Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

I think they make you go through the dealer anyway? so you can't just do paperwork and send money to Acura financial. Not that I have done it, but in my head it sounds like something I actually know! So basically it is like buying any other used car from them.

omarman

That 1990 GM Colony Park sold for $20K.

oldfarmer50 said:

qbrozen said:

ronsteve said:

BaT has a couple that are otherwise fairly pedestrian, but they sure don't make 'em like this any more...

Peak Honda right here, probably my fave version of any generation of the Accord. If only it was a stick. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1987-honda-accord/

I actually wasn't convinced I could learn to drive a manual until I drove my brother's 1986 Accord hatchback.

And the Family Truckster... https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1990-mercury-grand-marquis-ls-colony-park/

I was watching that wagon... but saw this morning it was over $12k. Holy cow.

Up to $14k with an hour to go.

tifighter

Yeah, I don't miss dealers.

I read that some Ford dealers are already adding $10-15K ADMs on the Mustang Mach-E coming in the fall. If that happens, Tesla is going to need even more capacity for building the Model Y.

sda

benjaminh said:

Since I like my leased 2018 TLX, today I asked my Acura dealer what the numbers would look like to buy it out. After the $699 doc fee, taxes, interest on the loan, etc. it came out to a rather high monthly, and so decided to just ride out the lease for now. But we instead took what was to be the downpayment on the TLX and used it to wipe out the rest of our loan on my wife's 2018 CR-V. And so in a couple of weeks when the title arrives we'll own one car free and clear.



I heard that there are some proposals in Congress to try next year to restore the $7500 tax credit on electrics for Tesla, GM, and everyone else. I realize that might not pan out, but if there's even a chance to get a Model 3 for close to 30k after the tax credit I might consider that option, even with the quality and service drawbacks with the brand. Over the last 9000+ miles in my TLX I've averaged more than 31 mpg in a roughly even mix of city and highway, but that still means that I'd save at least $1000 a year on gas vs. the costs of running a Model 3 with juice.

Your gas mileage is very similar to what I’m experiencing with the Accord. I have had multiple trips 41 mpg+, and very few below 30 mpg. It has really spoiled me. Paying off the CR-V will give you a great sense of freedom and satisfaction. I’m sure your wife feels the same and maybe gave you a peck on the cheek. As much as I’d like to have a new car for me, it’s not the time. I am taking the TL to the Acura dealership tomorrow to make sure the gas cap I purchase matches the one on the car. I have the day off so I might have to do a test drive.

stickguy

benjaminh said:

I called Acura first, and they told me the payoff amount, which is reasonable imho because Acura residuals are fairly realistic. But I guess to support the profits of Acura dealers Acura wouldn't let me just finance directly through them. They told me I had to work with my local dealer.

not sure if it is just exercising 1st amendment rights, or an indication of current market conditions, but I just looked at cars.com to see what 2019 TLXs are going for. and across the board, way more than I expected. And more than they were 6 months ago I think. Wonder if it is just reflective of clogged up supply chain?

qbrozen

yes, $20k on the mercury was ... I just don't get it.

Bentley went over $32k. Again, that's silly. I could get a CLEAN one for $30k.

Now this thing is just so freakin cool to me: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1962-mg-1962-mg-lenham-gt/


ML arrived this afternoon. Needs a good cleaning now, and I've discovered the power lift gate is not operating properly. A few little details need attention, but very minor and easy. Drove it a little. Seat is very comfy; AC takes a long time to get going, but it was very hot today; it does not sound like an SUV when you get on it; I'm not sure if the air suspension is working properly; I gotta read up on some of the functions.

benjaminh

28firefighter said:

And probably will end up with a better rate...

Thanks for the suggestions. I might revisit at some point.

stickguy said:

benjaminh said:

I called Acura first, and they told me the payoff amount, which is reasonable imho because Acura residuals are fairly realistic. But I guess to support the profits of Acura dealers Acura wouldn't let me just finance directly through them. They told me I had to work with my local dealer.

not sure if it is just exercising 1st amendment rights, or an indication of current market conditions, but I just looked at cars.com to see what 2019 TLXs are going for. and across the board, way more than I expected. And more than they were 6 months ago I think. Wonder if it is just reflective of clogged up supply chain?

The older guy in this car video sold cars for 35+ years, often as a manager, but is now retired. In retirement he and his son do a channel for car advice. In this video from a few days ago they bring on an old friend who is still in the biz, and he says that used cars have shot up in price in the last month or so....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ls3j-jjs414

benjaminh

Because I had a downpayment in the form of a trade-in when I started my lease, my payoff for my 2018 Acura TLX Tech 2.4 is currently c. $20,600. I feel like this two year old car with 29k miles is worth at least that much, although I haven't checked. Looks like the interest rate they are charging me is maybe c. 4.3%? My credit score is excellent, and so maybe I could do better with my own bank in 6 months or a year from now if I decide to try this again. Is there any way to escape or reduce the doc fee (which seems inflated) or am I just stuck with it?

benjaminh

sda said:

....I am taking the TL to the Acura dealership tomorrow to make sure the gas cap I purchase matches the one on the car. I have the day off so I might have to do a test drive.

You might consider test driving the base or Tech TLX with the 4-wheel steering. Precision All Wheel Steering is about to become as extinct as the Prelude.

And yeah, my wife is happy to own what is pretty much her dream car. And we just checked and we're down to just 3 more years on the mortgage for the darn house. Once that happens that might free up some monthly for CCBA, but really we should probably put more into our retirement.

roadburner

benjaminh said:

ab348 said:

Automotive News is reporting that Lincoln killed the Continental model today despite being a favorite of auto journos everywhere but seemingly few buyers. That leaves them with an all-SUV lineup.

That's too bad. Seems like a nice car. I wonder if it's already a bargain luxury buy as a CPO?
Here's a positive review from Motor Week from a few years ago....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeLydNIUbjw

The last Lincoln I really liked and could actually see myself owning was my father's Mark VII LSC. A slug by today's standards, it handled competently and was comfortable and engaging to drive.

And here's my favorite Lincoln story- which I've related over in the Cars and Conversations topic:
About 8 or 9 years ago I was test driving a new Lincoln(only in order to get a $50 gift card and because the dealer was making a donation to Food for the Poor for every test drive). I don't remember which model it was, but the sales guy was eager to show off the "new" voice recognition system; he said "Tune to FM station ninety seven point five." The Lincoln replied, "Now tuning to gay radio station." My son and I couldn't stop laughing, my wife just shook her head, and the sales guy just turned beet red and said not a word for the rest of the drive.

stickguy

I think you are more stuck than normal on the doc fee. Usually you can just negotiate it into the price of the car. But in this case, that is already set. So the deal is more take it or leave it. You could, of course, arrange your own financing if you can get a better rate.

just curious, but did you price out comparable CPO units to see how your price compares? Not your car, but you would get cheaper financing and a few more years of warranty. Might get loyalty too (not sure if that counts on a CPO though).

ronsteve

stickguy said:

I think you are more stuck than normal on the doc fee. Usually you can just negotiate it into the price of the car. But in this case, that is already set. So the deal is more take it or leave it. You could, of course, arrange your own financing if you can get a better rate.

just curious, but did you price out comparable CPO units to see how your price compares? Not your car, but you would get cheaper financing and a few more years of warranty. Might get loyalty too (not sure if that counts on a CPO though).

Nothing counts with this dealer group. Huffman is one-price on all their pre-owned, and maybe on their new stuff too, I'm not sure. What gets me even more is their $699 doc fee on this side of the river (even the freakin KIA Store(!) "only" charges a $399 doc fee) in addition to the set pricing. Then again, the Swope dealerships were taken over by AMSI, and as nice a guy as Terry was on here, they charge a $599 doc plus they already price in $599 for "Permaplate" (read: mop-n-glo... Huffman's mop-n-glo is $895 but you can opt in or out). All this just a bridge away from Indiana where doc fees are capped at $199.

benjaminh

stickguy said:

....
just curious, but did you price out comparable CPO units to see how your price compares? Not your car, but you would get cheaper financing and a few more years of warranty. Might get loyalty too (not sure if that counts on a CPO though).

Here's a 2018 TLX CPO Base with 32k miles offered for c. $23k. Seems like a good value, but it misses some nice Tech pkg features.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/814299616/overview/



For about the price of my residual right now I could get a new base Civic LX with a CVT and a 2.0 liter engine for an msrp of c. $21,600. Doesn't even have AndroidAuto/CP. Key to unlock, etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcGFJEgLCCo

stickguy

if Indiana is cheaper for fees, go buy it there. Considering everything else is already fixed, the dealer doc fee is the only variable.

that base 2018 IMO is overpriced. But I just checked my local dealers, and that actually seems to be consistent with their asking prices. I was surprised to see how low the inventory is though, and I would swear that 4 months ago, a base car like that was more in the $20K range. Unless of course I am thinking about 2017s.

Maybe yours will be a good deal at the end of the lease, but I definitely would not buy one now, thinking that in a few months prices are likely to crater as factories ramp up new production, and the rental companies and auctions eventually have to flood the market with inventory.

stickguy

I did see something interesting yesterday (formerly common, now rare). Had to go out on the highway (took the wife up to her office since she is WFH indefinitely now, and they need to use her desk area to spread out some temps they are hiring) and passed a truck load of new Hyundais being delivered to the dealer. There is a huge distribution lot along the river in Philly that you can see from the bridge. have not been over that way in months. Last time I did, it was full. Really curious to see how many cars there are there now.

oldfarmer50

benjaminh said:

I called Acura first, and they told me the payoff amount, which is reasonable imho because Acura residuals are fairly realistic. But I guess to support the profits of Acura dealers Acura wouldn't let me just finance directly through them. They told me I had to work with my local dealer.

Couldn’t you finance with someone else, like a credit union?

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

benjaminh said:

I called Acura first, and they told me the payoff amount, which is reasonable imho because Acura residuals are fairly realistic. But I guess to support the profits of Acura dealers Acura wouldn't let me just finance directly through them. They told me I had to work with my local dealer.

not sure if it is just exercising 1st amendment rights, or an indication of current market conditions, but I just looked at cars.com to see what 2019 TLXs are going for. and across the board, way more than I expected. And more than they were 6 months ago I think. Wonder if it is just reflective of clogged up supply chain?

benjaminh said:

Because I had a downpayment in the form of a trade-in when I started my lease, my payoff for my 2018 Acura TLX Tech 2.4 is currently c. $20,600. I feel like this two year old car with 29k miles is worth at least that much, although I haven't checked. Looks like the interest rate they are charging me is maybe c. 4.3%? My credit score is excellent, and so maybe I could do better with my own bank in 6 months or a year from now if I decide to try this again. Is there any way to escape or reduce the doc fee (which seems inflated) or am I just stuck with it?

That pair caught my interest for some of their other videos but now I’m wondering about them. A few months ago they were saying to wait 60-90 days and used car prices would hit rock bottom. Instead they went up. Other pundits are claiming they will go up as supply tightens so buy right away.

I’m thinking the “experts” don’t know any more than you and me.

oldfarmer50

ronsteve said:

stickguy said:

I think you are more stuck than normal on the doc fee. Usually you can just negotiate it into the price of the car. But in this case, that is already set. So the deal is more take it or leave it. You could, of course, arrange your own financing if you can get a better rate.

just curious, but did you price out comparable CPO units to see how your price compares? Not your car, but you would get cheaper financing and a few more years of warranty. Might get loyalty too (not sure if that counts on a CPO though).

Nothing counts with this dealer group. Huffman is one-price on all their pre-owned, and maybe on their new stuff too, I'm not sure. What gets me even more is their $699 doc fee on this side of the river (even the freakin KIA Store(!) "only" charges a $399 doc fee) in addition to the set pricing. Then again, the Swope dealerships were taken over by AMSI, and as nice a guy as Terry was on here, they charge a $599 doc plus they already price in $599 for "Permaplate" (read: mop-n-glo... Huffman's mop-n-glo is $895 but you can opt in or out). All this just a bridge away from Indiana where doc fees are capped at $199.

No negotiation, crazy doc fees and semi mandatory mop&glo? Great way to insult your customers on the way in the door.

kyfdx

@benjaminh

IN - $150 doc fee
OH - $250 doc fee

But, you don't have to involve a dealer with Acura Finance.
Secure cash, and buy it direct from them.
It is typical that a captive finance company won't offer to finance the buyout.

Then, finance later.

kyfdx

My rebate from State Farm was $150.

About 2 weeks worth of car insurance.

Michaell

@benjaminh - I've been keeping an eye on CPO TLX pricing, and I've seen 2.4 Techs priced at under $20k.

ronsteve

oldfarmer50 said:

ronsteve said:

stickguy said:

I think you are more stuck than normal on the doc fee. Usually you can just negotiate it into the price of the car. But in this case, that is already set. So the deal is more take it or leave it. You could, of course, arrange your own financing if you can get a better rate.

just curious, but did you price out comparable CPO units to see how your price compares? Not your car, but you would get cheaper financing and a few more years of warranty. Might get loyalty too (not sure if that counts on a CPO though).

Nothing counts with this dealer group. Huffman is one-price on all their pre-owned, and maybe on their new stuff too, I'm not sure. What gets me even more is their $699 doc fee on this side of the river (even the freakin KIA Store(!) "only" charges a $399 doc fee) in addition to the set pricing. Then again, the Swope dealerships were taken over by AMSI, and as nice a guy as Terry was on here, they charge a $599 doc plus they already price in $599 for "Permaplate" (read: mop-n-glo... Huffman's mop-n-glo is $895 but you can opt in or out). All this just a bridge away from Indiana where doc fees are capped at $199.

No negotiation, crazy doc fees and semi mandatory mop&glo? Great way to insult your customers on the way in the door.

Louisville isn't a great place to buy a car. Too much of the market is controlled by 3 or 4 big dealer groups. Huffman is the only game in town for Acura, else you're going 100 miles up the road to Indy or Cincinnati.

The truly mandatory mop&glo in the AMSI group was even more offputting, not that any of their other numbers were great. Sure, their Volvo operation was ready to throw an extra $1500 at my wagon but when their XC60 is $2-3K overpriced, it's no longer as good as it seems!

I don't think my next purchase will be local. It can be argued the last one shouldn't have been.

graphicguy

fintail said:

Those pop up light Accords are still not uncommon here. They were insanely popular back in the day, seemed like there was one on every corner. I remember that hard wearing velour.

I remember those Accords being EVERYWHERE. I liked the pop up headlights. But, never had the pleasure of driving one. I think this is where Honda developed their reputation for longevity and reliability.

sda

I liked the pop up lights as well and thought that series of Accord was really sharp. My ex had an 85 Prelude that she bought new. I became an expert at replacing the sealed headlight bulbs as it seemed every 6 months one side or the other would burn out. Perhaps it was the vibration of the headlight covers going up and down that caused the filament to fail? It was a great car otherwise.

roadburner

The Kia Store East just received an Indigo Edition Stinger. The are only knocking off $3,500, which is the Kia Motors rebate. Most other dealers are knocking off another $4,500-$5,000. graphicguy's dealer in Cincy is expecting one but has yet to receive it.
I may yet go look at it but I dread the games I'd have to play.
I also entered into an email correspondence with the Genesis dealer, which is currently located in one corner of Oxmoorons Hyundai. No RWD G70 Sport 3.3 cars in stock, but come in and test drive an AWD. Right. One of the things I really hate about Oxmoorons is that they add that stupid flasher to the CHMSL; just what I want- some minimum wage goofball splicing into the factory wiring harness.

kyfdx

sda said:

I liked the pop up lights as well and thought that series of Accord was really sharp. My ex had an 85 Prelude that she bought new. I became an expert at replacing the sealed headlight bulbs as it seemed every 6 months one side or the other would burn out. Perhaps it was the vibration of the headlight covers going up and down that caused the filament to fail? It was a great car otherwise.

More likely it was just the headlights. In the 12 years I owned my ‘82 Accord hatch, probably replaced 30 sealed beam lights. And, no hidden lights.

corvette

@ronsteve I bought both the Mustang and the G37 in the Frankfort area and felt like I got a great deal on both with no hassles. I’ve never gotten that feeling from a Louisville dealer.

corvette

Tire rotation in Clarksville went fine. I could’ve done without the complimentary wash, now there are water spots on my mirrors.

There is what appears to be a former railroad track behind the dealership that they are doing the “rails to trails” thing with. Freshly paved and lots of morning shade. I’m not sure how far it goes.

28firefighter

corvette said:

Tire rotation in Clarksville went fine. I could’ve done without the complimentary wash, now there are water spots on my mirrors.

There is what appears to be a former railroad track behind the dealership that they are doing the “rails to trails” thing with. Freshly paved and lots of morning shade. I’m not sure how far it goes.

I’ve started asking dealers to stop washing the outside because I can’t deal with the hard water spots that appear.

pensfan83

Hmmm...my Toyota dealer doesn't do car washes, which isn't a big deal. The Acura dealer does but I've never noticed spotting or just overlooked it.

28firefighter

Ever since I started using the chemical guys wash with my foam canon, nothing quite looks “right” after an automatic wash. I realize that’s being incredibly picky.

stickguy

Michaell said:

@benjaminh - I've been keeping an eye on CPO TLX pricing, and I've seen 2.4 Techs priced at under $20k.

what year? I still think if I decide to stay in a TLX at lease end, it's more likely I buy a CPO tech than buy out the one I have.

stickguy

kyfdx said:

@benjaminh

IN - $150 doc fee
OH - $250 doc fee

But, you don't have to involve a dealer with Acura Finance.
Secure cash, and buy it direct from them.
It is typical that a captive finance company won't offer to finance the buyout.

Then, finance later.

you sure? I thought you had to go to the dealer. How do they deal with the registration, etc.? do they just mail you the title and have no control about what happens after that? I get that for a finance, since the car is in your name anyway, but the lease is in theirs.

so I guess another way of asking, is the only purpose of the dealer to charge you their doc fee for the convenience of getting plates for you and arranging financing?

stickguy

28firefighter said:

Ever since I started using the chemical guys wash with my foam canon, nothing quite looks “right” after an automatic wash. I realize that’s being incredibly picky.

on the cannon, did you have to get a special adapter for the pressure washer? I saw someplace you needed at least 2,000 PSI washer. I am good there, my electric Sun Joe says 2,100 on it. Just not sure how the connections work. Do you have to take off the handle on the PW to attach the cannon?

sda

Just got back from the Acura dealer to buy a replacement gas cap. I thought I might test drive a CPO TLX but there was little to choose from and no one came out to help. Just as well, as I may have become frustrated liking the car and knowing not today. Traffic was crazy heavy and it seems people are driving worse than ever. Dodge ball anyone?

stickguy

what are you looking to replace? The Accord?

ab348

stickguy said:

28firefighter said:

Ever since I started using the chemical guys wash with my foam canon, nothing quite looks “right” after an automatic wash. I realize that’s being incredibly picky.

on the cannon, did you have to get a special adapter for the pressure washer? I saw someplace you needed at least 2,000 PSI washer. I am good there, my electric Sun Joe says 2,100 on it. Just not sure how the connections work. Do you have to take off the handle on the PW to attach the cannon?

I saw a Simoniz foam thingy that you just attached to a regular hose. Downside was you had to use their special foaming wash stuff. Other makes out there too.

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/simoniz-foam-gun-900-ml-0390530p.html#srp

sda

stickguy said:

what are you looking to replace? The Accord?

None at this point. I thought it would be fun and a change of pace to test drive a TLX as I haven’t test driven one in years and to determine if I still like it. I also have a CPO A4, Mazda6, and Accord EXL or higher on my potential list. Ultimately I think what will happen is we’ll sell the TL, daughter gets the Accord and I’ll get something for me. I don’t anticipate any changes for a year or so.

carnaught

Sorry

kyfdx

stickguy said:

kyfdx said:

@benjaminh

IN - $150 doc fee
OH - $250 doc fee

But, you don't have to involve a dealer with Acura Finance.
Secure cash, and buy it direct from them.
It is typical that a captive finance company won't offer to finance the buyout.

Then, finance later.

you sure? I thought you had to go to the dealer. How do they deal with the registration, etc.? do they just mail you the title and have no control about what happens after that? I get that for a finance, since the car is in your name anyway, but the lease is in theirs.

so I guess another way of asking, is the only purpose of the dealer to charge you their doc fee for the convenience of getting plates for you and arranging financing?

It's the same way they handle a lease, if you drive 500 miles away to make the deal. They have a "guy"..

Some captive banks won't do it. VW sends you to a dealer, for them to gouge you.

But, it's right in the contract that you have the right to buy the vehicle from the bank. No info about having to use a go-between.

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

yes, $20k on the mercury was ... I just don't get it.

Bentley went over $32k. Again, that's silly. I could get a CLEAN one for $30k.

Now this thing is just so freakin cool to me: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1962-mg-1962-mg-lenham-gt/


ML arrived this afternoon. Needs a good cleaning now, and I've discovered the power lift gate is not operating properly. A few little details need attention, but very minor and easy. Drove it a little. Seat is very comfy; AC takes a long time to get going, but it was very hot today; it does not sound like an SUV when you get on it; I'm not sure if the air suspension is working properly; I gotta read up on some of the functions.

$5-10k in repairs and it’ll be right as rain.

stickguy

that MG is really cool. But I doubt I fit.

ML just needs a good weekend of sorting out. and the couple grand of course!

stickguy

so, combine the Toyota premium and the BaT tax, and this is what, a $100K truck?

breld

For what it’s worth, when I bought out my Passat off lease, the dealership had their $599 fee in the deal and I asked firmly but politely about it being removed given the nature of the deal, and they worked it out to not charge it.

Michaell

I mentioned earlier this week that my wife spotted and admired the MB C-Class.

So, in honor of the holiday - and my anniversary - I decided to test drive this:

https://www.mercedesoflittleton.com/new-Littleton-2020-Mercedes+Benz-+-C+300+4MATIC-WDDWJ8EB3LF975406

A few thoughts.

I had to lower the seat all the way to fit - and even then, the pano roof still encroached on my headroom. Once I got situated, I was pretty comfortable and the sightlines were not as obscured as I expected them to be.

Loved the interior color - it went well with the grey exterior. It was equipped with both the Burmester (sp?) audio system and the digital, configurable dash. Cool feature but way too many options. Took me a couple of minutes to just get the tach to display. I suspect that after some time, it would become familiar.

Typical test drive - 4 right turns. I was able to get it onto the highway. I had the car in "comfort" mode for the test drive, and I found it comfortable enough. Certainly more sporty than the Outback - it had better be!.

I think the engine has about the same amount of power as the Outback (250HP, give or take), and the 9 speed transmission was fine at speed, but noticed some jerkiness at low speed. Not sure if that's common, or not. Certainly quick enough, but you can tell it's a 4-cyl turbo from the sound.

Despite the inclusion of the pano roof, the stereo upgrade and the digital dash, I was surprised to discover it didn't have adaptive cruise. Seems like a big omission on a $54K car.

I'm sure if I found a CPO car for $25K less, I might feel differently about it. Just seemed like a lot of money.

And, as I was telling @breld and @jpp75, I just wasn't comfortable at the dealer. I'm fine when I visit Audi and BMW dealers, just don't know what it is about MB.

fintail

Distronic is standard on a small minority of MB cars. Remember the German way - everything is optional!

Wait 3 years for when the lease returns roll in.

stickguy

I have the same issue at our local MB palace. Even though we theoretically make plenty of money and can afford at least a normal model, I just feel like I am being judged and looked down on (like I just don't belong).

fintail

Maybe it's because of the "casual" area where I live, but I've never been put off by any dealer. The local MB dealer is fine. I usually roll up in a t-shirt, jeans or shorts, sandals or old Nike dunks, never felt like I was judged - because here anyway, someone dressed like that might lay down cash on a G or AMG GT. The longtime receptionist, who recently retired, even would greet me by name when I'd conduct one of my bi-monthly or so browses looking for weird cars. I think the salesmen told her about the weird obsessive guy Never had an issue at BMW or Audi either. I suspect what I drive up in might help, too - even if its the fintail, it makes an impression.

I was ghosted by the Tacoma MB dealer when I negotiated strongly in email, but was treated fine in person. I did encounter a snooty salesguy when browsing at Lexus once, but on a later visit dealt with an eager young guy who virtually wouldn't take no for an answer when it came to taking a test drive (when the current IS debuted, I wanted to look at it), so I indulged him - he just wanted to get out I think. IIRC he was involved with teaching people tech rather than outright selling. From that drive I learned the IS250 was kind of tepid even in F-Sport trim.

sda

I was a little surprised today when I visited the Acura dealer in our very clean, it really does look nice with a good uniform shine, no dents or scrapes, TL, and no one approached me as I was looking at the few CPO TLXs they had on the lot. With the TLX being a logical replacement for the TL I was expecting “what will it take for you to drive home in a TLX today?“ I did enjoy driving the TL, the V6 is a sweet energetic engine.

28firefighter

I, too, feel out of place at MB dealers and I can’t explain why. Well, actually I can. I’ve found the experience to be overly formal with a lot of, what I perceived to be, fake niceness. No one is mean, it’s just awkward.

Audi and BMW I’ve found to be more laid back all around. More car guys seem to be at those dealers, too, and that is definitely more my speed.