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It doesn't matter if it is warranty or not it is still a problem. The only two groups that do dependability surveys for more then three years are CR and True Delta and neither of them are going to have a large enough sample of Jags to get a good random sample.
The XF is a brand new model on a mostly new platform sure there are going to be issues that doesn't surprise me.
And even the 90 day IQS results will give you an indication of how your car will do if you drive them forever.
Ended up buying from a private party in Grand Rapids, just as far but no big cities to go through.
Took it to the local VW dealer there and it came up clean on a full diagostic and I also have receipts that the previous owner had performed all maintanence. There is one year left on the 4 year warranty.
We did get a pretty good deal. 13,500 for a 2006 with just less than 20K miles, leather, 17" alloy wheels, cd changer, sunroof and heated seats. Edmunds came up with 16.9 for private party so I guess we can deal w/ a couple problems if they happen to surface. It was a few hundred less than the asking price than one at a local used dealer that had 40K and was the stripped down model.
Thanks for all the imput, all!
I know! What kind of weirdness is that??!! The new xD is one strange and undesirable cookie. The old one, I kinda liked....
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Let her drive one :P
That pretty much cured my sister's desire to own a Corolla. My non-automotive sister called me to ask me if "they were all like that." No sway bar in the back and cheap tires makes for not so much highway fun. She got a Mazda3.
And it's not like she hasn't tested other rigs, including a Fit Sport, Prius, Matrix, Versa, Mazda 3, Elantra Touring, and maybe one or two others. The Soul, Forester, Suzuki SX4, CR-V and a few others didn't make the cut to even drive them. VW is about the only hatchback seller we haven't visited.
I keep trying to tell her what she really wants is an STS. :shades:
So the car is cheap to buy, cheap to run, cheap to maintain, reasonably roomy, and she likes it. What's the problem here? Done. Take the money you saved by not buying something actually desirable and get yourself a Santa Cruz Blur w/all XT stuff and hydraulic discs. Oh and if you want to go riding, the bike will fit in her car! Its a win-win.
The Forrester got really big. I dunno if I could do something like that, although our Legacy wagon has been stellar. The Fit reminding me too much of driving an 80s K-car when getting on the highway - it was frightening, although not as much as my MIL's prev-gen Prius. The Matrix/Vibe got ugly this go around, IMHO. My sister has the Mazda3 sedan and a friend has the wagon, and they are both great drivers. I don't have any seat time in the Elantra touring, but my wife had a '87 Excel back in the day and she can't shake that image of Hyundai. As long as you are waiting anyway, the Fiesta and Focus should be here soon, right? How about a previous generation Mazda6 hatch? Or an Outback?
But you guys who trade cars every three months just wouldn't understand. We keep them forever so we try to get something liveable so we won't have to go through this process for another decade.
The Blur is a terrific idea. It's about the same price as the old Miatas I look at now and then, and the TCO is cheaper.
I looked at a 2004 Legacy wagon and and the steering wheel was contacting my legs, despite adjusting the wheel and seat. I've driven the past and current generation WRXs and have absolutely no trouble fitting. That 4 cylinder in that Legacy sounds amazingly like a tractor when you rev it. The interior is no great shakes and the whole thing struck me as crude. I am trying to get out of a 1993 Infiniti G20, and I'll be darned if that Infiniti doesn't drive a whole lot better (granted, it has the Sentra SE-R running gear from when that meant something). Both sets of WRXs were in a different league from that Legacy. The Pontiac Vibe and Chevy Cobalt I've had as rentals were better than that Subaru. I don't get it
But you guys who trade cars every three months just wouldn't understand. We keep them forever so we try to get something liveable so we won't have to go through this process for another decade
I was a CCB for a brief stint as our cars had a way of being, well, dismembered. We had a string of cars getting totalled, being replaced with a true beater (the 190k mile '93 Civic was one), and then getting replaced with something real ('05 Legacy wagon). I no longer really see myself as a CCB'r, although if I don't figure out a way to trade out of the '07 Accord soon, I am going to end up in a retirement community driving a golf cart.
I test drove the xA with my daughter when we were looking at cars for her. I kinda liked it as well, but it didn't really have a lot of get up and go (109HP and an automatic will do that), and, since she drives a lot of highway - 2 hour drive between college and home - the lack of cruise was also an issue.
So she now drives the '06 ION - "Steve" is the cars' name (don't ask).
Sellaturcica, some Subies have a seat height adjustment too. Not sure about the Legacy wagons.
My daughter, like most young women, has an affection for good looking actors. I'm sure Steve is the name of one of those actors, or, possibly, the name of a character played by one.
She has also named her TiVo and iPod accordingly, though I don't know their names.
My wife and I constantly refer to her Ion by its' Christian name, however.
Steve has had, admittedly, a bit of a hard life. First, it got backed into whilst my daughter was watching a movie - it scratched the front bumper and took a small chunk out of the plastic. Cosmetic only.
Then, some yahoo decided it would be a good idea to rip off the passenger side power mirror while the car was parked at college. Fortunately, they didn't damage the wiring, so for the moment, the mirror is taped to the A-pillar. A bit of a patch job, perhaps, but the mirror still works, and she used black tape, so it matches the area where the mirror attaches to the car.
The plan is to repair the mirror (and possibly the front bumper) when she graduates in May. No sense in fixing the car up only to have the possibility of it suffering more damage in the next 7 months.
Still and all, it's been a good little car. She took it to Utah in spring of '08 and it got over 30 MPG on the trip - loaded with 3 people and all their luggage plus navigating the Rockies on I-70.
One of my mirrors is held on with JB Weld....
I'm 5'7"/160. I can fit in anything. Mrs. LilEngineenerBoy is 5'1". The car is a 160 hp AWD manual transmission wagon that gets high 20s to low 30s, and is actually fun to drive. I really enjoy the driving dynamics, especially on some of the winding country roads around here. I am sure it would be an absolute blast in the mountains behind Santa Barbara, but its stuck in the midwest for now. And it does great in the compromised weather related driving conditions we sometimes see in the midwest. Its done everything I've asked of it, including some mild to moderate towing.
I don't think its for everyone...while I consider the ride to be "active and engaging," some might find the ride too harsh for their expectations. Its not maintenance free, there are alot of fluids to drain and fill, and changing the plugs an involved procedure. Oh and the backseat is cramped for passengers once the child seat is back there.
To replace it I have found a 2002 Lexus IS300 5-speed manual with 125k for $6500. Gee has found a 1998 Honda Prelude 5-speed manual with 100k for $4500. We can't decide which one to buy. They both need a bit of maintenance but neither seem to need major repairs. Anyone have an opinion?
My gut says go with the IS300 but $6,500 just seems like too much for that car even if the 5 speeds are rare.
$4,500 seems right for the Prelude though. What trim level is the prelude what equipment?
Does the IS300 have those awesome Alcantara seats? Those IS300s with the upgraded seats are probably the most comfortable seats in any Japanese car I have ever seen.
Neither one is likely to be around in 6 months anyway, so you won't be tying up that much cash.
Or, if you want a less "snide" response, what do you plan to do with it? If you ever have need of a car seast, then for sure, get the Lexus.
If it is just a toy for Gee, get theprelude, since you already have an IS.
I know I lost track, but what the heck do you still own? The newer IS250 6 speed, and what else that you are driving? Just your demo?
If it were me, i would get the Lexus. Still small and "sporty", but has RWD and the convenience of 4 doors and a habitable back seat.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The IS300 was kind of rare. I never particularly cared for it, especially the instrument cluster, but that is just opinion and if you like it and its a good match, then I think that would be nice too. I think the "drifter wanna-be" market will eventually embrace the IS as it was RWD.
So I'm going to try to take my time and find something ... interesting? Well, I'll TRY!
'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
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
JRL is a real nice guy. Not sure why folks complain about him so much. Too honest, I guess. Oh, and what an incredible house and garage! Anyway, the '98 V70 was there. Wasn't anything to write home about. I was actually much more tempted by the gorgeous black '01 S60 T5 5-spd he still has sitting there ... and only for $1k more than the V70. But, unfortunately, $5500 is out of my budget.
'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 liked the black S60 from the ad. Thought that one sold though. I really don't need another sedan, but I could probably "justify" a wagon.
If it is that nice, at this point, what's another garnd? At least you know it needs absolutely nothing, and anything you buy in the 3-4K range probably will.
I have actually been toodling around in my "spare" TL the last couple of days. Surprisingly nice driving cr for 149K. Could easily pass for half that (the interior could pass for 1 YO). My wife took it to work the other day when I needed the van, and was saying how nice it handled. SHould be really nice if I ever put new struts and tires on it!
my plan to sell the accord and use this as my DD until next may might not be so bad after all...
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I'm hunting on the computer. The Honda folks claim that at 60K the Ody needs like $1,400 in miscellaneous work that doesn't include the 60K service that they did. Going to take it to my local guy. If he agrees I may think about something else. Or I make bite the bullet....If something else it will be a wagon. I've officially had it with vans.
What the heck does it need at 60K? Our '05 is at about 53K now, and I sure as heck ain't putting that much into it next spring!
It will get the usual oil change, a 2nd tranny fulid change, and probably a air filter. COolant might be due too, but that is all simple stuff.
Oh, brake fluid too, but that happens when the brakes get done.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
for the couple times a yar I need the extra room, I will fake it.
Something along the lines of Qs new Mazda would work.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Let's see... change brake fluid, coolant drive belts glazing(!)... and I think a control arm. This was a CPO that they skimped on the inspecting and repairing. They had caught me on a bad day. I'd have spotted that it had a rougher first life that I'd have tolerated if I'd been more alert. Oh, well. Live and learn.
The IS does have the alcantara seats and they are awesome. The only downside is that it's a bit small and miles are a bit higher than I would like. On the other side, it tracks down the road great, that 3.0L inline 6 is just a hair shy of BMW-land, the car still feels solid, and it's an old Toyota/Lexus so Gee should be able to fix whatever minor issues it has.
The Prelude is just a base Prelude with the 5-speed manual. It has aftermarket springs and an AEM cold-air intake.
Gee's preference is the Prelude. My preference would be the IS. Gee's REAL preference is to buy both. If I make him pick, he would choose the Prelude because it's more rare due to the condition and relatively low miles for the year.
Such a conundrum ... my heart wants a 2000-2001 GS300 Platinum Edition ... so I'm thinking why buy the IS if I really want the GS. Or a BMW325 .... a 2004 would be just fine with the manual and sport package. I need counselling.
So I ordered the parts from H&A (although I've used Majestic Honda a lot too) and it was $65 including my "Honda Leather Manual Transmission Shift Knob," which I am certain makes the car much more powerful.
Changing the fluid/bleeding the brakes was a 25 minute job using a MityVac tool from Harbor Freight ($20). Tire rotation was done at the same time for obvious reasons. Did the filters and the O/C in about 45 minutes. I would say the parts/tools cost was about $100 including said shift knob, and about 90 minutes.
I did the control arms on the '93 Accord, they are easy peasy. Its 3 bolts and a tool you can borrow from Murrays/Kragen/O'rilieys. You have to separate the ball joint from the upright (which is why you need the "front end tool kit" - there is a separator thing in there that makes it super easy). It took less than an hour for me (including putting the car up in the air) and I am a moron :P (did I just put that in writing???).
Eh, I would pass. Aftermarket springs require firmer shocks, or they just totally blow out the stock or stock replacement ones. Koni or Bilstiens are usually needed with the aftermarket springs...or Tokiko Illuminas, but the base Tokikos/KYB GR-2 stock type shocks can't deal with the higher spring rates. You end up with a rough riding pogo stick.
Go find a GS...its a Supra sedan with the same 6 or a strong V8. I am not really a Lexus fan per se, but I think the GS is one of their stronger offerings. The E46 3-series is pretty easy to find also, there are just a few maintenance items that can sneak up on you.
I called JRL after leaving keystone and chatted a bit more (he likes to talk, that's for sure). Even he said I should be looking private party. That he's a dealer, after all, and needs to make a profit.
Honestly, I'm still thinking Sentra. Wife says I'll hate it in 6 months, but I think I could go 9. ;b
An '00-'02 I could get for $3k'ish.
There's also a '93 Altima 5-spd with 99k miles on Craigs for $1750. Claimed to be a in great shape with all maintenance up to date. Might be worth a look. Won't be as sporty as the Sentra, though.
'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
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
The 90s were pretty dark times for the Altima. A Sentra/Infiniti with an SR20 and the limited slip is going to to be a lot more fun.
Either it has a clutch pedal or it doesn't. If you don't need one, then that's fine, but when the car can shift for you, use adaptive cruise control to drive in traffic for you, and use lane keeping to steer for you, why are you there?
'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
Well, don't knock it until you've tried it. I was prepared to dismiss the DCT as well. In any case, a car that can serve as my HPDE instructor car and still be docile enough for my wife to drive is a compelling choice in my opinion. Affordability is the only problem...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Eh, don't we all! I'm no genius, but if you want a used GS, & already have an IS, then why not buy a GS (??). Of course, a lot of it is about "opportunity" with used cars, so maybe focus on used e46's, & GS's, buy whichever you find that's really nice & a good deal.
Our time is up now, that'll be $90 pls......
A dual function, compromise tool is always a dual function, compromise tool. The question is are you okay with the compromise? You don't need a stick for an HDPE car, you could use an automatic Corvette or even a Camaro and be plenty fast and "in the right place," but how does that change the experience?
In the case of the M3 DCT I honestly don't think that there is much compromise involved. My only real gripe concerns the car's excessive weight- but that's a complaint that you can level at almost any modern car, sad to say.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
http://southjersey.craigslist.org/ctd/1411354164.html
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Just a little anecdotal evidence...
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2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX