Still, $23k for a Prius C? I bet it had Navi and Entune. Fitzmall prices a Three at $22,503 with both.
I see them all day long for $19.x prices.
For under $20k they make sense. A well equipped Yaris is near $17k, and no Navi or Entune on that.
Per the EPA you save $650 per year on fuel, so you break even in 3 short years.
Actually that's a very quick break-even. It actually makes sense.
Until you consider the Mazda3 SkyActive, and here's why: range.
The Prius c is stuck with a tiny 9.5 gallon fuel tank, so you'll be filling up far more often than the Mazda with its 14.5 gallon tank. That may even be enough to drive farther and find cheaper fuel.
The Mazda3's back seat isn't any bigger but it's a more substantial car and a more fun to drive, and you can opt for a manual.
I'd also take a Focus or Elantra GT over the Prius c. Or a Golf TDI.
So you've got one option from every major country of origin. :shades:
Still, $23k for a Prius C? I bet it had Navi and Entune. Fitzmall prices a Three at $22,503 with both.
Yes, the Prius C I drove had both. Plus a couple of 'dealer added accessories' which bumped the price up to over $24K. Too much, IMHO.
Until you consider the Mazda3 SkyActive, and here's why: range.
The Prius c is stuck with a tiny 9.5 gallon fuel tank, so you'll be filling up far more often than the Mazda with its 14.5 gallon tank. That may even be enough to drive farther and find cheaper fuel.
The Mazda3's back seat isn't any bigger but it's a more substantial car and a more fun to drive, and you can opt for a manual.
Agreed .. to a point. Depends on the type of driving you do. If I could get close to 500 miles on a tank with the Prius C, that is twice as much as what I get now with the ION. Meaning I only fill up half as often. Figure $35-40 a tank here in Colorado, and I fill up once a week. So ... $35 x 52 weeks is over $1800 in savings.
If you do more highway driving, then I agree that the 3 SkyActiv is the way to go. Really, really liked the one we test drove .. but to get the most out of it, you've got to do a lot of highway miles.
Diesels are the same way ... great hwy mileage, only so-so in town (VW Tdi's are rated at 30/42, I think).
Really, for me the Volt would be great. I drive about 50-70 miles a shift when I'm delivering pizzas, which in the Volt means I would use next to no gas.
Friend of mine has a C. Not totally loaded, but has nav. He says the engine is "6 gerbils", and that the car is not fit for speeds over 70mph, or highways with hills. He likes the mileage though.
Friend of mine has a C. Not totally loaded, but has nav. He says the engine is "6 gerbils", and that the car is not fit for speeds over 70mph, or highways with hills. He likes the mileage though.
Yeah, my test drive was quite short but I noticed a lack of power, even when compared to the 140HP in my ION. Could have been the CVT, too.
I've got a family truckster for long distance trips, so the C wouldn't be used for long distance duty. Strictly an around town commuter and pizza mobile. To complicate matters, the town where I live has lots of hills, which would affect mileage.
I suspect I could drive the C like I stole it and still get 40MPG around town.
not fit for speeds over 70mph, or highways with hills
Indeed, it's a city car.
I'd take one over a Yaris with a 4EAT.
Scion sponsored the Dew Tour and they came to Ocean City, MD, so the kids and I hopped in to check out a Prius c. Back seat is very usable, surprisingly roomy actually.
I think the lowest no-haggle price I've seen was $19.7k freight included. Not sure if Navi is important on a car like that given it's not a trip car, and you're likely to drive it in a familiar city.
Plus, who doesn't have a smart phone or Garmin that's as good or better?
I really like the fact that you can get the sunroof and leather along with the manual trannie
All that for $22k? I thought it was more like $25k, are you sure?
Hopefully you can find a Focus.
So you liked the way the Mazda3 drove better, but the features on the Elantra GT?
Yeah - a $25k Elantra GT would also have the "tech" package with nav other goodies. This one had leather and sunroof, which took the MSRP to almost exactly $22k. So, let's say conservatively you could probably get a $1k off, so for $21k it seems like a lot of car. Or, honestly, even without that sunroof and leather it's pretty nice for $19k.
And yes, I thought the Mazda3 was more spirited in its drive, but the Hyundai wasn't far behind, and was available with all those features. The leather and sunroof are the obvious ones, but you also gain a USB port, auto-dimming mirror and homelink, which are lacking in the Mazda3 manual. Well, and not to mention the warranty.
Wife and I went by the Hyundai/Mazda dealer on Sunday - she likes the styling of the Elantra better than the Mazda. I think it's sort of a push - they're both a bit over-stylized and not as classic as, let's say, a Golf/GTI.
That 9.5 Gal Gas tank is a deal breaker for me. Let's say I average 45 mpg (I'm not good with matching EPA numbers). I'd probably get gas around the 8 gallon mark which nets me about 360 per tank. That only gets me to work 5 days. I'd still have to fill up before the 6th day.
If I could average 35 mpg in a SkyActiv 3, then I could most likely squeeze 455 miles out of a tank (filling up at the 13 gallon mark). That'd get me a whole week + before getting gas.
Right now in my BMW, I average about 21 - 22 mpg. I think it is rated at 19 city/25 hwy. Once when I got gas (reset the trip computer) in the AM & jumped right on 95 averaging over 70 mph (per the computer), hit no traffic, & checked the trip computer (which is dead on accurate) when I got off the highway, it said 27.7 mpg.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
The TDI Diesel is out for me too. I'm scared of VW's reliability record. Although I do have many customers with TDI VWs who LOVE them & have no problems with them.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Considering my commute miles only, my daily commute ranges from 60 miles to 106 miles (depending on kids schedules), and is a bit over 20,000 miles per year. Almost all of that mileage is highway, though some of that is during rush hour, which probably is much more "city-like." A good portion of that though is on a tollway, which is a constant 75 mph.
Using a cost-per-gallon estimate of $3.60 and "combined" EPA ratings for MPG, the Mazda3 and Elantra GT (which are almost identical) would net about $700 per year in savings over the Audi A5 (which actually gets pretty good mileage), or almost $1,000 per year over the 530i (which would likely be the replaced car). And those savings go up to about $1,000 and $1,200, respectively, for a Passat TDI, though the initial cost of entry is obviously higher.
So, not trying to make a case for "it pays for itself," but it does seem compelling, considering the miles (and type of miles) I drive.
Half of the appeal is the fuel savings, but the other half is keeping those crazy high miles off the Audi, and maintaining that as my fun car. The 530i meets that second need right now just fine (and in style ).
Yeah - that panoramic one is the only one available. So, the choices are a "style" package, which comes with leather, the sunroof, upgraded wheels and a sport suspension (not so sure about the reality of that last one), adding $2,750 to the base price of around $19k. And that's how the one I drove was equipped (not sure if it's an odd duck or not, but at least they made one).
From there you can add the "tech" package, with nav, back-up camera, smartkey and auto climate for another $2,350.
I do appreciate Hyundai's willingness to allow those packages with the manual trannie.
VW seems to be love/hate. Some have terrible experiences but the rest seem to be enamored.
Yeah, we've loved all our VWs, but of course I only had the GTI under warranty, and we traded my wife's Jetta soon after it was out of its CPO warranty. We'll see how the '07 Beetle we just bought holds up.
I was promoting the Mazda 2 or 3 during this most recent search, but my wife just loves the style, character and features of the VWs. As long as you're aware of the potential trade-off in repair costs, at least there's awareness in our decision.
A slushbox Yaris is just as painful no doubt. I guess I just don't need a new car or mpg that much. Funny thing is, my friend dumped a miled up 240hp Accord for the Prius - so he's maybe still acclimating to a slow car.
I like having integrated nav - no wires hanging all over, no trashy looking setup stuck to the windshield, won't slide around in turns like a phone. It still would be cool to have a universal size and mount for nav in all cars, but that would kill the profit center
My friend drove it cross country! Fairly loaded with junk too. He said the worst part was from Montana westward - the hills. Semis would tailgate him on long hills, it just couldn't keep up.
I think he has claimed 50mpg+ in town, and his cross country trip averaged something like 45.
He wanted to spend no more than 22K or so, which he did, and he wanted nav and 40mpg+ overall. Now he lives in a city, and the car will mostly be used on weekends.
I'm Mr. OCD...I bet something about the setup would bug me. I also hate aftermarket radios.
We borrowed an Audi to take to the WRX STI unveiling (forget the year), and after 20 minutes trying to program the GPS one letter at a time, I concluded I was OK with aftermarket.
Audi has come a LONG way since then, but their Google Earth imaging is still TMI for me. I was quick, easy, function. They confuse you then dazzle you.
Low budget OEM Navi is probably worse. Interface is usually better but without the dazzle.
I don't like some of the weird 2D-3D nav. The nav in the BMWs I have rented in Germany have been TMI as well - google earth with 3D buildings. I like the BMW nav chime/gong though, something comforting to me about it.
My E55 has COMAND 2.0 which is prehistoric. It also has the one letter thing (but you can scroll a list after entering a character), but I am used to it. A lot of the interface on new COMAND isn't much different, so I can get in a new MB and be up and running fast.
You buy used so it's probably *much* less than that, especially since those things lose value a lot more than the car does.
Prices are coming down, I may cave in next time. It's worth a grand or so if you also get a backup cam. $1500 is pushing it, better have other stuff in the package as well.
It was like $2500 in the E55 - but it was a cool new rare thing back then (how things have changed in a decade). It adds very little value to a used car, and it is expected in any post 2003 E-class no matter the trim level. Standard in S-class since 00, SL since 03.
MB packages it nowadays for all but the lowlines, it's a mere P1, which even lease specials include.
Indeed, big points for the stick shift WITH options.
Love that huge moonroof, too.
How was visibility?
Visibility seemed fine in both the Elantra and Mazda3. While I can be easily seduced by those extra features available on the Elantra, I don't really need them for the purpose of this car, so I could save money and go with the one with the edge in driving.
The other factor I'm trying to weed out is how well these cars meet their EPA ratings - seems some do better than others. From what I've read, it seems the Mazda meets and may exceed its ratings, while the Hyundais may struggle a bit more to hit their numbers. In Edmunds' 40-mpg challenge, the Mazda returned 38.8 mpg average (42.5 highway), while the Hyundai Veloster and Kia Rio (the Elantra wasn't part of it) both returned about 35 mpg average.
I had to do some fancy spreadsheeting (actually, just did it in my head) to justify the RDX.
I started comparing it to something like a CRV or Santa fe, which should get better mileage (maybe 3-4 overall), on cheaper gas (damned premium). But that started to look like real money.
so, I compared it to the van. And assumed just enough improvement in MPG to offset more expensive fuel (about 8%). so, that came out to be a wash.
though somehow I convinced myself we were paying about $3/week more than before for gas. That must have been assuming the same mileage as the van go. That is real money. The lost savings from getting a putt putt engine SUV, that was just theoretical opportunity cost.
stick, you should be able to use mid- grade or regular without problems. The computers adjust. My 09 Murano was supposed to need premium and it ran fine on regular. Personal preference and comfort level in using regular -- probably not a whole lot of savings over a year anyway, $300 every 1000 gallons.
they were pretty stringent about it in the manual. Much more so than with my volvo. So, since I already went overboard buying it, might as well treat it right.
we also have a 2000 2.3TL. My sister was the original owner. She tried premium, and it was very unhappy. But, seemed fine no mid grade, and has been running on that for 165K. But, not that much of a savings between mid and premium.
I have a good suspicion about this but looking for expert opinion.
son (at school) texted that his car was acting up (2000 TL). ABS/TC lights on, maintenance required light flashing, and stuff on dash acting "weird". But it did start.
odds are it is the indication of a battery going (or something related, like a loose connection or dirty terminals). Right?
I certainly hope so, since I really don't want to think of the alternative!
of course, he is 4 hours away so I have to walk him through this remotely. And he is not car repair savvy, plus has classes, so hard to run all over the place.
Can't decide if I should just tell him to go to walmart, and have a new battery put in, or bite the bullet and run through the local Honda dealer. They will check the battery for free. Just charge through the nose for a replacement.
How old is the battery? Certainly worthy of a test.
My experience is all MB, but I have had 2 instances in different cars where idiot lights had spasms. First was in the W126 S-class - one day lots of dash lights were on, and the car ran poorly at low speed. Some easily accessed relay had failed - fixed it myself in 5 minutes, no further problems.
A couple years ago in the E55, most of the idiot lights were on, but all systems seemed to be fine. This had happened a couple times before, but would stop when I stopped and started the car. I was a couple hundred miles from home, called my mechanic - who knew exactly what was the matter, a brake switch failed. Drove it home with no problem save for cruise control not working. A mere ~$100 repair bill, and everything was perfect.
So, it could also be a random electrical component.
Agree with fin - had this with the fiancee's now departed Mazda3. If the battery is more than 3-4 years old, I think it is probably the safest (and cheapest) place to start.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
well, got a follow up. He managed to drive back to his apartment, with stuff failing as he went (turn signals, radio, and just as he got home, his headlights.)
now parked behind his house, in a lousy place to get to (no chance IMO a tow truck could get down there, and of course he did not back in).
he won't be able to deal with it until Saturday, and I will bet it won't start. Just hoping that AAA will be able to jump it so he can get down to walmart. I don't know what they will do if not (probably have to go get one and replace it in the parking lot).
The battery is at least 4+, and maybe 5+, years old. So I am pretty sure that is going to be the answer.
well, that is where the battery in the car came from. My sister owned it at the time, and it died on her. When the AAA came to jump it, and told her they could put it in right there and be done with it, she jumped. I saw the receipt when I got the car, and it was about 2x what I would have paid at wally world!
I managed to piss off the car gods this week, geeze. After the tire fiasco with the truck, the key not working in the yaris, the civic decided to chime in. First it looked like the tires were gone and I told hubby to take the yaris when he went to work this week. Today I walked by the front of it in the garage and noticed a strong coolant smell. Popped the hood, didn't see anything, grabbed a flashlight looked under it, nothing. Looked further and it appears to be either the lower radiator hose is leaking or the radiator. Either way the car is staying home this week. I'll take it to Midas for an oil change and pressure test on Friday.
So to recap, we will be buying 2 sets of tires ($1460), 2 alignments ($250), and either radiator hoses or maybe get the radiator covered under the ESC unless the dealer tries to weasel out of it since the car has a busted bumper and grill. The bumper was damaged 4 years ago and the grill a year ago, but I'm sure the Honda dealer will try to find a reason.
dealer messed up the paperwork on the new car (AK, did you piss off the car gods all the way over in NJ?). Posted all the details in the sales stories thread. Good stuff too!
I have the MDX and was running 87 in it and after a short time, it developed a rattle - brought it in twice, and they could not find anything wrong with it. Third time during an oil chance, I mentioned it to the tech - he asked some questions (e.g., is it at certain rpm's, etc.), and said, are you running premium? Nope. He said he's heard other people complain of same issue. It wasn;t a knock, more like a heat shield rattle. It was leased through work, so I didn't make any adjustments since that's the fuel that was made avaiable to me, but I would have switched to a higher grade. Not sure if that's the real answer, but that's what I was told
Comments
All that for $22k? I thought it was more like $25k, are you sure?
Hopefully you can find a Focus.
So you liked the way the Mazda3 drove better, but the features on the Elantra GT?
Still, $23k for a Prius C? I bet it had Navi and Entune. Fitzmall prices a Three at $22,503 with both.
I see them all day long for $19.x prices.
For under $20k they make sense. A well equipped Yaris is near $17k, and no Navi or Entune on that.
Per the EPA you save $650 per year on fuel, so you break even in 3 short years.
Actually that's a very quick break-even. It actually makes sense.
Until you consider the Mazda3 SkyActive, and here's why: range.
The Prius c is stuck with a tiny 9.5 gallon fuel tank, so you'll be filling up far more often than the Mazda with its 14.5 gallon tank. That may even be enough to drive farther and find cheaper fuel.
The Mazda3's back seat isn't any bigger but it's a more substantial car and a more fun to drive, and you can opt for a manual.
I'd also take a Focus or Elantra GT over the Prius c. Or a Golf TDI.
So you've got one option from every major country of origin. :shades:
Still, $23k for a Prius C? I bet it had Navi and Entune. Fitzmall prices a Three at $22,503 with both.
Yes, the Prius C I drove had both. Plus a couple of 'dealer added accessories' which bumped the price up to over $24K. Too much, IMHO.
Until you consider the Mazda3 SkyActive, and here's why: range.
The Prius c is stuck with a tiny 9.5 gallon fuel tank, so you'll be filling up far more often than the Mazda with its 14.5 gallon tank. That may even be enough to drive farther and find cheaper fuel.
The Mazda3's back seat isn't any bigger but it's a more substantial car and a more fun to drive, and you can opt for a manual.
Agreed .. to a point. Depends on the type of driving you do. If I could get close to 500 miles on a tank with the Prius C, that is twice as much as what I get now with the ION. Meaning I only fill up half as often. Figure $35-40 a tank here in Colorado, and I fill up once a week. So ... $35 x 52 weeks is over $1800 in savings.
If you do more highway driving, then I agree that the 3 SkyActiv is the way to go. Really, really liked the one we test drove .. but to get the most out of it, you've got to do a lot of highway miles.
Diesels are the same way ... great hwy mileage, only so-so in town (VW Tdi's are rated at 30/42, I think).
Really, for me the Volt would be great. I drive about 50-70 miles a shift when I'm delivering pizzas, which in the Volt means I would use next to no gas.
If only it wasn't $40K ......
Yeah, my test drive was quite short but I noticed a lack of power, even when compared to the 140HP in my ION. Could have been the CVT, too.
I've got a family truckster for long distance trips, so the C wouldn't be used for long distance duty. Strictly an around town commuter and pizza mobile. To complicate matters, the town where I live has lots of hills, which would affect mileage.
I suspect I could drive the C like I stole it and still get 40MPG around town.
SkyActiv is just getting started. I bet they add stop/start in the near future. The next 3 should also get headers for the exhaust.
Indeed, it's a city car.
I'd take one over a Yaris with a 4EAT.
Scion sponsored the Dew Tour and they came to Ocean City, MD, so the kids and I hopped in to check out a Prius c. Back seat is very usable, surprisingly roomy actually.
I think the lowest no-haggle price I've seen was $19.7k freight included. Not sure if Navi is important on a car like that given it's not a trip car, and you're likely to drive it in a familiar city.
Plus, who doesn't have a smart phone or Garmin that's as good or better?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
All that for $22k? I thought it was more like $25k, are you sure?
Hopefully you can find a Focus.
So you liked the way the Mazda3 drove better, but the features on the Elantra GT?
Yeah - a $25k Elantra GT would also have the "tech" package with nav other goodies. This one had leather and sunroof, which took the MSRP to almost exactly $22k. So, let's say conservatively you could probably get a $1k off, so for $21k it seems like a lot of car. Or, honestly, even without that sunroof and leather it's pretty nice for $19k.
And yes, I thought the Mazda3 was more spirited in its drive, but the Hyundai wasn't far behind, and was available with all those features. The leather and sunroof are the obvious ones, but you also gain a USB port, auto-dimming mirror and homelink, which are lacking in the Mazda3 manual. Well, and not to mention the warranty.
Wife and I went by the Hyundai/Mazda dealer on Sunday - she likes the styling of the Elantra better than the Mazda. I think it's sort of a push - they're both a bit over-stylized and not as classic as, let's say, a Golf/GTI.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
If I could average 35 mpg in a SkyActiv 3, then I could most likely squeeze 455 miles out of a tank (filling up at the 13 gallon mark). That'd get me a whole week + before getting gas.
Right now in my BMW, I average about 21 - 22 mpg. I think it is rated at 19 city/25 hwy. Once when I got gas (reset the trip computer) in the AM & jumped right on 95 averaging over 70 mph (per the computer), hit no traffic, & checked the trip computer (which is dead on accurate) when I got off the highway, it said 27.7 mpg.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Considering my commute miles only, my daily commute ranges from 60 miles to 106 miles (depending on kids schedules), and is a bit over 20,000 miles per year. Almost all of that mileage is highway, though some of that is during rush hour, which probably is much more "city-like." A good portion of that though is on a tollway, which is a constant 75 mph.
Using a cost-per-gallon estimate of $3.60 and "combined" EPA ratings for MPG, the Mazda3 and Elantra GT (which are almost identical) would net about $700 per year in savings over the Audi A5 (which actually gets pretty good mileage), or almost $1,000 per year over the 530i (which would likely be the replaced car). And those savings go up to about $1,000 and $1,200, respectively, for a Passat TDI, though the initial cost of entry is obviously higher.
So, not trying to make a case for "it pays for itself," but it does seem compelling, considering the miles (and type of miles) I drive.
Half of the appeal is the fuel savings, but the other half is keeping those crazy high miles off the Audi, and maintaining that as my fun car. The 530i meets that second need right now just fine (and in style
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
I mis-read the early spec sheet, then. I thought you had to get Navi to get the panorama.
From there you can add the "tech" package, with nav, back-up camera, smartkey and auto climate for another $2,350.
I do appreciate Hyundai's willingness to allow those packages with the manual trannie.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Love that huge moonroof, too.
How was visibility?
I drove a 3s and an Impreza a few weeks ago, even though I asked for a SkyActiv.
Car salesmen.
I preferred the Subie by a nose, but the Mazda was a cheaper. Escapes were not out yet so my sister and I never made it to the Ford dealer.
Yeah, we've loved all our VWs, but of course I only had the GTI under warranty, and we traded my wife's Jetta soon after it was out of its CPO warranty. We'll see how the '07 Beetle we just bought holds up.
I was promoting the Mazda 2 or 3 during this most recent search, but my wife just loves the style, character and features of the VWs. As long as you're aware of the potential trade-off in repair costs, at least there's awareness in our decision.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Under warranty who cares, that's VW's problem.
Oh yes - my wife and I are both CPAs. We can make the numbers justify anything! :P
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
I like having integrated nav - no wires hanging all over, no trashy looking setup stuck to the windshield, won't slide around in turns like a phone. It still would be cool to have a universal size and mount for nav in all cars, but that would kill the profit center
$1200 less per year to drive a Passat TDI vs an Ion? Hmm, you can't afford not to!
But wait, Consumer Reports just average 30mpg in their Scion FR-S.
Whodathunkit? It's a fuel miser, green not mean.
If you do the math DO NOT factor in tire costs for all the times you'll want to get sideways.
A CPA also has to know what to leave out of a spreadsheet.
I think he has claimed 50mpg+ in town, and his cross country trip averaged something like 45.
Yeah, that's a big drop.
I would have suggested a Fusion hybrid instead. Even the Camry hybrid still manages to be quick.
Call me Mr. Aftermarket, plus I found a way to hide the wires.
I'm Mr. OCD...I bet something about the setup would bug me. I also hate aftermarket radios.
Audi has come a LONG way since then, but their Google Earth imaging is still TMI for me. I was quick, easy, function. They confuse you then dazzle you.
Low budget OEM Navi is probably worse. Interface is usually better but without the dazzle.
I guess it depends on the setup.
My E55 has COMAND 2.0 which is prehistoric. It also has the one letter thing (but you can scroll a list after entering a character), but I am used to it. A lot of the interface on new COMAND isn't much different, so I can get in a new MB and be up and running fast.
With aftermarket stuff I can remove it and re-purpose it.
Eventually the aftermarket stuff becomes just as obsolete. As long as it can find my destination the 5 times a year I need it, I'm fine.
You buy used so it's probably *much* less than that, especially since those things lose value a lot more than the car does.
Prices are coming down, I may cave in next time. It's worth a grand or so if you also get a backup cam. $1500 is pushing it, better have other stuff in the package as well.
Still a lot of funds.
MB packages it nowadays for all but the lowlines, it's a mere P1, which even lease specials include.
Love that huge moonroof, too.
How was visibility?
Visibility seemed fine in both the Elantra and Mazda3. While I can be easily seduced by those extra features available on the Elantra, I don't really need them for the purpose of this car, so I could save money and go with the one with the edge in driving.
The other factor I'm trying to weed out is how well these cars meet their EPA ratings - seems some do better than others. From what I've read, it seems the Mazda meets and may exceed its ratings, while the Hyundais may struggle a bit more to hit their numbers. In Edmunds' 40-mpg challenge, the Mazda returned 38.8 mpg average (42.5 highway), while the Hyundai Veloster and Kia Rio (the Elantra wasn't part of it) both returned about 35 mpg average.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Um, yeah.
Though "added" isn't exactly right - the A5 replaced the GTI.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
I started comparing it to something like a CRV or Santa fe, which should get better mileage (maybe 3-4 overall), on cheaper gas (damned premium). But that started to look like real money.
so, I compared it to the van. And assumed just enough improvement in MPG to offset more expensive fuel (about 8%). so, that came out to be a wash.
though somehow I convinced myself we were paying about $3/week more than before for gas. That must have been assuming the same mileage as the van go. That is real money. The lost savings from getting a putt putt engine SUV, that was just theoretical opportunity cost.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
we also have a 2000 2.3TL. My sister was the original owner. She tried premium, and it was very unhappy. But, seemed fine no mid grade, and has been running on that for 165K. But, not that much of a savings between mid and premium.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
VW's can be nothing but trouble or fairly reliable.
My own experiences are unfavorable....big time!
son (at school) texted that his car was acting up (2000 TL). ABS/TC lights on, maintenance required light flashing, and stuff on dash acting "weird". But it did start.
odds are it is the indication of a battery going (or something related, like a loose connection or dirty terminals). Right?
I certainly hope so, since I really don't want to think of the alternative!
of course, he is 4 hours away so I have to walk him through this remotely. And he is not car repair savvy, plus has classes, so hard to run all over the place.
Can't decide if I should just tell him to go to walmart, and have a new battery put in, or bite the bullet and run through the local Honda dealer. They will check the battery for free. Just charge through the nose for a replacement.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
My experience is all MB, but I have had 2 instances in different cars where idiot lights had spasms. First was in the W126 S-class - one day lots of dash lights were on, and the car ran poorly at low speed. Some easily accessed relay had failed - fixed it myself in 5 minutes, no further problems.
A couple years ago in the E55, most of the idiot lights were on, but all systems seemed to be fine. This had happened a couple times before, but would stop when I stopped and started the car. I was a couple hundred miles from home, called my mechanic - who knew exactly what was the matter, a brake switch failed. Drove it home with no problem save for cruise control not working. A mere ~$100 repair bill, and everything was perfect.
So, it could also be a random electrical component.
now parked behind his house, in a lousy place to get to (no chance IMO a tow truck could get down there, and of course he did not back in).
he won't be able to deal with it until Saturday, and I will bet it won't start. Just hoping that AAA will be able to jump it so he can get down to walmart. I don't know what they will do if not (probably have to go get one and replace it in the parking lot).
The battery is at least 4+, and maybe 5+, years old. So I am pretty sure that is going to be the answer.
a good learning experience for the kid.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I learned the lesson myself. Also bought a battery powered jumper pack at AutoZone when it was on sale. Money well spent.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
So to recap, we will be buying 2 sets of tires ($1460), 2 alignments ($250), and either radiator hoses or maybe get the radiator covered under the ESC unless the dealer tries to weasel out of it since the car has a busted bumper and grill. The bumper was damaged 4 years ago and the grill a year ago, but I'm sure the Honda dealer will try to find a reason.
quite a busy night car wise around here.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I had this problem not once, but twice with my old '03 Saturn L300. Dash warning lights would come and go.
First go around was $600 .. when it happened again a year or so later, the dealer gave me a bit of a break and only charged $300 to replace it.
Let's hope it's the battery .... for everyone's sake!