oh, not having the dealer do any of this. Whatever I do will be at the local Tires plus that I have had good luck with in the past. I just have it at NTB now, because that is where I bought the tires 5 years ago, and get free rotation/balance/repair. Otherwise I would not go there.
so if I do the brakes, I can get that done for about $300 OTD. Probably would get that back on a private sale advertising "New Brakes!"
Tires, probably about $600. These Bridgestones look nice, though I could save about $50 on a set of Falkens that don't rate out as highly. But, what should I care? Still have to be better than worn out ones on it!
I was actually going to get new pads thrown on before trying to sell regardless. I will just have to get another opinion on the tires, since if they give them a safe 5K left, I can live with that and sell with a good feeling.
well, the wife and I will be at the local automall nice and early Saturday, to drive the Sant Fe (hopefully both engines). And they are right across the parking lot from Acura, and BMW. So I plan to drive them all!
Well, if you really want to keep it on the cheap, and you only have 1 or 2 tires that are more worn than the others, scour ebay for slightly used of the same model tire.
'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 would take it to the dealer as she sits today and move up my timeline on the trade. Personally, I can't stand the thought of putting any $, particularly something over the $500 level, in a car I know is not long for my stable.
Again, if it was me, I'd burn a vacation day tomorrow (who doesn't need a 3 day weekend!) and get the deal done on whatever make and model you settle on.
Happy hunting!
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 I was planning to trade, I probably would just do that.
But, my goal is to private sale the van, so you get into a different world of ROI!
I think the tires have a decent amount of tread (they aren't bald or anything) so as long as the other tire store doesn't think they have to be replaced immediately, I will just spray tire shine on them, and call it a day!
the brakes though, if I push that too far I will be buying new rotors too. So i figure on a private sale advertising new brakes will help it sell.
I may just throw it out on Craig's this weekend. Just to see what happens!
If it was me, I would do the brakes - and make copies of the receipt. It proves a level of maintenance for an item not so easy for a private buyer to check. Tires are more easily checked [ obviously ] - and type \ make can be more personal preference. [ New set of off brand touring might sour someone who really believes in Michelin all-seasons. ] YMMV. - Ray Just one data point.....
I agree. If you were selling a hot rod the new owner would probably just rip them out and install Brembos but on a family van the buyer would want to know that mom and the kids are safe. I'd go for the $300 and up the asking price by $400.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
My wife has been taking Wednesdays off this summer, so I joined her yesterday and we just went plunking around looking at show homes (Parade of Homes in Denver) and then ended up looking at some cars too that had been on my "list." I'll spare you the detail on the show homes, but.....
1) Been admiring the Hyundai Veloster since they came out, so found a 6-speed version and test drove it. I know at best, the appearance is polarizing, but I like it. It's pretty roomy inside for it's size and weight and, as expected, is stocked with current tech features. It was fun to drive too, with a nice shifter - but was terribly sluggish. My wife drove it too and with her more, ahem, aggressive style, seemed to wring more out of the engine. It's not unlike the 318ti we had - you definitely need to be in the right gear. That wasn't something necessary in the GTI, so perhaps I just need to adjust from that. Or....spring a bit more for the upcoming turbo model.
2) As a direct comparison (high MPG small hatchback), I also managed to find a used 6-speed CR-Z. Traditionally I like Hondas, having owned many of them, but I have to give the nod to the Hyundai. Similar MPG, but without the hybrid stuff, and a back seat with 3rd door to boot. The CR-Z was definitely livelier than the base Veloster and shifted as you'd expect from a Honda. The blind spot was horrendous - driver side lane changes may require sticking your head out the window (or perhaps properly adjust and rely on your mirrors). Styling-wise, I like the Honda from the A-pillar forward, but it gets awkward toward the rear. Personally, I think Hyundai made a better CRX successor than Honda.
3) Also went to look at that '02 325xi Wagon I posted on recently - 102k miles, stick shift, sport package and leather, but manual seats and no sunroof. Obviously a very specifically ordered car. It was in pretty good shape, but had a funny droning sound from the engine on acceleration. Came away from that really appreciating my 530i and its condition.
4) Also looked at a used Lexus CT200h for kicks, as another high MPG hatch. Obviously only comes with the CVT - so overall just a really disconnected driving experience. Pretty good acceleration and handling though for what it is. Wife and I agreed if that had been our hybrid choice instead of the Insight we bought a couple years ago, it may have stuck.
So, came away from all that really liking the Veloster, and very curious to try out the turbo version. Unfortunately (or actually, fortunately), it will be awhile before those are available used, and I think that's the only way I'd purchase a Hyundai - one of those good cars that still depreciate crazy, for now. Or I don't know, maybe a good candidate for my first lease.
As for the show homes, we were looking at some resales more out in the country and, thus, with more space. Several had 4-6 car garages. :P
I was at the mall today, oldfarmer, and I saw a 3 year old boy riding a coin operated sports car while his mom watched. He was grinning and turning the wheel like it was the best moment of his life. I thought to myself, that the excitement that little dude was experiencing would never be exceeded by any corvette, bmw, or mb that he would buy as an adult. Just a thought.
Were I looking to buy a Veloster, I'd go new. The used market is crazy now anyhow, Hyundai residuals are on the rise, and this car is funky enough to have a following. This will be one of those used cars that dealers will be asking 3-4K below MSRP with 25k miles in 2 years. Better rates if you finance new. And only the original owner gets their mega-warranty.
Not that a long warranty would matter in this group...
"...would never be exceeded by any corvette, bmw, or mb he would buy as an adult..."
LOL I love that! Maybe we're all trying to recapture the thrill we got for a dime way back when in front of the Woolworth's when you didn't have to worry about payments, insurance, tickets or how you would afford your cars AND the mortgage.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Wow that sounds like a lot of trouble. It's one thing if it's one issue, it gets fixed, and it's over with, but when so many problems pop up and the dealer asks you to reset it yourself by playing with the battery, it's not right. Especially not on a new car.
Our Velosters have been selling like hot cakes (I sell Hyundais). Probably won't be many used for a while as new are still quite popular. I haven't driven a Turbo yet although the tgwo that we got in sold immediately. And feature for dollar it is a much better car than the CR-Z, and more usable.
boom, have you driven the new santa fe? And if so, both engines? just wondering on what your opinion is on the power of the base 4, or if the turbo is really needed for adequate performance with a load.
Anyone looking at your Odyssey will look at the tires and deduct the price they think they will cost from their offer.
Advertising "New Brakes" won't excite many people.
If you only repl;ace the pads be very careful not to have the "lifetime" super hard pads installed that may squeal like mad especially if you don't resurface the rotors.
Better yet, why not just have the brakes and tires replaced and drive it another couple of years?
my wife is tired of piloting a land yacht, and wants something new. I also don't trust it past 100K (tranny), but that is just me.
The tires look fine. I think one of the sidewalls, is rounded from the tire running low on air before I realized it. But, the tread does not look bad, which is all most people might even notice.
that is why I plan to do the brakes. The tires, I will wait to see what the other tire store (that I actually trust) has to say before I decide there.
will also depend on what we decide after looking at cars this weekend (as in, how much I get offered for the van, and what my wife decides she "has" to have, and how much that will cost me!). If from that we determine that the purchase has to wait a bit (until year end or after) then the new tires go on, for us!
I haven't driven the new Santa Fe yet. I missed the training day Hyundai put on for us 2 months ago so I'll have to wait until the car comes out in a couple weeks.
Our Velosters have been selling like hot cakes (I sell Hyundais). Probably won't be many used for a while as new are still quite popular. I haven't driven a Turbo yet although the tgwo that we got in sold immediately. And feature for dollar it is a much better car than the CR-Z, and more usable.
Interesting - it's funny how polarizing the style is. I guess for all the folks who think it's the ugliest thing since the Aztec, there are that many more who love it.
And yeah, versus the CR-Z, I like the styling inside and out better on the Hyundai and having rear seats along with the 3rd door is a real plus. I think I read the premium for the turbo engine is only like $1,200 (considering the extra standard equipment) and you only sacrifice 2 mpg. After driving the base model, I think I'd spring for the extra power.
Soon they're adding a summer tire option if you need the extra grip, but it'll be an extra $1200.
They should have launched with the sticky tires because they produce good numbers for the magazine tests. That's how the EVO and STI are able to be giant killers when you only look at the numbers.
stopped this evening at the automall complex. Got there kind of late (after 8), so did not try to test drive anything. But, got some looking in.
Checked out the new BMW X1. Very nice, but not particularly large inside. A little tight in the cabin, and definitely on the small side in the cargo area. The wife did like it, and really liked it being a BMW< but just felt it was too small overall to be the primary family car. I also had the salesguy open a SPO 3 series wagon. She almost bit, but it was not much bigger, and of course, it was not "new".
but, we did check out a nice X3 in the showroom. That, she liked. A lot. and after discussing, she has decided that something about the size of the X3 is what she wants. Just a good combination of plenty of cargo room, enough spread out space inside, but still not too big outside. And not that radical change from the odyssey!
so, we have narrowed it down to a larger compact to midsize crossover SUV We did look at the Acura RDX again. Nice, and certainly cheaper. But it definitely seems smaller in the cargo area.
so at the end of the day, it seems that my wife wants a BMW. And seems predisposed to not trust Hyundai. So that is not a good sign! But maybe after we drive it, she'll have a change of heart. Maybe.
So we discussed the options. Could always just get the Acura (she does seem to like how it feels, I am OK with it, but not overwhelmed). Or, do the smart thing, and just wait and get what it is that she really wants. Just hope she can put up with driving the minivan for a while longer! But at least if she wants to wait, she can be driving on nice new tires soon!
A neighbor just bought a 2013 Volvo XC 60 which is in the same price range as the X3 your wife likes. Very attractive vehicle with a lot of cargo space. Rated pretty well. Don't buy too soon, I enjoy your posts.
we did drive one, and really liked it. Seemed like a much roomier, and quicker, version of my S40.
the only problem, and it might be worth another trip to see if adjustments can be made to resolve it, was it failed my wife's "seat belt test". She is obsessed about not having the seatbelt cut across her shoulder/neck (it does in the van) so it is the first thing she checks, and it is almost her litmus test (automatic fail!).
and there are usually deals to be had on those, plus I am friendly with the owner of the local dealer. And it would give the option of a trip to Sweden at some point!
I thought most shoulder belts adjusted up and down at the anchor now, especially on SUVs and minivans. My old van adjusts 3 or 4 inches that way. Or can't you use a clip to lower the shoulder height?
In addition to the belt adjuster, we have a couple of seat belt pads that we use for our granddaughters because the belt fits too high. They attach with velcro.
that is pretty much it. come cars just slide up and down automatically, and others have notches to set it to. But, there are some that just hit her wrong.
today's update: managed to drive a Santa Fe. A well equipped (but no moonroof) 20T (the hi-po turbo model). Very nice car. Comfortable seats (better than the Acura I think). Tons of features (heated rear seats for all the people that won't be riding there!). Good cargo space. Etc.
Oh, I got to play with the electric adjustable steering. Drove it around a circle on the comfort (lightest) setting, and it was very light. Switched to sport, and it was noticeably firmer. I liked it that way.
it was too busy (we stole our salesguy away from a delivery for the test drive) to drive a 2.4 (non-turbo) also, but I would probably go back to do that before deciding.
but, it was a very, very nice car, and they should sell plenty. Seems to hit the sweet spot of size/economy/performance/features, at a decent (though not really low) price point.
I know it does not have the "prestige" badge, but overall I liked it more than the Acura, and frankly, if you did not see the badges it felt very BMWish in many ways, and can give that a run for it's money (at 10K cheaper).
oh, and the wife seemed to really like it. She did say "but it is not a BMW", but she always gave me grief for taking her to that dealer when we knew it was too damned expensive (a 2nd kid coming up to college in 2 years does not help matters).
so now just have to get her to decide. The choices pretty much are the Santa Fe (though that will be tough to decide between 2 engines, FWD or AWD, and moonroof vs. roof rails), and the Acura. With the 3rd option being keep the van for a few more years, until can afford the BMW! and I don't think that is winning.
my guess, she picks the Santa Fe, we get a middle-equipped model, and when that is paid off, I can get a BMW to scratch that itch.
Any idea if the strikes in South Korea are affecting Santa Fe production in Georgia? Sounds like the "third shift strike" may expand to an all out one soon over there.
since I know some of you are anxiously hitter refresh, waiting for another installment of the saga.
stopped at a tire store today just to have them looked at (a place different than the one that fixed my flat). That guy looked at them all, checked the depth, and pronounced them OK. all between 5-6mm tread (more than I expected), and overall no signs of abnormal wear on the tread. Some sidewall round at the edges, but they do have 45K on them (a lot for a minivan tire IMO). So, he said no immediate need to do anything, but they will be losing winter traction and the sidewall rounding needed to be watched.
so, since my wife is losing patience with the "process" here (meaning my bank account can run, but it can't hide much longer), I don't think the van will be around much longer. So I am going to throw new brake pads on, and shine up the tires (along with a DIY detail), and let 'er rip.
Man what I wouldn't give for a wife that would run all over town with me looking at cars. My wife just tells me "to get a red one" and sends me on my way.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
turns out my wife has good taste. And seems to be fixating on a BMW X3. Trying to figure out where the money in the budget for that (44K Sticker! Ouch!) is coming from. Of course, it may not be...
so just in case, I will take another run at hooking her on a CPO type X3. Probably won't help, since she also wants new, but you never know! baby steps.
almost had my wife convinced last night that a 3 series wagon was a good choice. She actually kind of liked it. Still a tad small (more like an X1), but mostly, not new!
But, I still like them. Torchlight has pics up of a couple that I like (for me, too old for family duty!)
Holey Moley, just realized what this one has. Sport package (love those seats), premium and winter? And I am one of the 3 people in the country that actually loves the green color. Might have to go spend the DP money from my wife on this for myself (and heck, new enough to be a travel car, right?)
I was about to say the same thing as isell about the brake pads. I don't take my Nissan to the dealer for inspections, and I assume that when the pads are wearing thin, the squealer tab will start making noise. Unlike tires, brake pads that have very little meat on them will still stop as well as newer ones in dry, wet, or snowy conditions.
For measuring tires, I highly recommend the Fowler X-tread digital tread depth gauge. You can buy it very inexpensively on Amazon.
well, I have had a couple people that saw them say they are getting close to getting far enough done to put the rotors in jeopardy. Would hate to find out I pushed them to far when I am paying for new rotors too!
new pads all around are pretty cheap, so I'll just go ahead and do it for peace of mind, and advertising purposes!
I also need to get the oil changed this week (the maintenance minder light is about to go on), and I plan to do the pads first, so I can use the Honda dealer inspection sheet (they do it with every service) as a selling point, since it should then be all green boxes checked (other than tires...) including the brakes if I do them first.
a little steep on miles, but it is CPO, so under warranty for about 12K and until March 2014. But, price not all that bad for a 2008 (I guess?). And no problem finding it in a parking lot with that color!
I tried it, but no go. A bit tight in cargo capacity. And of course, she does not want a wagon. Because, it is a wagon. Unlike an RDX, which is a jacked up wagon, but that is OK.
if we are paying Acura money, she will just get the RDX.
My wife didn't like to car shop, so she would send me on my way and head to the mall with 4 credit cards. My car shopping is strictly through following the adventures of others like stick. We have an 03 jeep liberty with only 34k miles and she loves tooling around in it. 3 more years to pay on the Prius and the days of having 2 [3] car payments are over.
Comments
so if I do the brakes, I can get that done for about $300 OTD. Probably would get that back on a private sale advertising "New Brakes!"
Tires, probably about $600. These Bridgestones look nice, though I could save about $50 on a set of Falkens that don't rate out as highly. But, what should I care? Still have to be better than worn out ones on it!
I was actually going to get new pads thrown on before trying to sell regardless. I will just have to get another opinion on the tires, since if they give them a safe 5K left, I can live with that and sell with a good feeling.
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
Again, if it was me, I'd burn a vacation day tomorrow (who doesn't need a 3 day weekend!) and get the deal done on whatever make and model you settle on.
Happy hunting!
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
But, my goal is to private sale the van, so you get into a different world of ROI!
I think the tires have a decent amount of tread (they aren't bald or anything) so as long as the other tire store doesn't think they have to be replaced immediately, I will just spray tire shine on them, and call it a day!
the brakes though, if I push that too far I will be buying new rotors too. So i figure on a private sale advertising new brakes will help it sell.
I may just throw it out on Craig's this weekend. Just to see what happens!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Sales tax alone is more than tires (in most cases).
and make copies of the receipt.
It proves a level of maintenance for
an item not so easy for a private buyer
to check.
Tires are more easily checked [ obviously ] -
and type \ make can be more personal
preference.
[ New set of off brand touring might sour someone
who really believes in Michelin all-seasons. ]
YMMV.
- Ray
Just one data point.....
However, I suspect that the average used minivan buyer just cares that it has 4, with tread being a nice bonus.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I agree. If you were selling a hot rod the new owner would probably just rip them out and install Brembos but on a family van the buyer would want to know that mom and the kids are safe. I'd go for the $300 and up the asking price by $400.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
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
1) Been admiring the Hyundai Veloster since they came out, so found a 6-speed version and test drove it. I know at best, the appearance is polarizing, but I like it. It's pretty roomy inside for it's size and weight and, as expected, is stocked with current tech features. It was fun to drive too, with a nice shifter - but was terribly sluggish. My wife drove it too and with her more, ahem, aggressive style, seemed to wring more out of the engine. It's not unlike the 318ti we had - you definitely need to be in the right gear. That wasn't something necessary in the GTI, so perhaps I just need to adjust from that. Or....spring a bit more for the upcoming turbo model.
2) As a direct comparison (high MPG small hatchback), I also managed to find a used 6-speed CR-Z. Traditionally I like Hondas, having owned many of them, but I have to give the nod to the Hyundai. Similar MPG, but without the hybrid stuff, and a back seat with 3rd door to boot. The CR-Z was definitely livelier than the base Veloster and shifted as you'd expect from a Honda. The blind spot was horrendous - driver side lane changes may require sticking your head out the window
3) Also went to look at that '02 325xi Wagon I posted on recently - 102k miles, stick shift, sport package and leather, but manual seats and no sunroof. Obviously a very specifically ordered car. It was in pretty good shape, but had a funny droning sound from the engine on acceleration. Came away from that really appreciating my 530i and its condition.
4) Also looked at a used Lexus CT200h for kicks, as another high MPG hatch. Obviously only comes with the CVT - so overall just a really disconnected driving experience. Pretty good acceleration and handling though for what it is. Wife and I agreed if that had been our hybrid choice instead of the Insight we bought a couple years ago, it may have stuck.
So, came away from all that really liking the Veloster, and very curious to try out the turbo version. Unfortunately (or actually, fortunately), it will be awhile before those are available used, and I think that's the only way I'd purchase a Hyundai - one of those good cars that still depreciate crazy, for now. Or I don't know, maybe a good candidate for my first lease.
As for the show homes, we were looking at some resales more out in the country and, thus, with more space. Several had 4-6 car garages. :P
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2025 MB GLE450e - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Not that a long warranty would matter in this group...
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2025 MB GLE450e - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
LOL I love that! Maybe we're all trying to recapture the thrill we got for a dime way back when in front of the Woolworth's when you didn't have to worry about payments, insurance, tickets or how you would afford your cars AND the mortgage.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Advertising "New Brakes" won't excite many people.
If you only repl;ace the pads be very careful not to have the "lifetime" super hard pads installed that may squeal like mad especially if you don't resurface the rotors.
Better yet, why not just have the brakes and tires replaced and drive it another couple of years?
The tires look fine. I think one of the sidewalls, is rounded from the tire running low on air before I realized it. But, the tread does not look bad, which is all most people might even notice.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
For me, that would be replacing all 4 tires and doing the brakes. Will you get your money back? Probably not.
will also depend on what we decide after looking at cars this weekend (as in, how much I get offered for the van, and what my wife decides she "has" to have, and how much that will cost me!). If from that we determine that the purchase has to wait a bit (until year end or after) then the new tires go on, for us!
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
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Interesting - it's funny how polarizing the style is. I guess for all the folks who think it's the ugliest thing since the Aztec, there are that many more who love it.
And yeah, versus the CR-Z, I like the styling inside and out better on the Hyundai and having rear seats along with the 3rd door is a real plus. I think I read the premium for the turbo engine is only like $1,200 (considering the extra standard equipment) and you only sacrifice 2 mpg. After driving the base model, I think I'd spring for the extra power.
Thanks for the insight!
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2025 MB GLE450e - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
They should have launched with the sticky tires because they produce good numbers for the magazine tests. That's how the EVO and STI are able to be giant killers when you only look at the numbers.
Checked out the new BMW X1. Very nice, but not particularly large inside. A little tight in the cabin, and definitely on the small side in the cargo area. The wife did like it, and really liked it being a BMW< but just felt it was too small overall to be the primary family car. I also had the salesguy open a SPO 3 series wagon. She almost bit, but it was not much bigger, and of course, it was not "new".
but, we did check out a nice X3 in the showroom. That, she liked. A lot. and after discussing, she has decided that something about the size of the X3 is what she wants. Just a good combination of plenty of cargo room, enough spread out space inside, but still not too big outside. And not that radical change from the odyssey!
so, we have narrowed it down to a larger compact to midsize crossover SUV We did look at the Acura RDX again. Nice, and certainly cheaper. But it definitely seems smaller in the cargo area.
so at the end of the day, it seems that my wife wants a BMW. And seems predisposed to not trust Hyundai. So that is not a good sign! But maybe after we drive it, she'll have a change of heart. Maybe.
So we discussed the options. Could always just get the Acura (she does seem to like how it feels, I am OK with it, but not overwhelmed). Or, do the smart thing, and just wait and get what it is that she really wants. Just hope she can put up with driving the minivan for a while longer! But at least if she wants to wait, she can be driving on nice new tires soon!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
the only problem, and it might be worth another trip to see if adjustments can be made to resolve it, was it failed my wife's "seat belt test". She is obsessed about not having the seatbelt cut across her shoulder/neck (it does in the van) so it is the first thing she checks, and it is almost her litmus test (automatic fail!).
and there are usually deals to be had on those, plus I am friendly with the owner of the local dealer. And it would give the option of a trip to Sweden at some point!
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
today's update: managed to drive a Santa Fe. A well equipped (but no moonroof) 20T (the hi-po turbo model). Very nice car. Comfortable seats (better than the Acura I think). Tons of features (heated rear seats for all the people that won't be riding there!). Good cargo space. Etc.
Oh, I got to play with the electric adjustable steering. Drove it around a circle on the comfort (lightest) setting, and it was very light. Switched to sport, and it was noticeably firmer. I liked it that way.
it was too busy (we stole our salesguy away from a delivery for the test drive) to drive a 2.4 (non-turbo) also, but I would probably go back to do that before deciding.
but, it was a very, very nice car, and they should sell plenty. Seems to hit the sweet spot of size/economy/performance/features, at a decent (though not really low) price point.
I know it does not have the "prestige" badge, but overall I liked it more than the Acura, and frankly, if you did not see the badges it felt very BMWish in many ways, and can give that a run for it's money (at 10K cheaper).
oh, and the wife seemed to really like it. She did say "but it is not a BMW", but she always gave me grief for taking her to that dealer when we knew it was too damned expensive (a 2nd kid coming up to college in 2 years does not help matters).
so now just have to get her to decide. The choices pretty much are the Santa Fe (though that will be tough to decide between 2 engines, FWD or AWD, and moonroof vs. roof rails), and the Acura. With the 3rd option being keep the van for a few more years, until can afford the BMW! and I don't think that is winning.
my guess, she picks the Santa Fe, we get a middle-equipped model, and when that is paid off, I can get a BMW to scratch that itch.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
stopped at a tire store today just to have them looked at (a place different than the one that fixed my flat). That guy looked at them all, checked the depth, and pronounced them OK. all between 5-6mm tread (more than I expected), and overall no signs of abnormal wear on the tread. Some sidewall round at the edges, but they do have 45K on them (a lot for a minivan tire IMO). So, he said no immediate need to do anything, but they will be losing winter traction and the sidewall rounding needed to be watched.
so, since my wife is losing patience with the "process" here (meaning my bank account can run, but it can't hide much longer), I don't think the van will be around much longer. So I am going to throw new brake pads on, and shine up the tires (along with a DIY detail), and let 'er rip.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Actually, your brake pads aren't THAT bad. When they say 2MM, they mean 2MM before they get down to the wear indicators.
At that point they will begin to chirp at you.
Man what I wouldn't give for a wife that would run all over town with me looking at cars. My wife just tells me "to get a red one" and sends me on my way.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
so just in case, I will take another run at hooking her on a CPO type X3. Probably won't help, since she also wants new, but you never know! baby steps.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
But, I still like them. Torchlight has pics up of a couple that I like (for me, too old for family duty!)
nicely loaded '01.
http://torchlightmotors.com/2001-BMW-3SeriesSportWagon/Used-Wagon/Parlin-NJ/5241- /2197647/Details.aspx
Holey Moley, just realized what this one has. Sport package (love those seats), premium and winter? And I am one of the 3 people in the country that actually loves the green color. Might have to go spend the DP money from my wife on this for myself (and heck, new enough to be a travel car, right?)
http://torchlightmotors.com/2002-BMW-3SeriesSportWagon/Used-Wagon/Parlin-NJ/5241- /2199269/Details.aspx
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
For measuring tires, I highly recommend the Fowler X-tread digital tread depth gauge. You can buy it very inexpensively on Amazon.
new pads all around are pretty cheap, so I'll just go ahead and do it for peace of mind, and advertising purposes!
I also need to get the oil changed this week (the maintenance minder light is about to go on), and I plan to do the pads first, so I can use the Honda dealer inspection sheet (they do it with every service) as a selling point, since it should then be all green boxes checked (other than tires...) including the brakes if I do them first.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
http://www.jsautohaus.com/used/BMW/2008-BMW-128-c48d777240463845009db918ddb0935e- .htm
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
if we are paying Acura money, she will just get the RDX.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.