@qbrozen - here is one for your import biz... Not sure whether 1996 is too new to import, though. Euro market Pontiac Trans Sport with a stick shift and a Quad 4 under the hood.
It has been 3 weeks since salesperson said “Sprinter is built. Should be here in 2-3 weeks.” Now he says “Sprinter is built. Awaiting a microchip. Fingers crossed it ships first week of August.”
Welcome to the car biz, Q. What a noob.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
My wife is kind of a wet blanket when it comes to my schemes. She is a Project Manager, so I kind of get it. At the same time… let me fly! Lol.
Anyway, she said something like “you should research why dealers in that area have failed.” OK, I don’t see how that is possible, so here is what I said to her:
_IMO, dealers fail when they don’t understand the vehicles and don’t have a grasp on the market. They work on the presumption that volume is key. I believe quality is. I believe that you have to be picky, know what is desirable, and focus on those with larger margins.
I see so many dealers who say “love the Nissan Murano because I can get them cheap and people love them.” What they are missing is that 1) they are plentiful and people have many choices so the margins are slim and 2) it is a POS that can come back to burn you when something like the transmission fails. These same dealers will ignore a Volvo 850 T5R because they have heard Volvos are problematic, so they have no clue that a nice one is worth A LOT to a small group of enthusiasts.
Cool cars are constantly ignored at dealer auctions while crap is king. It is backwards, and it is because there are so few enthusiasts compared to salesmen. How much junk have you and I seen at dealer lots over the years? Stuff I would never even allow on my lot. That’s how I want to be different._
'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
@qbrozen said:
My wife is kind of a wet blanket when it comes to my schemes. She is a Project Manager, so I kind of get it. At the same time… let me fly! Lol.
Anyway, she said something like “you should research why dealers in that area have failed.” OK, I don’t see how that is possible, so here is what I said to her:
_IMO, dealers fail when they don’t understand the vehicles and don’t have a grasp on the market. They work on the presumption that volume is key. I believe quality is. I believe that you have to be picky, know what is desirable, and focus on those with larger margins.
I see so many dealers who say “love the Nissan Murano because I can get them cheap and people love them.” What they are missing is that 1) they are plentiful and people have many choices so the margins are slim and 2) it is a POS that can come back to burn you when something like the transmission fails. These same dealers will ignore a Volvo 850 T5R because they have heard Volvos are problematic, so they have no clue that a nice one is worth A LOT to a small group of enthusiasts.
Cool cars are constantly ignored at dealer auctions while crap is king. It is backwards, and it is because there are so few enthusiasts compared to salesmen. How much junk have you and I seen at dealer lots over the years? Stuff I would never even allow on my lot. That’s how I want to be different._
There are some smaller lots that do seem to cater to certain cars. They buy them and fix them instead of just having the cars professionally detailed so they look nice in photos.
Look at the money some of these cars on BaT & C&B bring. People don’t just want to see the finished product. They are willing to pay for the car and see it was done properly.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Absolutely, @nycarguy . I just want to avoid the fixing part as much as possible. lol. Also, I'm not, as you know, a one-brand guy. I have too much knowledge about too many random vehicles to waste it. hahaha.
I doubt it, @tifighter . Probably a speech only enthusiasts would understand.
'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
As I mentioned ober at C&C, one of my wife's friends is on the board of a local NPO, and she invited us to a reception that was graciously hosted tonight by the local Mercedes-Benz dealer. As far as cars went, there were only 4 in the showroom- all CPO cars. There was a C Class and a smaller SUV wearing the AMG equivalent of M Sport trim; very nice, but nothing that screamed "GOTTA HAVE IT!" The one car I could actually see myself owning was a sinister 2016 AMG GT S- although with an asking price of $99k I'd rather have an M2 CS, an M4 CS, or a 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 for similar money. However, my wife fell in love with a 2021 Jupiter Red G 550; I think she would actually have voted to buy it at $100k, but unfortunately the asking price was $179k.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
My wife is kind of a wet blanket when it comes to my schemes. She is a Project Manager, so I kind of get it. At the same time… let me fly! Lol.
Anyway, she said something like “you should research why dealers in that area have failed.” OK, I don’t see how that is possible, so here is what I said to her:
_IMO, dealers fail when they don’t understand the vehicles and don’t have a grasp on the market. They work on the presumption that volume is key. I believe quality is. I believe that you have to be picky, know what is desirable, and focus on those with larger margins.
I see so many dealers who say “love the Nissan Murano because I can get them cheap and people love them.” What they are missing is that 1) they are plentiful and people have many choices so the margins are slim and 2) it is a POS that can come back to burn you when something like the transmission fails. These same dealers will ignore a Volvo 850 T5R because they have heard Volvos are problematic, so they have no clue that a nice one is worth A LOT to a small group of enthusiasts.
Cool cars are constantly ignored at dealer auctions while crap is king. It is backwards, and it is because there are so few enthusiasts compared to salesmen. How much junk have you and I seen at dealer lots over the years? Stuff I would never even allow on my lot. That’s how I want to be different._
This guy has a lot of advice on being a dealer. Whether his advice is any good is up to you. I find his visits to the auctions entertaining.
As I mentioned ober at C&C, one of my wife's friends is on the board of a local NPO, and she invited us to a reception that was graciously hosted tonight by the local Mercedes-Benz dealer. As far as cars went, there were only 4 in the showroom- all CPO cars. There was a C Class and a smaller SUV wearing the AMG equivalent of M Sport trim; very nice, but nothing that screamed "GOTTA HAVE IT!" The one car I could actually see myself owning was a sinister 2016 AMG GT S- although with an asking price of $99k I'd rather have an M2 CS, an M4 CS, or a 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 for similar money. However, my wife fell in love with a 2021 Jupiter Red G 550; I think she would actually have voted to buy it at $100k, but unfortunately the asking price was $179k.
————————————————- Here’s another guy that thinks he can take it with him.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I’ve watched all those guys on youtube. Honestly, not one of them is on point. Most are in the entertainment biz first. From what I’ve seen of Hoovie’s “business,” he is trying to be the American Mike Brewer, and we know he never would have made money in the real world. And, in Mike’s case, that wasn’t his intention. He wanted to bring cars back to life and make entertainment. Although he sometimes pretended otherwise.
'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
So I received the following email from an out-of-state BMW dealer: My team has discovered an opportunity for you to drive home a pre-owned BMW. Trade in your 2014 BMW M235i Coupe and enjoy the updated benefits of a newer 2020 BMW 230i xDrive Coupe. Call me crazy, but I don't consider giving up 72 hp and being saddled with AWD to be "benefits." But that's just me.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
@Michaell said:
A decent set of alloys wouldn’t run that much.
Then you have to dismount tires and TPMS ( assuming wheels are the same size and you don’t have to buy new tires). Then buy wheels, install TPMS and mount tires.
Cheaper to get wheels that you like from the factory.
@roadburner said:
So I received the following email from an out-of-state BMW dealer:
My team has discovered an opportunity for you to drive home a pre-owned BMW. Trade in your 2014 BMW M235i Coupe and enjoy the updated benefits of a newer 2020 BMW 230i xDrive Coupe.
Call me crazy, but I don't consider giving up 72 hp and being saddled with AWD to be "benefits."
But that's just me.
“My good man, I will consider your proposal if you can also guarantee me cloth, manual seats, manual windows, and nothing more than an AM radio. Otherwise, your 230 will feel like too much of an upgrade and I fear I will have cheated you in the trade.”
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Well, there are certainly a couple of different camps rendering opinions here.
Tight steering, a crisp manual transmission, decent suspension, HVAC and something for entertainment works for me. It's clear that many on here wouldn't put such a car out if it were on fire, let alone buy one.
This announcement by Ford seems like it needs to be taken with many large grains of salt considering they cannot meet the demand for their existing vehicles regardless of power source and that all their TV ads now contain a disclaimer at the bottom of the screen saying you cannot actually order anything at the moment, only buy what you can find on a dealer lot that hasn't already been spoken for.
In about 2 weeks all the 2023 order banks open so you will be able to order anything. I wonder if they will hold more production back for dealer stock this time around.
Well, there are certainly a couple of different camps rendering opinions here.
Tight steering, a crisp manual transmission, decent suspension, HVAC and something for entertainment works for me. It's clear that many on here wouldn't put such a car out if it were on fire, let alone buy one.
————————————————- I can appreciate everything you said EXCEPT for the manual transmission part. I learned to drive on a stick thanks to my Dad who took his ‘58 Plymouth Sport Suburban station wagon that had a slush box to the dealer for one of the many times he did that. The dealer provided loaners back then so he specifically asked for a stick shift.
After a few attempts to get the car out of our level driveway without stalling it he immediately took me to the back of the development we lived in where new homes were being constructed. I thought he did that to get me away from traffic on streets till I could figure out how that beast worked.
Well, that was part of his reasoning but the main reason was to get me to stop in the middle of a good size hill. When I got to that spot he yells out, “STOP”. I had no idea why he yelled like that but in my panic I forgot to depress the clutch. That’s what he was counting on so he said something like, “OK, so now you know you have to depress the clutch every time so you don’t stall. You can’t forget to do that. Start it up and let’s go “. I put the emergency brake on, start the car, gingerly finagle the clutch until I could feel it grab then I released the emergency brake and off we went up the hill. Well, not too far. I’d say maybe about 15 feet. Again he yells out stop but not as loud as before. This time I got him. I pushed in the clutch so the beast didn’t stall. Got a left handed complement for that and he said, “OK, let’s go”. I’m about to grab for the emergency brake and he, “NO, not like that. Slide your right foot off the brake and onto the gas BUT at the same time ease your left foot off the clutch till it grabs being carefull not to stall the car”. That didn’t go too well. In fact, it didn’t go too well for at least a dozen times.
It’s a damn good thing there wasn’t milk and ice cream in the trunk or we could have had a few milkshakes. Finally, I kinda mastered how to do it but I didn’t like doing it although I have to admit it was a good experience.
Fast forward to when I got out of the Navy and I got a job driving for UPS while going to night school. When I took my driving test the guy said something like, “you’re pretty good at this. We’ll hire you.” I guess I have my Dad to thank for that but after driving those trucks around all day, I swore up and down I’d never buy a car with a stick and I haven’t.
Definitely like learning how to ride a bike. Some things you never forget but that doesn’t mean you have to like it.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
In other Ford news, Bloomberg is reporting they plan to cut about 8000 mostly salaried jobs, the majority in their months-old Ford Blue internal combustion section.
The fever is running hot. We ran by a few more lots to check out a couple other E-class wagons, then stumbled upon a 2021 Macan S. Now that’s in the running.
Always thought her run with the Macan was short-lived…she gave it up for the A5 Sportback because her special needs son was screaming his head off in the Macan but quiet as can be in the test drive of the A5. The solitude didn’t last long, and she was bitter over giving up the Porsche.
Looks like a fair option load, I see distronic, pano, leather, surround view. Might be interesting to see what else it has, go to a vin decoder (I am too lazy)
Looks like a fair option load, I see distronic, pano, leather, surround view. Might be interesting to see what else it has, go to a vin decoder (I am too lazy)
2020 E450 wagon. Only 10k miles with an original MSRP of $82,610 (the sticker was in the glove compartment). Seems well equipped.
Asking $68k. Last year of the “real” wagon without the all road treatment.
Seems to be priced fair compared to KBB trade, but what does that mean these days?
Per the window sticker:
Macchiato Beige/Black Leather 19” AMG Twin 5-Spoke Wheels Illuminated Door Sills Heated and Ventilated Front Seats Panorama Sunroof Active Multicontour Front Seats w/Massage Black Headliner 3-zone Climate Control Lowered Suspension w/Selective Damping Soft-close doors LED Logo Projectors Driver Assistance Package Parking Assistance Package Exterior Lighting Package Warmth and Comfort Package AMG Line Exterior Premium Package
My wife’s favorite feature…the bolsters that adjust and “hug” you when you turn. 😀
Nice spec. Similar options to my car, but I have Tex, normal seats (I want to say maybe active seats only with leather) and don't have soft close - soft close is pretty uncommon.
Looks like a fair option load, I see distronic, pano, leather, surround view. Might be interesting to see what else it has, go to a vin decoder (I am too lazy)
2020 E450 wagon. Only 10k miles with an original MSRP of $82,610 (the sticker was in the glove compartment). Seems well equipped.
Asking $68k. Last year of the “real” wagon without the all road treatment.
Seems to be priced fair compared to KBB trade, but what does that mean these days?
Per the window sticker:
Macchiato Beige/Black Leather 19” AMG Twin 5-Spoke Wheels Illuminated Door Sills Heated and Ventilated Front Seats Panorama Sunroof Active Multicontour Front Seats w/Massage Black Headliner 3-zone Climate Control Lowered Suspension w/Selective Damping Soft-close doors LED Logo Projectors Driver Assistance Package Parking Assistance Package Exterior Lighting Package Warmth and Comfort Package AMG Line Exterior Premium Package
My wife’s favorite feature…the bolsters that adjust and “hug” you when you turn. 😀
They only needed it because they put in 91. I have no idea if the mustang PP would start to knock when racing it on 91, but it definitely would not make full power.
'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
Looks like a fair option load, I see distronic, pano, leather, surround view. Might be interesting to see what else it has, go to a vin decoder (I am too lazy)
2020 E450 wagon. Only 10k miles with an original MSRP of $82,610 (the sticker was in the glove compartment). Seems well equipped.
Asking $68k. Last year of the “real” wagon without the all road treatment.
Seems to be priced fair compared to KBB trade, but what does that mean these days?
Per the window sticker:
Macchiato Beige/Black Leather 19” AMG Twin 5-Spoke Wheels Illuminated Door Sills Heated and Ventilated Front Seats Panorama Sunroof Active Multicontour Front Seats w/Massage Black Headliner 3-zone Climate Control Lowered Suspension w/Selective Damping Soft-close doors LED Logo Projectors Driver Assistance Package Parking Assistance Package Exterior Lighting Package Warmth and Comfort Package AMG Line Exterior Premium Package
My wife’s favorite feature…the bolsters that adjust and “hug” you when you turn. 😀
The hugging bolster, that was an interesting sensation. When we test drove the SL450 last summer, I was unaware of this feature, so as I took country lane turns with some vim (and I was surprised by the decent way it went around a corner), was surprised by the gentle shove! I think she enjoyed it too. Alas, she didn't find the SL feminine enough.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
They only needed it because they put in 91. I have no idea if the mustang PP would start to knock when racing it on 91, but it definitely would not make full power.
I don’t know what the current PP involves but my Mustang runs just fine on 91 octane even with the new tune. Previously it ran fine on 87 octane.
Doesn’t the new Z have a computer that adjusts the timing? I haven’t heard of a car that actually knocked due to octane in the last 20 years.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Comments
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
'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
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Those wheels, oh my eyes…🤣😂
Looks like a fleet order—all white XLs with some sort of tonneau.
I think you nailed it.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
That’s the only way they could get a decent delivery date. Anyway they’ll look just fine when they put the plastic caps over them.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Paint em black and put chrome dog dishes in the center.
'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
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
————————————————-
Look closely, you won’t find a spec of rust on any of those.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
My wife is kind of a wet blanket when it comes to my schemes. She is a Project Manager, so I kind of get it. At the same time… let me fly! Lol.
Anyway, she said something like “you should research why dealers in that area have failed.” OK, I don’t see how that is possible, so here is what I said to her:
_IMO, dealers fail when they don’t understand the vehicles and don’t have a grasp on the market. They work on the presumption that volume is key. I believe quality is. I believe that you have to be picky, know what is desirable, and focus on those with larger margins.
I see so many dealers who say “love the Nissan Murano because I can get them cheap and people love them.” What they are missing is that 1) they are plentiful and people have many choices so the margins are slim and 2) it is a POS that can come back to burn you when something like the transmission fails. These same dealers will ignore a Volvo 850 T5R because they have heard Volvos are problematic, so they have no clue that a nice one is worth A LOT to a small group of enthusiasts.
Cool cars are constantly ignored at dealer auctions while crap is king. It is backwards, and it is because there are so few enthusiasts compared to salesmen. How much junk have you and I seen at dealer lots over the years? Stuff I would never even allow on my lot. That’s how I want to be different._
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Well, I see you’re working on the salesman skills.
Did she buy it?
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
Old farmer should go to this. Not far from him. I’m sure they will have a few work hoopties mixed in with the million dollar cars
I actually got a private tour of this collection a few years ago. It was impressive to see.
https://www.broadarrowauctions.com/vehicles?page=2&q[branch_id_eq]=3
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
There are some smaller lots that do seem to cater to certain cars. They buy them and fix them instead of just having the cars professionally detailed so they look nice in photos.
Look at the money some of these cars on BaT & C&B bring. People don’t just want to see the finished product. They are willing to pay for the car and see it was done properly.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I doubt it, @tifighter . Probably a speech only enthusiasts would understand.
'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
However, my wife fell in love with a 2021 Jupiter Red G 550; I think she would actually have voted to buy it at $100k, but unfortunately the asking price was $179k.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
@qbrozen - I think Hoovie went down the same path with his dealership and ended up not really making money. It’s a tough business.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Here’s another guy that thinks he can take it with him.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I’ve watched all those guys on youtube. Honestly, not one of them is on point. Most are in the entertainment biz first. From what I’ve seen of Hoovie’s “business,” he is trying to be the American Mike Brewer, and we know he never would have made money in the real world. And, in Mike’s case, that wasn’t his intention. He wanted to bring cars back to life and make entertainment. Although he sometimes pretended otherwise.
'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
My team has discovered an opportunity for you to drive home a pre-owned BMW. Trade in your 2014 BMW M235i Coupe and enjoy the updated benefits of a newer 2020 BMW 230i xDrive Coupe.
Call me crazy, but I don't consider giving up 72 hp and being saddled with AWD to be "benefits."
But that's just me.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Then you have to dismount tires and TPMS ( assuming wheels are the same size and you don’t have to buy new tires). Then buy wheels, install TPMS and mount tires.
Cheaper to get wheels that you like from the factory.
“My good man, I will consider your proposal if you can also guarantee me cloth, manual seats, manual windows, and nothing more than an AM radio. Otherwise, your 230 will feel like too much of an upgrade and I fear I will have cheated you in the trade.”
'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
Tight steering, a crisp manual transmission, decent suspension, HVAC and something for entertainment works for me. It's clear that many on here wouldn't put such a car out if it were on fire, let alone buy one.
https://t.co/NLw1Ydcn5n
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
In about 2 weeks all the 2023 order banks open so you will be able to order anything. I wonder if they will hold more production back for dealer stock this time around.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The batteries aren’t the only constraint item… Spray in bed liner, of all things, has been a Maverick constraint.
I can appreciate everything you said EXCEPT for the manual transmission part. I learned to drive on a stick thanks to my Dad who took his ‘58 Plymouth Sport Suburban station wagon that had a slush box to the dealer for one of the many times he did that. The dealer provided loaners back then so he specifically asked for a stick shift.
After a few attempts to get the car out of our level driveway without stalling it he immediately took me to the back of the development we lived in where new homes were being constructed. I thought he did that to get me away from traffic on streets till I could figure out how that beast worked.
Well, that was part of his reasoning but the main reason was to get me to stop in the middle of a good size hill. When I got to that spot he yells out, “STOP”. I had no idea why he yelled like that but in my panic I forgot to depress the clutch. That’s what he was counting on so he said something like, “OK, so now you know you have to depress the clutch every time so you don’t stall. You can’t forget to do that. Start it up and let’s go “. I put the emergency brake on, start the car, gingerly finagle the clutch until I could feel it grab then I released the emergency brake and off we went up the hill. Well, not too far. I’d say maybe about 15 feet. Again he yells out stop but not as loud as before. This time I got him. I pushed in the clutch so the beast didn’t stall. Got a left handed complement for that and he said, “OK, let’s go”. I’m about to grab for the emergency brake and he, “NO, not like that. Slide your right foot off the brake and onto the gas BUT at the same time ease your left foot off the clutch till it grabs being carefull not to stall the car”. That didn’t go too well. In fact, it didn’t go too well for at least a dozen times.
It’s a damn good thing there wasn’t milk and ice cream in the trunk or we could have had a few milkshakes. Finally, I kinda mastered how to do it but I didn’t like doing it although I have to admit it was a good experience.
Fast forward to when I got out of the Navy and I got a job driving for UPS while going to night school. When I took my driving test the guy said something like, “you’re pretty good at this. We’ll hire you.” I guess I have my Dad to thank for that but after driving those trucks around all day, I swore up and down I’d never buy a car with a stick and I haven’t.
Definitely like learning how to ride a bike. Some things you never forget but that doesn’t mean you have to like it.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2023-nissan-z-performance-first-test-review/?wc_mid=4035:23355&wc_rid=4035:166971&_wcsid=A686AC88EA2BEBC42E39377C1D9156F2CF764479E2F37E2B
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A mustang GT performance pack is $5k cheaper and outguns it quite easily.
That's disappointing.
'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
So my wife is attracted to this:
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d30bfdc8-a941-4ef2-a26b-ed3376b44cdb/
2020 E450 wagon. Only 10k miles with an original MSRP of $82,610 (the sticker was in the glove compartment). Seems well equipped.
Asking $68k. Last year of the “real” wagon without the all road treatment.
Seems to be priced fair compared to KBB trade, but what does that mean these days?
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
The inflatable kayaks will stink it up so clearly you need this AND the Rivian pickup🤣😂
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
'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
Always thought her run with the Macan was short-lived…she gave it up for the A5 Sportback because her special needs son was screaming his head off in the Macan but quiet as can be in the test drive of the A5. The solitude didn’t last long, and she was bitter over giving up the Porsche.
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
Macchiato Beige/Black Leather
19” AMG Twin 5-Spoke Wheels
Illuminated Door Sills
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
Panorama Sunroof
Active Multicontour Front Seats w/Massage
Black Headliner
3-zone Climate Control
Lowered Suspension w/Selective Damping
Soft-close doors
LED Logo Projectors
Driver Assistance Package
Parking Assistance Package
Exterior Lighting Package
Warmth and Comfort Package
AMG Line Exterior
Premium Package
My wife’s favorite feature…the bolsters that adjust and “hug” you when you turn. 😀
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
They only needed it because they put in 91. I have no idea if the mustang PP would start to knock when racing it on 91, but it definitely would not make full power.
'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
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Doesn’t the new Z have a computer that adjusts the timing? I haven’t heard of a car that actually knocked due to octane in the last 20 years.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible