Did not realize until I already had it home that the 12v power outlets in the console did not work on the "new" car. Of course that is the one electrical thing I did not play with on the test drive. But, after a little research to figure out where Volvo hid the fuse box (way easier on a Japanese car), managed to find the right one, popped in a new 15a fuse, and both outlets now work again.
Now I just need to get another portable XM unit, because I am seriously getting tired of commercials on FM. It has been ages since I listed to free radio. Thankfully this car has 10 presets on each FM band, because sometimes you need that money to find an actual song playing (and given that my teenager set many of the presets, sometimes that isn't much better than the commercials!)
So it won't need those again for a good 5000 miles or so
Actually more like 60,000-80,000.
That gearchange looks very interesting.
I know; I can't think of any other car has a similar configuration. I really do think I'd buy it if I didn't already have the '02. Having an excellent shop relatively close by is a big plus, and if I only drove it 5,000-10,000 miles per year running costs wouldn't be all that bad. Depreciation is a non-issue, as SM prices bottomed out a few years ago. I just love the car's '70s sci-fi vibe, and the unorthodox design- a pressure sensitive brake "button" instead of a pedal, the self-leveling suspension, etc. My friend that had one told me he once drove it down some gravel roads in Alaska at speeds up to 100 mph. When he got home he got out and noticed a rear tire was completely flat. He never noticed it because the suspension had compensated for it.
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 SMs are very cool too, but you are in a lucky minority to have a good shop close by. I don't even know where I would take one, I imagine running one even as a Sunday driver would be like running a MB 6.3. It's a lot of unique metal for not a huge amount of money, anyway. I imagine wherever you park it, it will lure out the Citroen cult members too.
"I am seriously getting tired of commercials on FM. It has been ages since I listed to free radio."
I usually listen to NPR, which has essentially no commercials 50 weeks out of the year. On longer trips, I hook up my iPhone and listen to Pandora, which has very few ads (I use the free version).
It actually may not be as overpriced as you think. The most expensive one to go through auction in the past month went for $6k .... and that had 115k miles! So... 50k fewer miles? Your guess is as good as mine... but I would think they paid AT LEAST 7k. Maybe even 8k. I could see spending $10k and not feeling ripped off, as long as its super nice.
I like a red coupe, personally.
'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
Yeah, well that "good shop" that is close by may very well close it's doors next week. Than what? Ver few (if any) shops would even look at one and for good reason.
That "cool" self leveling suspension will cause nothing but trouble.
Still, I agree, they are cool cars is a strange way. Not my cup of tea!
You'd just want one with a fresh rebuild and be prepared for occasional failures. In a large metro area anyway, there should be one random old timer who will touch them, for a price. The French copy nobody, and nobody copies the French :shades:
Makes my German cars look downright simple and easy.
The independent who maintains my cars can't be much over 40, and I think his oldest mechanic can't be 50 yet, and they aren't scared away by the fintail...it isn't too arcane or troublesome though.
Not as stimulating as figuring out stick's next ride, but while driving around all day with the four kids, my wife and I think we're close to replacing the CX-9 with a minivan.
That has been on our mind for quite a while, and now that she's replaced her 328 with the X3, I certainly don't feel we need two SUVs. What's the fun of having several cars if there's redundancy within a segment!
As I've said before, while we certainly have the need for such a vehicle, the frequency of that need is several days out of the month. So I'm thinking of something perhaps between $15k and $20k, perhaps lower. I'm focused on an Odyssey or Sienna at this point, considering it may have somewhat high miles. I like the Odyssey overall for its space and road manners, but wouldn't mind having AWD in a Sienna.
I know several of you have experience with these and other vans - what do you all think?
starting thinking of plans for year end. Not sure that the budget will take the hit for adding a 3rd car, along with the wife getting a replacement for the minivan.
my latest scheme is to figure out how to skate her out of the wheels. Somehow have to convince her that getting something new like a Dart would be the best idea That could be the new family car, keeping the van for bulk duty.
Of course, I may end up driving the minivan most of the time. And the sedan might have to upgrade to a Bimmer. So the plan might need a little fine tuning... jj
I have come to the conclusion that finding something good but cheap is going to take a while!
oh yeah, also thought it might be a good time to weave a lease into the mix. Just for a change!
Too bad the timing is off by about 6 months (we will be a 4 car family until Spring 2013 when my son graduates). As soon as he gets a job, time to spring for his own car! Though by then I plan to just let him keep the Acura. Will be interesting to see how far the apple falls from the tree, and whether he heads down to the car dealers as soon as the first paycheck arrives!
I actually had the van saturday. My wife and daughter went shopping, and she wanted to drive, so they took the Volvo. I expect that to be a semi-regular occurence.
Yeah, well that "good shop" that is close by may very well close it's doors next week. Than what? Ver few (if any) shops would even look at one and for good reason.
That shop has been around since the 1980s; and it has a lot of customers who travel from surrounding states.
That "cool" self leveling suspension will cause nothing but trouble.
From my research, it's akin to a Rochester Quadrajet carburetor, if you don't take the time to understand how it is designed and how and why it works you will never be able to maintain, repair, or troubleshoot it properly.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I hope that shop stays in business for many years to come. My point was, there is no guarantee that that shop won't close it's doors at anytime. Happens all of the time.
Comparing that suspension to a Quadrajet is a stretch but I hear you up to a point. A lot of current mechanics would be able to tackle a Quadrajet but if confronted with a Citreon it would be a different story.
They fear "something" will break or go wrong leaving them with a mess on their hands. It just isn't worth taking that kind of a risk to make a few bucks.
Even a routine brake job would be a job most shops would decline and for good reason.
I was just thinking the other day how the Panamera is probably my lottery car. No way I'll ever afford a new or even newish one.
Anybody else having trouble with Edmunds? I haven't been able to get on most of the weekend and right now it is reading like a text list. Not even sure this post will work.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
well I left it up to the wife. She liked the Town & Country the best, in which case, I insisted on the 4 liter/6-speed. So we bought a Limited. So far so good. It is simply HUGE. Only repair thus far in the 22k miles we've been driving it is a bad DVD player. Love the mygig entertainment center, power sliding doors and tailgate, and factory remote start.
'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
Yes, Town Hall access has been very spotty and difficult which seems to be an ongoing problem recently. Sometimes it works fine, other times I can't get in or it'll do screwy things.
Sounds like the office building building in Santa Monica lost power over the weekend and messed up much of the site, even though the servers aren't located there. I *think* it's about back to normal, although there may be some server sync issues (old posts showing up as new, etc.). :sick:
I've been having lots of troubling logging on & getting my town hall fix.
Panameras are gorgeous. Lottery car, I like that title. Starting at $75K (V6 RWD), they are not for the faint of heart at all. I'm sure near you in NJ (like where I am in CT), every one you see is a Panamera 4S (V8 AWD) with the occasional Turbo (Giddyup). Most of those Panamera 4S have stickers of well over $100K.
I've told this story before here. I have a customer who was driving a Range Rover. On his way down to FLA, it broke down and needed some serious work. It was towed to some luxury dealership in NC. While waiting for an estimate on his truck, he checks out the gorgeous Panamera 4S sitting in the showroom. Drives it & falls in love with it. Gets whatever as a trade on his RR & completes his drive to FLA in his new Panamera 4S.
All is well until he visits the Porsche dealer in South Florida. They've got a white Panamera Turbo there. He wants it but is convinced by his friend to stick with the 4S for 2 years or so & THEN get the Turbo.
2 weeks after he bought the Panamera 4S, he gets caught in a blizzard in NC (same place where he bought the Panamera). Walks into the dealership to ask his salesman a question about the car & sees a White Panamera Turbo. He tells the salesman to write up the paperwork, he's going to drive back to NY in the Turbo.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Sienna - go for a 2004-2010. The 2004-2006 had the 3MZ engine, no sludge issues, good trans, just some power door issues so check on those. Also check the driver's door skin.
2007-2010 are better, fewer door issues and the 2GR engine is more powerful and a tad more fuel efficient as well.
For the Ody I'd go 2004 or newer as well, trans issues are less common, I think they added an oil cooler or something. Perhaps isellhondas can elaborate but the ratings improved after whatever revision they applied for MY2004.
Funny thing is, both new models disappointed me. I'd go CPO for both.
Thanks for the minivan feedback. It's good to know that info on the Sienna - I knew they did the facelift in '06, but was unaware of those other changes under the skin. Is yours AWD? I was wondering if there was any drawbacks to the AWD, other than the run-flats.
I like the new models of both, especially the Odyssey. The Sienna, as has been well discussed, certainly has taken a step back in interior material quality, but seems roomier than the previous model. I find myself being seduced by the "newest shiniest" thing - I was at a "no-haggle" Honda dealership yesterday, and they were offering new Odyssey EX-L's for a bit under invoice, or a good lease deal for $389/month and nothing down.
BUT, I remind myself that this vehicle simply will not be driven nearly as much as our other cars, and so it'd be a waste to put too much money into it.
I'm encouraged - there's an '08 Ody EX, CPO with 33k miles, at a nearby dealer, listed at just under $17k. I'd prefer leather, but if it's clean, it would certainly serve the purpose. As I get closer, I'll post over at RWTIV to get Q's input on pricing.
For me the deal killer on the AWD model was that it did not come as an 8 seater, only 7 seats with captain's chairs. The floor pans are different so the only way to get 8 seats was with FWD back then.
As for the run-flats, they're by far the most common complaint in the Sienna forums, so just budget for new and expensive tires every 20k miles or so.
On the Ody - back then I didn't like that only certain models got the cylinder cut off, lesser models got fewer MPG. Even with the new ones, only the Touring gets the 6EAT, other models get 5 ratios. Honda seems to think only the rich need to use less fuel (should be the opposite!).
had a good opening last night to float my latest plan to the wife. Were watching the news when a piece on sky rocketing fuel prices came on. So I mentioned that maybe a high MPG vehicle would be smart, and she agreed. So I mentioned the snazzy new dart, that can get up to 40 MPG highway rating. She liked that part.
sent her a link today. her response, "looks a little small, no place to put the dog, and it's a DODGE". Not sure which of those bothered her more.
I pointed out that the dog would have to get transported in the van (she may have glossed over the keeping the van part of the plan), the Dart was bigger than it looked (as large as a 3 series), and that it was really an Alfa romeo.
I countered with a link to the new Escape. Thought that looked nice, obviously could fit the dog (so the van could go away), but she is still hung up on the fact that it is a Ford.
i shot back that she was a bigger badge snob than her daughter, but i would stop short of sending her links to Chevies. her answer to that? "My family always had Chevrolets so what's the matter with them?" Told her it wasn't the 1960s any longer, and they had nothing to interest me.
the battle will continue until I can get her out for a test drive in a few things. Or one of us figures out a way to get paid a lot more, so we can afford to shop on Luxury row!
A FWD minivan with good tires will go through darned near anything. If you really need AWD that bad (or it is ever going off road) buy a Suburban instead.
Dart was bigger than it looked (as large as a 3 series), and that it was really an Alfa romeo.
If the wikipedia stats are to be believed, the Dart is on a 106.4" wheelbase, 183.9" long, 72" wide, and 57" tall. So yeah, it's not exactly a tiny car.
Actually, going by wheelbase, it's about the biggest compact out there. Cruze is slightly shorter, at 105.7". Focus is 104.2". Civic is 105.1, and the Corolla is 102.4. I'd imagine only RWD premium compacts like the Benz C-class and BMW 3-series would have a longer wheelbase.
When is the Dart supposed to come out, anyway? I'm thinking about getting a new car sometime this year, and trying to keep it fairly economical.
My Altima has a 20 gallon tank, and I've gone well over 550 miles on a tank before. It usually only comes into play on long trips, since my weekly routine is to fill up whatever car I'm driving on Monday.
The Dart looks really good, but the upcoming Accord Hybrid is intriguing to me. It's supposed to be a plug in hybrid with 10-15 miles of electric range, like the plug in Prius. If it's priced near the Camry Hybrid, I think Honda will have a winner on their hands.
My tires must suck, or maybe it's the very long wheelbase causing more weight shift to the rear axle, but our Subaru humiliates the minivan in snow, even climbing our driveway.
I have multiple personalities, or an attention deficit disorder or something. Probably not even an hour ago, I mentioned being interested in the Dart, and wanting something fuel efficient. But, I just found a 1994 Cadillac Fleetwood, with the LT-1 350 V-8, for sale locally. Has 111,000 miles on it, they're asking $5493. Looks like it's in good shape. Burgundy exterior, which is fairly attractive, but the interior looks kinda purple-ish. And the interior is velour rather than leather, which is an indication this is a fairly base model Caddy. I'm actually shocked you could still get fabric in them by this point; I figured leather would have been standard!
Anyway, here's the listing, if anyone wants to see: 1994 Caddy Fleetwood. Any idea on what a fair price would be for something like this? With fuel prices on the rise, you'd think demand for something like this would be limited, but the local wanna-be thugs and hood-rats still tend to go for them.
My tires must suck, or maybe it's the very long wheelbase causing more weight shift to the rear axle, but our Subaru humiliates the minivan in snow, even climbing our driveway.
Maybe the Subaru has better ground clearance? I used to have problems with my 2000 Intrepid once the snow got more than a few inches deep, because it didn't have much ground clearance. I haven't had a chance to test out my Park Ave yet. When we had all those blizzards in the winter of 2009-2010, I didn't drive the car until the streets were adequately plowed, and instead used my '85 Silverado. And since then, we haven't had enough snow to really amount to anything.
the Dodge preview site just says Q2 2012. So, hopefully soon!
we are at the earliest going to be shopping in the late November/before XMas timeframe, but it could push until April 2013 depending on how the plan (and $$!) shake out.
but our Subaru humiliates the minivan in snow, even climbing our driveway
Mine too when we had a slight inclined driveway in Boise. Had to park on the street a few times a winter. Never had anything but all-seasons on it though.
Any idea on what a fair price would be for something like this?
They seem to go for decent money. I've looked on Ebay at them just trolling around and any of them in decent shape hit 5K easily. That one you posted looks nice, but that purple velour kills it for me. Its funny most of them in that exterior seem to have the matching interior. I guess they probably made some with light grey which would be much better IMHO.
You don't have a personality disorder, you just have big cars "in your blood" My LaCrosse is about as small as I'll go and I am sure to many its a boat. I don't think I could ever drive anything small, my Fiance has an Elantra and while its a great car I could never be happy. I just don't drive enough to need something that is great on gas. I'm happy with the 18.5 combined I'm getting the LaCrosse.
Well, a '94 Fleetwood with just 95k miles went through auction in Tennessee a couple of weeks ago and got $2500. Sooo... I dunno... if its perfect, $4k-$4500?
'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 wanna see that Caddy with a set of wires, gold trim and hip hop music a blasting!
Well, I mainly listen to classic rock, don't like wire wheels, and the second that sucker needed new tires, I'd just get a more modest whitewalls. So, maybe I'd look a bit out of place in that car, after all? :P
perhaps: 'Pricing includes the promotional Push, Pull or Drag trade-in allowance of $3,500.' ?
Ah, so the true asking price is $21,495 .. got it.
This dealer has promoted the "push, pull or drag" concept for some years now, and their used cars are usually overpriced as a result.
Thanks, Ray, for clearing this up.
Andre, in addition to the acronym CCBA, I propose that we add another one - AADD (Auto Attention Deficit Disorder).
As you noted, just a few days ago you were talking about the new Dart, then you post the link to probably the largest car sold in 1994! Wow, talk about opposite ends of the spectrum.
I, too, suffer from this malady from time to time, so I completely understand.
Are you getting more serious cuz your roommate really wants / needs the PA?
Are you getting more serious cuz your roommate really wants / needs the PA?
Well, he does want my Park Ave, but this Caddy is on my mind for purely hedonistic reasons! :P Right now, the roommate usually drives my aging '85 Silverado, which seems to look more and more rickety as time goes by, but just won't die. Sometimes I'll switch up with him, me driving the Silverado and him the Park Ave, just so I can feel the truck out for any signs of impending doom. And, during nice weather when I tend to drive my antique cars, I'll usually let him drive the Park Ave and let the Silverado sit.
As a result, the Silverado might go about 2,000 miles per year these days, while the Park Ave is averaging around 10,500. Which isn't a bad thing, considering that truck gets around 8-10 mpg, sometimes worse!
So, my original plan was to get something more economical, and I was leaning towards something like a 4-cyl Altima or Fusion, selling my roommate the Park Ave, and then only using the truck for when we need it, like picking up something from the hardware store, hauling stuff to the dump, etc. And when it finally dies, get rid of it, and just borrow my uncle's truck if I need to. But then, I started seeing interesting stuff pop up, like the 2013 Dart and Fusion that aroused my curiosity. But now, seeing this '94 Caddy is taking me back into my comfort zone....something I'm trying to break out of, but it's so damned hard!
None of this is from a purely economic standpoint though, as we just don't drive enough to warrant the improved fuel economy. And I don't see that happening in the near future. My job is 2 1/2 miles away, and is fairly secure (hopefully I didn't just jinx that!) I don't plan on moving anytime soon, and even if I did, I don't think I'd want to be more than 20 miles from work. Just far enough to get out of this county, to where property taxes are lower.
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You don't see many of those first-year E46 coupes...
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Now I just need to get another portable XM unit, because I am seriously getting tired of commercials on FM. It has been ages since I listed to free radio. Thankfully this car has 10 presets on each FM band, because sometimes you need that money to find an actual song playing (and given that my teenager set many of the presets, sometimes that isn't much better than the commercials!)
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Actually more like 60,000-80,000.
That gearchange looks very interesting.
I know; I can't think of any other car has a similar configuration.
I really do think I'd buy it if I didn't already have the '02. Having an excellent shop relatively close by is a big plus, and if I only drove it 5,000-10,000 miles per year running costs wouldn't be all that bad. Depreciation is a non-issue, as SM prices bottomed out a few years ago. I just love the car's '70s sci-fi vibe, and the unorthodox design- a pressure sensitive brake "button" instead of a pedal, the self-leveling suspension, etc. My friend that had one told me he once drove it down some gravel roads in Alaska at speeds up to 100 mph. When he got home he got out and noticed a rear tire was completely flat. He never noticed it because the suspension had compensated for it.
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 SMs are very cool too, but you are in a lucky minority to have a good shop close by. I don't even know where I would take one, I imagine running one even as a Sunday driver would be like running a MB 6.3. It's a lot of unique metal for not a huge amount of money, anyway. I imagine wherever you park it, it will lure out the Citroen cult members too.
I usually listen to NPR, which has essentially no commercials 50 weeks out of the year. On longer trips, I hook up my iPhone and listen to Pandora, which has very few ads (I use the free version).
I like a red coupe, personally.
'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
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
That "cool" self leveling suspension will cause nothing but trouble.
Still, I agree, they are cool cars is a strange way. Not my cup of tea!
Turning on the headlights was about a four step process.
To their credit, thei had the most comfortable seats ever built.
The "old timers" who will touch one are a dying breed and are few and far between.
The independent who maintains my cars can't be much over 40, and I think his oldest mechanic can't be 50 yet, and they aren't scared away by the fintail...it isn't too arcane or troublesome though.
That has been on our mind for quite a while, and now that she's replaced her 328 with the X3, I certainly don't feel we need two SUVs. What's the fun of having several cars if there's redundancy within a segment!
As I've said before, while we certainly have the need for such a vehicle, the frequency of that need is several days out of the month. So I'm thinking of something perhaps between $15k and $20k, perhaps lower. I'm focused on an Odyssey or Sienna at this point, considering it may have somewhat high miles. I like the Odyssey overall for its space and road manners, but wouldn't mind having AWD in a Sienna.
I know several of you have experience with these and other vans - what do you all think?
Thanks!
Bruce
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
if you are getting used, I would stick with the Sienna out of those 2.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
my latest scheme is to figure out how to skate her out of the wheels. Somehow have to convince her that getting something new like a Dart would be the best idea That could be the new family car, keeping the van for bulk duty.
Of course, I may end up driving the minivan most of the time. And the sedan might have to upgrade to a Bimmer. So the plan might need a little fine tuning... jj
I have come to the conclusion that finding something good but cheap is going to take a while!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Too bad the timing is off by about 6 months (we will be a 4 car family until Spring 2013 when my son graduates). As soon as he gets a job, time to spring for his own car! Though by then I plan to just let him keep the Acura. Will be interesting to see how far the apple falls from the tree, and whether he heads down to the car dealers as soon as the first paycheck arrives!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
This plan is doomed, just re-read what you wrote.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
I actually had the van saturday. My wife and daughter went shopping, and she wanted to drive, so they took the Volvo. I expect that to be a semi-regular occurence.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
That shop has been around since the 1980s; and it has a lot of customers who travel from surrounding states.
That "cool" self leveling suspension will cause nothing but trouble.
From my research, it's akin to a Rochester Quadrajet carburetor, if you don't take the time to understand how it is designed and how and why it works you will never be able to maintain, repair, or troubleshoot it properly.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Comparing that suspension to a Quadrajet is a stretch but I hear you up to a point. A lot of current mechanics would be able to tackle a Quadrajet but if confronted with a Citreon it would be a different story.
They fear "something" will break or go wrong leaving them with a mess on their hands. It just isn't worth taking that kind of a risk to make a few bucks.
Even a routine brake job would be a job most shops would decline and for good reason.
Anybody else having trouble with Edmunds? I haven't been able to get on most of the weekend and right now it is reading like a text list. Not even sure this post will work.
'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
'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
Panameras are gorgeous. Lottery car, I like that title. Starting at $75K (V6 RWD), they are not for the faint of heart at all. I'm sure near you in NJ (like where I am in CT), every one you see is a Panamera 4S (V8 AWD) with the occasional Turbo (Giddyup). Most of those Panamera 4S have stickers of well over $100K.
I've told this story before here. I have a customer who was driving a Range Rover. On his way down to FLA, it broke down and needed some serious work. It was towed to some luxury dealership in NC. While waiting for an estimate on his truck, he checks out the gorgeous Panamera 4S sitting in the showroom. Drives it & falls in love with it. Gets whatever as a trade on his RR & completes his drive to FLA in his new Panamera 4S.
All is well until he visits the Porsche dealer in South Florida. They've got a white Panamera Turbo there. He wants it but is convinced by his friend to stick with the 4S for 2 years or so & THEN get the Turbo.
2 weeks after he bought the Panamera 4S, he gets caught in a blizzard in NC (same place where he bought the Panamera). Walks into the dealership to ask his salesman a question about the car & sees a White Panamera Turbo. He tells the salesman to write up the paperwork, he's going to drive back to NY in the Turbo.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
'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
2007-2010 are better, fewer door issues and the 2GR engine is more powerful and a tad more fuel efficient as well.
For the Ody I'd go 2004 or newer as well, trans issues are less common, I think they added an oil cooler or something. Perhaps isellhondas can elaborate but the ratings improved after whatever revision they applied for MY2004.
Funny thing is, both new models disappointed me. I'd go CPO for both.
I like the new models of both, especially the Odyssey. The Sienna, as has been well discussed, certainly has taken a step back in interior material quality, but seems roomier than the previous model. I find myself being seduced by the "newest shiniest" thing - I was at a "no-haggle" Honda dealership yesterday, and they were offering new Odyssey EX-L's for a bit under invoice, or a good lease deal for $389/month and nothing down.
BUT, I remind myself that this vehicle simply will not be driven nearly as much as our other cars, and so it'd be a waste to put too much money into it.
I'm encouraged - there's an '08 Ody EX, CPO with 33k miles, at a nearby dealer, listed at just under $17k. I'd prefer leather, but if it's clean, it would certainly serve the purpose. As I get closer, I'll post over at RWTIV to get Q's input on pricing.
Thanks!
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
As for the run-flats, they're by far the most common complaint in the Sienna forums, so just budget for new and expensive tires every 20k miles or so.
On the Ody - back then I didn't like that only certain models got the cylinder cut off, lesser models got fewer MPG. Even with the new ones, only the Touring gets the 6EAT, other models get 5 ratios. Honda seems to think only the rich need to use less fuel (should be the opposite!).
sent her a link today. her response, "looks a little small, no place to put the dog, and it's a DODGE". Not sure which of those bothered her more.
I pointed out that the dog would have to get transported in the van (she may have glossed over the keeping the van part of the plan), the Dart was bigger than it looked (as large as a 3 series), and that it was really an Alfa romeo.
I countered with a link to the new Escape. Thought that looked nice, obviously could fit the dog (so the van could go away), but she is still hung up on the fact that it is a Ford.
i shot back that she was a bigger badge snob than her daughter, but i would stop short of sending her links to Chevies. her answer to that? "My family always had Chevrolets so what's the matter with them?" Told her it wasn't the 1960s any longer, and they had nothing to interest me.
the battle will continue until I can get her out for a test drive in a few things. Or one of us figures out a way to get paid a lot more, so we can afford to shop on Luxury row!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
If the wikipedia stats are to be believed, the Dart is on a 106.4" wheelbase, 183.9" long, 72" wide, and 57" tall. So yeah, it's not exactly a tiny car.
Actually, going by wheelbase, it's about the biggest compact out there. Cruze is slightly shorter, at 105.7". Focus is 104.2". Civic is 105.1, and the Corolla is 102.4. I'd imagine only RWD premium compacts like the Benz C-class and BMW 3-series would have a longer wheelbase.
When is the Dart supposed to come out, anyway? I'm thinking about getting a new car sometime this year, and trying to keep it fairly economical.
fuel tank size - 15.8 gal.
With a 0.8 gallon 'reserve' that suggests:
If 35 MPG – range = 15 * 35 = 525 miles and
If 40 MPG – range = 15 * 40 = 600 miles
Interesting....
- Ray
More range = good
The Dart looks really good, but the upcoming Accord Hybrid is intriguing to me. It's supposed to be a plug in hybrid with 10-15 miles of electric range, like the plug in Prius. If it's priced near the Camry Hybrid, I think Honda will have a winner on their hands.
Anyway, here's the listing, if anyone wants to see: 1994 Caddy Fleetwood. Any idea on what a fair price would be for something like this? With fuel prices on the rise, you'd think demand for something like this would be limited, but the local wanna-be thugs and hood-rats still tend to go for them.
Maybe the Subaru has better ground clearance? I used to have problems with my 2000 Intrepid once the snow got more than a few inches deep, because it didn't have much ground clearance. I haven't had a chance to test out my Park Ave yet. When we had all those blizzards in the winter of 2009-2010, I didn't drive the car until the streets were adequately plowed, and instead used my '85 Silverado. And since then, we haven't had enough snow to really amount to anything.
we are at the earliest going to be shopping in the late November/before XMas timeframe, but it could push until April 2013 depending on how the plan (and $$!) shake out.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Mine too when we had a slight inclined driveway in Boise. Had to park on the street a few times a winter. Never had anything but all-seasons on it though.
They seem to go for decent money. I've looked on Ebay at them just trolling around and any of them in decent shape hit 5K easily. That one you posted looks nice, but that purple velour kills it for me. Its funny most of them in that exterior seem to have the matching interior. I guess they probably made some with light grey which would be much better IMHO.
You don't have a personality disorder, you just have big cars "in your blood" My LaCrosse is about as small as I'll go and I am sure to many its a boat. I don't think I could ever drive anything small, my Fiance has an Elantra and while its a great car I could never be happy. I just don't drive enough to need something that is great on gas. I'm happy with the 18.5 combined I'm getting the LaCrosse.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Well, a '94 Fleetwood with just 95k miles went through auction in Tennessee a couple of weeks ago and got $2500. Sooo... I dunno... if its perfect, $4k-$4500?
'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
Which is where I found this.
It's at the local dealer, and the asking price is below both KBB and Edmunds TMV.
What am I missing?
A set of hydralics to make it hop would be the finishing touch.
As far as leather, ther are a lot of people who hate leather and most cars keep cloth available as a no cost option.
I wanna see that Caddy with a set of wires, gold trim and hip hop music a blasting!
Well, I mainly listen to classic rock, don't like wire wheels, and the second that sucker needed new tires, I'd just get a more modest whitewalls. So, maybe I'd look a bit out of place in that car, after all? :P
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Ah, so the true asking price is $21,495 .. got it.
This dealer has promoted the "push, pull or drag" concept for some years now, and their used cars are usually overpriced as a result.
Thanks, Ray, for clearing this up.
Andre, in addition to the acronym CCBA, I propose that we add another one - AADD (Auto Attention Deficit Disorder).
As you noted, just a few days ago you were talking about the new Dart, then you post the link to probably the largest car sold in 1994! Wow, talk about opposite ends of the spectrum.
I, too, suffer from this malady from time to time, so I completely understand.
Are you getting more serious cuz your roommate really wants / needs the PA?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Well, he does want my Park Ave, but this Caddy is on my mind for purely hedonistic reasons! :P Right now, the roommate usually drives my aging '85 Silverado, which seems to look more and more rickety as time goes by, but just won't die. Sometimes I'll switch up with him, me driving the Silverado and him the Park Ave, just so I can feel the truck out for any signs of impending doom. And, during nice weather when I tend to drive my antique cars, I'll usually let him drive the Park Ave and let the Silverado sit.
As a result, the Silverado might go about 2,000 miles per year these days, while the Park Ave is averaging around 10,500. Which isn't a bad thing, considering that truck gets around 8-10 mpg, sometimes worse!
So, my original plan was to get something more economical, and I was leaning towards something like a 4-cyl Altima or Fusion, selling my roommate the Park Ave, and then only using the truck for when we need it, like picking up something from the hardware store, hauling stuff to the dump, etc. And when it finally dies, get rid of it, and just borrow my uncle's truck if I need to. But then, I started seeing interesting stuff pop up, like the 2013 Dart and Fusion that aroused my curiosity. But now, seeing this '94 Caddy is taking me back into my comfort zone....something I'm trying to break out of, but it's so damned hard!
None of this is from a purely economic standpoint though, as we just don't drive enough to warrant the improved fuel economy. And I don't see that happening in the near future. My job is 2 1/2 miles away, and is fairly secure (hopefully I didn't just jinx that!) I don't plan on moving anytime soon, and even if I did, I don't think I'd want to be more than 20 miles from work. Just far enough to get out of this county, to where property taxes are lower.