Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

corvette

kyfdx said:

By comparison, our Tacoma lease had an 82% residual for 36/12. Even more ridiculous.

It’s crazy that, more or less, you can lease a Tacoma for the cost of leasing a stripped Corolla or Camry, and a midrange Tundra for the cost of leasing a loaded Camry.

stickguy

I wonder if I could convince the wife that this is a suitable replacement for a CUV?

https://www.royaleasing.com/details-2019-dodge-challenger-srt_hellcat_rwd-used-2c3cdzc94kh759575.html

ronsteve

explorerx4 said:

@corvette,
Tundra seems to be rated 13/18, so maybe 15 overall?
If you weren't short term leasing, I would recommend a bed cover.
They are good for a 5 to 10 improvement in fuel mileage.
Maybe the ACC has a distance option, my F150 does.
The low fuel warning may change as mileage normalizes.

Not sure if it's different on this Tundra, but when I had a '18 RAV4 as a rental, a 2nd click on the button when you turn on the cruise control (so that you CAN set it) will deactivate the adaptive part and let it work like old-school cruise control. Also it did look like the following distance was adjustable but I didn't really mess with that.

benjaminh

Edmunds really likes the new Mercedes Benz GLB SUV, which starts at c. $39k.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15e-GTx10ck

Lease starting at less than $500 a month for the base model....

https://www.mbusa.com/en/special-offers

tjc78

Love that truck! Good luck with it!

Sandman6472

A belated congrats to all the new iron folks ave gotten lately. Great vehicles, one and all. Am still sitting on the fence until VW decides what to do with the 2021 Golf SE. If it isn't slated for the United States, I have a few on the short list to try. But no hurry here since my commute is no so small, can put it off for awhile until that itch really needs to be scratched. According to my rough calculations, have driven maybe 2K miles since that beginning of December which includes that round trip to St. Cloud during the latter part of December. Not too shabby since I used to go about 1300/month without any longer trips. So, nothing has happened except an oil/filter change and a tire rotation. No other issues to speak of since the unlocking of the front door issue, car has been flawless. I did break the plastic holder on the garage door remote so it'll no longer seat on the clip that used to be on the passenger sun visor. The metal clip is still there but the clicker no longer will slide onto it...and stay. Falls right off with each push, either on or off! Frustrating I know, so it now resides in the front cup holder, on top of the round ceramic cup holder protector the local VW/Audi indy store gave out as a promotion last year. Comes in very handy and now, my drinks no longer sweat into the plastic cup holder.
If that's my only issue going forward, I'll be super happy. So, have decided that waiting to purchase is the prudent thing to do. Once all the players on the short list have arrived in America, and are no longer going at a premium, I can start the test drive phase and go from there. Like most times, I'll know very soon which ones fall off and which remain on that list. Then it'll be easy from there. Just have to pick the absolute winner, and negotiate the best I can. And think once that do happen, a deal will be struck within a proper time. And am just hopeful that it can all come together the last week of December if possible, not a bad time to purchase. But not ruling out a quicker time frame by any means. All the pieces need to fit with minimal drama!

Sandman6472

As we were eating last night, the "how much longer are we planning to work" conversation came up, as we haven't talked about it at all since I started at Enterprise. I know she's enjoying all her work right now and not looking to change anything on her plate going forward for the next few years. Funny part was I'm also at that same place, no "Part A or Part B" plans at all...not even close to thinking about quitting Enterprise. But, the good thing is that where ever we go, I could probably transfer to a nearby location if there is an opening. We're both pretty content with our current positions and am in no hurray to change things up. Same goes for our moving conversation, which also came up. Lastly, the vehicle situation was the last topic, as I was ready to just shelve it for the time being.
But, she asked and flat out told her things are basically in a holding pattern until VW makes up their minds about what they're going to import here. And just decided to leave things at that! No mention of any short list or even any talk about test drives, why stir the pot at this juncture. And then, was time to clear the table...and relax. Know she knows I'm looking, so why not let things be. Have plenty of time to get that conversation going.

tommister2

benjaminh said:

A 20,000 test of the Honda Insight hybrid, which didn't quite live up to its EPA mpg estimates....

https://www.motortrend.com/news/2019-honda-insight-reliability-and-fuel-economy/

"The EPA estimates the 2019 Insight's fuel economy at 55/49/52 mpg city/highway/combined. In the real world we saw an average fuel economy of 46.1 mpg. A spot check of 10 of fill-ups (of the 64 total) in the logbook shows only one that broke the 50-mpg barrier. The rest hovered around the 46-47 mpg mark."

I would say that is an impressive result, given the way they probably drove it. To me that means it would be tough to ever get below 46!

ab348

tommister2 said:

I'm curious how an F-150 is much larger than a Tundra. I've never checked the specs but they seem very similar in size. I would bet the F-150 is considerably lighter given all of the aluminium body panels.

My bad. I did not look closely enough and thought it was another Tacoma screaming deal lease. The names of the two are so close I always get them mixed up.

qbrozen

stickguy said:

I wonder if I could convince the wife that this is a suitable replacement for a CUV?

https://www.royaleasing.com/details-2019-dodge-challenger-srt_hellcat_rwd-used-2c3cdzc94kh759575.html

I like how it “comes equipped with gas guzzler tax.”


In the Tundra’s mileage, the worst Modern vehicle I ever owned was my 5.2 v8 Dakota, which averaged 14 mpg. So the a full-size truck with larger v8 beating that doesn’t sound so bad to me. It’s all perspective.

benjaminh

If you can live without options, the standard 2-wheel drive Mercedes Benz GLB at $37,000 seems like a good value in a midsize SUV/station wagon. But even adding 4-wheel drive and some options, this model at $42k at my local dealer seems like a good value too. I think these are made in Mexico.

Just maybe something to consider @stickguy? For c. $8000 more than a Honda CRV EXL Hybrid you and your spouse could be driving a Mercedes Benz. Gas costs would be higher, but actually for a Mercedes this gets pretty good mpg. This example has a black interior, but the "Macchiato Beige MB-Tex" is a zero cost option that looks really good imho. This is a pretty new model, but in probably a month or so you might get a good discount, esp. if the economy slows down.

https://www.mblouisville.com/inventory/new-2020-mercedes-benz-glb-glb-250-4matic®-suv-awd-4matic-sport-utility-wdc4m4hb6lw010952

"HEATED FRONT SEATS, BLIND SPOT ASSIST, PREMIUM PACKAGE, Full-Time 4MATIC® All-Wheel, Turbo Charged Engine, Aluminum Wheels. Polar White exterior and Black MB-Tex interior, GLB 250 trim. EPA 31 MPG Hwy/23 MPG City! Warranty 4 yrs/50k Miles - Drivetrain Warranty....Power Folding Exterior Mirrors, Auto-Dimming Rearview & Driver-Side Mirrors, 10.25 Digital Instrument Cluster, KEYLESS GO® Package, 10.25 Media Display w/Touchscreen...."

ronsteve

benjaminh said:

If you can live without options, the standard 2-wheel drive Mercedes Benz GLB at $37,000 seems like a good value in a midsize SUV/station wagon. But even adding 4-wheel drive and some options, this model at $42k at my local dealer seems like a good value too. I think these are made in Mexico.

https://www.mblouisville.com/inventory/new-2020-mercedes-benz-glb-glb-250-4matic®-suv-awd-4matic-sport-utility-wdc4m4hb6lw010952

The VIN beginning with W is a dead giveaway for Germany. If it was Mexico it would start with 3.

stickguy

not a bad looking little CUV. wonder how roomy it is? Since MB bailed on the auto show this year was not able to scope one out.

the auto issue of CR came yesterday so was looking at it this AM. Somehow that always ends up making me rethink every option on the short list! Of course if you read/watch enough reviews you will write off everything, making shopping so much easier.

benjaminh

Macchiato Beige MB-Tex$0

benjaminh

stickguy said:

not a bad looking little CUV. wonder how roomy it is?....

Good interior room for front and rear passengers. Cargo area useful but on the smaller side at 20 cubic feet with the rear seats up. Compare that to 37.5 feet with a CR-V and 29.5 feet with an RDX. Still 20 feet isn't bad if you aren't comparing, and if you fold down the seats you'd have plenty of room for most things.

benjaminh

ronsteve said:

benjaminh said:

If you can live without options, the standard 2-wheel drive Mercedes Benz GLB at $37,000 seems like a good value in a midsize SUV/station wagon. But even adding 4-wheel drive and some options, this model at $42k at my local dealer seems like a good value too. I think these are made in Mexico.

https://www.mblouisville.com/inventory/new-2020-mercedes-benz-glb-glb-250-4matic®-suv-awd-4matic-sport-utility-wdc4m4hb6lw010952

The VIN beginning with W is a dead giveaway for Germany. If it was Mexico it would start with 3.

Thanks.

Made in Germany!+++

A really nice made in Germany Mercedes is somehow rather appealing to me.

I think it's the best looking new Benz I've seen in a while. The "two bar" look works for me. And the interior looks excellent.

ab348

The problem with an inexpensive model from a brand like M-B is that you will be going back to the dealer for service while it is under warranty and that gets very expensive in comparison to more mainstream brands. Same with parts costs.

benjaminh

How much does an oil change service cost at a typical Mercedes Benz dealer? $100? More?

stickguy

I looked at dimensions. basically the same length and width as a CRV. I don't know how the rear cargo is so small though. That I would need to see in person.

of course, being a MB, everything that is standard on a Hyundai Elantra is an (expensive) option. Getting the bare minimum required stuff (moonroof, blindspot, heated seats, homelink) puts the sticker up over $44k. So comparable to an RDX tech package. But it does have style!

stickguy

and yes AB, maintenance is a lot. They will sell you 3 years (3 visits) of routine service, for only $1,100. Hyundai gives that to you for free, and on the Acura, it would be about $150 to pay for it.

stickguy

benjaminh said:

How much does an oil change service cost at a typical Mercedes Benz dealer? $100? More?

more like $400+. The 2 year service plan they sell is $820

benjaminh

stickguy said:

benjaminh said:

How much does an oil change service cost at a typical Mercedes Benz dealer? $100? More?

more like $400+. The 2 year service plan they sell is $820

Hmmm. Wow.

When I got my Acura TLX the dealer threw in 2 years of maintenance.

Does BMW still include maintenance for a couple of years, or have they ended that?

benjaminh

stickguy said:

I looked at dimensions. basically the same length and width as a CRV. I don't know how the rear cargo is so small though. That I would need to see in person.

of course, being a MB, everything that is standard on a Hyundai Elantra is an (expensive) option. Getting the bare minimum required stuff (moonroof, blindspot, heated seats, homelink) puts the sticker up over $44k. So comparable to an RDX tech package. But it does have style!

Could you maybe live without a moonroof and maybe a few other things in order to get into a Mercedes? Do you really need 4-wheel drive?

I mean what if the choice came down to a CR-V with a moonroof and some other stuff vs. a Mercedes without some of those extras. The luxury and performance of the Mercedes might make that worthwhile?

The 2-wheel drive GLB with a few options is actually close to $39k. But probably there's no way you'd ever find one equipped that way.

Are special orders possible with Mercedes Benz? How long might that take? Of course, if you're special ordering something a big discount goes out the window right there.

stickguy

short answer, no. Being the luxury badge is not important enough to give up features we want. And we likely don't need AWD (though if we end up relocating back to upstate NY, that could change) but I would probably get it anyway instead of RWD. If nothing else, the odds of finding a RWD model around here, are low.

If we are spending this kind of money, I am not going into it rationalizing that we can live without x,y and z, knowing that every time we drive it it will bug me!

but we also don't need every whiz bang techno gadget. I am fine without active bending headlights, the AMG trim stuff, titanium trim, auto parking and the drive itself stuff I would never use.

so really just need a mid-level equipped model, comparable to an RDX tech. Heated memory seats, power passenger seat, keyless Go, moonroof, BLIS/cross path, ACC and some basic auto emergency braking. And that, if you can find it on this car, will probably run about $44k. At those prices, a service loaner or ex-exec car is the way to go.

tjc78

If it was a lease, I’d be all over the Merc ... but on a buy with a possible long stay in the fleet the CRV will certainly be much cheaper to own.

benjaminh

stickguy said:

...so really just need a mid-level equipped model, comparable to an RDX tech. Heated memory seats, power passenger seat, keyless Go, moonroof, BLIS/cross path, ACC and some basic auto emergency braking. And that, if you can find it on this car, will probably run about $44k. At those prices, a service loaner or ex-exec car is the way to go.

Since this is an all-new model, I'm not sure, but it might be about a year before you can find a service loaner or similar vehicle.

But 44k is the msrp, and perhaps a discount of 10% is possible?

And how much is the trade-in on your RDX likely to be?

Sigh. Still adds up to something pretty expensive. Heck, even the CR-V hybrid is a lot of money, and that's $10,000 less.

But if the economy slows it might be a good time to buy as cars are languishing on lots without buyers. Of course that'll hurt trade in values too....

benjaminh

I did find one absolutely base model GLB, white on white, in Los Angeles with an msrp of $37,595....

https://www.mbzla.com/inventory/new-2020-mercedes-benz-glb-glb-250-fwd-sport-utility-w1n4m4gb2lw026128

VINW1N4M4GB2LW026128

Get your made-in-Germany SUV for about the same msrp as a CR-V Hybrid Touring!

Although for that price not only is it 2-wheel drive, but it looks like you don't even get AndroidAuto/CarPlay. Plus no heated seats, no moonroof, no....

qbrozen

benjaminh said:

I did find one absolutely base mode GLB, white on white, in Los Angeles with an msrp of $37,595....

https://www.mbzla.com/inventory/new-2020-mercedes-benz-glb-glb-250-fwd-sport-utility-w1n4m4gb2lw026128

VINW1N4M4GB2LW026128

Get your made-in-Germany SUV for about the same msrp as a CR-V Hybrid Touring!

Although for that price not only is it 2-wheel drive, but it looks like you don't even get AndroidAuto/CarPlay. Plus no heated seats, no moonroof, no....

Terrible value proposition. At least, when often talking about base luxo vs loaded economy, there are things like power, handling, and drive wheels that can make it worth it. Not so in this case.

stickguy

Taxi cab spec Mercedes!

Leasing of course changes things, but I really don't want a 2nd expensive lease now. So different mindset since I need to factor in having this car for 8-10 years. Including care and feeding.

RDX is low teens now. So a decent DP, but still leaves a fair gap to anything new. Originally I was hoping to keep the new car to $30K +TTL, but that went out the window pretty quick. So upped it to $35. Basically wanted it to be the old car and no more than $20K added in. That may end up being $25k, but spread out over 5 years, a reasonable car payment. Pretty close to what we had when we got the RDX (put the Odyssey sale $ down, borrowed the rest over 5 years, with a payment of about $435).

actually ends up being trading in the RDX, and getting a payment around what a cheap lease on something nice would be!

stickguy

qbrozen said:

benjaminh said:

I did find one absolutely base mode GLB, white on white, in Los Angeles with an msrp of $37,595....

https://www.mbzla.com/inventory/new-2020-mercedes-benz-glb-glb-250-fwd-sport-utility-w1n4m4gb2lw026128

VINW1N4M4GB2LW026128

Get your made-in-Germany SUV for about the same msrp as a CR-V Hybrid Touring!

Although for that price not only is it 2-wheel drive, but it looks like you don't even get AndroidAuto/CarPlay. Plus no heated seats, no moonroof, no....

Terrible value proposition. At least, when often talking about base luxo vs loaded economy, there are things like power, handling, and drive wheels that can make it worth it. Not so in this case.

oh wait, I did not realize that this is the FWD model. I did not even check. I assumed the 2WD was RWD. Actually makes 4matic even less of a requirement. Would be an odd duck, but who cares? Depends of course on how it drives.

Michaell

Does anybody know who runs the Audi direct mail marketing program?

My daughter had mail addressed to her from them yesterday.

To put things in context, she's 31, the MINI is paid for, and her only income is a small stipend she gets from the studio.

Audi saw fit to mail her an envelope touting the new A8, which stickers at c. $85k.

Not sure where they think that was a good use of money.

roadburner

qbrozen said:

benjaminh said:

I did find one absolutely base mode GLB, white on white, in Los Angeles with an msrp of $37,595....

https://www.mbzla.com/inventory/new-2020-mercedes-benz-glb-glb-250-fwd-sport-utility-w1n4m4gb2lw026128

VINW1N4M4GB2LW026128

Get your made-in-Germany SUV for about the same msrp as a CR-V Hybrid Touring!

Although for that price not only is it 2-wheel drive, but it looks like you don't even get AndroidAuto/CarPlay. Plus no heated seats, no moonroof, no....

Terrible value proposition. At least, when often talking about base luxo vs loaded economy, there are things like power, handling, and drive wheels that can make it worth it. Not so in this case.

Agree 100%

benjaminh

qbrozen said:

....Terrible value proposition. At least, when often talking about base luxo vs loaded economy, there are things like power, handling, and drive wheels that can make it worth it. Not so in this case.

I think you're probably right for this absolutely base model. Although I did just find out that AndroidAuto/CarPlay are standard in all models of the GLB.

So let me try to make a little bit for a case for a base MB GLB over a loaded Honda CR-V....

First, the interior of the GLB looks fantastic, and is obviously beyond what you get in even the top of the line CR-V.

Second, the MB engine is a refined 2-liter turbo with a deluxe 8-speed dual clutch transmission. I obviously haven't driven it, but we can guess that performance and sound quality are better than Honda's 1.5 turbo with the CVT.

Getting something close to a base model does help with the sometimes very high prices associated with Mercedes, and yet gets you into that legendary driving and ownership experience.

But when it comes to ownership, it does seem like when you add high maintenance costs, premium fuel costs, added insurance costs, added taxes, etc., suddenly the $10k extra for a Mercedes turns into $15k or so extra over the next few years.

BMW still does include 3-years of service with every new car.

But yeah, I'm pretty sure you're still right, although with just a few options the GLB might be compelling, but then suddenly for the budget-minded buyer it does seem out of reach. This one, by the way, does seem to have been partially made in Mexico.

ab348

That sticker says final assembly was in Mexico.

benjaminh

A view of the cargo area of the Mercedes GLB.

stickguy

that 20 cubes must be behind the optional 3rd row seat.

I showed it to my wife. She thinks that the round vents are odd, but that it looked nice and is OK with stopping in to take a look. If we are checking out BMW, Acura and Volvo already, might as well!

benjaminh

stickguy said:

that 20 cubes must be behind the optional 3rd row seat.

I showed it to my wife. She thinks that the round vents are odd, but that it looked nice and is OK with stopping in to take a look. If we are checking out BMW, Acura and Volvo already, might as well!

The 20 cubes that you are looking at are behind the standard 2nd row, which is what you are seeing in that pic. If you get the optional 3rd row seat, which is only good for small children, the luggage space almost vanishes. Check out at after c. 3 minutes on this video about the painfully small optional 3rd row seat. We had a seat kinda like this in our Mazda5.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6D4bRXj0jg&t=1164s

What's the nearest Mercedes dealer for you?

And what about the BMW X1? With maintenance included on BMW's that's appealing.

I still think the CR-V or RAV4 hybrid are going to have by far the lowest total cost of ownership over 5 years.

On the other hand, if you keep this as long as you kept your RDX, this might be one of your last chances to try something like a Mercedes.

Have you considered a loaded Subaru?

stickguy

that looks way more than 20 cubes. Though it is always a mystery to me how they calculate that, and usable space does not always match the numbers.

the Mercedes dealer is not far. easy enough to stop into the palace they built a few years ago. I did test drive an X1 but did not care for it all that much. Plus I think it is too small to be the family truckster. we like the X3 a lot better.

if we get something less expensive, can get something fancy in December 2021 when the TLX goes back.

at least I finally did our taxes last night. I was expecting to get hammered again like last year, but apparently the WH tweaks I made were good. Almost exact on the feds, and they are giving me a few hundred back. So that money set aside frees up! And we reached a milestone today by paying off the last of the HELOC, so that large monthly nut disappears. So the new car is affordable!

stickguy

oh, we did try out a turbo Subaru OB. I loved it. I really thought that was going to be the car for us. The wife did not like it.

benjaminh

I wonder if you find a Mercedes GLB that you like, and mention to the dealer that you are also cross-shopping a BMW that includes 3-years of free maintenance. And since the total cost of ownership is going to be considered, by any chance can a couple of oil changes be included for nc as part of the purchase/lease?

Just looked it up and there are 0 lease incentives on the GLB. List price might be similar to an RDX, but real world it's going to be a lot more expensive. If it came to that I'd just go for the Acura for a lot less money. The RDX is faster and has more cargo room, and more standard features. Leasing or buying a GLB at this point would obviously be very expensive. Maybe in a couple of months incentives and discounts might be available?

jmonroe

akangl said:

I really need to stop driving past the Jeep dealership. There is a 2019 Wrangler Rubicon that is calling my name. Its everything I want and nothing I don't.....I don't need another punch this year. Daughter's Compass and the RV make 2, I do not need to make it 3!

To maintain your membership you do. @stickguy and I are the only exceptions in here.

jmonroe

corvette

@stickguy I did my taxes and got an unexpectedly large refund. Apparently you can fully depreciate medium sized improvements you make to rental property in the same year you make them. Probably won’t happen again next year. But, I bumped up my 401k contribution, since that’s a pretty much guaranteed way to reduce your tax burden.

pensfan83

@corvette truck looks great. I think the Sport package really improves the look of the Tundra.

stickguy

was out with the ladies shopping (well, they shop, I drive) and the shopping center is across the street from the MB dealer so we drove in. surprising how many people were there, when they are closed, out in the parking lot!

had a nice denim blue over tan right out front. convenient. Pretty well loaded, including the pointless 3rd row ($850), but everything I require. MSRP was $45,800 I think. Pricey. Way more than I would go on something like this. now, if it was a slightly used loaner for $10K less, maybe. Wife thought it looked nice enough to go back and try one out. Not on the short list, but if we are in the neighborhood some day, just might take a drive.

ronsteve

ab348 said:

That sticker says final assembly was in Mexico.

That's super sneaky! I'm surprised they were able to put a "Germany" VIN on it. VW has had "3" VINs on just about everything (except Atlas and Passat) for years!

stickguy

Maybe it is based on content %. the highest is for German content.

stickguy

Even if the money worked, not sure my wife would want to go with the MB anyway. I think we might be more Acura or BMW people. Or Volvo.

akangl

jmonroe said:

akangl said:

I really need to stop driving past the Jeep dealership. There is a 2019 Wrangler Rubicon that is calling my name. Its everything I want and nothing I don't.....I don't need another punch this year. Daughter's Compass and the RV make 2, I do not need to make it 3!

To maintain your membership you do. @stickguy and I are the only exceptions in here.

jmonroe

I have somewhat maintained my membership with regular punches. One last year with a used RV, nothing in 2018, one in 2017, one in 2016, one in 2015, one in 2014, one in 2013, I think I'm doing ok. I really really don't need 3 this year! Why does that Rubicon have to be so beautiful? I should just go drive it so I know I hate it right?

benjaminh

stickguy said:

Even if the money worked, not sure my wife would want to go with the MB anyway. I think we might be more Acura or BMW people. Or Volvo.

Is the Honda CR-V hybrid still on the list?

stickguy

yes it is. I was just talking about in the premium segment. Though the CRV does have one fatal flaw. they did away with the spare tire and went with a can of fix a flat and a cheapo compressor instead.

I hate not having a spare.