When I said the Titan would be paid for in a few months that was if things stayed the same, with me in Texas. Long story, but that's the only way I could have kept the truck was if we bought the lease out and paid it off.
The Dodge will be paid off in December and Zippy is hopefully going to be sold in the next few months since its not needed anymore (and contributes to the $4200/year in insurance we pay). That just leaves the Titan, who's future is up in the air, obviously going to either have to buy it (take out a loan in december for 24 months) or trade it in. We aren't too bad off in it anymore (he made extra payments while I was gone) and will be right side up if we buy it or trade it this fall/winter.
The only thing we are seriously buried in is the travel trailer and since we didn't put a big down payment its the nature of the beast.
Right now we have 5 trailers.......3 are paid for (car hauler, utility trailer, and horse trailer), one is upside down (travel trailer), and one we have about 50% equity in (dump trailer).
Then we have the 3 vehicles......our yard is really too small for all this. With 4 trailers (my horse trailer is being fixed right now) and 3 vehicles in the yard its truely creative parking, don't know what we will do with the horse trailer when it comes home.
Right now I'm looking at cutting Zippy and the horse trailer from the herd, after that I don't know, but I do know NO NEW ADDITIONS until at least next winter!!!
I seriously doubt you are right side up in the Titan. Considering its mileage and the fact that the contract is a lease, the chances of being right side up in that thing is pretty slim. 30 months worth of $620-ish payments plus residual puts that thing not only upside down but you might as well put tires on the roof. Extra payments on a lease? Why would you pay extra rent? Many better places to put money.
well, I have never leased, but wouldn't extra payments go towards the total contract, so that in effect you could reach the point where there were no more payments to make? Of course, that's still not "right side up" if the residual is way more than what it's worth with all the extra miles being put on it.
Ultimately, I have never leased because I don't want to be 18 months into a lease and dying for a new car, but also because I drive more miles than would ever be written into any lease. The miles will kill you in a lease.
HOWEVER, I would imagine if you pay off a 4-year lease in 18 months, then the truck would still be worth at least the residual, and you could finance that and buy the truck from the leasing company.
I tend to spend a lot of money on the revolving door of car payments, although I am careful to never get close to "in over my head". If I can't be "right side up" in a car within a year, I don't sign on the dotted line.
My current pair have only been with me 7 months and 2 months, so despite my constantly restless eyes, I won't be looking again this year! :-P
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
.... Gee's right, paying more lease payments is like paying more rent payments ..... buddy, it's goin' to take the 101st Airborne to get her out of that dude, not future rent payments .....
When do you think these will come down closer to invoice? Thinking about waiting till the '08's are out and hopefully by then the supply will be greater than the demand. Still can't find a valid reason to dump the '03 Sentra with 27.5k on the odo. The warranty issue of late has been a more of a pain for me and I think if I bought soon, I'd only get about $7k for the Sentra and have to add an additional $12.5k to get the EX Sedan. From a practical standpoint, it's not worth it. But my car loving side wants to pull the trigger...SOON!
the new Civic is good, but it just doesn't seem impressive enough to have caused the constant short supply there seems to be at dealers. I wonder what's going on there...
Me, I would still take the Mazda3 over the Civic probably. The lesser resale and worse dealer service (my local Mazda dealer is pretty pathetic) would be my only concern. The 3 would be a heck of a lot cheaper too.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
You can get a Civic for invoice. If you can find one. You just have to be patient. I'm over my Civic jones though. I'm happier and happier with my 1996 EX every day. And the title is in the drawer.
the new Civic is good, but it just doesn't seem impressive enough to have caused the constant short supply there seems to be at dealers. I wonder what's going on there...
I believe it is Hondas way of keeping the price up as long as they can. Keep the supply short, and prices stay up. I have often looked at the Civics when each new generation came out, only to be put-off by the Hondas dealer's egos, and "short supply." I think it is the case with most new Honda models...except maybe the Ridgline. In fact, I wanted to by an Odessey a few years back, and their attitude was..."can't even test drive the one we have..its sold"! ...Needless to say, I didn't buy the Honda, and have never been sorry. I LOVE my Highlanders....
We bought our 3s last July and we got a deal at invoice minus $800. of coupons. The service department is great and it's less than 2 miles from our house...right outside our development. And the car is truly awesome to drive...real sporty and quick when needed. But I still want the new Civic. The body shape is very Mazda3ish now, but I've never had a Honda product yet and it's the only one of the 4 mainstream Japanese companies that I've never owned a car from. And let's be honest, over 300,000 owners can't be wrong in their love for the Civic. The EX is a bit pricey though, but I'll be 53 in 2 years when I anticipate my next purchase and I finally deserve and can afford the car I want. That would be the Civic EX.
.... These new Civics are veeery popular and are selling big time .... I kinda like em' myself .. they stole a little Audi over here, a little TL over there, they did good ...
But like any product .. once they're around for awhile and folks buy em' up, they'll hit a certain price level because the demand will lighten up and the price will go down ....
Just like this certain golf club I've been lookin' at, I ain't paying $400 ... but in 4/5 months I'll pick it up for $175 .. will it change my life.? I doubt it .. will it change my game.? maybe, maybe not ..... c'mon, these are Civics, not Cayman S's .... plus I don't think you're going to see any big reduction in the Sentra ...
That's what I thought actually. I want it...I don't need it, which puts me in a good position. I can definitely wait a couple of years, as I don't put much mileage on my car. When my 18 year old's home like he is now, then he miles it up a bit. But hey...he's a kid and I did the same thing way back when. The only difference was gas was like $.33/gallon and I got to tool around in my mom's 1970 Cadillac DeVille convertible or my dad's Olds Toronado. I was in big demand for the Homecoming parade and halftime show and these cars were real luxo crusiers for their day. My kids are stuck with 2 economy cars and gas almost 10 times the cost. But the dynamics are the same. He wants the car...so he takes it when I get home from work and you know what, I wouldn't have it any other way! But I'll be patient and wait for my Civic. But that Accord LX down here in Lauderdale has caught my eye though!
I believe it is Hondas way of keeping the price up as long as they can
Well, maybe. It's a little far-fetched; Honda makes more money when they sell more cars. Their profit margin per unit is pretty much fixed.
There is a big difference between Honda and Toyota; they're both volume manufacturers, but Honda is much smaller, at least in the US. And they don't seem to mind.
I don't think Honda gives a rip about how much money their dealers make, but they MAY be playing a clever game of keeping up the perceived value of their cars with these supply shenanigans. Maybe. Think of the Odyssey.. sold for sticker all the way until the new Sienna came out in '03.
AFAIK, Toyota pushes really hard on their dealers on volume, volume, volume. Why else would I be able to buy any of their mainstream products for invoice or a little behind? The dealer is the only one in a 30-mile radius, and they're still dealing like crazy. I think they have to to ensure supply. Toyota is doing this to keep building market share.
It appears to me that Honda is going a different route by always having the "better", more refined product.
They build interference engines, less value placed on rust protection, less value placed on ride or noise.
But the slickest 4cylinders anywhere, fantastic transmissions -- stick or not -- and great handling. They may never overtake Toyota in volume, but they have built a tremendous brand image. Not to mention the crazy resale values.
If anybody knows whether Honda really IS keeping supply tight on purpose; I'd love to know. They're certainly doing a few things right...
I'm thinking that buying a base model isn't as bad as I first thought. Both car lots offered a straight buyout of $6500 or put her on consignment and I would get $7500-$8000. Not bad for a car that I paid $11k for 2 years ago and have put over 52,500 miles on. Not to mention has a little road rash on the hood (Alaska rocks), needs tires, and a windshield.
Now the Titan, well, its been hit at $21,500, so that does leave me a bit of jingle to come up with in order to trade out. I'll wait until this next winter to do it, might as well drive it until the warranty is gone. Either way I can't turn the truck in at the end of the lease.......not at 15 cents/mile. So, its either buy it out this fall or trade it, either way I'm putting a big chunk down.
... ** don't think Honda gives a rip about how much money their dealers make, but they MAY be playing a clever game of keeping up the perceived value of their cars with these supply shenanigans. Maybe. Think of the Odyssey.. sold for sticker all the way until the new Sienna came out in '03.
AFAIK, Toyota pushes really hard on their dealers on volume, volume, volume. Why else would I be able to buy any of their mainstream products for invoice or a little behind? The dealer is the only one in a 30-mile radius, and they're still dealing like crazy. I think they have to to ensure supply. Toyota is doing this to keep building market share.** =================================
"CUT.!" ..... and that's a print.!
You're dead on money ..... you really are paying attention.!
Most Honda dealers do a little better than the Yota dealers across the board per unit, actually alot ... for many reasons ... maybe it's that KISS formula.
I think Toyotas also have great resale value, although probably not as great as Honda. Doesn't a Toyota usually sticker for more than a comparably equipped Honda?
Toyota seems to offer a greater variety of trim levels. One of my friends has a 4-cylinder, 2WD Highlander--stickered for $25-ish.
I made a trip to the Kentucky legislature in Frankfort last summer, and in the parking structure, the most common nameplate BY FAR was Toyota. Granted, we have a Toyota plant nearby in Georgetown, but even considering that, the prevalence of the nameplate was striking.
All things considered, I'd probably prefer a Honda to a Toyota as a daily driver due to the sportier dynamics. And, I am probably sounding like an old man here, but I would also strongly prefer an engine without a timing belt, which both brands now offer.
made a trip to the Kentucky legislature in Frankfort last summer, and in the parking structure, the most common nameplate BY FAR was Toyota.
That is a surprise? Many Kentuckians are making the money of their dreams thanks to Toyota's investment at Georgetown as well as their distribution center in the Cincinnati area.
A few years back, I was in Covington, KY when one guy is riding another because of his "foreign car" and implies that he should have bought a domestic. The guy's response ... "where so they make those in Kentucky."
BTW, once you get to Nashville, all you see are Nissans.
I was in Houston last week at the Livestock and Rodeo Show and came upon the Toyota truck display. They had a hude sign showing all the investments Toyota has in Texas - tghe new plant, the distribution and prep centers, the dealers, the Lexus dealers, ...
you could say the same thing about the Pontiac Solstice. They are made right down the road from me in Wilmington Del., but I never see any on the road.
Come to think of it though, I think they used to make the Saturn Ion there and I don't see too many of those around either.
On the image of Toyota vs. Honda in the NA market...
Completely unscientific, but it appears to me that here in Minnesota at least, most of the Accords are EXs, EX-Ls, or EX -V6s. LXs like mine are in the minority (easy to spot by plastic wheel covers.) On the other hand, an absolute majority of Camrys are 4-cylinder LE. The conclusion is that the Accord is perceived as a higher-end sedan based on the trim mix, while the Camry is more of bread-and-butter transporation.
I spec'd out an Accord and a Camry sedan about the way I'd want them. I forget the details, but I think I picked a Camry SE V-6 and an Accord EX V-6. IIRC, the Accord came out a bit higher in TMV, but they were both still fairly close. Basically, the higher price of the Accord wouldn't have been a deal breaker if I decided I liked it better. I want to say they both came in around $22-23K TMV?
I started trying to spec out an Altima V-6 as well, but gave up because it seemed like I had to keep buying these stupid option packages to get what I really wanted, and that just shot the price up too much for my tastes.
When I bought the L-series 3 years ago, I took a close look at the Altima and came to the same conclusion you did.
I was looking for an automatic, leather, ABS and a sunroof. Yeah, right .. configured with those options, I was looking at somewhere around $28K for the Altima.
Camry SE? IIRC, they didn't come with leather and/or sunroof together. That, and the wife took one look at it from the outside and said "Grampa car" (or words to that effect).
Accord? The latest body style had just been released when I was in the market, so discounts were few and far between. And, for some reason that remains unknown to me to this day, the wife has this thing against Hondas.
The only other car I looked at seriously was the VW Passat, which I loved but didn't have enough 'nooks and crannies' to store stuff in. That, and it too was in the high 20's when optioned with a V6, auto, leather and a sunroof.
The L-series cost me around $24K and I got 0% financing on top of it, so in the end it was a pretty easy decision. The wife told me, however, just a couple of weeks ago, that she was leaning towards the Altima.
I wonder if it was an Accord LX V-6 I spec'ed instead of an EX? I just tried to do an EX, and the TMV came in at $26K!
I used to think the Camry was pretty dowdy, but for some reason I think that '05 or so restyle really breathed some new life into it, especially the SE model. I know it was just a minor restyle, but it was enough to interest me in it.
I've set a goal for myself, but it's one that's not going to make me popular in this forum. But here it is...NO MORE CARS, new or otherwise, until at least April 2008 (my 38th birthday).
How many miles will your Intrepid have on it by then?
Well, it just hit 115,000 the other day. I'm only averaging around 1,000 miles per month these days, so I'd say it would probably be pushing 140,000 miles by then.
My uncle has been driving it these past few days though, since his Corolla's in the body shop and his truck is in the tranny shop. He's putting about 130 miles per DAY on it!
I figure though, that even if something catastrophic happened to it, I could fall back on my older cars. Drive the convertible and LeMans on nice days, the NYer on not-so-nice days, the pickup in bad weather (it actually does pretty well in the snow), and just rent a car if I ever went on a really long trip.
they produced the L-series in the Wilmington plant
I stand corrected.
I will never make a statement(at least not in writing)that I will not buy another car for 2 more years. I think with the last purchase I am done for awhile. Even told my wife so. She just rolled her eyes, but did not ask me to define awhile.I am hoping to make it 4 years, but that has never been done by me before.
between buying cars was about 2 1/2 years. That happened twice. My Mom gave me her old 1980 Malibu in Febuary 1987, and I got a 1969 Dart GT in September 1989.
The second time was fairly recently. My Mom sold me my Granddad's old '85 Silverado back in September 2002, and I bought my '76 LeMans in April of 2005.
But, even if I can't hold out another ~2 years, I'm not going to cry over it. It's a goal, sure. But I've been known to be an underachiever. :shades:
Was talking with the wife the other day about (what else) our transportation issues. After dropping so much money into the L-series for brakes, I think we're in good shape, though I do think about always having cars in warranty, which may mean a return to the lease cycle.
OTOH, being so close to having fewer car payments (currently 3) is quite an incentive. That, plus having only 15 more child support payments, means that the family cash flow ought to improve substantially in the next 18-24 months.
Having said all that, there is still the chance that the L will get sold this summer.
I'm with ya. I'm looking at putting the $500 a month into my basement. I got almost 1000 sg ft begging for a play area and home theater. They have a new home dialysis machine out now too. It would be great dialysing while watching a 50+" plasma screen in THX Dolby.
Hey, you make it sound so nice I may want to join you. Hook me up.
The maximum number of car payments that I want to handle is one. Hopefully that one will go away in 24mos and we'll have $336.79 per month I can at least partially put towards golf. With $75 greens fees though,that aint going far.
OK, not really bad news. But, I just paid to extend my XM subscription in the Accord, since the free trial from Honda runs out next week. Guess I have to keep it until at least the end of the year!
I'm also looking forward to going back to no payments. We were payment free for a couple of years, until we got the Odyssey, which has about 21 payments left, but we will probably pay off by summertime. Then, all former car money can go into the college fund!
having a HS student certainly puts a damper on the car buying hobby. THe current plan is to keep the 2 '05 Hondas at least until the 1st one graduates (7 years from now, if he stays on the 4 year plan, and that's all I plan to pay for!)
Then we get a 1 year reprieve until number 2 goes. I figure by then the van will be ready to be repalced (it will be 8 years old, and IMO minivans don't age particulary well).
I may have the Accord for 12 more years at this rate! Hope XM stays in business...
Here I am reading the Sunday newspaper car ads (like I need something) and what do I find???.......... A 2006 Ford Ranger Super cab, AC, automatic..... with a MSRP of $22K..... the ad said you can lease it for $99.00 a month for 36 months with $1,500 down; 10,500 a year in mileage. Can that be true?
I showed the ad to my niece and her husband as they could use cheap transportation since they have just bought a new house, etc. They have a '02 Subaru wagon and a '94 Civic and BMW motorcycle.
That lease deal seems WAY to good to pass up. I wonder if there is only ONE to choose from? I should call! :P
Mark
2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
A freelance reporter is interested in talking with people who have named their cars. Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Wednesday, April 12, 2006 containing your daytime contact information and the make, model and name of your vehicle.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
I spotted an ad in craigslist that seemed like a great deal. So i went to check it out in person last night. I bought the car. HOWEVER, I fully intend on letting my brother buy it from me for the same price. So does that count? I did buy it, after all, so I think it does. I just happen to be selling it rather quickly.
oh, in case anyone is wondering, it is an '88 volvo 740 wagon with less than 99k miles! i paid $1100.
'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
Mom had a 1990 740 sedan. Base model, not the GL or GLE, hence no sunroof or power mirrors. No alloy wheels, but it had optional leather seats. I think the seat heaters were standard. Dark grey with a dark grey interior... I still love that square body style.
Yep, it's a Volvo 740, not a BMW 740... They were at least remote mirrors... She cross-shopped it with an Accord, which I can only guess offered power mirrors, alloy wheels, and a sunroof for less money, but no heated leather seats.
Since we were discussing the Caliber a while back. It's just infuriating to me when manufacturers dumb down cars for the US market, or upfit them for the Euro market. Ford does it with the Focus, Honda does it with the Civic, and apparently Dodge is doing it with the Caliber.
"On US suspension and tyres there was a trembling sensation to the ride and a feeling that the vehicle was clambering over bumps rather than riding them.
The steering was lifeless, and my few attempts to put the model through its paces were met with an almost total lack of front-end bite and marked reluctance to turn into corners. The brakes do stop the car eventually, but on first pushing the pedal you'd be forgiven for thinking that the pads were made of cardboard.
European cars will come with different steering, brakes, wheels, tyres, suspension and anti-roll stiffness."
I can see me now."Come on kids,were going for a picnic.Grap the picanick(hey Boo Boo)basket and watermelon and toss them in the glove box.Woops, well just though a can of soda in there."
The better brakes and suspension probably would have added another $200 and blown out their target price.
No argument there, and mini-fridge or not, I'd rather pay a premium in order to get a more responsive driving experience, designed by the same people who engineered the car, instead of having a aftermarket band-aids as my only option.
I've managed to acquire two of those 12V Peltier coolers for use as needed, but there's also a cooled cupholder in the console of my car that won't hold anything other than a 12-ounce can.
How did I know that was coming?? You must be referring to my precious Zippy, I'm going to compose a letter to be given to her new owner.........written by Zippy of course!!!
Travler, as far as I can tell, the ad said $1,500 down, plus TTL, and a $399 doc fee (kinda high)...so, that's their profit I guess. Including taxes and fees, I was figuring it would run about $175 a month total cost for 36 months. I'm really not sure how tax is figured on a lease. I figured $900 for 3 years but it was just a guess. :confuse:
Mark
2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
While I'm ripping on the Caliber... If they wanted to "tune" it for the European (or Canadian) market, they probably should have changed the name to "Calibre."
Comments
The Dodge will be paid off in December and Zippy is hopefully going to be sold in the next few months since its not needed anymore (and contributes to the $4200/year in insurance we pay). That just leaves the Titan, who's future is up in the air, obviously going to either have to buy it (take out a loan in december for 24 months) or trade it in. We aren't too bad off in it anymore (he made extra payments while I was gone) and will be right side up if we buy it or trade it this fall/winter.
The only thing we are seriously buried in is the travel trailer and since we didn't put a big down payment its the nature of the beast.
Right now we have 5 trailers.......3 are paid for (car hauler, utility trailer, and horse trailer), one is upside down (travel trailer), and one we have about 50% equity in (dump trailer).
Then we have the 3 vehicles......our yard is really too small for all this. With 4 trailers (my horse trailer is being fixed right now) and 3 vehicles in the yard its truely creative parking, don't know what we will do with the horse trailer when it comes home.
Right now I'm looking at cutting Zippy and the horse trailer from the herd, after that I don't know, but I do know NO NEW ADDITIONS until at least next winter!!!
Extra payments on a lease? Why would you pay extra rent? Many better places to put money.
Ultimately, I have never leased because I don't want to be 18 months into a lease and dying for a new car, but also because I drive more miles than would ever be written into any lease. The miles will kill you in a lease.
HOWEVER, I would imagine if you pay off a 4-year lease in 18 months, then the truck would still be worth at least the residual, and you could finance that and buy the truck from the leasing company.
I tend to spend a lot of money on the revolving door of car payments, although I am careful to never get close to "in over my head". If I can't be "right side up" in a car within a year, I don't sign on the dotted line.
My current pair have only been with me 7 months and 2 months, so despite my constantly restless eyes, I won't be looking again this year! :-P
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Terry
When do you think these will come down closer to invoice? Thinking about waiting till the '08's are out and hopefully by then the supply will be greater than the demand. Still can't find a valid reason to dump the '03 Sentra with 27.5k on the odo. The warranty issue of late has been a more of a pain for me and I think if I bought soon, I'd only get about $7k for the Sentra and have to add an additional $12.5k to get the EX Sedan.
From a practical standpoint, it's not worth it. But my car loving side wants to pull the trigger...SOON!
The Sandman :confuse:
Me, I would still take the Mazda3 over the Civic probably. The lesser resale and worse dealer service (my local Mazda dealer is pretty pathetic) would be my only concern. The 3 would be a heck of a lot cheaper too.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I believe it is Hondas way of keeping the price up as long as they can. Keep the supply short, and prices stay up. I have often looked at the Civics when each new generation came out, only to be put-off by the Hondas dealer's egos, and "short supply." I think it is the case with most new Honda models...except maybe the Ridgline. In fact, I wanted to by an Odessey a few years back, and their attitude was..."can't even test drive the one we have..its sold"! ...Needless to say, I didn't buy the Honda, and have never been sorry. I LOVE my Highlanders....
But I still want the new Civic. The body shape is very Mazda3ish now, but I've never had a Honda product yet and it's the only one of the 4 mainstream Japanese companies that I've never owned a car from. And let's be honest, over 300,000 owners can't be wrong in their love for the Civic. The EX is a bit pricey though, but I'll be 53 in 2 years when I anticipate my next purchase and I finally deserve and can afford the car I want.
That would be the Civic EX.
The Sandman
But like any product .. once they're around for awhile and folks buy em' up, they'll hit a certain price level because the demand will lighten up and the price will go down ....
Just like this certain golf club I've been lookin' at, I ain't paying $400 ... but in 4/5 months I'll pick it up for $175 .. will it change my life.? I doubt it .. will it change my game.? maybe, maybe not ..... c'mon, these are Civics, not Cayman S's .... plus I don't think you're going to see any big reduction in the Sentra ...
Terry.
My kids are stuck with 2 economy cars and gas almost 10 times the cost. But the dynamics are the same. He wants the car...so he takes it when I get home from work and you know what, I wouldn't have it any other way!
But I'll be patient and wait for my Civic. But that Accord LX down here in Lauderdale has caught my eye though!
The Sandman
Well, maybe. It's a little far-fetched; Honda makes more money when they sell more cars. Their profit margin per unit is pretty much fixed.
There is a big difference between Honda and Toyota; they're both volume manufacturers, but Honda is much smaller, at least in the US. And they don't seem to mind.
I don't think Honda gives a rip about how much money their dealers make, but they MAY be playing a clever game of keeping up the perceived value of their cars with these supply shenanigans. Maybe. Think of the Odyssey.. sold for sticker all the way until the new Sienna came out in '03.
AFAIK, Toyota pushes really hard on their dealers on volume, volume, volume. Why else would I be able to buy any of their mainstream products for invoice or a little behind? The dealer is the only one in a 30-mile radius, and they're still dealing like crazy. I think they have to to ensure supply. Toyota is doing this to keep building market share.
It appears to me that Honda is going a different route by always having the "better", more refined product.
They build interference engines, less value placed on rust protection, less value placed on ride or noise.
But the slickest 4cylinders anywhere, fantastic transmissions -- stick or not -- and great handling. They may never overtake Toyota in volume, but they have built a tremendous brand image. Not to mention the crazy resale values.
If anybody knows whether Honda really IS keeping supply tight on purpose; I'd love to know. They're certainly doing a few things right...
-Mathias
Now the Titan, well, its been hit at $21,500, so that does leave me a bit of jingle to come up with in order to trade out. I'll wait until this next winter to do it, might as well drive it until the warranty is gone. Either way I can't turn the truck in at the end of the lease.......not at 15 cents/mile. So, its either buy it out this fall or trade it, either way I'm putting a big chunk down.
AFAIK, Toyota pushes really hard on their dealers on volume, volume, volume. Why else would I be able to buy any of their mainstream products for invoice or a little behind? The dealer is the only one in a 30-mile radius, and they're still dealing like crazy. I think they have to to ensure supply. Toyota is doing this to keep building market share.**
=================================
"CUT.!" ..... and that's a print.!
You're dead on money ..... you really are paying attention.!
Most Honda dealers do a little better than the Yota dealers across the board per unit, actually alot ... for many reasons ... maybe it's that KISS formula.
Terry.
Toyota seems to offer a greater variety of trim levels. One of my friends has a 4-cylinder, 2WD Highlander--stickered for $25-ish.
I made a trip to the Kentucky legislature in Frankfort last summer, and in the parking structure, the most common nameplate BY FAR was Toyota. Granted, we have a Toyota plant nearby in Georgetown, but even considering that, the prevalence of the nameplate was striking.
All things considered, I'd probably prefer a Honda to a Toyota as a daily driver due to the sportier dynamics. And, I am probably sounding like an old man here, but I would also strongly prefer an engine without a timing belt, which both brands now offer.
That is a surprise? Many Kentuckians are making the money of their dreams thanks to Toyota's investment at Georgetown as well as their distribution center in the Cincinnati area.
A few years back, I was in Covington, KY when one guy is riding another because of his "foreign car" and implies that he should have bought a domestic. The guy's response ... "where so they make those in Kentucky."
BTW, once you get to Nashville, all you see are Nissans.
I was in Houston last week at the Livestock and Rodeo Show and came upon the Toyota truck display. They had a hude sign showing all the investments Toyota has in Texas - tghe new plant, the distribution and prep centers, the dealers, the Lexus dealers, ...
Come to think of it though, I think they used to make the Saturn Ion there and I don't see too many of those around either.
Completely unscientific, but it appears to me that here in Minnesota at least, most of the Accords are EXs, EX-Ls, or EX -V6s. LXs like mine are in the minority (easy to spot by plastic wheel covers.) On the other hand, an absolute majority of Camrys are 4-cylinder LE. The conclusion is that the Accord is perceived as a higher-end sedan based on the trim mix, while the Camry is more of bread-and-butter transporation.
I started trying to spec out an Altima V-6 as well, but gave up because it seemed like I had to keep buying these stupid option packages to get what I really wanted, and that just shot the price up too much for my tastes.
I was looking for an automatic, leather, ABS and a sunroof. Yeah, right .. configured with those options, I was looking at somewhere around $28K for the Altima.
Camry SE? IIRC, they didn't come with leather and/or sunroof together. That, and the wife took one look at it from the outside and said "Grampa car" (or words to that effect).
Accord? The latest body style had just been released when I was in the market, so discounts were few and far between. And, for some reason that remains unknown to me to this day, the wife has this thing against Hondas.
The only other car I looked at seriously was the VW Passat, which I loved but didn't have enough 'nooks and crannies' to store stuff in. That, and it too was in the high 20's when optioned with a V6, auto, leather and a sunroof.
The L-series cost me around $24K and I got 0% financing on top of it, so in the end it was a pretty easy decision. The wife told me, however, just a couple of weeks ago, that she was leaning towards the Altima.
Sigh....
I used to think the Camry was pretty dowdy, but for some reason I think that '05 or so restyle really breathed some new life into it, especially the SE model. I know it was just a minor restyle, but it was enough to interest me in it.
I've set a goal for myself, but it's one that's not going to make me popular in this forum. But here it is...NO MORE CARS, new or otherwise, until at least April 2008 (my 38th birthday).
How many miles will your Intrepid have on it by then?
Well, it just hit 115,000 the other day. I'm only averaging around 1,000 miles per month these days, so I'd say it would probably be pushing 140,000 miles by then.
My uncle has been driving it these past few days though, since his Corolla's in the body shop and his truck is in the tranny shop. He's putting about 130 miles per DAY on it!
I figure though, that even if something catastrophic happened to it, I could fall back on my older cars. Drive the convertible and LeMans on nice days, the NYer on not-so-nice days, the pickup in bad weather (it actually does pretty well in the snow), and just rent a car if I ever went on a really long trip.
I stand corrected.
I will never make a statement(at least not in writing)that I will not buy another car for 2 more years. I think with the last purchase I am done for awhile. Even told my wife so. She just rolled her eyes, but did not ask me to define awhile.I am hoping to make it 4 years, but that has never been done by me before.
The second time was fairly recently. My Mom sold me my Granddad's old '85 Silverado back in September 2002, and I bought my '76 LeMans in April of 2005.
But, even if I can't hold out another ~2 years, I'm not going to cry over it. It's a goal, sure. But I've been known to be an underachiever. :shades:
OTOH, being so close to having fewer car payments (currently 3) is quite an incentive. That, plus having only 15 more child support payments, means that the family cash flow ought to improve substantially in the next 18-24 months.
Having said all that, there is still the chance that the L will get sold this summer.
The maximum number of car payments that I want to handle is one. Hopefully that one will go away in 24mos and we'll have $336.79 per month I can at least partially put towards golf. With $75 greens fees though,that aint going far.
I'm also looking forward to going back to no payments. We were payment free for a couple of years, until we got the Odyssey, which has about 21 payments left, but we will probably pay off by summertime. Then, all former car money can go into the college fund!
having a HS student certainly puts a damper on the car buying hobby. THe current plan is to keep the 2 '05 Hondas at least until the 1st one graduates (7 years from now, if he stays on the 4 year plan, and that's all I plan to pay for!)
Then we get a 1 year reprieve until number 2 goes. I figure by then the van will be ready to be repalced (it will be 8 years old, and IMO minivans don't age particulary well).
I may have the Accord for 12 more years at this rate! Hope XM stays in business...
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I showed the ad to my niece and her husband as they could use cheap transportation since they have just bought a new house, etc. They have a '02 Subaru wagon and a '94 Civic and BMW motorcycle.
That lease deal seems WAY to good to pass up. I wonder if there is only ONE to choose from? I should call! :P
Mark
NY area ! It has been on TV the last week or so....
Me thinks Ford is trying to prop up Ranger sales
before the restyle. Great deal tho. !!!!!!
A freelance reporter is interested in talking with people who have named their cars. Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Wednesday, April 12, 2006 containing your daytime contact information and the make, model and name of your vehicle.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
oh, in case anyone is wondering, it is an '88 volvo 740 wagon with less than 99k miles! i paid $1100.
'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
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/main.jhtml?xml=/motoring/2006/03/17/mfdodg18- .xml&sSheet=/motoring/2006/03/18/ixmot.html
Excerpt:
"On US suspension and tyres there was a trembling sensation to the ride and a feeling that the vehicle was clambering over bumps rather than riding them.
The steering was lifeless, and my few attempts to put the model through its paces were met with an almost total lack of front-end bite and marked reluctance to turn into corners. The brakes do stop the car eventually, but on first pushing the pedal you'd be forgiven for thinking that the pads were made of cardboard.
European cars will come with different steering, brakes, wheels, tyres, suspension and anti-roll stiffness."
Hey, the money for the mini fridge in the dash had to come from someplace!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I can see me now."Come on kids,were going for a picnic.Grap the picanick(hey Boo Boo)basket and watermelon and toss them in the glove box.Woops, well just though a can of soda in there."
The better brakes and suspension probably would have added another $200 and blown out their target price.
I've managed to acquire two of those 12V Peltier coolers for use as needed, but there's also a cooled cupholder in the console of my car that won't hold anything other than a 12-ounce can.
How did I know that was coming?? You must be referring to my precious Zippy, I'm going to compose a letter to be given to her new owner.........written by Zippy of course!!!
I'm going to miss that little car!
Mark
Maybe theres a prize involved ?
No, that truck is long gone, been gone for almost a year and a half, hadn't thought about it in a long time.
Zippy is the only one in our herd that has a name (well, a name that can be repeated at least).