not sure what my son is doing with his G70. Quote is good through tomorrow. He did say the Turbo blue S4 he was obsessed with apparently sold. I asked if he was looking at other cars today and he said no, they were going to visit friends. So maybe he lets the deal pass. Will find out tomorrow.
Chatting with the wife on the way home. In summary, she said she doesn’t want anything larger than CRV size. So I asked why then she has dismissed the XC40. She said she’ll have to take another look at it. Mind you, she has test driven none of these vehicles we’ve discussed. On the XT5, she said “that is huge!” No, hun, you saw an XT6. The XT5 is what became of the SRX. “Oh. I liked the SRX. But the pillar was kind of a blind spit.” I had to explain that, no, it is SRX size but totally different design now. But, after her claim on the CRV size, maybe she’d prefer an XT4 after all. I’d much rather the XC40, of course.
'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
not for the official count, but just found out that my family has a punch. My son played possum, but just sent a picture of his new car in the driveway. Apparently early in the week when he was doing test drives he nailed down a deal on an Audi, and the Albany dealer traded for the car that is down by us (4 hours away). They move quick since it was only a few days. So far, he loves it (the Genesis is a distant memory). A splurge, but getting $2,000 from Carmax helps offset the extra. I get to try it out in a few weeks when I see him.
Turbo blue S4 premium plus with black optic (and some other stuff). Not this car, but just like it.
not for the official count, but just found out that my family has a punch. My son played possum, but just sent a picture of his new car in the driveway. Apparently early in the week when he was doing test drives he nailed down a deal on an Audi, and the Albany dealer traded for the car that is down by us (4 hours away). They move quick since it was only a few days. So far, he loves it (the Genesis is a distant memory). A splurge, but getting $2,000 from Carmax helps offset the extra. I get to try it out in a few weeks when I see him.
Turbo blue S4 premium plus with black optic (and some other stuff). Not this car, but just like it.
I’ve been doing a bit of poking around. I think it is a good time to look to dump the Pilot. It seems the Highlander (since 2020) has more rear cargo room (behind the 3rd row) than our Pilot and almost equal 3rd row passenger room. If Vroom comes through, I will have a tremendous amount of positive equity (more than the $10,500 I put down on it 3+ years ago). I think after this month, inventory is going to start to thin out. I might even go for the Hybrid since I think it will actually lease the same or cheaper than the comparable gas model. Local inventory seems to be decent. I know which dealers my broker in MA works with. I think either he (or the dealership) has sold a lot of gas & Hybrid Highlanders over the past week-ish or so.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
@graphicguy - nice write up on your Tesla experience. I felt the same way about the touchscreen until I spent a few days with @jpp75’s Model 3.
I made a conscious effort to get to know the controls and once I did, I felt much more comfortable with it and even appreciated it in many ways.
That’s what led me to going forward with ordering the Model Y.
Of course, I haven’t taken delivery of the Tesla after all. But that’s more to do with being more drawn toward other EVs from an overall styling standpoint.
Agreed. It is a familiarity thing. Remember how people were first freaked out about iDrive?
@nyccarguy - sounds like a plan! Given the comments on interior space, definitely check out the Highlander in person to make sure it will work. I think the new hybrid has the four cylinder--might feel weaker than the traditional V6.
speaking of hybrids, local Hyundai dealer sent out a specials Email today. Pushing hybrid. Kona and Ioniq mostly (full EV and plug in), and a Sonata blue. Mostly between $199-$219/mo, zero down sign and drive. So pretty strong deals. If I did need to add a 2nd car right now, and just wanted something cheap primarily for around town (and didn't need something super functional like a PU) I would go take a serious look at one of them.
We use the Ford Transit and Chevy Express vans at work with three of us in each, social distancing. It started out with four folks per van but corporate changed that within a few weeks. Hands down, all us drivers prefer the Ford Transit and since there's like 4 Ford's and 2 Chevy's, the last two lead drivers to sign in always get them. We've all let the big guy know that we all prefer the Ford vans but he still keeps a couple Chevy's in the mix for some reason. 90% of the drivers are senior retiree's and have all gotten our vaccines but they still refuse to put more of us in each van. Hopefully by the end of the summer they'll put at least six drivers plus the lead in each. But now, since there's almost no vehicles to move, it works. On Friday for the second one in a row, we ended the day early since there was nothing available to move. Whomever had vehicles to rent were keeping them. We're not happy about this situation but until the chip problem can be fixed, we're not getting any new vehicles for our fleet. And seems like all the rental companies are feeling the pinch here and are keeping vehicles in their fleets with higher mileage. Have noticed the same problem at the new car dealers as their inventories are shrinking and to compensate, they're positioning the available vehicles a little farther apart to make it seem like they still have the same amount of sellable units. Got a feeling because of this issue, it's also making the prices for used vehicles go up accordingly. This one chip problem is affecting all car sales and rental prices at the same time.
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
@graphicguy - nice write up on your Tesla experience. I felt the same way about the touchscreen until I spent a few days with @jpp75’s Model 3.
I made a conscious effort to get to know the controls and once I did, I felt much more comfortable with it and even appreciated it in many ways.
That’s what led me to going forward with ordering the Model Y.
Of course, I haven’t taken delivery of the Tesla after all. But that’s more to do with being more drawn toward other EVs from an overall styling standpoint.
Agreed. It is a familiarity thing. Remember how people were first freaked out about iDrive?
In fairness, first Gen iDrive was/is horrendous. Don’t undersell the Tesla like that...
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
Was going to stop by the Honda store to test the 2019 HR-V on Friday since we got off work early but decided against it. My one friend said I won't like it and I just should wait till the new VW GTI and Taos hit the market. After some thought, I had to agree with him but might just go over and give it a try on Monday morning. Have never driven an HR-V but have always liked their look. The size is dead on for my needs, 170.2", and the 2019 they have in stock has low miles, just over 8K and the asking price right now is $20,190. It's an EX model with cloth interior, grey over grey, a combo I could live with. The only issue is the lone volume knob for the audio system...no tuning knob which I'm not a fan of. One either has to use the touch screen or use the steering wheel controller. Using the touch screen will just mean it'll show the greasy finger marks which I know will drive me crazy. And since I'm a station changer, I blame that on my youth of having multiple radio stations to listen to, I change pretty often while listening to Sirius/XM in the Golf. Being a Baby Boomer, I go between a number of stations. Which are: 5, 6, 7, 8,17,18, 26, 49, 50, 54 and 311. Use the steering wheel buttons on the Golf to do this and since I keep the stations in numerical order, I never need to take my eyes off the road to listen. So guess I could get used to not having a tuning knob in the H-V after all. So, come Monday morning, we shall see how things play out. Who knows, I might really hate it and then at least, I'll know. The worst that could happen is that I do like it but then, will need to decide if I still like the Golf more. And if not, a trip to CarMax will be needed to get a realistic trade price for it. I guess I just want to go drive one to see if it could work. Having a newer vehicle with some warranty left and that low mileage would be nice right now. But makes no sense if I don't really love it so have low expectations going forward so I won't be disappointed if it does indeed not drive and feel better than what's in my garage currently. Just feel the need to try something different right now without the pressure of really needing to make a change here. And with a decent trade number, it certainly is affordable going forward.
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Being a Baby Boomer, I go between a number of stations. Which are: 5, 6, 7, 8,17,18, 26, 49, 50, 54 and 311.
The first 10 might work as lottery numbers! I'm not sure you'll be happy with the HR-V. The CR-V seems to be a lot more car for not much more money, when similarly equipped, although I'd definitely get the turbo on the CR-V.
Facebook ads... You can have your choice of a five year old Tacoma Limited with 86k miles for $29,500 or a five year old Tacoma TRD Sport with 94k miles for $29,995... Why not buy or lease new?
Being a Baby Boomer, I go between a number of stations. Which are: 5, 6, 7, 8,17,18, 26, 49, 50, 54 and 311.
Lot of crossover to this Gen-Xer... my main set of presets are 7, 17, 32, 33, 49, and 50... and my 2nd bank includes 8, 25, 26, and 34. There's some other place holder and I leave one open for whenever they spin up the Billy Joel Channel.
That’s great news but I believe I’d be having a rather pointed conversation with my mechanic.
I'd want to have an even more pointed conversation with whomever checks the oil level every fuel fill up or two. But that's just me -- judgy and all.
That's me. That's also my complete blind faith in modern engineering & technology. Checking the oil is a habit I have to get back into. You are correct. If I had been checking the oil with any regularity, I would have noticed the consumption or if the mechanic didn't change it in the 1st place.
I'm puzzled that the "low oil" idiot light never came on.
I think that’s a pressure monitor not a volume monitor but yeah, you’d think with all this tech it would do that too.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
We use the Ford Transit and Chevy Express vans at work with three of us in each, social distancing. It started out with four folks per van but corporate changed that within a few weeks. Hands down, all us drivers prefer the Ford Transit and since there's like 4 Ford's and 2 Chevy's, the last two lead drivers to sign in always get them. We've all let the big guy know that we all prefer the Ford vans but he still keeps a couple Chevy's in the mix for some reason. 90% of the drivers are senior retiree's and have all gotten our vaccines but they still refuse to put more of us in each van. Hopefully by the end of the summer they'll put at least six drivers plus the lead in each. But now, since there's almost no vehicles to move, it works. On Friday for the second one in a row, we ended the day early since there was nothing available to move. Whomever had vehicles to rent were keeping them. We're not happy about this situation but until the chip problem can be fixed, we're not getting any new vehicles for our fleet. And seems like all the rental companies are feeling the pinch here and are keeping vehicles in their fleets with higher mileage. Have noticed the same problem at the new car dealers as their inventories are shrinking and to compensate, they're positioning the available vehicles a little farther apart to make it seem like they still have the same amount of sellable units. Got a feeling because of this issue, it's also making the prices for used vehicles go up accordingly. This one chip problem is affecting all car sales and rental prices at the same time.
They took the Transits away from us up here too and stuck us with the Chevys. The ride in those gets progressively worse as you move towards the back. 4 packs for those and 3 packs for the Pacificas.
Last week the boss announced that since we all had our shots we could move our 4 pack into the mini van but only if we signed affidavits attesting to mask wearing and prevention protocols. Kind of silly but we would have signed anything to get out of those cargo vans.
I think companies are forced to “walk the walk” in order to protect against the covid lawsuits which are sure to be coming .
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I’ve been doing a bit of poking around. I think it is a good time to look to dump the Pilot. It seems the Highlander (since 2020) has more rear cargo room (behind the 3rd row) than our Pilot and almost equal 3rd row passenger room. If Vroom comes through, I will have a tremendous amount of positive equity (more than the $10,500 I put down on it 3+ years ago). I think after this month, inventory is going to start to thin out. I might even go for the Hybrid since I think it will actually lease the same or cheaper than the comparable gas model. Local inventory seems to be decent. I know which dealers my broker in MA works with. I think either he (or the dealership) has sold a lot of gas & Hybrid Highlanders over the past week-ish or so.
I think it’s a smart move. The Highlander is a nice SUV and plenty big. If my wife didn’t have some sort of hatred toward Toyota I would have seriously looked at one.
On a side note my buddy’s wife totaled (and I mean totaled) a brand new one and she and the three kids walked away without a scratch.
Highlander is quite a bit smaller in overall passenger room and 3rd row space than a Pilot. 3rd row Hip room is about the same in both(an inch bigger in Highlander), but Pilot has more head/leg/shoulder room by several inches.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
Was going to stop by the Honda store to test the 2019 HR-V on Friday since we got off work early but decided against it. My one friend said I won't like it and I just should wait till the new VW GTI and Taos hit the market. After some thought, I had to agree with him but might just go over and give it a try on Monday morning. Have never driven an HR-V but have always liked their look. The size is dead on for my needs, 170.2", and the 2019 they have in stock has low miles, just over 8K and the asking price right now is $20,190. It's an EX model with cloth interior, grey over grey, a combo I could live with. The only issue is the lone volume knob for the audio system...no tuning knob which I'm not a fan of. One either has to use the touch screen or use the steering wheel controller. Using the touch screen will just mean it'll show the greasy finger marks which I know will drive me crazy. And since I'm a station changer, I blame that on my youth of having multiple radio stations to listen to, I change pretty often while listening to Sirius/XM in the Golf. Being a Baby Boomer, I go between a number of stations. Which are: 5, 6, 7, 8,17,18, 26, 49, 50, 54 and 311. Use the steering wheel buttons on the Golf to do this and since I keep the stations in numerical order, I never need to take my eyes off the road to listen. So guess I could get used to not having a tuning knob in the H-V after all. So, come Monday morning, we shall see how things play out. Who knows, I might really hate it and then at least, I'll know. The worst that could happen is that I do like it but then, will need to decide if I still like the Golf more. And if not, a trip to CarMax will be needed to get a realistic trade price for it. I guess I just want to go drive one to see if it could work. Having a newer vehicle with some warranty left and that low mileage would be nice right now. But makes no sense if I don't really love it so have low expectations going forward so I won't be disappointed if it does indeed not drive and feel better than what's in my garage currently. Just feel the need to try something different right now without the pressure of really needing to make a change here. And with a decent trade number, it certainly is affordable going forward.
I think you will find the seats a bit hard, not supportive like those in the Golf. In addition you will find the CVT behavior more pronounced as the HRV could use more power though it is adequate. The audio will be fair. They hold up well and don’t depreciate like a VW, unless you have a GTI.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
@stickguy ....congrats to your son. That is VERY nice...I like the color, too.
CarMax had to see my Stinger before giving me a bid. CARVANA did not. So, perhaps that explains the rather large delta in bid offers between the two. Plus, with CarMax I got to put my “sales” hat on and point out some things that the assessor may have missed (like remote start). I would imagine having the actual car to be inspected works for or against the seller. If the car is in good shape, it works for the seller. If it’s a dog....well.....don’t expect much.
I’ve been doing a bit of poking around. I think it is a good time to look to dump the Pilot. It seems the Highlander (since 2020) has more rear cargo room (behind the 3rd row) than our Pilot and almost equal 3rd row passenger room. If Vroom comes through, I will have a tremendous amount of positive equity (more than the $10,500 I put down on it 3+ years ago). I think after this month, inventory is going to start to thin out. I might even go for the Hybrid since I think it will actually lease the same or cheaper than the comparable gas model. Local inventory seems to be decent. I know which dealers my broker in MA works with. I think either he (or the dealership) has sold a lot of gas & Hybrid Highlanders over the past week-ish or so.
I’ve been doing a bit of poking around. I think it is a good time to look to dump the Pilot. It seems the Highlander (since 2020) has more rear cargo room (behind the 3rd row) than our Pilot and almost equal 3rd row passenger room. If Vroom comes through, I will have a tremendous amount of positive equity (more than the $10,500 I put down on it 3+ years ago). I think after this month, inventory is going to start to thin out. I might even go for the Hybrid since I think it will actually lease the same or cheaper than the comparable gas model. Local inventory seems to be decent. I know which dealers my broker in MA works with. I think either he (or the dealership) has sold a lot of gas & Hybrid Highlanders over the past week-ish or so.
Not a bad idea. The mystery oil consumption would bother me and also wondering if any damage was done while running low on oil.
Highlander would be a nice choice as would the Palisade. The latter is really sharp looking though my research showed they did not lease well at all. The Highlander leased really well though.
No shortage of choices though...Atlas might be worth a look too. Have to be a V6 model for me. I can’t imagine the 4 being enough to move that around well.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
Got an invoice from US Bank for the Tundra's property tax bill--I guess they pay it and I reimburse them? $545 and change. The most I've ever paid on any vehicle, but it's also the most valuable vehicle I've ever had.
Is your birth month and registration due?
It was, last month. Weirdly, the sticker on my license plate says it's good through November.
USBank typically has all of their registrations expire in November (at least in KY). Can you tell if that is the 2020 bill or the 2021 bill?
I don't remember when you leased the Tundra. 2019 or 2020?
If it was 2019, did you pay property tax when you renewed the registration, this past November? If not, then it's likely that US Bank paid it, and is now seeking re-imbursement.
In my case, they always forwarded the billing notice to me, and I paid it upon renewal.
First, I had to make up my mind whether I really wanted a wagon/suv type vehicle. I don’t haul enough cargo or people for a wagon/suv to be of much use. So, as nice as the Volvo XC40 and as interesting as the Ford Bronco Sport were, they’re off the list. As an aside, went back to the Ford store yesterday to make sure I was no longer interested in the Bronco Sport. Brought my lightning cable with me to listen to the B&O stereo. B&O should be ashamed of themselves putting their stamp on the Bronco’s stereo. Perhaps because of the Bronco’s design, B&O couldn’t acoustically do what they needed to do. But, for a premium stereo manufacturer, it’s an embarrassment in the Bronco.
The Supra....really fun car. Not a daily driver. If I had/wanted another vehicle to use in addition to the Supra, I’d be very serious about it, especially on some of the deals I’m seeing with them. Perhaps if I lived in So Cal or FL, it would work better, too. But, I don’t. So, that’s off my list.
Teslas.....I totally get their appeal. They’ve hit the button in the electric space. Plus, they’ve been in the space for so long, they have a pretty good handle on how and what their vehicles should and can do. Styling? I just can’t like it. Nothing against those who do, but every time I see one, I am underwhelmed vs other thoughts like “handsome” or “good looking”. I’m just not there yet on EVs. I do find them fascinating and would probably never worry about range anxiety. That said, charging stations in OH aren’t nearly as plentiful as they are in someplace like California. So, at least for now, I’m not a customer. But, that’s the direction the industry is going, so if I live long enough, I’ll have an EV gracing the GG estate sooner rather than later.
For grins, I also drove a Honda Accord Touring yesterday. Honda just continues to make good cars that are just sporty enough to be interesting. I know it competes with the likes of the Camry, Malibu, Sonata, etc. But, having driven most of its competition in one form or another, it’s easy to see why it’s so well liked. It’s quick. It’s comfy. It handles on the good-ish area for a family car. Just a nice overall vehicle. Styling? I’m ambivalent.
Re-tested both the 330i and 340i. I like both. 340i was knocking at the $60K door. That’s off the table. 330i...fun drive. It’s been a while since I had my last BMW, and they’ve changed pretty dramatically. Quick, handled well, dealer didn’t have any colors that excited me. And, for reasons I can’t quite put my fingers on, I wasn’t excited test driving it. Yes, it had the Whiz-Bang digital dash that’s popular these days. The ones I drove did not have the sports seats, so not good-not bad, pretty mediocre. Again, handled well, braked well, was plenty fast.
But.......
Test drove the TLX A-Spec yesterday. Acuras have always “floated my boat”. I like the way they look. I like their tech. I like the way they drive. I like they’re not expensive to maintain. The key, is the Type-S worth waiting for? Plus, will it be over the $50K limit I’ve set? Said it before, but it is likely to be very close to the driving dynamics of the Stinger GT, which I just sold.
So, is the new TLX an Accord clone? They feel like two different cars. The new TLX is much more polished. They’ve done wonders with the new SH-AWD system. It rotates in corners and sweepers like it has no limits. I would imagine once you hit those limits, things will get really hairy, really quickly, though. LOVE the way it handles. It’s not as fast as the Stinger....not even close. But, it is quick. Butt-o-meter says high 5s-low 6s 0-60. That’s not @roadburner fast. But, good for just about anything I want. Seats were just wonderful. Supportive, but not rock hard. They upgraded just about everything in the car. Materials are much better. They were always top of class in build quality. The new one’s no different.
I thought the ELS stereo in my old TLX was wonderful, the one in the new TLX (ELS 3D) is fantastic....once again, the best stereo I’ve heard in any car, at any price. Brakes are strong and linear.
You’d never know they’re brake by wire.
See where this is headed?
Would the S-Type make me regret not waiting? Given I just sold the Stinger, I doubt it. I’ve worked with the Acura dealer enough (and the same GM, SM and sales person) through the years, the deal is easy. It’s the same deal I always make.....quick, simple, they sell a car, I buy a car, no one gets hurt. No one goes home thinking they got the shaft. It’s a good deal.
Facebook ads... You can have your choice of a five year old Tacoma Limited with 86k miles for $29,500 or a five year old Tacoma TRD Sport with 94k miles for $29,995... Why not buy or lease new?
100% agree
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
good choice. I tried to push my kid to look at one (good lease deals) but he never did, and would have held out for the S type anyway. Oh well, his money!
What color combo? Still no blue I don't think. But you can get the bright red interior still!
First, I had to make up my mind whether I really wanted a wagon/suv type vehicle. I don’t haul enough cargo or people for a wagon/suv to be of much use. So, as nice as the Volvo XC40 and as interesting as the Ford Bronco Sport were, they’re off the list. As an aside, went back to the Ford store yesterday to make sure I was no longer interested in the Bronco Sport. Brought my lightning cable with me to listen to the B&O stereo. B&O should be ashamed of themselves putting their stamp on the Bronco’s stereo. Perhaps because of the Bronco’s design, B&O couldn’t acoustically do what they needed to do. But, for a premium stereo manufacturer, it’s an embarrassment in the Bronco.
The Supra....really fun car. Not a daily driver. If I had/wanted another vehicle to use in addition to the Supra, I’d be very serious about it, especially on some of the deals I’m seeing with them. Perhaps if I lived in So Cal or FL, it would work better, too. But, I don’t. So, that’s off my list.
Teslas.....I totally get their appeal. They’ve hit the button in the electric space. Plus, they’ve been in the space for so long, they have a pretty good handle on how and what their vehicles should and can do. Styling? I just can’t like it. Nothing against those who do, but every time I see one, I am underwhelmed vs other thoughts like “handsome” or “good looking”. I’m just not there yet on EVs. I do find them fascinating and would probably never worry about range anxiety. That said, charging stations in OH aren’t nearly as plentiful as they are in someplace like California. So, at least for now, I’m not a customer. But, that’s the direction the industry is going, so if I live long enough, I’ll have an EV gracing the GG estate sooner rather than later.
For grins, I also drove a Honda Accord Touring yesterday. Honda just continues to make good cars that are just sporty enough to be interesting. I know it competes with the likes of the Camry, Malibu, Sonata, etc. But, having driven most of its competition in one form or another, it’s easy to see why it’s so well liked. It’s quick. It’s comfy. It handles on the good-ish area for a family car. Just a nice overall vehicle. Styling? I’m ambivalent.
Re-tested both the 330i and 340i. I like both. 340i was knocking at the $60K door. That’s off the table. 330i...fun drive. It’s been a while since I had my last BMW, and they’ve changed pretty dramatically. Quick, handled well, dealer didn’t have any colors that excited me. And, for reasons I can’t quite put my fingers on, I wasn’t excited test driving it. Yes, it had the Whiz-Bang digital dash that’s popular these days. The ones I drove did not have the sports seats, so not good-not bad, pretty mediocre. Again, handled well, braked well, was plenty fast.
But.......
Test drove the TLX A-Spec yesterday. Acuras have always “floated my boat”. I like the way they look. I like their tech. I like the way they drive. I like they’re not expensive to maintain. The key, is the Type-S worth waiting for? Plus, will it be over the $50K limit I’ve set? Said it before, but it is likely to be very close to the driving dynamics of the Stinger GT, which I just sold.
So, is the new TLX an Accord clone? They feel like two different cars. The new TLX is much more polished. They’ve done wonders with the new SH-AWD system. It rotates in corners and sweepers like it has no limits. I would imagine once you hit those limits, things will get really hairy, really quickly, though. LOVE the way it handles. It’s not as fast as the Stinger....not even close. But, it is quick. Butt-o-meter says high 5s-low 6s 0-60. That’s not @roadburner fast. But, good for just about anything I want. Seats were just wonderful. Supportive, but not rock hard. They upgraded just about everything in the car. Materials are much better. They were always top of class in build quality. The new one’s no different.
I thought the ELS stereo in my old TLX was wonderful, the one in the new TLX (ELS 3D) is fantastic....once again, the best stereo I’ve heard in any car, at any price. Brakes are strong and linear.
You’d never know they’re brake by wire.
See where this is headed?
Would the S-Type make me regret not waiting? Given I just sold the Stinger, I doubt it. I’ve worked with the Acura dealer enough (and the same GM, SM and sales person) through the years, the deal is easy. It’s the same deal I always make.....quick, simple, they sell a car, I buy a car, no one gets hurt. No one goes home thinking they got the shaft. It’s a good deal.
I bought it.
Pics to follow!
Well, that long winded diatribe was cathartic!
Congratulations! And somehow I thought this is where you would end up
Enjoy and post pics soon!
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
@graphicguy - congrats! Sounds like a great choice and a well thought out decision. I love the look of the new TLX, inside and out. Just enough on the outside to make it that much sharper, and that interior is pretty awesome, IMO.
The Type S should be pretty amazing, but no doubt it’d break that $50k barrier. Just adding SH-AWD to the 4 cylinder sort of transforms it, I would think. Not so much a “base” model anymore.
@stickguy - quite the coincidence...I rented a Uhaul Cargo Van yesterday as we moved my stepdaughter into her first real apartment in downtown Denver. Process was smooth.
My brother, who has always paid cash for cars, is about to start shopping again. Like everyone else, he wants a Tacoma, although he's not obsessed with 4WD. He accepts his ~17K or so will buy a 10 or more year old rig with maybe 150K miles on it. It's a wacky world out there.
Facebook ads... You can have your choice of a five year old Tacoma Limited with 86k miles for $29,500 or a five year old Tacoma TRD Sport with 94k miles for $29,995... Why not buy or lease new?
@nyccarguy - sounds like a good approach to me on replacing the Pilot. Take advantage of the inflated prices on the used car market and buy or lease new. While rebates may not be plentiful, it still seems to me that new car pricing isn’t nearly as inflated as the used market. I don’t see the dealers actually marking up new cars, and rebates usually aren’t very significant anyway on something like a Toyota Highlander.
And FWIW, I really like this current Highlander. It’s sharp looking.
Got an invoice from US Bank for the Tundra's property tax bill--I guess they pay it and I reimburse them? $545 and change. The most I've ever paid on any vehicle, but it's also the most valuable vehicle I've ever had.
Is your birth month and registration due?
It was, last month. Weirdly, the sticker on my license plate says it's good through November.
USBank typically has all of their registrations expire in November (at least in KY). Can you tell if that is the 2020 bill or the 2021 bill?
I don't remember when you leased the Tundra. 2019 or 2020?
If it was 2019, did you pay property tax when you renewed the registration, this past November? If not, then it's likely that US Bank paid it, and is now seeking re-imbursement.
In my case, they always forwarded the billing notice to me, and I paid it upon renewal.
Can't tell which year's bill it is/was. Leased in February 2020. I am pretty sure the tag I got in March was good until November, 2021, which is what the registration says. No tax payments showing on the lease other than $20 or so for the state the U-drive-it tax in June.
@graphicguy - nice write up on your Tesla experience. I felt the same way about the touchscreen until I spent a few days with @jpp75’s Model 3.
I made a conscious effort to get to know the controls and once I did, I felt much more comfortable with it and even appreciated it in many ways.
That’s what led me to going forward with ordering the Model Y.
Of course, I haven’t taken delivery of the Tesla after all. But that’s more to do with being more drawn toward other EVs from an overall styling standpoint.
Agreed. It is a familiarity thing. Remember how people were first freaked out about iDrive?
In fairness, first Gen iDrive was/is horrendous. Don’t undersell the Tesla like that...
iDrive is now just about the best interface out there, but it was miserable until around 2010. The knock-off system in my Mini isn’t awful, but the later cars get iDrive which is much easier to use.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
The new Acura NAV is a HUGE step up from the previous a version and even better than the quite good one in the Stinger. It’s also better than Apple Maps.
The voice recognition is better than the iPhone’s Siri.
The new 10-speed auto is quite good. Ready to kick down with little provocation and smooth.
@nyccarguy - sounds like a good approach to me on replacing the Pilot. Take advantage of the inflated prices on the used car market and buy or lease new. While rebates may not be plentiful, it still seems to me that new car pricing isn’t nearly as inflated as the used market. I don’t see the dealers actually marking up new cars, and rebates usually aren’t very significant anyway on something like a Toyota Highlander.
And FWIW, I really like this current Highlander. It’s sharp looking.
When I was shopping, I sat in a couple of Highlanders.......really nice vehicles. I agree.
Got an invoice from US Bank for the Tundra's property tax bill--I guess they pay it and I reimburse them? $545 and change. The most I've ever paid on any vehicle, but it's also the most valuable vehicle I've ever had.
Is your birth month and registration due?
It was, last month. Weirdly, the sticker on my license plate says it's good through November.
USBank typically has all of their registrations expire in November (at least in KY). Can you tell if that is the 2020 bill or the 2021 bill?
I don't remember when you leased the Tundra. 2019 or 2020?
If it was 2019, did you pay property tax when you renewed the registration, this past November? If not, then it's likely that US Bank paid it, and is now seeking re-imbursement.
In my case, they always forwarded the billing notice to me, and I paid it upon renewal.
Can't tell which year's bill it is/was. Leased in February 2020. I am pretty sure the tag I got in March was good until November, 2021, which is what the registration says. No tax payments showing on the lease other than $20 or so for the state the U-drive-it tax in June.
If you re-registered last month, and didn't have to pay property tax, then US Bank has indeed paid the 2021 property tax for you, and is asking for reimbursement. Pretty sure that they wouldn't let you register for this year, without the 2021 tax being paid.
Of course, there is no property tax for 2020, as you didn't have the car on January 1st of that year.
To be certain, I'd call or stop by the DMV to ascertain if property taxes have actually been paid for 2021. I wouldn't necessarily trust US Bank for the correct information.
If you re-registered last month, and didn't have to pay property tax, then US Bank has indeed paid the 2021 property tax for you, and is asking for reimbursement. Pretty sure that they wouldn't let you register for this year, without the 2021 tax being paid.
Of course, there is no property tax for 2020, as you didn't have the car on January 1st of that year.
To be certain, I'd call or stop by the DMV to ascertain if property taxes have actually been paid for 2021. I wouldn't necessarily trust US Bank for the correct information.
I didn't re-register last month--registration and sticker both say they're good until November. I expect I'll get a reminder card then, or maybe they'll go ahead and send me a new sticker and registration, if US Bank has already paid.
If you re-registered last month, and didn't have to pay property tax, then US Bank has indeed paid the 2021 property tax for you, and is asking for reimbursement. Pretty sure that they wouldn't let you register for this year, without the 2021 tax being paid.
Of course, there is no property tax for 2020, as you didn't have the car on January 1st of that year.
To be certain, I'd call or stop by the DMV to ascertain if property taxes have actually been paid for 2021. I wouldn't necessarily trust US Bank for the correct information.
I didn't re-register last month--registration and sticker both say they're good until November. I expect I'll get a reminder card then, or maybe they'll go ahead and send me a new sticker and registration, if US Bank has already paid.
In that case, I'd ignore the bill from US Bank. They are big on throwing in "estimated property tax". Even if they haven't paid it, and don't plan to. Your property tax is never due until you go in to re-register. Also, you may not get the reminder card. On my lease, they sent it to US Bank, which then forwarded it to me. I always paid the tax at the clerk's office.
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2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'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
Turbo blue S4 premium plus with black optic (and some other stuff). Not this car, but just like it.
https://www.tysinger.com/inventory/new-2021-audi-s4-3-0t-premium-quattro-4d-sedan-waub4af49ma014408/?utm_campaign=cars.com_deeplink&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=cars.com
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Is there still a pickup on the horizon for him?
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Have noticed the same problem at the new car dealers as their inventories are shrinking and to compensate, they're positioning the available vehicles a little farther apart to make it seem like they still have the same amount of sellable units. Got a feeling because of this issue, it's also making the prices for used vehicles go up accordingly. This one chip problem is affecting all car sales and rental prices at the same time.
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
So, come Monday morning, we shall see how things play out. Who knows, I might really hate it and then at least, I'll know. The worst that could happen is that I do like it but then, will need to decide if I still like the Golf more. And if not, a trip to CarMax will be needed to get a realistic trade price for it. I guess I just want to go drive one to see if it could work. Having a newer vehicle with some warranty left and that low mileage would be nice right now. But makes no sense if I don't really love it so have low expectations going forward so I won't be disappointed if it does indeed not drive and feel better than what's in my garage currently. Just feel the need to try something different right now without the pressure of really needing to make a change here. And with a decent trade number, it certainly is affordable going forward.
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Would a CR-V fit in your garage?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Last week the boss announced that since we all had our shots we could move our 4 pack into the mini van but only if we signed affidavits attesting to mask wearing and prevention protocols. Kind of silly but we would have signed anything to get out of those cargo vans.
I think companies are forced to “walk the walk” in order to protect against the covid lawsuits which are sure to be coming .
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
On a side note my buddy’s wife totaled (and I mean totaled) a brand new one and she and the three kids walked away without a scratch.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
3rd row Hip room is about the same in both(an inch bigger in Highlander), but Pilot has more head/leg/shoulder room by several inches.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
CarMax had to see my Stinger before giving me a bid. CARVANA did not. So, perhaps that explains the rather large delta in bid offers between the two. Plus, with CarMax I got to put my “sales” hat on and point out some things that the assessor may have missed (like remote start). I would imagine having the actual car to be inspected works for or against the seller. If the car is in good shape, it works for the seller. If it’s a dog....well.....don’t expect much.
Highlander would be a nice choice as would the Palisade. The latter is really sharp looking though my research showed they did not lease well at all. The Highlander leased really well though.
No shortage of choices though...Atlas might be worth a look too. Have to be a V6 model for me. I can’t imagine the 4 being enough to move that around well.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
I don't remember when you leased the Tundra. 2019 or 2020?
If it was 2019, did you pay property tax when you renewed the registration, this past November?
If not, then it's likely that US Bank paid it, and is now seeking re-imbursement.
In my case, they always forwarded the billing notice to me, and I paid it upon renewal.
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First, I had to make up my mind whether I really wanted a wagon/suv type vehicle. I don’t haul enough cargo or people for a wagon/suv to be of much use. So, as nice as the Volvo XC40 and as interesting as the Ford Bronco Sport were, they’re off the list. As an aside, went back to the Ford store yesterday to make sure I was no longer interested in the Bronco Sport. Brought my lightning cable with me to listen to the B&O stereo. B&O should be ashamed of themselves putting their stamp on the Bronco’s stereo. Perhaps because of the Bronco’s design, B&O couldn’t acoustically do what they needed to do. But, for a premium stereo manufacturer, it’s an embarrassment in the Bronco.
The Supra....really fun car. Not a daily driver. If I had/wanted another vehicle to use in addition to the Supra, I’d be very serious about it, especially on some of the deals I’m seeing with them. Perhaps if I lived in So Cal or FL, it would work better, too. But, I don’t. So, that’s off my list.
Teslas.....I totally get their appeal. They’ve hit the button in the electric space. Plus, they’ve been in the space for so long, they have a pretty good handle on how and what their vehicles should and can do. Styling? I just can’t like it. Nothing against those who do, but every time I see one, I am underwhelmed vs other thoughts like “handsome” or “good looking”. I’m just not there yet on EVs. I do find them fascinating and would probably never worry about range anxiety. That said, charging stations in OH aren’t nearly as plentiful as they are in someplace like California. So, at least for now, I’m not a customer. But, that’s the direction the industry is going, so if I live long enough, I’ll have an EV gracing the GG estate sooner rather than later.
For grins, I also drove a Honda Accord Touring yesterday. Honda just continues to make good cars that are just sporty enough to be interesting. I know it competes with the likes of the Camry, Malibu, Sonata, etc. But, having driven most of its competition in one form or another, it’s easy to see why it’s so well liked. It’s quick. It’s comfy. It handles on the good-ish area for a family car. Just a nice overall vehicle. Styling? I’m ambivalent.
Re-tested both the 330i and 340i. I like both. 340i was knocking at the $60K door. That’s off the table. 330i...fun drive. It’s been a while since I had my last BMW, and they’ve changed pretty dramatically. Quick, handled well, dealer didn’t have any colors that excited me. And, for reasons I can’t quite put my fingers on, I wasn’t excited test driving it. Yes, it had the Whiz-Bang digital dash that’s popular these days. The ones I drove did not have the sports seats, so not good-not bad, pretty mediocre. Again, handled well, braked well, was plenty fast.
But.......
Test drove the TLX A-Spec yesterday. Acuras have always “floated my boat”. I like the way they look. I like their tech. I like the way they drive. I like they’re not expensive to maintain. The key, is the Type-S worth waiting for? Plus, will it be over the $50K limit I’ve set? Said it before, but it is likely to be very close to the driving dynamics of the Stinger GT, which I just sold.
So, is the new TLX an Accord clone? They feel like two different cars. The new TLX is much more polished. They’ve done wonders with the new SH-AWD system. It rotates in corners and sweepers like it has no limits. I would imagine once you hit those limits, things will get really hairy, really quickly, though. LOVE the way it handles. It’s not as fast as the Stinger....not even close. But, it is quick. Butt-o-meter says high 5s-low 6s 0-60. That’s not @roadburner fast. But, good for just about anything I want. Seats were just wonderful. Supportive, but not rock hard. They upgraded just about everything in the car. Materials are much better. They were always top of class in build quality. The new one’s no different.
I thought the ELS stereo in my old TLX was wonderful, the one in the new TLX (ELS 3D) is fantastic....once again, the best stereo I’ve heard in any car, at any price. Brakes are strong and linear.
You’d never know they’re brake by wire.
See where this is headed?
Would the S-Type make me regret not waiting? Given I just sold the Stinger, I doubt it. I’ve worked with the Acura dealer enough (and the same GM, SM and sales person) through the years, the deal is easy. It’s the same deal I always make.....quick, simple, they sell a car, I buy a car, no one gets hurt. No one goes home thinking they got the shaft. It’s a good deal.
I bought it.
Pics to follow!
Well, that long winded diatribe was cathartic!
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
What color combo? Still no blue I don't think. But you can get the bright red interior still!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Enjoy and post pics soon!
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
The Type S should be pretty amazing, but no doubt it’d break that $50k barrier. Just adding SH-AWD to the 4 cylinder sort of transforms it, I would think. Not so much a “base” model anymore.
@stickguy - quite the coincidence...I rented a Uhaul Cargo Van yesterday as we moved my stepdaughter into her first real apartment in downtown Denver. Process was smooth.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
GG- Congrats to you too. Smart money would have been on Acura for you. TLX Aspec will be on my radar next summer when the S60 goes back.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
And FWIW, I really like this current Highlander. It’s sharp looking.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Thought about getting the blue with red interior. But, Acura’s pearlescent white is so nice....
The voice recognition is better than the iPhone’s Siri.
The new 10-speed auto is quite good. Ready to kick down with little provocation and smooth.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
I would have been disappointed if the interior wasn’t red!
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Of course, there is no property tax for 2020, as you didn't have the car on January 1st of that year.
To be certain, I'd call or stop by the DMV to ascertain if property taxes have actually been paid for 2021. I wouldn't necessarily trust US Bank for the correct information.
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2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech