I found the MDX to be a great compromise, which may be unfair to characterize it in that way…it offers a more premium and sporty experience for not a lot of money over the nicer trims of the Pilot/Telluride/Highlander offerings.
I truly believe that is the perfect high school beater (I said it earlier). It’s even old man gold. They run forever even poorly and will take plenty of abuse, curb hits, etc.
Yeah it’s not great for his image but I’m sure we all remember the line from Ferris, it is better than no car
“It’s not a piece of sh**”
“It is a piece of sh**, Don't worry about it, I don't even have a piece of sh**, I have to envy yours.”
I truly believe that is the perfect high school beater (I said it earlier). It’s even old man gold. They run forever even poorly and will take plenty of abuse, curb hits, etc.
Yeah it’s not great for his image but I’m sure we all remember the line from Ferris, it is better than no car
“It’s not a piece of sh**”
“It is a piece of sh**, Don't worry about it, I don't even have a piece of sh**, I have to envy yours.”
But Ferris got a computer! Which allowed him to decrease the number of absences he had.
I’m starting to see more 2022/2023 WRX on the road. While I think the older body style is much nicer, looking, the newer one is growing on me. The plastic cladding blends in nicely with the black and the dark gray. And it even looks OK on world rally blue.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
But, then, I've never been any good at being a CCB.
Some days are hard. But you have to put the work in everyday, y'know?
About 25 years ago a bunch of us guys took a week long golf trip thru Nebraska. We were driving 2 almost new mini vans, a Toyota and a Honda. I did a lot of the driving and remember how shocked and delighted I was at how well those mini vans (fully loaded) drove on the interstates, and how much they would hold. etc. My daily driver back then was a BMW 3 series, so I had a good appreciation of how a car drove.
But, then, I've never been any good at being a CCB.
Some days are hard. But you have to put the work in everyday, y'know?
About 25 years ago a bunch of us guys took a week long golf trip thru Nebraska. We were driving 2 almost new mini vans, a Toyota and a Honda. I did a lot of the driving and remember how shocked and delighted I was at how well those mini vans (fully loaded) drove on the interstates, and how much they would hold. etc. My daily driver back then was a BMW 3 series, so I had a good appreciation of how a car drove.
Regarding that new Hyundai Santa Fe, I am simultaneously confused and impressed at with how they seem to approach each vehicle's design individually, without attempting to maintain a family resemblance. Most other manufacturers would likely update the Santa Fe to be a 3/4 size Palisade.
But, then, I've never been any good at being a CCB.
Some days are hard. But you have to put the work in everyday, y'know?
About 25 years ago a bunch of us guys took a week long golf trip thru Nebraska. We were driving 2 almost new mini vans, a Toyota and a Honda. I did a lot of the driving and remember how shocked and delighted I was at how well those mini vans (fully loaded) drove on the interstates, and how much they would hold. etc. My daily driver back then was a BMW 3 series, so I had a good appreciation of how a car drove.
Sand Hills?
Sand Hills opened in 1994, so it was open when we made that trip around 2001 or so. Didn't make it to that one since it is strictly private. I think there are ways you can play without being a member, etc. and at certain times of the year, but you have to get permission and make reservations way in advance. Nebraska has a surprising number of really good golf courses, most being private daily fee courses open to the public. Wild Horse and Quarry Oaks are a couple I remember.
But, then, I've never been any good at being a CCB.
Some days are hard. But you have to put the work in everyday, y'know?
About 25 years ago a bunch of us guys took a week long golf trip thru Nebraska. We were driving 2 almost new mini vans, a Toyota and a Honda. I did a lot of the driving and remember how shocked and delighted I was at how well those mini vans (fully loaded) drove on the interstates, and how much they would hold. etc. My daily driver back then was a BMW 3 series, so I had a good appreciation of how a car drove.
Sand Hills?
Sand Hills opened in 1994, so it was open when we made that trip around 2001 or so. Didn't make it to that one since it is strictly private. I think there are ways you can play without being a member, etc. and at certain times of the year, but you have to get permission and make reservations way in advance. Nebraska has a surprising number of really good golf courses, most being private daily fee courses open to the public. Wild Horse and Quarry Oaks are a couple I remember.
It's been a while since I've paid attention to the courses in NE, but I know the terrain is amenable to some great courses.
I ordered tires today for the BMW - Costco was having a blow out sale on the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ to the point that it was > $300 cheaper installed than the continental or michelin. Figured for that price, I could try them out. I ended up having Discount Tire price match because I prefer dealing with them than Costco's scheduling. They'll call me when they come in - as always, hassle free.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
I brought the Highlander into the dealership for the brake vibrating issue. They ended up resurfacing the front and rear brake rotors under warranty. Looks like the Highlander is good to go for a trip to the Outer Banks North Carolina next week.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
The white one has less miles, but the gold one has had some extensive maintenance work done.
Gold one is probably just that for the generation. With all the recent work, the price really is pretty good, too. The interior looks far more loved on the white one, but they don't share any undercarriage on it, and the look of the aluminum corrosion on the engine doesn't give me warm fuzzies.
The undercarriage of the gold one, frankly, looks good! I mean, it looks like the undercarriage of my Forester, which has seen far less harness from its ten winters than from even just one NE winter.
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
The white one has less miles, but the gold one has had some extensive maintenance work done.
Interesting pricing strategy on one of those, the internet price is higher than the retail. I never saw charging you more for shopping online be called a savings.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Whoa! I just checked the dealer website here in Fairbanks, and they list a Sienna Platinum, good color combo, MSRP + winterization (standard here for dealers)...
@tifighter Long shot, but if you decided to bite, I could drive it down to you. We're leaving here on 8/11 for our annual Ohio trip.
(the car would have 2,200 miles upon arrival)
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
The white one has less miles, but the gold one has had some extensive maintenance work done.
———————————————— It sounds like you are seriously considering a Subie. Mrs. j has had 2 Legacy Limited 6 cylinder jobs and they’ve been great but we don’t put a lot of miles on them (less than 30K miles) so at those miles they should be great. However, I suspect they’d be OK even when miled up.
BTW, if you buy the white one make sure you tell them you want the retail price don’t fall for the internet price.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I saw that too with the white one. The gold one has caught my eye due to the recent amount of maintenance & repairs. I called and spoke to the guy who claimed he drove it home from Long Island and it is very tight and smooth. It was bought from a dealer before they sent it to auction.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
The only vehicles I've had which had rotor issues were: 1997 Pontiac Grand Am GT - my first car, brakes were likely undersized, can also blame previous owner because it was used, didn't fix because I traded it in. 2003 BMW 540i M-sport - also used, rotors cracked because they weren't replaced at the same time as pads by previous owner. Replaced front rotors. 2007 Toyota Prius - based on Carfax, likely still on the original pads and rotors at 220,000 miles. Replaced pads and rotors.
that is quite an offer! I do wonder if it is really available or only showing as inventory but actually a special order that is incoming.
Oh, good question. I can drive by on my way home to take a look.
And, the drive would be no problem, since we're already coming down. It's a *bit* out of the way, but not terribly so since my whole family is spread across the region. Gives me an excuse to stop in to say hello since we would otherwise skip it this year. Or, if he wanted to take a quick road trip, we could meet further east, like in Spokane, Sand Point, or Wallace (tiny old mining town in ID along I-90 that we like), which is even less out of the way.
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
The only vehicles I've had which had rotor issues were: 1997 Pontiac Grand Am GT - my first car, brakes were likely undersized, can also blame previous owner because it was used, didn't fix because I traded it in. 2003 BMW 540i M-sport - also used, rotors cracked because they weren't replaced at the same time as pads by previous owner. Replaced front rotors. 2007 Toyota Prius - based on Carfax, likely still on the original pads and rotors at 220,000 miles. Replaced pads and rotors.
That brings back bad memories of my wife’s PT Cruiser which needed new rotors like clockwork every 10k miles. I gave it to my son at 50k miles and even he was sick of it by 62k miles when we sold it.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Finally got the 4xe in to fix the issue with it not going into hybrid mode. Turns out it needs some type of cooling pump.
This dealer does give loaners no questions asked unlike another one I contacted. I got a Grand Cherokee L. It’s in the base Laredo trim. I really want to like it but it’s just, meh. Power is good, not great. Ride is very good though. It’s just ok comfort wise. Maybe a higher end trim would be better. I’m not a large guy and it ‘feels’ tight to me. Maybe it’s a mental thing as it’s all black interior which I don’t care for. Since it’s the 3 row there is plenty of cargo room and it has captains chairs for the 2nd row. Quality of the interior materials seems good for the price of the base model and the infotainment is virtually the same as in my Wrangler. I am supposed to get my Jeep back tomorrow and am WFH today and tomorrow so I didn’t bother to hook my phone up and play with the system that much.
Overall, it’s ok. I had hoped it would move to the top of the list to replace the X1 or Wrangler and it might in an upper trim but a lot like the Kia/Hyundai pair when you option them up they loose their value proposition real quick.
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
no, that's pretty bad. As if visibility isn't bad enough, they gotta stick a screen up in the windshield. And the climate controls looks like an aftermarket stickon. It appears the handbrake is going to be quite an annoyance and possibly a deal-breaker for some if it impedes on comfort.
'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
Comments
@tifighter
Have you tried the XC90? Pretty sure there are discounts to be had on those. We love ours and aside from warped rotors zero issues
Drives much smaller than it is, powerful (T6 is a must) and pretty roomy. Can also really load it up if desired.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
Good luck to him. Just make sure he knows to keep the front bumper from going over the line at stop signs.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
I've been through the same thing you are working on now.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
https://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/cto/d/bridgeport-2005-buick-lesaber/7635126813.html
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I truly believe that is the perfect high school beater (I said it earlier). It’s even old man gold. They run forever even poorly and will take plenty of abuse, curb hits, etc.
Yeah it’s not great for his image but I’m sure we all remember the line from Ferris, it is better than no car
“It’s not a piece of sh**”
“It is a piece of sh**, Don't worry about it, I don't even have a piece of sh**, I have to envy yours.”
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
I truly believe that is the perfect high school beater (I said it earlier). It’s even old man gold. They run forever even poorly and will take plenty of abuse, curb hits, etc.
Yeah it’s not great for his image but I’m sure we all remember the line from Ferris, it is better than no car
“It’s not a piece of sh**”
“It is a piece of sh**, Don't worry about it, I don't even have a piece of sh**, I have to envy yours.”
But Ferris got a computer! Which allowed him to decrease the number of absences he had.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
And a sweet Carver and Audiosource stereo system.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
And a sweet Carver and Audiosource stereo system.
OK, that doesn't mean much to me, but I'm sure you audiophiles were salivating over it.....
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
I’m starting to see more 2022/2023 WRX on the road. While I think the older body style is much nicer, looking, the newer one is growing on me. The plastic cladding blends in nicely with the black and the dark gray. And it even looks OK on world rally blue.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Siennas are available, you just might have to travel outside of your area
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
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
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
A couple of more used Outbacks that are local:
https://www.biancoautosales.com/vdp/20122711/Used-2008-Subaru-Outback-25i-Limited-for-sale-in-Stamford-CT-06902
https://www.biancoautosales.com/vdp/20196601/Used-2008-Subaru-Outback-25i-Limited-for-sale-in-Stamford-CT-06902
The white one has less miles, but the gold one has had some extensive maintenance work done.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I brought the Highlander into the dealership for the brake vibrating issue. They ended up resurfacing the front and rear brake rotors under warranty. Looks like the Highlander is good to go for a trip to the Outer Banks North Carolina next week.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Yeah, same here. And, not even used ones are available on this planet unless you're willing to pay new + ADM on those!
The undercarriage of the gold one, frankly, looks good! I mean, it looks like the undercarriage of my Forester, which has seen far less harness from its ten winters than from even just one NE winter.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
@tifighter Long shot, but if you decided to bite, I could drive it down to you. We're leaving here on 8/11 for our annual Ohio trip.
(the car would have 2,200 miles upon arrival)
It sounds like you are seriously considering a Subie. Mrs. j has had 2 Legacy Limited 6 cylinder jobs and they’ve been great but we don’t put a lot of miles on them (less than 30K miles) so at those miles they should be great. However, I suspect they’d be OK even when miled up.
BTW, if you buy the white one make sure you tell them you want the retail price don’t fall for the internet price.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I saw that too with the white one. The gold one has caught my eye due to the recent amount of maintenance & repairs. I called and spoke to the guy who claimed he drove it home from Long Island and it is very tight and smooth. It was bought from a dealer before they sent it to auction.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
We're going to be in Hatteras next week.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Picking up your new Harley?
Awesome! We are going to Nags Head!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Enjoy your vacation! Glad to hear my wife and I aren’t the only ones who warp rotors on our SUVs.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
1997 Pontiac Grand Am GT - my first car, brakes were likely undersized, can also blame previous owner because it was used, didn't fix because I traded it in.
2003 BMW 540i M-sport - also used, rotors cracked because they weren't replaced at the same time as pads by previous owner. Replaced front rotors.
2007 Toyota Prius - based on Carfax, likely still on the original pads and rotors at 220,000 miles. Replaced pads and rotors.
And, the drive would be no problem, since we're already coming down. It's a *bit* out of the way, but not terribly so since my whole family is spread across the region. Gives me an excuse to stop in to say hello since we would otherwise skip it this year. Or, if he wanted to take a quick road trip, we could meet further east, like in Spokane, Sand Point, or Wallace (tiny old mining town in ID along I-90 that we like), which is even less out of the way.
Keep heading south for just over 60 miles to get to Hatteras.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
This dealer does give loaners no questions asked unlike another one I contacted. I got a Grand Cherokee L. It’s in the base Laredo trim. I really want to like it but it’s just, meh. Power is good, not great. Ride is very good though. It’s just ok comfort wise. Maybe a higher end trim would be better. I’m not a large guy and it ‘feels’ tight to me. Maybe it’s a mental thing as it’s all black interior which I don’t care for. Since it’s the 3 row there is plenty of cargo room and it has captains chairs for the 2nd row. Quality of the interior materials seems good for the price of the base model and the infotainment is virtually the same as in my Wrangler. I am supposed to get my Jeep back tomorrow and am WFH today and tomorrow so I didn’t bother to hook my phone up and play with the system that much.
Overall, it’s ok. I had hoped it would move to the top of the list to replace the X1 or Wrangler and it might in an upper trim but a lot like the Kia/Hyundai pair when you option them up they loose their value proposition real quick.
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
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Gold Subaru looks clean. Can tell that did not live in western NY salt belt! Still seems pricey for the age and miles.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
...to this one found in the 2024 model:
Not sure it is an improvement.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
'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