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But with the way my sick automotive brain works, by this afternoon I'd be talking her into buying the 60K mdx.....
Honda's are nice cars, Toyota are nice cars, Saturns are nice cars.I have owned my share of Toyota's and Honda's and agree they are excellent transportation.
However the sun does not rise and set on Toyota's Honda's and Subaru's.If someone claims a $500 break job on any of these, everyone says, well , thats just maintenance .But a Saturn needs a $500 break job and everyone says to dump it and never buy American again.
I certainly don't want to turn this into a buy American forum. The domestic's have their strong points too. Last I checked GM was still the number one seller. And,yes I know Toyota is gaining on them.
Michael stated why he likes Saturn's can we not respect his opinion and not have to call for an "intervention".
02 ES300 w/ 19k ( not the frameless window- this was the 1st year of the redesign). -- It wouldnt start-- dead battery. A sign from above? who knows. I do know that even after treatment, the car reeked of smoke, and to a nonsmoker like me, that's a dealbreaker.
01 GS450 w/44k and nav/ chrome wheels. Beautiful car. I loved how the cockpit really cradled me. very smooth v8 in it. Acceleration was great. the G's were noticible when I punched it. Though I didnt time it or anything when doing a 60-80mph passing test, it felt a little more sluggish in that range than the tl did. The interior was clean, but some of the writing on the buttons on the front console were starting to fade/rub off. Really enjoyed driving it, and as I spend about 90-120min in the car per day, it scored more points than I wanted it to. Because of the 3 owners, I'd get this on a lift and have a mechanic take a look before I bought it. They're asking 21k.
'04 Acura TL Auto with 31k mi: all standard stuff, no options here. This was raw and animalistic where the Lexus was silky. The interior of this one was less worn than the gs, and really good looking, but I have a kid and from time to time will be putting a childseat in the back. I've read that the perforated leather in this car is more prone to tearing, which makes me pause somewhat. The lexus leather felt a little thicker. Driving was comfortable, but less "cockpit-y" than the lexus. Cool standard features were dvd-audio and bluetooth. No nav though. They're asking 24.5k for it.
Unfortunately, I liked the lexus more than practicality says I should and it's 3k cheaper and has more features. The acura has warranty, is newer, gets better mpg, fewer miles, but is 3.5k more expensive. To me it's a dead heat.
I'm one of those people (like some of you) who follow cars relentlessly, always dreaming of the next one, and can find something I like in almost anything. Unfortunately this broadens the field like mad. I think I'll be taking my time, test-driving a ton, and really getting a feel for my options and priorities to narrow things down.
( And re the accord, I've owned 2, both were great cars, and may check it out, but as it stands, the acura at $24.5k is a little more than I'd like to spend, so I'm not real comfortable stretching further.)
For whatever that's worth.
I know honda makes the saturn vue redline engine, but am not sure whether that's awd or fwd.
I would put more faith in the warranty raitings then CR's ratings since the warranty company actualy has to back up those ratings with money. If they screw up and rate a car a B when it actually more of a G then that will cost them big money. If CR screws up then it does not really cost them anything. Maybe a few subscribers will cancel their subscritpion but I doubt it.
When CR does their predicted reliablity of a car that has just been completly redesigned instead of just saying either they don't know or putting a footnote by their ranking letting people know it is based off the old model they just use the old predicted realiblity.
When a car really is completly redesigned and nothing from the old car carries over then you cannot predict its relablity based off the old model. They should just say this but they do not.
As far as the extended warranty being the judge or reliability. I'll agree with that. I used to work for Carmax and extended warranty prices do vary greatly from brand to brand. In fact, Carmax won't even sell many brands past a certain mileage because the warranty company won't cover them.
I hope you don't have to take chrome rims to get the V-6 though.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I've owned 3 Hondas and my folks have owned Toyotas for a number of years, so I'm well aware of the notion that they don't require lots of expensive repairs. For the most part, it's regular PM and not much else.
Had I known then (when I bought the L) what I know now about the repair costs, I might have been more inclined to purchase an extended warranty, or gone with a different manufacturer. Que sera, sera, as Doris Day sang. Not much I can do about it now.
Yes, I happen to like Saturns, but the recent experiences I've had with the L will make me think long and hard about going down that path again. For the $16-17K that they want for an ION, I might take a closer look at the alternatives - Scion xA, Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Elantra, etc.
I've got my fingers crossed that the wife's VUE doesn't experience the same kind of issues -- but, we did get the extended warranty (6/75K) on hers, so I guess it won't matter as much.
Does anyone know if Mazda plans on offering something smaller than the 3 here in the US? I do qualify for supplier discounts on Mazda (via Ford).
The MX-5? :P Had to say it.
Mazda sells the Mazda2 in other markets, but I haven't heard of any plans to bring it here... You might consider the 9-2X if you can get a discount on Saabs, and don't mind a wagon.
The MX-5? Had to say it.
Touche!
I've heard of the Mazda 2 but don't think I've ever seen any pictures of one.
I do qualify for a GM Supplier discount on Saabs, but remember, I'm trying to downsize the current payment that I have on the Saturn, so I'm looking at something in the mid teens.
I will admit that I've been looking at the Honda (Fit), Toyota (Yaris) and Nissan (Versa) websites. Equipped the way I would like (auto, ABS, keyless entry), we're still in the $15-16K price range. The Fit is intriguing, I will say.
I did speak with the sales manager at the Saturn dealership and had him give me an estimate on the value of the L as a trade in. He gave it a cursory look and offered $11,500.
The good news is that I think the payoff value will now decrease faster than the rate of depreciation, so if I decide to wait a few more months, I ought to have even more equity available. Couple that with the standard "end of the model year" deals that occur over the summer, and it might just make sense to pull the trigger.
Mazda2
-Jason
I was wonder if you ever checked on this ad? I'm curious. :confuse:
I gave the ad to my niece and her husband to check out as they would be in the "need" for efficient transportation. I'm not sure if they actually checked on it or not but if they do, I'll post back here with the information.
-mark156
Anyway, Just speced one out on the Nissan site. Seems like a good deal.
A loaded SL hatch, every option except sport package (just cladding and stuff), was $16,750 MSRP.
that includes alloys, ABS, fancy stereo with sub, moonroof, ABS/SAB, steering wheel audio controls, XM sat radio, aux input jack, Bluetooth, smart key, power everything, and a few other things I can't recall.
Makes the Caliber seem overpriced!
Oh no, the wheels are turning! good thing I got a real good deal on the Accord, and have TIH!
TIH = Title in hand, as any tru CCB sufferer should know.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Sound like you will be getting some cash back on. At under $17k that is hard to beat. The ride probably will not be as nice as the Accord and not as much room. Though the hatch will make up for some of what you are losing.
Maybe with the money you get back you can get the Miata back in time for summer.
The only way I could make that worse is to bring home a dog at the same time.
But, she would have trouble figuring out what to be mad about if I showed up with a new car and didn't have to borrow the checkbook to do it!
I might fall apart if it has "to die for" comfy seats...
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Would have to drive all 3 (Yaris, Fit, Versa) with the automatic and see how they feel. Although the Fit, with the Sport package, has 'paddle' shifters behind the steering wheel.
Not that I think that anyone in my family other than me would ever use them.
When I saw the Versa at the Philly auto show, I didn't know what it was, and thought it WAS a replacement for the Sentra!
OK, now that the wife is gone...
The Toyota is out, since I could never drive an Echo!, but mostly because I hate the center pod instruments. That, and I did not like the one I saw (I think I saw it at least) at the car show.
The Fit is OK, but is immediately eliminated for not having a moonroof.
Only the Versa has the key equipment (stick shift, sat radio from the factory, stereo controls on the steering wheel at minimum). Plus I really liked how it looked, and the interior was sharp, although it was up on the stand at the auto show.
Too bad my neighbor the GSM moved from a Nissan dealer to a Ford dealer last year!
I know I am going to really like this car, because it pretty much was what I was looking for for a few years (at least on papaer) but finally gave up. The Mazda 3 was close, but I didn't find the seats comfy.
The Caliber could be a contender in this class, but they really need to wxpand the manual tranny availability.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Narrowed it down to the CR-V and the Escape. Only thing I didn't like about the CR-V was the horrible road noise, other than that I really liked it. However, I found a beautiful used 2004 Escape limited that I am horribly smitten over, am trying hard to talk myself out of it. Its sitting next to a used CR-V on the Ford dealer's lot.
Talk me down guys.....this could be bad for Zippy!
I actually like the Escape. I have never cared much for the CR-V, but I know that it is all full of "Hondaness"
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
And ... if you're looking to us to "talk you down", you've come to the wrong forum, Missy. Each and every one of us are enablers.
RE: Fit v. Yaris v. Versa -- I'd agree that the Versa is larger than the other two, but I also believe that Nissan is introducing a revamped Sentra this year as well, so I guess the Versa is meant to slot below it. Or, is it simply a hatch version of the Sentra, and Nissan gave it a different name to broaden the prospective market?
Fit and Yaris are absolutely meant to be entry level cars, beneath the Civic and Corolla.
As far as "interventions"......I wish someone had done that with me before I bought a couple of my more questionable vehicles.
I guess I don't know what to say to somebody who posts a lot about recurring, expensive problems with their car, but who can only consider that same brand when they replace it.
Maybe, lease next time, for only the length of the warranty? (I might have actually had a good idea there???).
The L was sort of a [non-permissible content removed] in the Saturn (heck, GM) lineup - quasi European in nature (similar to the Opel/Vauxhall Vectra and, to a lesser extent, the Saab 9-3), so the problems that I've had with the L I would not expect to have on the ION (similar to the Chevy Cobalt) or the wifes VUE (which has the Honda 3.5L V6 and 5-speed auto transmission).
One of the big reasons why I've been partial to Saturns in the past is the use of the polymer side panels. Unfortunately, going forward Saturn is phasing them out - the Relay doesn't use them, nor does the recently introduced Sky. Same with the Aura and the Opel-sourced replacement for the ION in '08.
So, in the future, Saturns will be just another derivative of other GM offerings. As such, I will be sure to look at other brands, makes and models when the time comes.
EDIT: up until a month ago, the L300 has been quite reliable -- just got hit with a couple of big issues in a short amount of time. Sometimes you're the pigeon, sometimes you're the statue. I guess in the past month I've been the statue!
Ya know, I didn't even notice that, lol. Normally I'm the one correcting everyone else's spelling. The 10 year old must be wearing off on me. LOL
I had an Escape for a month as a rental when the Titan was down, put nearly 3000 miles on it and loved it. I wanted to buy it but it wasn't off rental yet. Great little truck.
And ... if you're looking to us to "talk you down", you've come to the wrong forum, Missy. Each and every one of us are enablers.
I really like the Escape, maybe its the month long rental I had, I don't know, but I really like them.
You guys used to be oh so good at keeping me out of trouble, maybe everyone is just looking for someone else to buy something. Heck, its been so long since I bought a new car that nobody's even making bets anymore!!
I like my Escape so far, the only thing I really miss is the steering wheel radio controls. I don't know how many time in the past 3 weeks I put my thumb on the wheel where they used to be.
Last tank was just over 20 mpg so I am satisfied with that.
I started looking around the lot while my poor salesguy was hobbling around looking for the keys to the Escape (he's having knee surgery this morning). Well, I looked at the Ford Freestyle, that thing is cool. So after coming back from the Escape test drive I asked to drive a Freestyle, he got the keys to one and I drove it. Kind of a cool mom car, but it got me thinking hard about the Pilot too.
Me thinks I'm going to wait and think this over, I can't make up my mind what I want to do. If I wait until October I can have Zippy paid off and maybe be able to swing a Pilot or Freestyle, which means I won't have to switch cars in a couple years to get what I want.
I dunno, going back in there next week so hubby can order his new truck, that is if he decides on Ford.....he's stuck on Chevy at the moment.
My salesguy is really cool, we've bought 2 vehicles from him in the past (the Dodge and the 04 Explorer), we were both hobbling in sync last night. I've managed to goof up my left knee again, that that means no driving Zippy for a little while until it heals.
Help me out guys......what to buy?? Oh heck, maybe I'll just keep the Titan or Zippy. :confuse:
Cost was another issue. I bought a Freestyle FWD SE with tri-level climate controls (extra a/c & heater in the back), convenience group & safety package all for $24K. I think the Pilot would have cost at least a few thousand more.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
And then they complain that they can't compete. Offer a great product like your foreign rivals...and you'll succeed. Take some responsibility for your failures...learn...and move on!!!!!
Slowly using my cane to get down from the soapbox now!
The Sandman :confuse:
Worthington Ford has some used Suburbans on their lot, I thought about going that route too. I'm just so undecided and so afraid to make another mistake like I did with the Titan (love my truck, but resale and being a test rat for Nissan sour the experience).
I would like to find a vehicle I can be happy with for several years that will seat more than 5.....me thinks this is gonna be a long search. Maybe I should play pin the tail on the car and buy whatever it lands on, lol. :P
I don't want to go to the poorhouse by doing it though. What are the keys to success?
Do I only buy new when the car has a pretty flat depreciation rate? Do I buy 2 yr old vehicles exclusively? What tips do you all have?
Have a reservation for a full-size car from Alamo.. West Palm Beach..
I'm guessing a DeVille or a Grand Prix.
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I did enjoy the Sebring I had last month...plenty of power and the power seat was very back friendly. I had rented a Malibu Classic 2 years ago in New Hampshire and I returned it at Westchester Airport the next day for a Grand Am, which was also back friendly.
Hertz was $100. more for the same sized car which is outrageous.
The Sandman
Alangl, please hang on to what you have until you are not "so" upside down. But, buying two year old cars and then trading is better than buying new I guess as much as you and Hubby trade.
Hope the daughter gets well soon!
Mark
Actually hubby has had the Ram for nearly 3 years, only reason for trading is its having to do more than its designed to do and he wants a diesel.
As for negative equity, well, yeah I've got that in the Titan was very stupid on my part to lease knowing how much I drive. Ah well, live and learn I guess.
The Honda Pilot!
I went and drove the 2002 Acura MDX today, it drove nice, I liked it, but it drove like it had 60k on it (it does). The front end felt very loose, it wasn't at all tight to drive. Lots of road noise too. Asking price on it was $24,900.
Went back to the Honda dealer and drove a Pilot, definatly what I'm buying, could have pulled the trigger today. However, I'm going to wait until fall when Zippy is paid off and I can trade her plus money down for the Pilot. That way maybe I won't be so upside down.
Hopefully the Pilot will be a wise choice.......what do you guys think??
Now back to getting my butt kicked at whatever game my 10 year old chooses........how do kids do that??
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
Looked at the Mazda5 and the 05 Legacy 2.5i wagon. 5 is a neat package, lots of nooks and crannies to store stuff in. Looks sharp in person. The third row folds pretty flat but not completely flat. Not one of those disappear into the floor deals like a minivan. Available manual tranny shifts nicely. Power is acceptable but not overwhelming. Expected that coming into it, though. Sales guy seemed bored talking about it; have concluded that a majority of black leather coat market must pivot around guys in car sales.
Drove the Legacy wagon the next day. Drove very nicely, and more peppy then I expected for the base engine. I am sure the manual helps out here. Nice interior, huge amount of room in the cargo area. And gets better gas mileage than the Mazda despite AWD. I still think it's Subaru's best looking car. Concerns- this is a big car, and is a little longer then my ideal. I may be able to live with it. Hard to put an aftermarket stereo in the non-DIN center console and I am WAY too used to ipod integration in my BMW to not have it on my next car. Had a small dent in the drivers door, but that should come out with little trouble. Also has a trailer hitch on it, which may indicate a harder early life. Clean, one owner Carfax. I liked this car more than I thought I would, though; more than the Mazda5.
I am going to check out a new Forester X manual tomorrow. Looked at one in the past but only found an automatic. Hoping the manual helps as I was not blown away by the Forester before. But it is the right size and I have to admit the current incentives make them a killer value. Nothing wrong with new. Would be slightly more than the Legacy.
Decisions, decisions...
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
I saw a 2007 Camry at the auto show, but it was an LE four-cylinder. Is the new model really that good?
Ten years ago, it was relatively uncommon to see a loaded (EX / XLE) Accord or Camry. I think the proportion of loaded models has dramatically increased.
'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