My little sis' is officially car shopping. She'll replace her 2003 Forester with something similar. Doesn't want to go any smaller, but would like a few more MPGs.
Another Forester is on her short list, we'll see what else she test drives. Since FE is crucial to her I may suggest the CX5.
New Escape just started arriving at dealers here in Louisville within the past week. I know it's made here, but it shouldn't take too too long to filter out to other locations. They got delayed after some were surely taken out of the queue due to a nasty hailstorm we had here late in April.
Still the Escape is definitely worth a look, especially if it's fuel economy you're after.
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I was wondering what crazy eddie was up to these days!
I could get away with one of them (though the Yota would get some raised eyebrows) but if I brought home 2 I think there would be some issues. Not to mention no where to park them all!
So I bounced the idea off my kids, of trading the MX-5 for a more practical but still fun, fuel efficient hatch (Mazda3, Impreza, Golf, and Focus were on my short list).
It was hilarious.
My 9 year old kept asking if every replacement car I mentioned "opened up". My daughter just said "no way", as if it were her decision. Both had very strong negative reactions to selling the convertible.
So I guess my sports car soul will remain intact, but I may lose my CCB license.
While browsing I got a price quote for a Mazda3 SkyActiv 5 door for just $17.6k with the loyalty incentive. Man, that was tempting. Such a bargain.
I'm helping my sister shop for a replacement for her 03 Forester, though, so we're going test driving tonight. I think she wants something a bit bigger than what was on my short list, though.
Her Forester is in for a recall and the dealer got smart and gave her a 2012 Forester as a loaner, so she's already liking that.
I'm helping my sister shop for a replacement for her 03 Forester, though, so we're going test driving tonight. I think she wants something a bit bigger than what was on my short list, though.
Her Forester is in for a recall and the dealer got smart and gave her a 2012 Forester as a loaner, so she's already liking that.
A bit bigger than your list, or a bit bigger than her '03 Forester? If it's the latter, the '12 Forester certainly fits the bill. Hard to go wrong there, aside from the ancient 4-speed AT.
She's single but owns a house, so a hatch, wagon, or small SUV would be a practical choice for her.
Not sure if she requires AWD or not. Likely automatic.
In a strange twist, my little brother may sell her his car, *if* she can learn to drive stick quickly enough, and get something more fuel efficient for himself since he's driving a TON of miles.
I should share the details of the deal I was offered on that SkyActiv...
one of the reasons I got rid of my Miata a few years back (along with I just did not fit), was too many fannies not enough seats. With 2 kids (plus the wife) I could rarely take it any place unless I was by myself.
For my next car, I cold actually get away with 2 seats again, since 1 kid is off at college and the other can go solo soon (hence the need car another car). Plus if I ever need a back seat, I can steal back the Volvo (though could get tricky if I get a stick on my next wheels).
The kids are 3 years apart so most activities they do are separate. I coach some of their teams so I take the minivan when I'm giving a bunch of kids a ride home, and I do usually know in advance.
Plus $250 extra if you pay cash and don't finance.
Get a quote - it was easy. Go to fitzmall.com, New Inventory. Then search by brand, make, model. They offer a no-haggle price, but click and ask for an e-mail quote.
What I got was a lot lower than their posted price on the web site.
Strange because that's not the case for Subaru or VW. They have franchises for all 3 of those (but not Ford).
Dad - sounds like an Acura ILX might be the right car for your wife, given that you like Hondas.
I noticed one in our initial poking around the other night, it looks pretty cool. She works with a few ladies who have a Legacy and an Outback which she thinks is pretty nice, leaning more toward the Legacy.
We had quite a bit of rain/hail in our area, the roofers are already making the rounds. My wife was coming home from a meeting, in the Pilot, so it got nailed pretty bad. Still waiting for State Farm to organize their catastrophe center so I can get it looked at. We have a lot of window screen damage, patio furniture damage but haven't gotten on the roof yet to see what it looks like. How about you, it sounds like it was worse down south where you are. Were you out delivering that evening?
We had quite a bit of rain/hail in our area, the roofers are already making the rounds. My wife was coming home from a meeting, in the Pilot, so it got nailed pretty bad. Still waiting for State Farm to organize their catastrophe center so I can get it looked at. We have a lot of window screen damage, patio furniture damage but haven't gotten on the roof yet to see what it looks like. How about you, it sounds like it was worse down south where you are. Were you out delivering that evening?
Surprisingly, we were just south (no more than a mile or two) of the storm line. Had a few sprinkles and the sky certainly looked ominous, but nothing major. Heard that the outlet mall had 8 stores flood. Was not out delivering that night.
There was a new Escape on the sidewalk out in front of the Yum! Center when I was at the bar convention the past couple of days. I didn't look at it up close, but thought it was attractive.
"My 9 year old kept asking if every replacement car I mentioned 'opened up.'"
When I was a kid, my dad bought a new Pontiac LeMans (the Daewoo version). I new he was getting a new car, and asked my mom if it was a two door or four door. She told me it was a two door, and my kid brain assumed that she meant two doors on each side. I was very disappointed to discover that he'd bought the hatch which had only one door on each side... To this day, I still prefer cars with two doors on each side. :P
well, not a lot of them around in that condition at this point most likely. Then again, how many people are looking for one to pay top $ on?
but hey, if someone kinda likes it but just finds it to small, he can just slide him over and try to sell the BMW! Can't wait to see the ad for that one,.
Well of course you guys are thinking like me. Someone will want it at or near that price. I have yet to see another rust-free one for sale. I wouldn't hold my breath for $3k. It isn't costing me anything to keep it (aside from a whopping $180/yr insurance), so I'll be holding it for the right buyer.
I have a set of all-season rubber I'll give away with it, too. Thanks for reminding me.
I do have more into it than I'm asking, but thats certainly not abnormal. If I hadn't gone the high-performance route on it, I may have been looking at making a few bucks.
'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
That's funny. Reminds me of the gambler's expression: "That's MY money; the sucker is just holding it for me."
I think you'll see at least close to $4 for the car. That was exactly my thought when I saw your ad, if you really want one, that's expensive but an OK price. Except mild chiseling.
Good luck! You gotta share some of the typical Craig's List responses:
"Hey man, if nobody buys it I'll take it off your hands for $1800 cash"
"Hello. I from Santo Domingo, DR. Luv yur car and want to by to ship to my country. I wire money to yur bank directly. Send me yur bank info and social number. This not scam. I am real byer."
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Too bad it doesn't have a hole in the roof of some kind. Major downer to me!
With the extra tires, and all the work done, upper 3's is certainly probably reasonable. You can find these for way less, but you are talking serious rats.
This is kind of like the "after" car in an episode of wheeler dealers.
3 certainly would be a no brainer, but I can certainly see not selling it for that if it is just going to clear up some space in the driveway.
And I know I am thinking "fun" car for my next one (which I don't really need until December at the earliest) but the MR2 might be a little too far in that direction (being a DD potentially).
Took my sister to drive a CX5 last night. We drove a loaded GT AWD, Navi, moonroof, lane departure, heated leather, the works. Under $31k seemed very reasonable given all the equipment.
It's a little bit smaller than our Forester, for sure. Windows are also smaller, so visibility is not as good. The back seat is tight - when we folded the rear seats down, the headrest would hit the front seat.
My sister really liked all the gadgets, especially the backup cam and the lane departure warning. Personally, I'd rather have bigger windows vs electronic nannies, and the backup camera lines didn't change trajectory as you turned the wheel, plus the screen itself was small.
Seats are a bit hard for me. Same in my Miata, same in the Mazda 3s. I get that Mazda targets the enthusiast, but you trade off some comfort for sure.
Interior is mixed, some hard and some soft surfaces. Seems like mostly cheap materials with good textures, not unlike the Forester to be honest. Seat cushions are a bit short.
Hit the gas, and .... noise. The engine screams, but nothing happens. Acceleration is leisurely at best. Here the 2.0l SkyActiv was outmatched, with a heavy, loaded AWD model. It didn't bug my sister but for me it was a deal killer. Sure you get great MPG if you drive efficiently but there's no reserve power when you need it.
Might be OK in a lighter base model with the manual trans, but we didn't sample one.
She thought Mazda's moonroof was quite small, and would pass. I think she'd get one of the middle-priced models, with lane departure and a backup cam, but no leather, no moonroof, if she goes with the CX5.
She liked it more than I did, and still might consider it. Her 2003 Forester is in for service and they gave her a 2012 Forester as a loaner since she said she was shopping. It's a lot quicker, noticeably so, and also roomier, with better visibility. Gas mileage drops but it's not bad for its class.
The test drive helped her decide what gadgets she wants, though, so she is going to look at a Forester with a backup cam when she drops off the loaner vehicle.
Funny thing is she said it was like trying on a dress in a beautiful color, but she didn't like the dress. So she said she'll be looking for a different dress in that color!
While I was there, I've been curious about the Mazda3 SkyActiv so we asked for a spin in one of those.
I'm chatting with my sister so he pulls one up. I drive off, impressed with the pep. Wow, it's lighter and you really feel it, this one's actually fun!
Seats are hard as a rock. My Miata's no better. I ask if the seats are different in other models, car salesman says no, and the leather ones are even firmer. Bummer. Believe it or not I didn't feel any more comfortable than in my smaller Miata, and that's sort of the point if I were to trade, so I decided I would pass.
Then something really funny happened - I got out, and looked at the Monroney, it was a 2.5 S model! What a doofus! He showed us the wrong car!
To add insult to injury, I checked in the show room, and the I SkyActiv model DOES have different seats. A little more comfy, too!
By then it was getting late and we were shopping for my sister, so irony of all ironies, I never got to sample the 3 that I'm interested in. Frustrating!
Comments
Another Forester is on her short list, we'll see what else she test drives. Since FE is crucial to her I may suggest the CX5.
When's the new Escape arriving in dealers?
the CX-5 should certainly be on your sister's list. If she is driving a NA 2003 forester, she obviously is not very interested in acceleration.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Still the Escape is definitely worth a look, especially if it's fuel economy you're after.
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When I post the ad, y'all will be the first to know.
'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
Wonder how many cars with trade values under $3500 got "clunked" back in '09...
Q, of course we want to see the ad. And "cheap" is anything that doesn't make my heart palpitate
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
now, if I was a real glutton, I would look into the 540 instead.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I'll bring cash, and my wife isn't looking at $40k SUVs...
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Q.. I'm your guy... lol
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Can I interest anyone in a 2-fer? A mid-engined 4-cyl and an 8-cyl bmw? At $10k for both, my prices are INSANE!
'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 could get away with one of them (though the Yota would get some raised eyebrows) but if I brought home 2 I think there would be some issues. Not to mention no where to park them all!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
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It was hilarious.
My 9 year old kept asking if every replacement car I mentioned "opened up". My daughter just said "no way", as if it were her decision. Both had very strong negative reactions to selling the convertible.
So I guess my sports car soul will remain intact, but I may lose my CCB license.
While browsing I got a price quote for a Mazda3 SkyActiv 5 door for just $17.6k with the loyalty incentive. Man, that was tempting. Such a bargain.
I'm helping my sister shop for a replacement for her 03 Forester, though, so we're going test driving tonight. I think she wants something a bit bigger than what was on my short list, though.
Her Forester is in for a recall and the dealer got smart and gave her a 2012 Forester as a loaner, so she's already liking that.
Her Forester is in for a recall and the dealer got smart and gave her a 2012 Forester as a loaner, so she's already liking that.
A bit bigger than your list, or a bit bigger than her '03 Forester? If it's the latter, the '12 Forester certainly fits the bill. Hard to go wrong there, aside from the ancient 4-speed AT.
This was a Touring, right? Any options?
What loyalty incentive are you referring to?
How old are the kids? You think they're angling to drive the Miata when they get old enough?
She's single but owns a house, so a hatch, wagon, or small SUV would be a practical choice for her.
Not sure if she requires AWD or not. Likely automatic.
In a strange twist, my little brother may sell her his car, *if* she can learn to drive stick quickly enough, and get something more fuel efficient for himself since he's driving a TON of miles.
I should share the details of the deal I was offered on that SkyActiv...
Mazda currently has a $500 loyalty incentive to current owners.
My daughter is 3 years away from driving, but if so, she is VERY clever and I'm proud of my little girl. LOL
For my next car, I cold actually get away with 2 seats again, since 1 kid is off at college and the other can go solo soon (hence the need car another car). Plus if I ever need a back seat, I can steal back the Volvo (though could get tricky if I get a stick on my next wheels).
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The kids are 3 years apart so most activities they do are separate. I coach some of their teams so I take the minivan when I'm giving a bunch of kids a ride home, and I do usually know in advance.
So, $18.1K before the incentive. How does that stack up compared to MSRP and Invoice?
MSRP: $20,795.00
I'm not sure how they go there, but it's tempting.
That was in lieu of the financing incentives, I think there's another $250 off for cash buyers.
That's still $1500 under invoice.
Like I said, bargain....
Wow .. just, wow.
Wait, you said they offered $17.6 ($18.1 w/o incentive) - isn't that $1700 under?
Wonder if that would be true for the i GT as well? If so, we could be looking at $22-23K for the i GT with tech package and other options.
Wife has her interview with the state this afternoon .. we'll see how it goes.
Get a quote - it was easy. Go to fitzmall.com, New Inventory. Then search by brand, make, model. They offer a no-haggle price, but click and ask for an e-mail quote.
What I got was a lot lower than their posted price on the web site.
Strange because that's not the case for Subaru or VW. They have franchises for all 3 of those (but not Ford).
I noticed one in our initial poking around the other night, it looks pretty cool. She works with a few ladies who have a Legacy and an Outback which she thinks is pretty nice, leaning more toward the Legacy.
We had quite a bit of rain/hail in our area, the roofers are already making the rounds. My wife was coming home from a meeting, in the Pilot, so it got nailed pretty bad.
Check out the Satin White Pearl ones. That color is gorgeous.
Surprisingly, we were just south (no more than a mile or two) of the storm line. Had a few sprinkles and the sky certainly looked ominous, but nothing major. Heard that the outlet mall had 8 stores flood. Was not out delivering that night.
Good luck with the insurance and roofing folks.
When I was a kid, my dad bought a new Pontiac LeMans (the Daewoo version). I new he was getting a new car, and asked my mom if it was a two door or four door. She told me it was a two door, and my kid brain assumed that she meant two doors on each side. I was very disappointed to discover that he'd bought the hatch which had only one door on each side... To this day, I still prefer cars with two doors on each side. :P
Did I miss anything?
'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
Looks sharp. and very 80's. and if you fit, I know that I will!
let me know when you knock it down to 3K. Hey, will need to get tires for the winter too.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Tire kicker, Q!
Do I look like Rockefeller to you?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I wouldn't pay what he wants either but I'll bet someone does - or comes pretty close.
And it does look like a dealership in his driveway. Maybe he'll try the "what do I have to do to put you in this car today?"....
but hey, if someone kinda likes it but just finds it to small, he can just slide him over and try to sell the BMW! Can't wait to see the ad for that one,.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I have a set of all-season rubber I'll give away with it, too. Thanks for reminding me.
I do have more into it than I'm asking, but thats certainly not abnormal. If I hadn't gone the high-performance route on it, I may have been looking at making a few bucks.
'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
That's funny.
Reminds me of the gambler's expression: "That's MY money; the sucker is just holding it for me."
I think you'll see at least close to $4 for the car. That was exactly my thought when I saw your ad, if you really want one, that's expensive but an OK price. Except mild chiseling.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
"Hey man, if nobody buys it I'll take it off your hands for $1800 cash"
"Hello. I from Santo Domingo, DR. Luv yur car and want to by to ship to my country. I wire money to yur bank directly. Send me yur bank info and social number. This not scam. I am real byer."
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
With the extra tires, and all the work done, upper 3's is certainly probably reasonable. You can find these for way less, but you are talking serious rats.
This is kind of like the "after" car in an episode of wheeler dealers.
3 certainly would be a no brainer, but I can certainly see not selling it for that if it is just going to clear up some space in the driveway.
And I know I am thinking "fun" car for my next one (which I don't really need until December at the earliest) but the MR2 might be a little too far in that direction (being a DD potentially).
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Ugh! You are SO NOT my buyer. :P
A pure sportscar such as this can not be weighed down by putting glass in the roof.
'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's a little bit smaller than our Forester, for sure. Windows are also smaller, so visibility is not as good. The back seat is tight - when we folded the rear seats down, the headrest would hit the front seat.
My sister really liked all the gadgets, especially the backup cam and the lane departure warning. Personally, I'd rather have bigger windows vs electronic nannies, and the backup camera lines didn't change trajectory as you turned the wheel, plus the screen itself was small.
Seats are a bit hard for me. Same in my Miata, same in the Mazda 3s. I get that Mazda targets the enthusiast, but you trade off some comfort for sure.
Interior is mixed, some hard and some soft surfaces. Seems like mostly cheap materials with good textures, not unlike the Forester to be honest. Seat cushions are a bit short.
Hit the gas, and .... noise. The engine screams, but nothing happens. Acceleration is leisurely at best. Here the 2.0l SkyActiv was outmatched, with a heavy, loaded AWD model. It didn't bug my sister but for me it was a deal killer. Sure you get great MPG if you drive efficiently but there's no reserve power when you need it.
Might be OK in a lighter base model with the manual trans, but we didn't sample one.
She thought Mazda's moonroof was quite small, and would pass. I think she'd get one of the middle-priced models, with lane departure and a backup cam, but no leather, no moonroof, if she goes with the CX5.
She liked it more than I did, and still might consider it. Her 2003 Forester is in for service and they gave her a 2012 Forester as a loaner since she said she was shopping. It's a lot quicker, noticeably so, and also roomier, with better visibility. Gas mileage drops but it's not bad for its class.
The test drive helped her decide what gadgets she wants, though, so she is going to look at a Forester with a backup cam when she drops off the loaner vehicle.
Funny thing is she said it was like trying on a dress in a beautiful color, but she didn't like the dress. So she said she'll be looking for a different dress in that color!
Hilarious.
I'm chatting with my sister so he pulls one up. I drive off, impressed with the pep. Wow, it's lighter and you really feel it, this one's actually fun!
Seats are hard as a rock. My Miata's no better. I ask if the seats are different in other models, car salesman says no, and the leather ones are even firmer. Bummer. Believe it or not I didn't feel any more comfortable than in my smaller Miata, and that's sort of the point if I were to trade, so I decided I would pass.
Then something really funny happened - I got out, and looked at the Monroney, it was a 2.5 S model! What a doofus! He showed us the wrong car!
To add insult to injury, I checked in the show room, and the I SkyActiv model DOES have different seats. A little more comfy, too!
By then it was getting late and we were shopping for my sister, so irony of all ironies, I never got to sample the 3 that I'm interested in. Frustrating!