as bad...
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Well, when the mileage is that low age isn't so much a factor. Question is whether or not a) you can fit in a 1st-gen Miata all day long, and b) you can get by with a car that has as much seating and cargo capacity as a smart.
I agree on this one. When I went through this phase a few years ago, I was sold on the idea of the Miata. Then I drove it...way too tight inside, non-adjustable steering column and not enough seat travel. Of course, I'm 6'2" and this was a 2nd gen, so YMMV. I ended up with a Z3 2.5i simply because I fit.
I also fit in a MR2 Spyder, and I still want one. But I just got a new [to me] motorcycle yesterday, so I am done for awhile...
Now from a height perspective I'd be fine in a Miata. I'm 9 inches shorter than you. My youngest kids would kill me if I didn't have a back seat. Still a possibility when daughter number two gets her license. That's another year and she has it bad for my Celica...
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
The one thing I really don't like about the MS3 is the fact that the Louisville Mazda dealers are simply horrible. Their reputations for sales and service are abysmal, and at least one dealer-Oxmoor-charges25% over MSRP for parts(I usually avoid using the term "stealer", but in Oxmoor's case they have earned the title fair and square).
They are running a $9.95 oil change special this week, any make or model... may be a good time to get some of that money back. Of course you may have to buy a new car to get that price on an oil change.
I am also a Costco addict. The Costco TrueEarnings credit card is also my favorite, it's the best deal going I have found in terms of rewards credit cards.
We are also prone to "saving" money at Costco by buying lots of stuff. Our RX350 is officially designated the "Costco car" and the one we go to the store with. One never knows what one might find and need a big vehicle to bring it all home :shades:
I'm making an offer on a house this weekend. (My completely crazed house-hunting search continues). If I get it, the nearest Costco will be 20 miles away instead of 3 miles away now. There's one in NH tho that'd be 30 miles away, & no sales tax (if I could afford the gas). But hey, if I spring for that new Plasma TV that I couldn't afford for the house that I can't afford, saving the 5% sales tax on the TV could make it all work. Right? :surprise:
I stopped by to look at a CPO 2005 Civic SI today, exactly 3 years in service this month, bright blue, 30,500 miles. This thing had tires on the front that didn't match the ones on the back (the backs were the original underwhelming Michelin HX MXMs, the front were Bridgestones) and the driver's door looked like someone had gone along it slowly punching it with a stick with a rubber bumper on the end. It was that bad.
Despite all that, they were asking $18,7. $18,7!!! For a car that 3 years ago stickered for only $19,5, and wasn't even in pristine shape!
I'm a sucker for that hatchback model that no-one else liked, but I'm not THAT big a sucker. Sure does look nice in that blue though......I'm surprised there's ANYONE who will even make an offer with the asking price that high.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Here is the juicey rationale for buying it at $18K.
"let's see a new one is $22k and will make it to 200k miles without any work(it is a Honda don't you know). That would be .11 cents a mile depreciation , so 30k miles depreciation is $3300. I can save $700 buying the used one, and look at all the cool mods already on it, window tinting and neon lights. It's like a no brainer dude."
I keep holding out hope against hope that something nice will come along at a decent price in the used market, but the truth is all the dealers are totally overpricing anything with four cylinders now. I am just going to have to get it through my thick skull, and hold off to buy something new. Which probably won't happen this year, leaving me with a bad case of CCB-itis and no way to scratch the itch. :-(
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Not too many posts ago, I made mention of the fact that my daughter's ION had only been in the shop once for non-maintenance work.
Well, Wednesday will be its second visit. Daughter tells me that:
1) the left rear power window is no longer working .. neither the drivers master switch nor the switch on that door is having any affect on the window
2) there is a 'squealing' noise emanating from the right front wheel area - specifics unknown at this point
Sigh. At least the car is still under warranty for both of these items.
On a positive note, we took the VUE to Steamboat Springs and back over the weekend. First tank of gas netted 22.75 MPG - EPA highway states 22, so I'm pleased.
A few years ago, my wife and I took a trip from our home in Castle Rock to Santa Fe, NM.
Castle Rock is about 30 miles south of Denver, and Santa Fe is about 50-60 miles north of Albuquerque. Our drive time was about 5-5.5 hours, so from DEN to ALB you're looking at maybe 6-7 hours.
Not a huge amount of scenery along the way, especially once you get into NM.
I hitch-hiked once from Albuquerque up to Boulder & then Colo. Springs. Awesome landscape all the way. Something about the light & physical beauty of NM......& how it changes (hillier, a bit greener, not flat) as you get closer to Colo......
I just realized its been over a year since I bought my Pilot. I don't drive anywhere near as much as I used to, that's for sure! It took me a full 3 months to hit the 3k mark on the last oil change, something that used to take me just 2-3 weeks! The Pilot has 24k miles on it and I've yet to have any real trouble with it, the dealer only sees it for oil changes.
I can honestly say I've never been happier with a vehicle than I am with the Pilot. It manages 20-22 mpg and as little as I drive anymore its not an issue really.
So, I think it might be safe to say I'm cured, I really do love my Pilot. Since it still has the new car smell and I don't drive much its like getting into a new car everytime I slip behind the wheel. Probably the most enjoyable car I've ever owned!
Well where have you been? You must be cured because we have not seen you around here lately.
Someone told me today that the company they work for is having trouble getting their salesmen Impalas due to everyone trading in SUVs for cars. Times must be tough when even Impalas are flying off the lots.
I may take a look at the Ford Edge just to see if I can get a deal because no one is budging on Civics and Corollas. Pontiac G8 is calling my name too. The v-6 version does ok on gas, better than my Escape anyway.
I'm another weirdo who's really happy with his current vehicle (knock wood!). And have had too many experiences with extremely troublesome vehicles--like a VW, a Range Rover, & the infamous exploding late-70's GM Diesel, to get rid of something (bmw 5-series) that's been such a good car.
Well where have you been? You must be cured because we have not seen you around here lately.
Oh I've been around, just lurking. Haven't bought a new car in over a year so not much to talk about, lol. We've had our Ram for 2 years and will probably have it forever since its now worth basically nothing, lol. Still have our old Ford truck too, can't give that away.
We toyed with the idea of trading the Ram in earlier this summer, but decided not to, kinda need it to pull the trailers. Honda dealer would have taken it, but only because we were repeats, not sure that still applies anymore. They are pretty touchy about what they take in these days.
Its a good truck, under warranty until 100k, has about 45k on it now. Might as well keep it, its not too hard on fuel, about 20 mpg hwy when its empty. The Ford is the same way, not too bad on fuel, especially since it sits 99% of the time these days.
offering cheap finance deals? How about offering a couple of cars that make more than 25 mpg in mixed driving?! That would save a lot more money for the buyer.
The new diesel 3-series arriving later this year has my eye though...
A genuine lightweight 4-cylinder car like the old 2002 and 320i would have me at the dealership the day they are due to arrive.
I am not so much totally satisfied with what I have as I am underwhelmed by what is available out there under $30K (my price limit). I WOULD like to drive the Cobalt SS, but all I can find on dealer lots near me is leftover supercharged models. I would like to try out the new turbo. If they would make an Astra RedLine that made the same mileage as the new Cobalt SS, I would be THERE.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Dare I mention that BMW has some low financing on most all models at the moment? We're talking 0.9 to 1.9% deals.
I know; here I've just about decided to keep the Mazdaspeed(in spite of the moronic Louisville Mazda dealers) and BMW goes and introduces those 0.9% rates. Swope has a factory executive Sparkling Graphite '07 335i six speed with SP and CWP and something like 6800 miles on it for just $37K. It qualifies for the 0.9 rate as well. If it has comfort access and doesn't have active steering I might just flip the MS3 for it; I guess I'll have to get used to the lack of a dipstick and the foibles of RFTs sooner or later.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Ok, first off, as I believe shifty adamantly explained to me years ago, it is Bimmer, not Beemer. Beemer is a motorcycle. :P
nippon, plenty of folks get beyond 25 mpg in mixed driving with the 328/128. I'm not sure why the diesel coming to the states would interest you. Similar performance and mileage to a 328 at a much higher purchase price and much higher fuel cost. Makes no sense to me.
I believe 28mpg in mixed driving is highly likely with a 128i manual. And that's a low estimate, IMO.
'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
I never can remember the difference so I looked it up before posting. The very first hit at Google was a Beemer image and it was a car. So I figured....
Besides, my cat is named Beemer (the vets never get his name spelled right either). :P
Seems odd to me that BMW is pushing traditional financing .. generally, they advertise killer lease deals.
Nevertheless, I'm not in the market. I filled up my L300 yesterday for $55 -- was the first tank of gas in 3 weeks. I'm just not driving enough to justify another new car payment.
My uneducated guess is the current wave of great uncertainty surrounding future car values. They don't want all those leases back if their values have tanked further than they estimated at the beginning of the leases.
'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
I think you are correct in that....I have noticed asking prices for many used 2004-07 BMW and MB seem to be lower than I would have guessed. Especially models that are dumped into lease programs like the E-class.
Akangl.... I have almost 15,000 miles on the CR-V.... smoothest driving little SUV. I'm due for an oil change and that little car is just a pleasure to drive.
I haven't seen my Land Rover in almost 4 months as I'm on an RV trip. I don't miss the 12 mpg but will keep it for quite a while since it would not sell well right now (not that I want to sell it as it serves a purpose).
I'm thinking seriously about the Bentley but, as a V-12, it only gets 9 mpg's in the city. It won't be driven much but I wish Bentley would come out with a hydrogen vehicle.
Glad to hear that you are liking your Pilot. I DO like the 2009's.
Woody, will you buy the house already!!! How long have we been hearing about this or am I missing something?
Mark156 :surprise:
2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
Comments
My E430 is still for sale but I'm not home to sell it! I'm in Canada on a RV trip. I was in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada the other day and needed to fill up the Honda CR-V.
Gas in Canada is sold by the liter and it was $1.41 a liter (their currency is par with the US)... so, I paid $5.34 a gallon for regular unleaded. Cost me $61 to fill up the lil' Honda!
I have a friend who is interested in the E430. I'm going to sell it to him for $14,000 if he wants it... if not, I'll put it up for sale for $16,000 and see what happens. I'll be back home at the end of July and deal with it then.
Mark156
Yes, that one's mine. I think that you can get them on S Plan now. Mine has been totally problem free with the exception of one CEL incident where it remained on for about one day. The ECU was re-flashed at the next oil change pursuant to an emissions recall and the CEL has been dark ever since. I average 23-25 mpg in mixed driving, depending on how many times I participate in the Stop Light Grand Prix...
Next time I'm also going to fit Hawk HP+ front pads as added insurance. The stock pads are ATE pieces that worked well but I did restrict my speed on the front straight to only 110 or so. The one thing I really don't like about the MS3 is the fact that the Louisville Mazda dealers are simply horrible. Their reputations for sales and service are abysmal, and at least one dealer-Oxmoor-charges@25% over MSRP for parts(I usually avoid using the term "stealer", but in Oxmoor's case they have earned the title fair and square). I can get equivalent BMW parts cheaper than that from Swope...
Last I read, the Bullitt is going for near invoice, but I haven't really investigated.
I've also heard that you can now deal on the Bullitt- just not at my nearest dealer, who prefers to make a quick buck rather than build a loyal customer base. His philosophy is "Screw 'em all; there's plenty more where they came from."
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.....
I know... At the BMW CCA HPDE at Putnam Road Course last weekend one of the instructors had a Sparkling Graphite 135i fitted with coilovers and black O.Z. Superleggera wheels. I really liked it. From 90-110 it it was noticeably quicker than my sled. Stick the Dinan or Turner software into one and fit a real limited slip diff and it would be just about perfect.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
When I started autoX'ing last month, I took a look at those in my class in my region and knew the MS3 would be the one to beat. And, so far, that little red mazda has finished first in our class every time.
'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
Thanks. That color(Cosmic Blue) has been replaced by a darker gray(Metropolitan). My ti is bright red and I wanted a different color that wouldn't attract so much attention from law enforcement. The only tickets and warnings I've received in the past two decades have happened when I was driving a bright red car... :P
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Saw a stunning MR2 parked over at the bank yesterday. Nice British Racing Green with tan leather. I didn't dare look closer that I did for fear of seeing a for sale sign.
I know the green you are talking about and love it with the tan top.
Now the same lot had a '93 Miata, black, stick shift, hard top, some kind of limited edition or anniversary edition or something, with only 28K miles. Lately I have been looking twice at Miatas....it might be kind of fun to own one, what with owners always saying such great things about them. The guy wants $10K, which sounds steep for a 15 year old car even if it DOES only have 28K miles. And what about that? I'm not sure how comfortable I am with it having been driven so little.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I think it's the other way around.. If it's that old, then the low mileage isn't as much of a factor...
But, that might just be me...
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Last week I was at Costco and ended up parked next to a Miata. It was the first time the Celica looked big. Our front bumpers were just about even and somewhere about a third of the way on my back tire the Miata just ended. The folks that owned it came out just as I was and was amazed at how much stuff they did manage to get into it. This was a second generation so the trunk could hold more than a box of Kleenex.
I always kind of wondered about Mazda dealers. There aren't as many for one thing as Toyota, Honda, or even Subie dlrs., are there? Less places to get service.
My one experience was with a VW/Mazda dlr. in Mass., where I bought my horrible Passat. Worst dealer sales & service, at least on the VW side.
On the plus side, my ex-GF had this awful little Mazda 323. Awful, esthetically, & performance wise, but it never seemed to break, or need much service, even at 7 years old or so.....
That kills me. 'Course I'm there loading up my bmw wagon......it's like the modern "hunter-gatherer" syndrome.....
I had a couple of odd dealings - or more so non-dealings - with a Mazda dealer and a VW guy several years back.
The VW one was pretty routine. I was looking at a Passat in December of 99. Would have had the deal all worked out. The sales guy was fine but in the end I chickened out because my 80 Rabbit left such a hole in me that I shouldn't quite see doing it and ended up in our Accord. I'd have really liked that Passat but on the other hand I still have the Accord.
Anyway, a few months later the dealership burned to the ground (this was sad - it was a Porsche - Audi dealer, too). To this day they ar only in construction to try and put the dealership back - almost nine years later.
The Mazda guy, who is also a Lincoln - Mercury dealer was funny. we were van hunting at the time and trying everything. It seemed the less I wanted a particular vehicle the pushier the salesman was. The Mazda guy was a classic. My wife declared it too small and since the idea was for her to drive it that was it for me but not the sales guy. "What would you say if I knocked off..." Oy. The guy selling GM dustbusters was as bad...
Oddly, at the same time, within a week of each other, we got a BJ's.
I agree on this one. When I went through this phase a few years ago, I was sold on the idea of the Miata. Then I drove it...way too tight inside, non-adjustable steering column and not enough seat travel. Of course, I'm 6'2" and this was a 2nd gen, so YMMV. I ended up with a Z3 2.5i simply because I fit.
I also fit in a MR2 Spyder, and I still want one. But I just got a new [to me] motorcycle yesterday, so I am done for awhile...
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
They are running a $9.95 oil change special this week, any make or model... may be a good time to get some of that money back. Of course you may have to buy a new car to get that price on an oil change.
We are also prone to "saving" money at Costco by buying lots of stuff. Our RX350 is officially designated the "Costco car" and the one we go to the store with. One never knows what one might find and need a big vehicle to bring it all home :shades:
I'm making an offer on a house this weekend. (My completely crazed house-hunting search continues). If I get it, the nearest Costco will be 20 miles away instead of 3 miles away now.
I stopped by to look at a CPO 2005 Civic SI today, exactly 3 years in service this month, bright blue, 30,500 miles. This thing had tires on the front that didn't match the ones on the back (the backs were the original underwhelming Michelin HX MXMs, the front were Bridgestones) and the driver's door looked like someone had gone along it slowly punching it with a stick with a rubber bumper on the end. It was that bad.
Despite all that, they were asking $18,7. $18,7!!! For a car that 3 years ago stickered for only $19,5, and wasn't even in pristine shape!
I'm a sucker for that hatchback model that no-one else liked, but I'm not THAT big a sucker. Sure does look nice in that blue though......I'm surprised there's ANYONE who will even make an offer with the asking price that high.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
"let's see a new one is $22k and will make it to 200k miles without any work(it is a Honda don't you know). That would be .11 cents a mile depreciation , so 30k miles depreciation is $3300. I can save $700 buying the used one, and look at all the cool mods already on it, window tinting and neon lights. It's like a no brainer dude."
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Well, Wednesday will be its second visit. Daughter tells me that:
1) the left rear power window is no longer working .. neither the drivers master switch nor the switch on that door is having any affect on the window
2) there is a 'squealing' noise emanating from the right front wheel area - specifics unknown at this point
Sigh. At least the car is still under warranty for both of these items.
On a positive note, we took the VUE to Steamboat Springs and back over the weekend. First tank of gas netted 22.75 MPG - EPA highway states 22, so I'm pleased.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Castle Rock is about 30 miles south of Denver, and Santa Fe is about 50-60 miles north of Albuquerque. Our drive time was about 5-5.5 hours, so from DEN to ALB you're looking at maybe 6-7 hours.
Not a huge amount of scenery along the way, especially once you get into NM.
I hitch-hiked once from Albuquerque up to Boulder & then Colo. Springs. Awesome landscape all the way. Something about the light & physical beauty of NM......& how it changes (hillier, a bit greener, not flat) as you get closer to Colo......
I can honestly say I've never been happier with a vehicle than I am with the Pilot. It manages 20-22 mpg and as little as I drive anymore its not an issue really.
So, I think it might be safe to say I'm cured, I really do love my Pilot. Since it still has the new car smell and I don't drive much its like getting into a new car everytime I slip behind the wheel. Probably the most enjoyable car I've ever owned!
Someone told me today that the company they work for is having trouble getting their salesmen Impalas due to everyone trading in SUVs for cars. Times must be tough when even Impalas are flying off the lots.
I may take a look at the Ford Edge just to see if I can get a deal because no one is budging on Civics and Corollas. Pontiac G8 is calling my name too. The v-6 version does ok on gas, better than my Escape anyway.
PS-Did you buy that new house, closer to town?
Nope, still in the same place we were, just had to curtail the driving!
Oh I've been around, just lurking. Haven't bought a new car in over a year so not much to talk about, lol. We've had our Ram for 2 years and will probably have it forever since its now worth basically nothing, lol. Still have our old Ford truck too, can't give that away.
We toyed with the idea of trading the Ram in earlier this summer, but decided not to, kinda need it to pull the trailers. Honda dealer would have taken it, but only because we were repeats, not sure that still applies anymore. They are pretty touchy about what they take in these days.
Its a good truck, under warranty until 100k, has about 45k on it now. Might as well keep it, its not too hard on fuel, about 20 mpg hwy when its empty. The Ford is the same way, not too bad on fuel, especially since it sits 99% of the time these days.
BMW
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Not this year....
The new diesel 3-series arriving later this year has my eye though...
A genuine lightweight 4-cylinder car like the old 2002 and 320i would have me at the dealership the day they are due to arrive.
I am not so much totally satisfied with what I have as I am underwhelmed by what is available out there under $30K (my price limit). I WOULD like to drive the Cobalt SS, but all I can find on dealer lots near me is leftover supercharged models. I would like to try out the new turbo. If they would make an Astra RedLine that made the same mileage as the new Cobalt SS, I would be THERE.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I know; here I've just about decided to keep the Mazdaspeed(in spite of the moronic Louisville Mazda dealers) and BMW goes and introduces those 0.9% rates. Swope has a factory executive Sparkling Graphite '07 335i six speed with SP and CWP and something like 6800 miles on it for just $37K. It qualifies for the 0.9 rate as well. If it has comfort access and doesn't have active steering I might just flip the MS3 for it; I guess I'll have to get used to the lack of a dipstick and the foibles of RFTs sooner or later.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
nippon, plenty of folks get beyond 25 mpg in mixed driving with the 328/128. I'm not sure why the diesel coming to the states would interest you. Similar performance and mileage to a 328 at a much higher purchase price and much higher fuel cost. Makes no sense to me.
I believe 28mpg in mixed driving is highly likely with a 128i manual. And that's a low estimate, IMO.
'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
Besides, my cat is named Beemer (the vets never get his name spelled right either). :P
Nevertheless, I'm not in the market. I filled up my L300 yesterday for $55 -- was the first tank of gas in 3 weeks. I'm just not driving enough to justify another new car payment.
'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
Premium pckg? CPO? Xenons? (Just asking, not saying what you should want).
the lack of a dipstick and the foibles of RFTs
And what about the large # of fuel-pump failures with the N54? (Just asking, not saying you shouldn't buy it...........)
I haven't seen my Land Rover in almost 4 months as I'm on an RV trip. I don't miss the 12 mpg but will keep it for quite a while since it would not sell well right now (not that I want to sell it as it serves a purpose).
I'm thinking seriously about the Bentley but, as a V-12, it only gets 9 mpg's in the city. It won't be driven much but I wish Bentley would come out with a hydrogen vehicle.
Glad to hear that you are liking your Pilot. I DO like the 2009's.
Woody, will you buy the house already!!! How long have we been hearing about this or am I missing something?
Mark156 :surprise: