Are there any cars you could trim from the fleet? To save on insurance, maintenence, & fund the new car? One or two even? Just an idea.
None that I really want to trim. I'll probably take my DeSoto, Catalina, and LeMans to my grave with me. My '85 Silverado is too useful as a workhorse. And while my uncle has a 1997 I can use, and I have a good friend with a 2005, I have a feeling the '85 is going to outlast them both! The '97 just isn't aging well, and the 2005 is getting run into the ground. So that leaves me with the two New Yorkers, and I'm too attached to those things to cull them from the herd. Even though the blue one gets cranky on me and refuses to start sometimes.
As for funding the new car car though, I figure the most I'd be comfortable splurging for is $6-7K down, and $400 per month. So if I'm just looking at fairly basic Altimas, Accords, or slightly-used cars maxing out in the lower $20K range, I should be okay.
Oh, and I filled up the NYer today. 9.98 mpg. :P It'll hit 18-20 or better on the highway, but my local, short-trip driving kills economy...especially now that the weather's colder.
Now it turns out that my local BMW dealer just took an Anthracite 2000 M5 in trade. The PO was a 75 year old guy who had it maintained by the book at the same dealer- and traded it on a 2010 M3. My Service Advisor checked the records and thinks it's a decent car. A couple of oil lines and control arm bushings are being replaced even as I type. My salesman is going to call me when it's ready to go on sale. More details as they become available.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
just happened to read the artilce in the latest MT magazine about the fusion (COY). Sounds really, really nice. I liked the original (test drove when they frist came out) and the new remodel is supposed to be way nicer. Really sharp looking to, and even highly rated for quality.
If I was to replace my current mid size 4 door with a new one (not happening most likely!), it would be on the short list. I can't stand the new accord whale mobile, and will not touch a camry.
The Malibu I did like the interior, but never drove one. New Legacy is pretty sharp looking too. As is the Mazda 6.
My sister recently got a lower level altima (2.5S I think), cloth, CVT, moonroof and alloys (whatever package that ends up being). Pretty nice, and good performance and reasonable economy, and seems quite large inside.
As for funding the new car car though, I figure the most I'd be comfortable splurging for is $6-7K down, and $400 per month. So if I'm just looking at fairly basic Altimas, Accords, or slightly-used cars maxing out in the lower $20K range, I should be okay.
Depends on the interest rate and how long you want to finance for.
$18K at 3.9% for 48 months is just a skosh over $400 per month - with the down, you've got $24-25K as your OTD price. Should be able to get a well equipped 4-cyl or even a V6 for that kind of money.
For the record, my 1964 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud III has a green 'low fuel light'. It's so bright it will blind you at night! I've never checked the gas mileage (owned it for 11 yrs).... but you can watch the gas gauge move when you're driving it. It has a 6.25 liter V-8 and the car is heavy.
Mark
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
Slab sided isn't always a bad thing, a simple piece of trim can break it up enough. Then again, I like blocky old MB, so maybe I am not the one to ask.
In my eyes...he Azera is inoffensive...but seems kind of invisible. The Genesis coupe is unique and not bad, but the sedan is too BMW-ish.
My MB of similar vintage also has a low fuel light. It's handy, as the gas gauge gets inaccurate when it is under 2/3 ...so I just put gas in it every time I drive it.
Interesting, all these stories about the older cars with low fuel warning lights.
Some years ago, I rented a Sebring convertible while on a business trip to southern California. I was staying in Orange County, south of LA, and one evening I decided to visit my parents, who live north of LA.
On the drive back (around 100 miles, give or take), the fuel gauge got pretty low. I kept waiting for the light to come on, so I could stop and refill the tank. Never happened. On the offramp that would take me to my hotel, I ran out of gas.
What a pain. I was really under the impression that all cars offered some sort of warning. Guess I was wrong.
Andre, where do you really stand regarding the 'Trep? I get the impression that your heart isn't really into finding a replacement.
Do you not want to go through the hassle? Not spend the money?
We've got a classic CCBA situation here and you're killing us by making comments about "well, I submitted an electronic request for a quote on an Accord EX, but they wanted me to 'come on down' ".
Andre, where do you really stand regarding the 'Trep? I get the impression that your heart isn't really into finding a replacement. Do you not want to go through the hassle? Not spend the money?
Those are some really weighty questions for a CCBA! You're getting all philosophical on us, when the point of this board is to buy something (anything!). :P
So, andre does make me wonder whether it'd be more enjoyable to own 2-3 not-new vehicles rather than 1 new one.
you're killing us by making comments about "well, I submitted an electronic request for a quote on an Accord EX, but they wanted me to 'come on down' ".
He's killing me with that stuff too - where does he think he is posting???!!! I would have been driving into the yard with my new car just as the message was coming through that the Intrepid had been totalled.
And I forget if you ever thought about it, andre, but supposedly Chrysler 300s are going for rock bottom money right now. Why not treat yourself? I must admit to the guilty pleasure of having sampled a 300C, and that car is an awesome highway cruiser and very comfortable. And would probably pull the same kind of mpg as your Intrepid did, or close enough anyway. And could be had new or very close to it with $7K down and $400/month in the budget. Or you could get a 3.5L Touring and hang onto $100/month.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Andre, where do you really stand regarding the 'Trep? I get the impression that your heart isn't really into finding a replacement.
Well, I do want to get a new/newer car, but at this point I want to wait until my Intrepid is towed off and that $2,000 is in my hand. Plus, with Christmas coming up, pulling some OT at work, and other odds and ends, I just haven't had time to seriously look, other than online.
As for that Accord EX, I was hoping they'd give me a quote, but instead wanted me to make an appointment to come on it. I guess I picked up a little vibe...kinda like hungry sharks in the water, and here I'm Shelley Winters with a fresh cut, and I just fell off the SS Poseidon!
Plus, I think another problem is that I just don't know what I want. There are too many choices out there, new and used, and I think I'm going into some kind of sensory overload. And the fact that I'm trying to broaden my scope, and consider smaller cars than what I normally go for, is just adding to it.
In the past, I've never really had to search for a car...they just kind of found me. I'd see something that caught my eye, and check it out, and if I liked it and could afford it at the time, I'd buy it. Even back in 1992, when I totaled my '69 Dart, the very next day, I saw a '68 for sale, so that was almost too easy. And that was probably the closest I ever came to NEEDING to find a replacement car, as back then I only had that '69 Dart and the DeSoto. At that time I was living with my grandmother, and she still had Granddad's old truck (which I have now), so she was letting me drive that when I needed to.
I had been planning on going out tomorrow and do some window shopping and tire kicking, but now they're calling for snow...
He's killing me with that stuff too - where does he think he is posting???!!! I would have been driving into the yard with my new car just as the message was coming through that the Intrepid had been totalled.
Update...I just called the claims adjuster, and they're picking my Intrepid up on Monday. So, that will help me to move on, I think.
I have looked at used Chrysler 300's and Dodge Chargers online, but just haven't found one that appeals to me. Well, except for one Charger R/T that I think was at CarMax...can't remember now. Most of the ones I've been finding just have the 2.7, and a car this size really needs at least the 3.5. A Hemi would be nice, though. And while I'm trying to think more economical, it's not like I really pile the miles on anymore. And even one of those SRT-8 models with the 6.1 Hemi would get better economy than the '79 5th Ave I'm driving right now!
Seems like a lot of car for around $19-19.5K. Sure, it's a leftover 2009 versus a new 2010, but with the way I hold onto cars, that probably won't matter much.
FWIW, I think those are pretty good prices for the level of equipment. $25K MSRP for < $19.5K? Alloys and sunroof are nice, but I wonder, given your height, if the sunroof would infringe on headroom.
Are there any major differences between the '09 and '10 models?
I'm also curious about your take on the CVT, should you get a chance to drive it.
Snow? Well, I know in your part of the country, anything over 2" constitutes an emergency. Here in Colorado, we don't get worked up unless we're looking at 8" or more.
I don't think the sunroof would be a problem, as I usually sit with the seat kind of reclined, anyway. Usually legroom ends up being a problem for me before headroom does. And as far as I know, there's no difference between the '09 and '10.
Normally I wouldn't get too worked up over snow...but I just don't want to go test-driving in it!
I am kinda curious to see what the CVT is like. I know I'm not too crazy about the 5-speed automatic in my buddy's Xterra...partly because I can't always feel the shifts, so I'm not always sure of what gear it's in, but also partly because when you need it to downshift, it seems to hesitate until you really stomp it. But that might be simply because I've gotten used to those old 3-speed automatics mated up to torquey V-8's...the kind where if you don't come to a complete stop at a stop sign, it'll just stay in 3rd, and still have enough power to get you back up to cruising speed.
I know there is a big difference between the 4-speed auto in my L300 and the 6-speed auto in the wife's VUE. The transmission in the VUE is so much smoother - plus, it has the autoshift option, which really helps when bad weather hits.
The snow you're supposed to get is probably the same storm we had on Tuesday ... we only got a few inches here, but the temps have been frigid. I don't think it's been above 20 degrees for the last 2-3 days, though we're expecting a heat wave today - 33!
They don't make the Magnums anymore. But you can score one that's a year old with low miles! Better yet if it's the R/T with the 5.7L Hemi. Now that's a cool wagon. andre can haul [non-permissible content removed] and haul his car parts for the rest of his fleet in it. :shades:
You should drive it first. The CVT doesn't bother some people, but when I sold Nissans, I never liked how the tranny worked. Not my thing.
Even worse is that my Jeep Patriot has a CVT and I'm not a big fan of the transmission. Just seems like the car is struggling to gain speed. I don't know, maybe it's the feeling of it. Just try it yourself before you put down a deposit.
Yeah, I wish that system would slow down a bit. I'll be at a football game tomorrow and it's supposed to be a good 10 degrees or more cooler than today!
Andre - you could use your old method when not being able to make up your mind - buy them all! I suppose that works better with $700 cars....
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Now that's a cool wagon. andre can haul [non-permissible content removed] and haul his car parts for the rest of his fleet in it.
The restyled 2008 SRT-8 Magnum is more attractive than its predecessors -in my opinion- and the very low production numbers mean it may be a minor collectible in a dozen or so years:
I wouldnt mind having one myself...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Looks like a great deal, but be SURE to sample that CVT extensively first. I would never own a car with one of those, and I have test driven recent Nissans with the CVT, although not the new Altima. Those CVTs are awful.
And how could you say this??.....I had been planning on going out tomorrow and do some window shopping and tire kicking, but now they're calling for snow...
Dude! Let's get serious! :-P
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I drove a Magnum when they first came out. The dealer I bought my Intrepid from had some promotional thing going on where if you test drove one, you'd get a free barbecue utensil kit. One thing I didn't like about it was the visibility. Looking forward it was a bit better than my Intrepid, as I could at least see the hood, but from the B-pillar back, it was like driving a hearse!
I do like that revised front-end they did for the 2008 models though. I actually like that front-end better than I do the Charger's!
I'm starting to think that the Altima's going to be my final choice though. I talked to my mother today, and she told me that she's friends with the salesman that sold her and my stepdad their 2008 Altima. It was a 2008 4-cyl SL model (leather, alloys, power seat, sunroof, etc) for $24,000, out the door. So I'd guess that would break down to about $22.5K for the car, plus tax/tags/other crap? She said he'd hook me up. (Well, not her exact words, but close enough!)
That is, presuming I like the Altima when I test drive it! I just wish they still offered it in that light green they used to have. If I go new, I'm going to shoot for a midnight blue one.
I agree with you regarding the Magnum .. I really think they look "wicked" (can I say that at my age?), but always wondered about the visibility.
A former co-worker has a light green Altima ... I think it was an '03 or '04, but his has the V6. Nice engine, but I just couldn't get over all the plastic on the interior.
Why, may I ask, are you going with the midnight blue? I think it's a nice color, but I'm always curious as to why some folks are set on one color over another.
You might want to consider the kia optima -- much more car --loaded for about 20k maybe less -- saw one at the dealer and was impressed. 5year/60k warranty.
Why, may I ask, are you going with the midnight blue? I think it's a nice color, but I'm always curious as to why some folks are set on one color over another.
Well, green would be my first choice, but they discontinued it. Blue is my second favorite, so I figured I'd go with that. I'd like a lighter blue, but can deal with midnight. As for grays and silvers, I'm kinda tired of them, as the Intrepid was silver, my Gran Fury was silver, Monte Carlo was 2-tone gray over silver, and the LeSabre was gray. White's kinda generic, but after 17 years of a white Dart, I'm kinda over that, too. And I've had enough cars that are variations of creme/beige/pale yellow ('69 Dart, '67 Catalina, '67 Newport, '79 Newport, '79 5th Ave). And with reds I tend to be a bit picky...just depends on the hue, and the car.
....I went over to the dealer (it's four blocks from my house) and checked out that '85 LeSabre, Andre. I didn't drive it, but save for one flat tire, it looked VERRYY nice inside and out, almost flawless. It had the cushy pillowy velour interior with the horizontal separations between the pillows (like a Park Avenue). I know I wouldn't pay the price on the window for it ($4400) but I imagine it's pretty negotiable, it's been there at least a month. It's a light sage green 4-door Limited.
I'm not super picky about car colors, though if I were buying new, I'd certainly be pickier. With my used cars (all of them), I've been remarkably lucky--never had a car with a terribly offensive color, though I can't say I was crazy about the brown Caprice I had in high school.
One thing I'm not too keen on are beige (or any light color) interiors. I know, given the weather in Chicago, it would end up looking like hell (especially the carpets) within a couple years, unless I wrapped it in plastic and paper.
As for exteriors, I tend to like charcoal grays, they're pretty easy to keep clean. People in Chicago rarely drive white cars, they show dirt and rust too easily; honestly, I rarely see them. Black is super popular here. I like most blues (darker or silver-blue, mostly) and burgandy is nice on certain cars. I'm OK with most greens, too, as long as they're not aqua. Not many of those around now, though.
That beast sounds like a really nice car. Sometimes I still regret getting rid of my grandmother's '85 LeSabre. That light sage green was a nice color, too. Grandma's was a dark gray. I remember originally they looked at a light blue one, but it wouldn't start and that sort of spooked Grandmom, so they ended up with the gray one.
for a brief moment. I did a quick search for problems and it seems that the 4 cylinder engine in the Altima has had some issues. It was enough to scare me away even though the deals were pretty good for the model I was looking at.
I think I have officially decided for the Camry. In Southeast Toyota region they have 0.9% for 60 months or $1000 cash back. Unfortunately, I could not get the color/option combo I wanted in the southeast. So I went to the Cincinatti region and found my color (Blue Ribbon Pearl) with the options (JBL, SE, push button start, moonroof). While they had ZERO models matching this in the whole southeast, the Toyota distribution region named Cincinatti has them laying all over the place. I found one dealer with 3 in Memphis, 1 in Kentucky, 1 in Nashville, and one 100 miles away from me in southeastern Tennessee.
I found the cheapest deal to be Fitzmall. They had a silver Camry optioned this way for $21,500 ($22,250 if you take the special financing of 1.9% for 60 months) but Gee decided he HAD to have the blue. The other thing that sucks is that the Cincinatti region has special rates of 2.9% to purchase but their lease money factor equates to 1.%. If everything goes well tomorrow this will be my new ride...
had some time to kill the other day (waiting for my daughter at the mall) so I wandered by a little local lot that had a blue S60 out front. Turned out to be a 2002 AWD, so no interest.
Did have some interesting stuff. a 2004 3series coupe, on $9999. Might have something to do with the 139K on it... Very sharp though.
also a 1988 (Or 89, not sure) red 325 convertible, 5 speed! Very clean looking for its age, but I couldnt see the tag with miles and price.
a couple of SAABs too, and a jaguar.
hire miles usually, but higher end stuff for a small gravel lot place.
anon: ... but Gee decided he HAD to have the blue.
This is the same guy who won't let you drive the IS or the Prelude? I think you should get whatever color you prefer.
andre: As for grays and silvers, I'm kinda tired of them
When I was shopping back in '02, I was looking primarily at grays and silvers as well. Now, it seems like everyone and their brother - along with my wife and daughter - have a gray or silver car. The VUE is a color called Techno Gray, and the ION is Storm Gray. Makes my L300, which is Pewter, stand out.
rb: I'm going to check out the Anthracite 2000 M5 tomorrow...
Good luck .. this is what you'd be giving up the MS3 for, correct?
stickguy: a 2004 3series coupe, on $9999. Might have something to do with the 139K on it... Very sharp though.
I can never keep it straight what the codes mean on BMWs. I do know them by model years though!
Damn, that 5 speed convert is a 1989 325, only 108K on it, listed for $4,999.
what is fair market for one of these if clean? I does have new Dunlops on it. Might have to call ahead and have them unearth it (it is burried about 3 rows deep).
the coupe is an AT, but looked very nice. amazing what a good detail can do for you. If that was a 4 door (or heavens forbid, a wagon!) I would be having a serious discussion with the local indy BNW guy right about now.
I put 40,000 a year on a BMW!! Bought an 06 CPO in September and already put 10,000 on it. This one will run about $200.00 a month just for maint. But its fun to drive!
OK, I went and test drove the Anthracite 2000 M5 today. Cosmetics weren't bad- a minor curb/scratch on one rear wheel and an odd dent on the roof. It's fitted with Michelin Pilot A/S tires which looked to be about half worn. The interior looked good, and everything worked(excluding the ubiquitous broken cupholders). It looked clean under the hood, but that doesn't mean squat. The trunk looked nice but the tool kit was missing a couple of items. I forgot to check for the M Mobility kit. Almost exactly 91000 miles. The dealer is asking $14950. I'm going to have my service advisor(a CCA member, E36 M3 owner and drivers school junkie) perform a thorough PPI Monday. It sounds like a great deal if the car checks out healthy. We'll see...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Looks nice enough (that is an E30, by the way ... '84-'90). Price is pretty outrageous, though. You sure you want a vert? Heavier and more cramped than the coupe version.
It is all about condition with these cars. You won't find many clean, low mileage 5-spd verts. For our automatic '87 w/112k, I paid $3500 a couple of years back. It had a new top and new tires. Driver's seat is in pretty bad shape and has a couple of nasty dents on the passenger side. But no paint damage and shines up great.
I would think, as far as the vert is concerned, the 5-spd hurts the value. I think it comes down to what you are willing to pay for it. If is perfect, I'd personally have a tough time paying more than $4k for it.
'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
2004 BMW325ci coupe, no sport package (I dont think), black over gray, AT, with those tiny 139,000 miles (on the link I posted above).
Nicelooking,and unless someone used it as a taxi, must be largely highway miles.
I know it is risky (to say the least), but I have no clue what something like this should be worth. They are asking $9,995.
For some reason, newer but high mile cars don't bother me that much, if the price is right. I always felt that time and short hops were harder on a car than lots of longer drives, if the maintenance is taken care of.
If it really checked out I'd offer 60% of asking. The high miler bmw 3's mostly sell under 4k. A few bring 8-9k but the buyers are in the low numbers. Checked sold listings on ebay. Within a year or two it will be worth 3-4k. You can resell at that price range.
Automatic? It's probably approaching the service life of the transmission, if it hasn't been replaced already. I'd have it checked out by an independent mechanic.
I did buy that Camry. It was a good deal at invoice plus 1% interest on the lease. They made some great changes for 2010 and the suspension is as firm as my 2009 Accord but more supple. It is much quieter than my 09 Accord and the new automatic is a 6-speed so it makes good use of the bump in horsepower. On the way home it would happily do 90.
Comments
None that I really want to trim. I'll probably take my DeSoto, Catalina, and LeMans to my grave with me. My '85 Silverado is too useful as a workhorse. And while my uncle has a 1997 I can use, and I have a good friend with a 2005, I have a feeling the '85 is going to outlast them both! The '97 just isn't aging well, and the 2005 is getting run into the ground. So that leaves me with the two New Yorkers, and I'm too attached to those things to cull them from the herd. Even though the blue one gets cranky on me and refuses to start sometimes.
As for funding the new car car though, I figure the most I'd be comfortable splurging for is $6-7K down, and $400 per month. So if I'm just looking at fairly basic Altimas, Accords, or slightly-used cars maxing out in the lower $20K range, I should be okay.
Oh, and I filled up the NYer today. 9.98 mpg. :P It'll hit 18-20 or better on the highway, but my local, short-trip driving kills economy...especially now that the weather's colder.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
If I was to replace my current mid size 4 door with a new one (not happening most likely!), it would be on the short list. I can't stand the new accord whale mobile, and will not touch a camry.
The Malibu I did like the interior, but never drove one. New Legacy is pretty sharp looking too. As is the Mazda 6.
My sister recently got a lower level altima (2.5S I think), cloth, CVT, moonroof and alloys (whatever package that ends up being). Pretty nice, and good performance and reasonable economy, and seems quite large inside.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Depends on the interest rate and how long you want to finance for.
$18K at 3.9% for 48 months is just a skosh over $400 per month - with the down, you've got $24-25K as your OTD price. Should be able to get a well equipped 4-cyl or even a V6 for that kind of money.
Mark
In my eyes...he Azera is inoffensive...but seems kind of invisible. The Genesis coupe is unique and not bad, but the sedan is too BMW-ish.
Some years ago, I rented a Sebring convertible while on a business trip to southern California. I was staying in Orange County, south of LA, and one evening I decided to visit my parents, who live north of LA.
On the drive back (around 100 miles, give or take), the fuel gauge got pretty low. I kept waiting for the light to come on, so I could stop and refill the tank. Never happened. On the offramp that would take me to my hotel, I ran out of gas.
What a pain. I was really under the impression that all cars offered some sort of warning. Guess I was wrong.
Andre, where do you really stand regarding the 'Trep? I get the impression that your heart isn't really into finding a replacement.
Do you not want to go through the hassle?
Not spend the money?
We've got a classic CCBA situation here and you're killing us by making comments about "well, I submitted an electronic request for a quote on an Accord EX, but they wanted me to 'come on down' ".
Do you not want to go through the hassle?
Not spend the money?
Those are some really weighty questions for a CCBA! You're getting all philosophical on us, when the point of this board is to buy something (anything!). :P
So, andre does make me wonder whether it'd be more enjoyable to own 2-3 not-new vehicles rather than 1 new one.
He's killing me with that stuff too - where does he think he is posting???!!! I would have been driving into the yard with my new car just as the message was coming through that the Intrepid had been totalled.
And I forget if you ever thought about it, andre, but supposedly Chrysler 300s are going for rock bottom money right now. Why not treat yourself? I must admit to the guilty pleasure of having sampled a 300C, and that car is an awesome highway cruiser and very comfortable. And would probably pull the same kind of mpg as your Intrepid did, or close enough anyway. And could be had new or very close to it with $7K down and $400/month in the budget. Or you could get a 3.5L Touring and hang onto $100/month.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
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Well, I do want to get a new/newer car, but at this point I want to wait until my Intrepid is towed off and that $2,000 is in my hand. Plus, with Christmas coming up, pulling some OT at work, and other odds and ends, I just haven't had time to seriously look, other than online.
As for that Accord EX, I was hoping they'd give me a quote, but instead wanted me to make an appointment to come on it. I guess I picked up a little vibe...kinda like hungry sharks in the water, and here I'm Shelley Winters with a fresh cut, and I just fell off the SS Poseidon!
Plus, I think another problem is that I just don't know what I want. There are too many choices out there, new and used, and I think I'm going into some kind of sensory overload. And the fact that I'm trying to broaden my scope, and consider smaller cars than what I normally go for, is just adding to it.
In the past, I've never really had to search for a car...they just kind of found me. I'd see something that caught my eye, and check it out, and if I liked it and could afford it at the time, I'd buy it. Even back in 1992, when I totaled my '69 Dart, the very next day, I saw a '68 for sale, so that was almost too easy. And that was probably the closest I ever came to NEEDING to find a replacement car, as back then I only had that '69 Dart and the DeSoto. At that time I was living with my grandmother, and she still had Granddad's old truck (which I have now), so she was letting me drive that when I needed to.
I had been planning on going out tomorrow and do some window shopping and tire kicking, but now they're calling for snow...
Update...I just called the claims adjuster, and they're picking my Intrepid up on Monday. So, that will help me to move on, I think.
I have looked at used Chrysler 300's and Dodge Chargers online, but just haven't found one that appeals to me. Well, except for one Charger R/T that I think was at CarMax...can't remember now. Most of the ones I've been finding just have the 2.7, and a car this size really needs at least the 3.5. A Hemi would be nice, though. And while I'm trying to think more economical, it's not like I really pile the miles on anymore. And even one of those SRT-8 models with the 6.1 Hemi would get better economy than the '79 5th Ave I'm driving right now!
They also have a similar white one.
Seems like a lot of car for around $19-19.5K. Sure, it's a leftover 2009 versus a new 2010, but with the way I hold onto cars, that probably won't matter much.
Are there any major differences between the '09 and '10 models?
I'm also curious about your take on the CVT, should you get a chance to drive it.
Snow? Well, I know in your part of the country, anything over 2" constitutes an emergency. Here in Colorado, we don't get worked up unless we're looking at 8" or more.
Normally I wouldn't get too worked up over snow...but I just don't want to go test-driving in it!
I am kinda curious to see what the CVT is like. I know I'm not too crazy about the 5-speed automatic in my buddy's Xterra...partly because I can't always feel the shifts, so I'm not always sure of what gear it's in, but also partly because when you need it to downshift, it seems to hesitate until you really stomp it. But that might be simply because I've gotten used to those old 3-speed automatics mated up to torquey V-8's...the kind where if you don't come to a complete stop at a stop sign, it'll just stay in 3rd, and still have enough power to get you back up to cruising speed.
I know there is a big difference between the 4-speed auto in my L300 and the 6-speed auto in the wife's VUE. The transmission in the VUE is so much smoother - plus, it has the autoshift option, which really helps when bad weather hits.
The snow you're supposed to get is probably the same storm we had on Tuesday ... we only got a few inches here, but the temps have been frigid. I don't think it's been above 20 degrees for the last 2-3 days, though we're expecting a heat wave today - 33!
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Even worse is that my Jeep Patriot has a CVT and I'm not a big fan of the transmission. Just seems like the car is struggling to gain speed. I don't know, maybe it's the feeling of it. Just try it yourself before you put down a deposit.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Andre - you could use your old method when not being able to make up your mind - buy them all! I suppose that works better with $700 cars....
The restyled 2008 SRT-8 Magnum is more attractive than its predecessors -in my opinion- and the very low production numbers mean it may be a minor collectible in a dozen or so years:
I wouldnt mind having one myself...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Looks like a great deal, but be SURE to sample that CVT extensively first. I would never own a car with one of those, and I have test driven recent Nissans with the CVT, although not the new Altima. Those CVTs are awful.
And how could you say this??.....I had been planning on going out tomorrow and do some window shopping and tire kicking, but now they're calling for snow...
Dude! Let's get serious! :-P
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I do like that revised front-end they did for the 2008 models though. I actually like that front-end better than I do the Charger's!
I'm starting to think that the Altima's going to be my final choice though. I talked to my mother today, and she told me that she's friends with the salesman that sold her and my stepdad their 2008 Altima. It was a 2008 4-cyl SL model (leather, alloys, power seat, sunroof, etc) for $24,000, out the door. So I'd guess that would break down to about $22.5K for the car, plus tax/tags/other crap? She said he'd hook me up. (Well, not her exact words, but close enough!)
That is, presuming I like the Altima when I test drive it! I just wish they still offered it in that light green they used to have. If I go new, I'm going to shoot for a midnight blue one.
A former co-worker has a light green Altima ... I think it was an '03 or '04, but his has the V6. Nice engine, but I just couldn't get over all the plastic on the interior.
Why, may I ask, are you going with the midnight blue? I think it's a nice color, but I'm always curious as to why some folks are set on one color over another.
maybe less -- saw one at the dealer and was impressed. 5year/60k warranty.
Well, green would be my first choice, but they discontinued it. Blue is my second favorite, so I figured I'd go with that. I'd like a lighter blue, but can deal with midnight. As for grays and silvers, I'm kinda tired of them, as the Intrepid was silver, my Gran Fury was silver, Monte Carlo was 2-tone gray over silver, and the LeSabre was gray. White's kinda generic, but after 17 years of a white Dart, I'm kinda over that, too. And I've had enough cars that are variations of creme/beige/pale yellow ('69 Dart, '67 Catalina, '67 Newport, '79 Newport, '79 5th Ave). And with reds I tend to be a bit picky...just depends on the hue, and the car.
One thing I'm not too keen on are beige (or any light color) interiors. I know, given the weather in Chicago, it would end up looking like hell (especially the carpets) within a couple years, unless I wrapped it in plastic and paper.
As for exteriors, I tend to like charcoal grays, they're pretty easy to keep clean. People in Chicago rarely drive white cars, they show dirt and rust too easily; honestly, I rarely see them. Black is super popular here. I like most blues (darker or silver-blue, mostly) and burgandy is nice on certain cars. I'm OK with most greens, too, as long as they're not aqua. Not many of those around now, though.
I think I have officially decided for the Camry. In Southeast Toyota region they have 0.9% for 60 months or $1000 cash back. Unfortunately, I could not get the color/option combo I wanted in the southeast. So I went to the Cincinatti region and found my color (Blue Ribbon Pearl) with the options (JBL, SE, push button start, moonroof). While they had ZERO models matching this in the whole southeast, the Toyota distribution region named Cincinatti has them laying all over the place. I found one dealer with 3 in Memphis, 1 in Kentucky, 1 in Nashville, and one 100 miles away from me in southeastern Tennessee.
I found the cheapest deal to be Fitzmall. They had a silver Camry optioned this way for $21,500 ($22,250 if you take the special financing of 1.9% for 60 months) but Gee decided he HAD to have the blue. The other thing that sucks is that the Cincinatti region has special rates of 2.9% to purchase but their lease money factor equates to 1.%. If everything goes well tomorrow this will be my new ride...
link title
Only thing it needs is tinted windows and a driver!
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
If you say so.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Did have some interesting stuff. a 2004 3series coupe, on $9999. Might have something to do with the 139K on it... Very sharp though.
also a 1988 (Or 89, not sure) red 325 convertible, 5 speed! Very clean looking for its age, but I couldnt see the tag with miles and price.
a couple of SAABs too, and a jaguar.
hire miles usually, but higher end stuff for a small gravel lot place.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
This is the same guy who won't let you drive the IS or the Prelude? I think you should get whatever color you prefer.
andre: As for grays and silvers, I'm kinda tired of them
When I was shopping back in '02, I was looking primarily at grays and silvers as well. Now, it seems like everyone and their brother - along with my wife and daughter - have a gray or silver car. The VUE is a color called Techno Gray, and the ION is Storm Gray. Makes my L300, which is Pewter, stand out.
rb: I'm going to check out the Anthracite 2000 M5 tomorrow...
Good luck .. this is what you'd be giving up the MS3 for, correct?
stickguy: a 2004 3series coupe, on $9999. Might have something to do with the 139K on it... Very sharp though.
Who puts 28K a year on a BMW?
I keep looking for E30s, but not finding the one I would want. Ideally, it would be a 5-spd 2.5 sedan. I keep finding 5-spd 2.7 coupes. :mad:
'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
If you want a convertible, there are tons of them....
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Damn, that 5 speed convert is a 1989 325, only 108K on it, listed for $4,999.
what is fair market for one of these if clean? I does have new Dunlops on it. Might have to call ahead and have them unearth it (it is burried about 3 rows deep).
the coupe is an AT, but looked very nice. amazing what a good detail can do for you. If that was a 4 door (or heavens forbid, a wagon!) I would be having a serious discussion with the local indy BNW guy right about now.
http://cherryhillautosales.net/
Hey, if you need anything driven, let me know. Please! And for the wife, 2 minutes to the cherry hill mall (the new Nordstroms is open!)
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Now I am serious. What would a good price on something like this be, considering it is currently being snowed upon?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
It sounds like a great deal if the car checks out healthy. We'll see...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Price is pretty outrageous, though.
You sure you want a vert? Heavier and more cramped than the coupe version.
It is all about condition with these cars. You won't find many clean, low mileage 5-spd verts. For our automatic '87 w/112k, I paid $3500 a couple of years back. It had a new top and new tires. Driver's seat is in pretty bad shape and has a couple of nasty dents on the passenger side. But no paint damage and shines up great.
I would think, as far as the vert is concerned, the 5-spd hurts the value. I think it comes down to what you are willing to pay for it. If is perfect, I'd personally have a tough time paying more than $4k for it.
'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
Nicelooking,and unless someone used it as a taxi, must be largely highway miles.
I know it is risky (to say the least), but I have no clue what something like this should be worth. They are asking $9,995.
For some reason, newer but high mile cars don't bother me that much, if the price is right. I always felt that time and short hops were harder on a car than lots of longer drives, if the maintenance is taken care of.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Possibly, but I value condition over mileage. This car has a FSH from a BMW dealer that I know and trust.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
E30 convertibles go up to '92..
5-speed coupes are very hard to find... and, if you catch a nice one, they are likely asking twice what it's worth.. (okay, what it's worth to me...)
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