Thanks for all the kind words on the A5. Definitely a step up in cost we weren't planning on (do we ever?), but as soon as the coupe became a possibility, it became emotional, and it was over.
I've been in a bit of a dilemma today - since I won't do the deal until tomorrow, I've been going back and forth between the two CPO A5's they have. They both are similarly equipped with navigation:
2010 Blue with the Cinnamon interior, with the upgraded stereo. 2011 Silver with Black interior, but no upgraded stereo.
Similar miles (actually a few thousand less on the 2010), and the dealer is at the same price for both (apparently they've had the 2011 longer and are more willing to come down).
Here's the thing - I like the look of the 2010. The Blue/Cinnamon combination is more striking than the Silver (classy but a bit dull). But here are the two things that have me leaning toward the 2011:
1) The 2011 is just a better value, being a year newer, which is not unimportant given the timeframe we trade out cars.
2) Most importantly, they went to an 8-speed automatic in 2011 (6-speed in 2010), and the difference in responsiveness of the trannie is fairly noticeable. Given that I'm giving up the manual in this car (willingly), I think that responsiveness would be nice.
I do like the upgraded stereo in the 2010, but clearly not as important as the transmission.
We'll see - really can't go wrong, and if they only had one or the other, I'd have no problem with either. Option anxiety I guess.
As much as I love the Cinnamon interior and the Bang and Olufsen stereo (both of which my mom's car has), I think given your circumstances it makes sense to go with the 2011. The 8 speed transmission also makes a noticeable difference, like you said.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
Oh yeah - leasing clearly would have some upside for our "habit" if you will.
What I prefer is to buy used, and buy smart. Obviously that minimizes the loss, and provides more flexibility than the lease. That's my main regret with the GTI, which we purchased new. At that price level, the difference between used and new wasn't all that great - I told my wife I don't ever want to buy any sort of luxury car new again.
Man, that's really unfortunate, as the color combo on the 2010 is FAR better. But, in the end, I'm much more a function over form guy, so the 8-speed would have to win.
'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
Infiniti currently has a couple of 18 mo and 24 mo leases. My BMW is a 27 mo lease. Though your question might have been rhetorical, the answer is the steepest part of the depreciation curve is the first 12 months... - Ray Can't remember seeing a 12 mo lease - in years .....
Alright, well here's the list I've assembled thus far. At the end, I've noted the price as fair, cheap, or what have you, and in some cases the price I would pay.
I gotta say, though, for the money, that Vibe GT is looking pretty good to me. Would run circles around the Protege, its 2 years newer, and quite a bit roomier.
'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 was gonna chime in with a similar comment on the Vibe. Doesn't that model with the 6-speed have the same engine they used to put in the Celica GT-S? Fun, high-revving 4 cyl - something like 180 hp?
The Pontiac styling elements aren't as bad on that car as some others.
My wife thinks its ugly, but I kinda like it. Granted, the Matrix is a bit better looking, but not by a whole lot.
Now, I've never been in a Vibe. I have been in a Matrix and rather liked it. Not sure how similar their interiors are.
Miles are a bit steep, which is holding me back more than anything, but it is a 'yota after all, right?
The 2 P5s and the Vibe are all pretty close to each other, so it could make the trip worthwhile. Trouble is WHEN? I might take a day off work this week to do it since I worked 72.5 hours this past week, including both Sat-Sun. :sick:
'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
Okay - I am virtually inept when it comes to any sort of servicing of my own cars, and know there's plenty of knowledge here.
My 530i has a check engine level warning on it and when I checked it (I was able to do that ), it is indeed right at the low mark. It's not due for a change yet, so I just need to add some oil to it.
So, I just need to go get one of the recommended (by BMW) oils at the local store, right? Or do I need to exactly match what was put in there at the last change?
Make sure the seating position is comfortable. I heard complaints about that.
I imagine you may get tired of the low-torque revver, then again for the price maybe not. It's gotta be quicker than the P5. Or the same at low revs, but much quicker at high revs.
Anyone else live near Hackettstown Honda who could kick the tires on that Pro sedan?
honestly, oil is oil. I mean, not from the perspective of changing it, but when adding to it, it just doesn't matter all that much. They will mix together.
Frankly, when I first buy a vehicle that requires specific oil, like the bimmer, and I don't know what was last put in, I change it right away.
And, yes, you can pick up the proper oil at the local store. It is Castrol Syntec and says right on the front "specially formulated for BMW, Mercedes, VW, etc." It runs about $9/qt!
'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 bought an 03 Vibe new and traded it in less than a year. One issue was an annoying grinding noise behind the radio that could never be fixed even with 2 dash remodels. The worst was the incredible slowness off a stop. It was really bad on cold mornings getting onto the highway -- was told there was a engine limiter to prevent engine damage before it warmed up. Can't speak for any of the newer ones but mine was downright dangerous. The car itself was ok. Just make sure you give it a thorough test drive to see if you like it.
In a straight line, for sure. I drove a P5 for years; that thing punches well above its weight when it gets twisty. Great car...hard to find with the optional ABS and side airbags.
I love the look of that Volvo, but the I looked up the mileage. Hard to believe a 2.1 liter engine that's not a rotary can suck down a gallon every 20 miles.
'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
Hard to believe a 2.1 liter engine that's not a rotary can suck down a gallon every 20 miles.
Look at the whole file on EPA and everything was a pig back then. But as I have learned in the last decade or two, fuel economy is all about gearing, and just about everything in 1979 was M4 or A3. Nowadays, even 5 gears (manual OR automatic) is old-school.
Am I going to get kicked off this board knowing that I just turned 100K on the V70 that I bought in '07 with just 11K on it?
The Castrol meets the requirements for BMW LL-01. I couldn't remember if its 5-30 or 5-40, though, and I just bought it on Saturday. I just look for that label.
Does the Mobil1 say it meets the LL-01 requirements?
'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
The oil at the dealer is branded BMW but is made by Castrol. It is tweaked a bit for BMW but I doubt if that makes it better than the stuff off the shelf. I'm sure it costs more.
The Castrol 0W-30 and 5W-40 are now both LL-01 rated- previously the 5W-40 was only rated LL-98. That said, I run Mobil 0W-40 in the 3ers and Rotella T6 5W-40 in the X3.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I like that 135 a lot. I'm a big fan of that lemon interior, which we had on our previous 3-series. I don't think it's as hard to take care of as some say - we had 60k miles on ours when we traded it and it looked pretty darn good. And that's with carting kids around regularly.
Considering the low miles and equipment on it, seems like a decent price.
Comments
I've been in a bit of a dilemma today - since I won't do the deal until tomorrow, I've been going back and forth between the two CPO A5's they have. They both are similarly equipped with navigation:
2010 Blue with the Cinnamon interior, with the upgraded stereo.
2011 Silver with Black interior, but no upgraded stereo.
Similar miles (actually a few thousand less on the 2010), and the dealer is at the same price for both (apparently they've had the 2011 longer and are more willing to come down).
Here's the thing - I like the look of the 2010. The Blue/Cinnamon combination is more striking than the Silver (classy but a bit dull). But here are the two things that have me leaning toward the 2011:
1) The 2011 is just a better value, being a year newer, which is not unimportant given the timeframe we trade out cars.
2) Most importantly, they went to an 8-speed automatic in 2011 (6-speed in 2010), and the difference in responsiveness of the trannie is fairly noticeable. Given that I'm giving up the manual in this car (willingly), I think that responsiveness would be nice.
I do like the upgraded stereo in the 2010, but clearly not as important as the transmission.
We'll see - really can't go wrong, and if they only had one or the other, I'd have no problem with either. Option anxiety I guess.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Isn't it easier to lease in your case? Or maybe a 24 month term isn't short enough for you?
What I prefer is to buy used, and buy smart. Obviously that minimizes the loss, and provides more flexibility than the lease. That's my main regret with the GTI, which we purchased new. At that price level, the difference between used and new wasn't all that great - I told my wife I don't ever want to buy any sort of luxury car new again.
But yes - why aren't there more 12 month leases?
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
'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
My BMW is a 27 mo lease.
Though your question might have been rhetorical,
the answer is the steepest part of the depreciation curve
is the first 12 months...
- Ray
Can't remember seeing a 12 mo lease - in years .....
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Alright, well here's the list I've assembled thus far. At the end, I've noted the price as fair, cheap, or what have you, and in some cases the price I would pay.
Silver ’03 protege5. 115k. $4500 (fair)
Blue ’03 protege5. 116k. $5995 ($4500)
Silver ’05 Vibe GT. 135k. dealer in Paterson. $4488 (fair)
Silver ’03 Protégé ES. 128k. $3k (cheap!)
Green ’02 Protégé ES. 131k. $4385 ($3500)
Silver ’02 protégé. 120k. $3800 (pretty good)
hmmm... just now realized this looks lowered.
Red ’03 protégé. $6495 (WHOA!). (4500-5k TOPS)
'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
And it's not even in beater condition.
I notice the front badge and radio knob are missing, but that's not a big deal.
'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
Of your list, the silver '03 looks like a reasonable deal for 3K. Assuming it is clean as it looks, it would work for me. especially at that price.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
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
Did not realize it was the hot rod model with the 6 speed (I think that is their version of the high strung engine, right?).
A bit steep on miles, but if it checks out, for the right price, it would be perfect for me. Too bad not in my neck of the woods!
Will have to keep this model on my short list.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The Pontiac styling elements aren't as bad on that car as some others.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
My wife thinks its ugly, but I kinda like it. Granted, the Matrix is a bit better looking, but not by a whole lot.
Now, I've never been in a Vibe. I have been in a Matrix and rather liked it. Not sure how similar their interiors are.
Miles are a bit steep, which is holding me back more than anything, but it is a 'yota after all, right?
The 2 P5s and the Vibe are all pretty close to each other, so it could make the trip worthwhile. Trouble is WHEN? I might take a day off work this week to do it since I worked 72.5 hours this past week, including both Sat-Sun. :sick:
'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
My 530i has a check engine level warning on it and when I checked it (I was able to do that
So, I just need to go get one of the recommended (by BMW) oils at the local store, right? Or do I need to exactly match what was put in there at the last change?
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
I imagine you may get tired of the low-torque revver, then again for the price maybe not. It's gotta be quicker than the P5. Or the same at low revs, but much quicker at high revs.
Anyone else live near Hackettstown Honda who could kick the tires on that Pro sedan?
Frankly, when I first buy a vehicle that requires specific oil, like the bimmer, and I don't know what was last put in, I change it right away.
And, yes, you can pick up the proper oil at the local store. It is Castrol Syntec and says right on the front "specially formulated for BMW, Mercedes, VW, etc." It runs about $9/qt!
'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
And thanks for the advice on the oil.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
'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
Wonder why the 318 is back? Could just be a deadbeat buyer, but the skeptic in me would say that it failed inspection.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Why would anyone need a tach on someting like that. They weren't made for spirited driving.
They were tough solid cars that caused few problems unlike the cars that Volvo is putting out today!
In a straight line, for sure. I drove a P5 for years; that thing punches well above its weight when it gets twisty. Great car...hard to find with the optional ABS and side airbags.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
'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
Look at the whole file on EPA and everything was a pig back then. But as I have learned in the last decade or two, fuel economy is all about gearing, and just about everything in 1979 was M4 or A3. Nowadays, even 5 gears (manual OR automatic) is old-school.
Am I going to get kicked off this board knowing that I just turned 100K on the V70 that I bought in '07 with just 11K on it?
I couldn't remember if its 5-30 or 5-40, though, and I just bought it on Saturday. I just look for that label.
Does the Mobil1 say it meets the LL-01 requirements?
'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
Not sure about the color, and the price is a little dear for a 10-year-old econo-box... but still...
'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
Owners hand on to Subies for a long time.
Anyway, I just now looked up WHERE that subie is located, and it turns out its about 2 hours from me. So guess that's off the list.
'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
I swear, those are nicer than the new ones. Cost cutting is evident, IMHO.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
high mile Volvo
Older Audi too risky?
Legacy
Mazda6
Pretty rare Passat GLX manual
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Car_Care/AskMobil/BMW_Collection.as- px
Oh well, the warranty on any E39 is long gone anyway.
Just make it an EX or SE with a roof, and I am in!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Q: Not for you, for me...
Might be asking you the value of my current ride...
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Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
A high-mileage Euro car? Might as well keep the bimmer. :P
mazda has the V6, so it doesn't meet the mileage requirement. Gorgeous, though. Just wish it had the 4-banger.
Legacy .... maybe. I'll add it to my list. But I'm kinda thinking I don't WANT to spend the full $5k if I don't have to.
'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
Considering the low miles and equipment on it, seems like a decent price.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman