certified pre owned. basically a fancy name for a manufacturer extended warranty that is supposed to come with a full inspection and general spiffing up.
First car was a rolls canhardly.(Rolls down one hill can hardly get up the next) datsun B-210 then a Ford Gran Torino, painted just like a starsky an hutch car,429 engine,I loved that car. next 76 Ford LTD, 77 Toyota celica, ten I went to a car lot. thats when the real trouble started,then is when I got addicted to trading in cars for new cars.
Well, the wife and I have been talking about the X3 almost nonstop this weekend, and I wouldn't be too surprised if we end up trading in her 328xi for a new X3 next Saturday. The dealer we're working with is offering what seems to be a reasonable deal on the new car (certain amount above invoice), and gave us an idea on the trade value for the 3 that seemed to be on the high side (I looked at values from KBB, NADA, Edmunds, etc., and their informal offer was on the high side of all those).
None of it is concrete of course, but it's intriguing enough for us to pay another visit to the dealer.
She really likes the idea of getting into something that's still fun to drive, but offers real rear-seat legroom for the kids.
The dealer has a few used ones (2011's), but the prices are hardly lower than a new one (and that's consistent with the feedback Q provided on the Real World Trade-in Values thread), and they have a couple of new ones in stock that really fit the desired options list well. One is a leftover 2011 and the other is a 2012. The 2011 offers a little better pricing and incentive rates, but lacks Xenons which I tend to like. The 2012 has everything we'd want except the sport package, but we're undecided on whether that's really something we care about on the SUV (or is that "SAV" in BMW terms?)
The other option is to wait a few months and order a 2013, which are apparently slated to start production in April. Here's where I'd really like some input - we're almost 100% sure we'll stick with the base engine, and the 2013 switches over from the 3.0l I-6 to the new 4-cyl turbo that's starting to appear across the model line. Part of me thinks it'd be best to stick with the tried and true BMW 6-cyl, but this new N20 engine seems to be getting pretty rave reviews.
Well, we're heading out tomorrow for a 4-night cruise to the Bahamas - so plenty of time for us to go back and forth on the different options. I'll be catching up with you all next week (that wi-fi on the cruise ship is outrageous!).
Looks like that buyer from Omaha will be purchasing our 318ti. Since we're out of town next week, he plans on flying out the following week and driving it home. Anything could happen between now and then, but he's done his research and seems to be a stand-up guy. He's the one that paid for the inspection at the local BMW dealer and was real reasonable about that "Action Plan" the dealer came up with.
So, we'll be down to four, which I'm very happy about.
Since used car sopping has been frustrating (the stuff in the price range has been either crappy or miley or both), and once you spend enough to get nice might as well get new, might as well get new.
So I may debate leasing again. I don't want to invest the cash right now to pay cash, but if I found something I liked on a subsidized lease it could take me right through when my daughter leaves for school, and I won't really need that extra car.
so lease something to learn to drive on and share with her, still get some toy in a year when I need a spare, then once she goes off to school, the extra car will be going back anyway.
Plus hopefully in June or so of 2013, I inherit the Acura back, after my son graduates (assuming he does get the high paying job all this work is leaning toward!).
Now just need to figure out what suitable car could be available on a gotta move em lease!
Besides, a 10K BMW if things go wrong could end up costing me just as much over 2.5 years (depreciation + repair/maintenance costs) as I would pay for the lease.
So OK everyone, start finding those can't pass it up leases! VW is more than fine.
Looks like we may move forward with sellin the Odyssey for the RAV4. The dealer offered us 28,000 for the Odyssey. We wanted $29,000, but since we will save a payment and 600 in sales tax, I can live with $28,000. We will probably begin searching soon for a nice used 3-series... Or maybe even hold out for a 2013.
I would recommend a Tiguan. Hands down it is one of the best cars we have driven and/or owned. I know when we bought ours we had the option to lease it for 280 including tax for 3 yr/36k and $500 total cash out of pocket. I think deals have gotten slightly better on them since then.
what I really really want of course is the new Subaru coupe (brz?)
Me too! I just picked up the new Yaris, but in a couple of years (after the FRS/BRZ have had their first-year kinks worked out) I will be looking to pick up one of these. The only question is whether to just go with the Scion version, which I expect to be a little cheaper and also have slightly sharper handling based on the early reviews.
Can't wait for these to hit dealerships in the fall so I can test drive one. :-)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
As long as it doesn't impact how it drives, could be worthwhile.
Once you get to a certain price point carfax is much less relevant IMO. Assume it was mechanically clean. if I got it and kept it for 3 years and put on 15K, it will be what, a 4-5K car by then?
The new escape looks really nice. Think it will be a hit. Now have to get my wife over her Ford phobia to go look at it!
After looking for my plan D (cheap lease) a couple options stood out.
The imprezza hatch is really nice. May not be discount leases any time soon though. I also liked the Golf 4 door with sunroof package. That would work.
And of all things, I really liked the Kia Soul. top line model with AT, big engine, big alloys, and moonroof (plus lots of electronic goodies) still doesn't crack 20k.
I also loved the looks of the Dodge Dart. Can't wait to see that one in person. But again, won't be a good lease candidate any time soon.
Right now, the Sube is probably my favorite int he segment, but not really cheap once you get into a model with a roof. The Golf really isn't either, at 22k+
As some of you know, I won a certificate for four new Michelin tires, any kind and size up to 22". The thing is, it's just about worthless to me, since the only tires I might need are some summer/track tires(what Tire Rack calls "Extreme High Performance" tires) for the Mazda- and guess what? Michelin doesn't make a single EHP tire- or for that matter ANY tire in the Mazda's size. However, Michelin DOES make the OE fitment for the 911 GT3 RS and a set from Tire Rack runs $2,386. So I'm hoping to find a P Car driver who wants to buy a set for @$2,000. Now, $2,000 would let me put RE-11s and KONI FSD struts/shocks on the Mazda, so it would finally be a borderline decent track toy. And that's what I was thinking.
Then today, one of my friends at my BMW dealer told me that there was a lease deal on the last 2011 328xi sedans $2,000 up front(including the first months payment and $375/month for 33 months with 15,000 miles/year. Now, a slushbox 328xi is one of the very few BMWs that I would leave parked in favor of my Mazda, but I jokingly mentioned the lease to my wife. "Why don't you check one out?" she asked. "I don't know," I replied, "maybe it's because a xi slushbox is less entertaining to drive than my Wrangler. Anyway, if I'm going to have a $333 monthly payment I'd rather it go towards that Z4 M Coupe they haven't sold yet." So that's where I left the issue...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
might have run across something that could actually work on many levels.
a 2007 mazda 6i, with 59K on it. Gray over charcoal cloth, 4 door, 4 cyl AT. But, power seats, and a moonroof. And it looks pretty sharp. List at $9,995.
so fits budget wise, should be cheap to run, I like them, and would be perfectly happy to pass it down the chain next year.
Hope it is at least still available to go look at!
at a local large used dealer operation that has been around a long time, and I think is pretty reputable.
I saw the BRZ up close (but could not sit in it) and got a little brochure. I want one. Bad. This is going to be a serious hit IMO.
This is one of those type of cars that will sell like gangbusters for a year or two and then sales will just die once everyone who wants a lowish-powered RWD Japanese coupe has one. Sporty coupes are a hard sell to Americans, especially if they don't have a 300 hp engine with six or more cylinders....
I plan to swoop in when the sales die and they start the promo financing. ;-)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
We traded the Odyssey yesterday. The RAV4 is not our permanent replacement, but it will do for now.
Will probably start looking for a manual 06 330i sedan or maybe even a 06-08 E350 to park in the garage as our "nice" car. I did find a 07 328xi manual transmission with 73k for $12,500 but it had that awful (to me at least) brown interior.
Do they only have autos left? I mean, the car was available with a manual.
Yep, only slushboxes. My dealer usually only specs a manual in ///M cars and Z4s. I think they do have one 328xi with the Sport package, but I still want three pedals.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I think if after all of this you end up in a Kia we may have to give up on you.....
So remind me why it is now that the car for your daughter is on hold that you are still in the market. I'm so confused. :confuse: Is the Accord going away?
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
So remind me why it is now that the car for your daughter is on hold that you are still in the market. I'm so confused. Is the Accord going away?
My understanding is this:
1) Accord going away 2) Something new is bought that stick will drive for a year, then hand down to daughter 3) When 2) occurs, stick will be in the market for a 'toy'
I, too, think the Mazda 6 you posted looks like a good buy. Fewer miles and a decent price.
going to look at the Mazda after work. So we shall see.
You accurately described the plan I was attempting to execute.
An alternate plan is that I get something to replace the Accord that my daughter can learn to drive on, but that I will keep at the end of the year, while finding something else for her.
In either case, the Accord will go away and be replaced by something with an AT.
OK. Here is what I don't get. The Accord going away made sense when you were going to hand down the replacement to your daughter. Now that you aren't doing that what is wrong with (gasp!) keeping the Accord?
Oh, forget it. Wrong place for that question......
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Oh, Baruth can be a major league [non-permissible content removed]. Big ego, even works in IT and drives an A5 IIRC.
In some ways, a lot of the internet based automotive media is just as bad as print media.
I think the industry is a lot different today than 10-20 years ago. Thanks to the new socially oriented internet, shysters can't pull as many stunts anymore. I also remember looking at cars with my dad when I was young, and even I could tell some of the characters and lines were shady. Not like that today, at least in this region.
After being harassed yesterday (chronic car looker?) I upped the search tonight. And after a futile hour chasing around after a mazda 6 that turned out to be a rat (amazing how crappy someone could make a 2007 in only 59K miles), I decided to stop at a different place on the way home. 20 minutes later, I am wrenching open the wallet to leave a deposit.
So, assuming that everything checks out OK tomorrow (they had just gotten the car today, and it had not even been through the shop yet. But, it looked and drove like it had) I will shortly be the proud owner of a Volvo.
it is a 2005 S40i. 1 owner, local car, super clean. New tires,recent timing belt and service. Drove nicely. Looked sharp. I always liked these, and my daughter thought it was nice.
So, Plan B is I get something now with an AT to teach the kid on, and at the end of the year let her take that over while I get some kind of toy for myself. And this should do it.
It at least meets all my requirements. Power seat, moonroof, stylish, even has homelink. And what appears to be a hardwire power cord for either a garmin or XMunit (hopefully the XM!) Otherwise I will probably get a hook up for that (it does have the aux set up on the head unit).
A little homework tomorrow (see what they find in the shop, and a call to my contact at the Volvo dealer to get all the history on it) and assuming nothing pops up, should have by the end of the week.
I applaud this final choice, particularly as someone who came to a Volvo from a disaster of an E46 3 series.
My sister has a 2007 S40 2.4i that she absolutely loves and has been dead reliable. The 2.4i should be more than adequate for power without being overkill, not to mention they drive like a tank. Check this S40's history, if you can, for electrical issues as is common with first year redesigns. Q can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe most of them were solved by Volvo replacing the electrical harness.
As for my C30, I have nearly 8k miles on it, and I'm still on my honeymoon with it. Volvo really got it right, to me, with this line of cars. It is a shame they discontinued the S40.
I hope it all works out. It isn't over until it is sitting in your driveway.
28FF
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
You actually bought? NOW what are we supposed to do?
Sounds very nice. I'd ask what you want for the Accord but my daughter's biggest gripe with the current Accord is that it's a stick.... At another time I'd buy it for myself.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
?? I don't get it. What's their problem with the '05?
T5 is overkill, but a 325 is OK.... hmmmm... they are pretty evenly matched in straightline speed, I believe, yet one is RWD. So I'm pretty sure the volvo is the less "overkill" choice of the 2.
'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
I don't know what is lurking under the skin. But it was pretty clear that they would have loved to have it for their lot, and the fact that it was shipped out was significant.
i know i'm really tired today, so maybe its me, but i'm lost.
You had a deposit on the '05. You called your dealer to get the history.
They said they'd love to have it for their lot? Shipped out? Who shipped it out where?
OH, wait... so it was traded into a volvo dealer, but that's NOT where you were buying it? Is that the story?
I wouldn't let that get in my way. You were going to have it checked out anyway, right? Some dealers are just pickier than others. At near 100k miles, I know plenty of snobby dealers that would ship it out no matter what.
'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
it was traded at the Volvo dealer, and they sold it off to a indy used car lot nearby. The answer I got was they would have loved to have a car like that on the lot, but not THAT car.
moot point, since I decided to go with the 2007 instead. A couple years to work out the teething pains, and it is dark blue or beige (which I like a lto better). All inspected and serviced by the acura dealer.
SO, will be rolling in the new wheels after work.
My wife was even there, and she really liked it, so that is a plus.
forgot the other key point. We show up and drive (I had called ahead, so sales dudette was waiting with the keys). Liked it, wife liked it, etc. But when we get back, another sales guy was waiting with a lady to look at it. So while I was negotiating, she was checking it out and driving it. Ended up in the next cubical over from us.
so, there was certainly an incentive for the dealer to wait to see how that played out (or played against us). And from evesdropping that person wanted to buy it too.
so, odds are if I had held firm and walked hoping for them to cave, it would not have been there long.
Might have paid a little too much, but not crazy out of line. As long as it turns out to be a good car, I can't get hurt too badly, since will not be putting many miles on it over the next few years.
At least I can start teaching my daughter to drive now!
I expect to sell it privately, but I am going to have them take a look anyway (did not have time before) in case they want it bad enough to make it worth while.
I once had a very picky customer on a used Odyssey. It was in great condition and it was sale tagged to sell.
He spent a great deal of time grinding on me when another salesperson appeared at my desk and asked if I had the key.
I handed him the key and watched the fear creep ionto my customer's face.
Customer Number Two recognized it was a great value and he told his salesperson that he would pay our sale price if my customer didn't want it.
And, I told my customer that. I could tell he really didn't believe me. He offered about a thousand dollars less.
I looked him in the eye and told him..." These other people WILL write a check for it for the sale price but I'll be happy to present your offer.
Of course, the offer was rejected. I walked back to my desk and I told him..." If you want it, you have first dibs" He conferred with his wife in their native tongue. I could tell they didn't believe me and that they thought I had set this up.
At that point, I said " In all fairness to our other customer, are you on or off?"
At that point, customer Number Three arrived! These people had looked at it before, had liked it but had left to "sleep on it".
I hated losing the sale, but I finally let it go to customer Number Two.
My customers left, slowly shaking their heads having outsmarted themselves.
Comments
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
thats when the real trouble started,then is when I got addicted to trading in cars for new cars.
None of it is concrete of course, but it's intriguing enough for us to pay another visit to the dealer.
She really likes the idea of getting into something that's still fun to drive, but offers real rear-seat legroom for the kids.
The dealer has a few used ones (2011's), but the prices are hardly lower than a new one (and that's consistent with the feedback Q provided on the Real World Trade-in Values thread), and they have a couple of new ones in stock that really fit the desired options list well. One is a leftover 2011 and the other is a 2012. The 2011 offers a little better pricing and incentive rates, but lacks Xenons which I tend to like. The 2012 has everything we'd want except the sport package, but we're undecided on whether that's really something we care about on the SUV (or is that "SAV" in BMW terms?)
The other option is to wait a few months and order a 2013, which are apparently slated to start production in April. Here's where I'd really like some input - we're almost 100% sure we'll stick with the base engine, and the 2013 switches over from the 3.0l I-6 to the new 4-cyl turbo that's starting to appear across the model line. Part of me thinks it'd be best to stick with the tried and true BMW 6-cyl, but this new N20 engine seems to be getting pretty rave reviews.
Well, we're heading out tomorrow for a 4-night cruise to the Bahamas - so plenty of time for us to go back and forth on the different options. I'll be catching up with you all next week (that wi-fi on the cruise ship is outrageous!).
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
So, we'll be down to four, which I'm very happy about.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Since used car sopping has been frustrating (the stuff in the price range has been either crappy or miley or both), and once you spend enough to get nice might as well get new, might as well get new.
So I may debate leasing again. I don't want to invest the cash right now to pay cash, but if I found something I liked on a subsidized lease it could take me right through when my daughter leaves for school, and I won't really need that extra car.
so lease something to learn to drive on and share with her, still get some toy in a year when I need a spare, then once she goes off to school, the extra car will be going back anyway.
Plus hopefully in June or so of 2013, I inherit the Acura back, after my son graduates (assuming he does get the high paying job all this work is leaning toward!).
Now just need to figure out what suitable car could be available on a gotta move em lease!
Besides, a 10K BMW if things go wrong could end up costing me just as much over 2.5 years (depreciation + repair/maintenance costs) as I would pay for the lease.
So OK everyone, start finding those can't pass it up leases! VW is more than fine.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I like the sound of that. Where do I sign up? I must look at 200 cars for every one I buy.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I'd guess it was all three. :sick:
My wife also seems strangely dis-interested in my car buying plan of the week. Go figure. :confuse:
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Me too! I just picked up the new Yaris, but in a couple of years (after the FRS/BRZ have had their first-year kinks worked out) I will be looking to pick up one of these. The only question is whether to just go with the Scion version, which I expect to be a little cheaper and also have slightly sharper handling based on the early reviews.
Can't wait for these to hit dealerships in the fall so I can test drive one. :-)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I saw the BRZ up close (but could not sit in it) and got a little brochure. I want one. Bad. This is going to be a serious hit IMO.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Once you get to a certain price point carfax is much less relevant IMO. Assume it was mechanically clean. if I got it and kept it for 3 years and put on 15K, it will be what, a 4-5K car by then?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
After looking for my plan D (cheap lease) a couple options stood out.
The imprezza hatch is really nice. May not be discount leases any time soon though. I also liked the Golf 4 door with sunroof package. That would work.
And of all things, I really liked the Kia Soul. top line model with AT, big engine, big alloys, and moonroof (plus lots of electronic goodies) still doesn't crack 20k.
I also loved the looks of the Dodge Dart. Can't wait to see that one in person. But again, won't be a good lease candidate any time soon.
Right now, the Sube is probably my favorite int he segment, but not really cheap once you get into a model with a roof. The Golf really isn't either, at 22k+
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Now, $2,000 would let me put RE-11s and KONI FSD struts/shocks on the Mazda, so it would finally be a borderline decent track toy. And that's what I was thinking.
Then today, one of my friends at my BMW dealer told me that there was a lease deal on the last 2011 328xi sedans $2,000 up front(including the first months payment and $375/month for 33 months with 15,000 miles/year. Now, a slushbox 328xi is one of the very few BMWs that I would leave parked in favor of my Mazda, but I jokingly mentioned the lease to my wife. "Why don't you check one out?" she asked. "I don't know," I replied, "maybe it's because a xi slushbox is less entertaining to drive than my Wrangler. Anyway, if I'm going to have a $333 monthly payment I'd rather it go towards that Z4 M Coupe they haven't sold yet."
So that's where I left the issue...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
a 2007 mazda 6i, with 59K on it. Gray over charcoal cloth, 4 door, 4 cyl AT. But, power seats, and a moonroof. And it looks pretty sharp. List at $9,995.
so fits budget wise, should be cheap to run, I like them, and would be perfectly happy to pass it down the chain next year.
Hope it is at least still available to go look at!
at a local large used dealer operation that has been around a long time, and I think is pretty reputable.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
This is one of those type of cars that will sell like gangbusters for a year or two and then sales will just die once everyone who wants a lowish-powered RWD Japanese coupe has one. Sporty coupes are a hard sell to Americans, especially if they don't have a 300 hp engine with six or more cylinders....
I plan to swoop in when the sales die and they start the promo financing. ;-)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
anyway, I doubt they are counting on huge sales out of this car to start with, and it should sell enough to make a profit.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Will probably start looking for a manual 06 330i sedan or maybe even a 06-08 E350 to park in the garage as our "nice" car. I did find a 07 328xi manual transmission with 73k for $12,500 but it had that awful (to me at least) brown interior.
'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
Yep, only slushboxes. My dealer usually only specs a manual in ///M cars and Z4s. I think they do have one 328xi with the Sport package, but I still want three pedals.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
'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
I think if after all of this you end up in a Kia we may have to give up on you.....
So remind me why it is now that the car for your daughter is on hold that you are still in the market. I'm so confused. :confuse: Is the Accord going away?
My understanding is this:
1) Accord going away
2) Something new is bought that stick will drive for a year, then hand down to daughter
3) When 2) occurs, stick will be in the market for a 'toy'
I, too, think the Mazda 6 you posted looks like a good buy. Fewer miles and a decent price.
You accurately described the plan I was attempting to execute.
An alternate plan is that I get something to replace the Accord that my daughter can learn to drive on, but that I will keep at the end of the year, while finding something else for her.
In either case, the Accord will go away and be replaced by something with an AT.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Oh, forget it. Wrong place for that question......
TTAC Avoidable Contact.
Apologies to Isell if necessary, for entertainment purposes only...
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
Probably by someone who couldn't make it in this business.
When a person decides to get rid of one car and buy another, they will ALWAYS have a good "reason" to do this.
They can and will justify trading in or selling a perfectly good car just to make a change.
In some ways, a lot of the internet based automotive media is just as bad as print media.
I think the industry is a lot different today than 10-20 years ago. Thanks to the new socially oriented internet, shysters can't pull as many stunts anymore. I also remember looking at cars with my dad when I was young, and even I could tell some of the characters and lines were shady. Not like that today, at least in this region.
But the Accord is a stick. And that was the part that was causing trouble. Once we decided not to pursue teaching the stick, I was short a car.
so no, it was not just a lame excuse to get into a different car. Though I do have plenty of those in the files...
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
So, assuming that everything checks out OK tomorrow (they had just gotten the car today, and it had not even been through the shop yet. But, it looked and drove like it had) I will shortly be the proud owner of a Volvo.
it is a 2005 S40i. 1 owner, local car, super clean. New tires,recent timing belt and service. Drove nicely. Looked sharp. I always liked these, and my daughter thought it was nice.
So, Plan B is I get something now with an AT to teach the kid on, and at the end of the year let her take that over while I get some kind of toy for myself. And this should do it.
It at least meets all my requirements. Power seat, moonroof, stylish, even has homelink. And what appears to be a hardwire power cord for either a garmin or XMunit (hopefully the XM!) Otherwise I will probably get a hook up for that (it does have the aux set up on the head unit).
A little homework tomorrow (see what they find in the shop, and a call to my contact at the Volvo dealer to get all the history on it) and assuming nothing pops up, should have by the end of the week.
Anyone want to buy a nice Accord with a stick?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I applaud this final choice, particularly as someone who came to a Volvo from a disaster of an E46 3 series.
My sister has a 2007 S40 2.4i that she absolutely loves and has been dead reliable. The 2.4i should be more than adequate for power without being overkill, not to mention they drive like a tank. Check this S40's history, if you can, for electrical issues as is common with first year redesigns. Q can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe most of them were solved by Volvo replacing the electrical harness.
As for my C30, I have nearly 8k miles on it, and I'm still on my honeymoon with it. Volvo really got it right, to me, with this line of cars. It is a shame they discontinued the S40.
I hope it all works out. It isn't over until it is sitting in your driveway.
28FF
Took you long enough... :P
Congrats and enjoy it.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Sounds very nice. I'd ask what you want for the Accord but my daughter's biggest gripe with the current Accord is that it's a stick.... At another time I'd buy it for myself.
'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
actually, I took advantage of my contact at the dealer, and while they hedged all over the place I got a strong vibe to pass on this unit.
But, I found a 2007 locally, with 91K on it. Blue over tan (my favorite colors). A little more money, but clean carfax.
I believe by 2007 they had addressed a lot of the initial teething problems.
I'll post that one on RWTIV too.
Damned I was close...
Oh, the 2005 did go through the shop and got new brakes all around and fluids changed. So it is a well serviced as you are going to get.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
T5 is overkill, but a 325 is OK.... hmmmm... they are pretty evenly matched in straightline speed, I believe, yet one is RWD. So I'm pretty sure the volvo is the less "overkill" choice of the 2.
'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
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
You had a deposit on the '05. You called your dealer to get the history.
They said they'd love to have it for their lot? Shipped out? Who shipped it out where?
OH, wait... so it was traded into a volvo dealer, but that's NOT where you were buying it? Is that the story?
I wouldn't let that get in my way. You were going to have it checked out anyway, right? Some dealers are just pickier than others. At near 100k miles, I know plenty of snobby dealers that would ship it out no matter what.
'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
moot point, since I decided to go with the 2007 instead. A couple years to work out the teething pains, and it is dark blue or beige (which I like a lto better). All inspected and serviced by the acura dealer.
SO, will be rolling in the new wheels after work.
My wife was even there, and she really liked it, so that is a plus.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
so, there was certainly an incentive for the dealer to wait to see how that played out (or played against us). And from evesdropping that person wanted to buy it too.
so, odds are if I had held firm and walked hoping for them to cave, it would not have been there long.
Might have paid a little too much, but not crazy out of line. As long as it turns out to be a good car, I can't get hurt too badly, since will not be putting many miles on it over the next few years.
At least I can start teaching my daughter to drive now!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
And the Honda got traded in? Or, will you be selling in privately?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I can't imagine you'll have a hard time selling it.
No, not really but this happens fairly often.
I once had a very picky customer on a used Odyssey. It was in great condition and it was sale tagged to sell.
He spent a great deal of time grinding on me when another salesperson appeared at my desk and asked if I had the key.
I handed him the key and watched the fear creep ionto my customer's face.
Customer Number Two recognized it was a great value and he told his salesperson that he would pay our sale price if my customer didn't want it.
And, I told my customer that. I could tell he really didn't believe me. He offered about a thousand dollars less.
I looked him in the eye and told him..." These other people WILL write a check for it for the sale price but I'll be happy to present your offer.
Of course, the offer was rejected. I walked back to my desk and I told him..." If you want it, you have first dibs" He conferred with his wife in their native tongue. I could tell they didn't believe me and that they thought I had set this up.
At that point, I said " In all fairness to our other customer, are you on or off?"
At that point, customer Number Three arrived! These people had looked at it before, had liked it but had left to "sleep on it".
I hated losing the sale, but I finally let it go to customer Number Two.
My customers left, slowly shaking their heads having outsmarted themselves.
How many customers were at it in the story above?
a. 1.
b. 2.
c. 3.