Initial impressions: Good job, Honda! The car: EX-L V6.
I found the ride smooth on most surfaces, though highway concrete slab seams and similar short, sharp bumps are both heard and felt. Doubt it would be an issue for most. It is certainly quieter than the last few Honda sedans I have driven - even with the moonroof in the vent position, as I typically drive, all year round. I found it to feel agile and responsive. The electric steering felt fine, to me.
The V6 is smooth and certainly has enough grunt – and combined with the 34 MPG highway EPA rating, is an impressive engine- again [ still ]. The new 6-speed transmission generally works well.
I found the seats and driving position quite comfortable – and had no issue with the headrest. NVH was well under control. [ I had the stereo turned off the whole drive. ] The big horizontal bar graph of instant MPG in the center of the speedometer I find useless.
One oddity noticed – several times, on a winding back road, the LDW yellow light in the dash [ accompanied by a warning chime ] displayed. Although I and the salesperson both saw this as LOW [ suspecting a PDI oversight = low tire pressure . ]
I certainly hope this is something that can be permanently turned off?? For me, it was annoying, distracting & NOT helpful!
The other issue, for me is how Honda groups equipment and color offerings for the 2013. I would really prefer the EX-L equipment level [ minimum to have the V6 and 6-speed automatic], but without the LDW, the Blindspot camera and the Backup camera – for example.
Also, the Sedan is simply not available with the V6 and the paddle shifters. I have come to use the paddle shifters on my current coupe a lot – I enjoy the extra measure of control they offer. It would be very difficult for me to give up that aspect. The paddle shifters are only available on the 4 cylinder CVT Sport Sedan. Not even available on the ‘range topping’ V6 Touring Sedan. According to online information, the Coupe V6 does offer the paddle shifters – but most every exterior color offered on the Coupe comes only with a black interior. Not something I prefer, very impractical here near Hotlanta. My ideal Honda seems unlikely to be assembled anytime soon.
[ EX-L V6 Automatic Sedan, paddle shifters, blue or red exterior, gray interior. ] [ sigh ] - Ray I do like the car, quite a lot, but . .
Yes - this was a winding, rural 2 lane road, with a solid center line and white lines along the edge of the road - apparently seen as a 'lane' by the system...
might be getting my CCB card punched soon. In about an hour, my uncle and I are going to the local Dodge dealer to look at a Ram! I'm a bit excited, but can also feel the buyer's remorse kicking in already! :surprise:
With all the euro rides you folks have test driven and bought, has anyone considered the C-30? I've got a few years to get stupid and saw one and it just reminded me of the P1800 I wanted in 1968. My uncle sold Volvos then and they steered me away from the red P [ with overdrive]to a boxy grey 142S which I hated. Best part of the deal was that I was paying for it myself with cash and a 24 month loan of $68 per. Had I taken out a 36 month loan, the payment would have been the same for the P1800.
That would be me! I have a 2011 C30 T5 Geartronic with 10k miles on it. I love it.
It is a Silver non-R Design model with the two-tone black/blonde t-tec seats, premium pack, cold weather package, and satellite radio. It handles nicely, has a lot of pep, and is very comfortable. My only bone to pick is that the cargo area (due to the funky rear shape) is really not very functional unless you put the rear seat down.
If you have more specific questions, I'd be happy to answer them.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
I learned during my time in the business that what bothers a few is of little or no concern to the masses and I learned to tune out the complaints.
I would hear..." Why can't Honda....Why can't I get a black interior in this green car?....You would THINK Honda would......" I never use my paddle shifters....I HAVE to have a sunroof.....I love the EXL but why should I have to pay for a useless sunroof I'll never use....etc...etc....
As far as buying an Accord with a V-6, I really used to wonder why people had to have a V-6 when the 4 cylinders were almost as powerful.
People want it all and all Honda (or anyone else) can do is attempt to please the masses. This car does sound like a home run for Honda!
Honda is a master of simplification. They don't have idividual options and I'm sure that years of data supporting which color combos sell well influences their decisions on how to offer them.
I'm not a huge black interior fan, but if it was the only choice with a "had to have" exterior color I guess I'd have to make an exception.
The color choices on cars today stink anyway, so we just have to live with it. What ever happened to blue interiors? They looked so good with white and (sometimes) silver cars.
Your endorsement is good enough for me. Don't want to visit a dealer yet, could tip me over the edge if the driving position and seats are as good as pictured. They really depreciate so this is one car that will pay to check out used with low miles. Also have to part with my Jeep which we still like. Thanks for the reply.
I test drove one when they were relatively new. It was nice enough, but just not up to the solid and quiet volvo standards I'm used to. Seemed much more like an economy car, which it is, of course... I just had higher expectations.
'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
Just be aware that Volvo redesigned the front fascia for 2011 to give it a more aggressive look in line with the newer Volvo designs. Previously it was one face with the S40.
I'm not entirely sure why it has depreciated - my purchase price was very aggressive (24k + TTL on a 30k MSRP) but, then again, it was also the end of the 2011 MY and 2012's were already on the lot.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
I have a 3 month old lease on a loaded 2012 528i and I'm bored. Actually miss my 2009 528i but couldn't afford the end of lease buy out payments. I originally special ordered a 2013 X3 but changed my mind when it arrived and now I'm pining for it. Of course, I would love a 3-series too. Or maybe I should have gotten an Audi A4? Or should have taken a "step down" and got a less expensive make and model. I don't know, an Accord (liking the new 13!) or a Genesis, or a wait until the ATS comes out and do swap-a-lease (would be my 4th time!). Anyway, may as well wait till November and the LA Auto show. Our other car is a 2011 Altima SL w/ Nav. I think I will go trade it in for a crossover like a Honda CRV-EX L Navi. We've had some warranty problems with the brakes and suspension and I'm sick of the damn Nissan dealership. Eeeek, maybe I'm crazy
You are bored with a loaded 2012 528i?!? Sorry to say it, but I think you are a little bit crazy? Maybe you should drive a little faster around the corners??
CR-V has nasty bad visibility out the back for the driver. Take that into account.
Trading your Altima in for a 2013 Accord seems like a better idea to me....But I'm pretty much decided on buying a new Accord in a few months myself.
yea i know, I will prob keep the 528i, getting used to it I guess. It was amazing deal with all my loyalty rebates and special lease rates. I'm up and down with it as it really drives much different than my 2009.
I do want to get rid of the Altima though. Am only considering a CRV as having two sedans, we have had to borrow others suv's a few times.
Sooo glad the new Accord is looking to be a real winner. The current model drove well but I couldn't get over the exterior looks. And I/we have owned plus family members probably 10 Accords over the years. The 2013 is defiantely top of list if we get out of the Altima. Can't wait to drive it. Probably a 4cyl EX-L Navi. Before the Altima we had a 2009 TSX -Tech pkg but getting the loaded SL Altima saved us about $150/month on the lease.
Carmax is dangerous (or a blessing!) as it would only cost me about $1500 ish to have them buy the Altima. I've used them a few times in the past. That way going in there is no trade to deal with.
I'd be happy with 6k off msrp on a new one. There are quite a few around for 23-24k with less than 10k miles -- asking price. The big depreciation is for owners who trade ---- I really don't have a solid sense of the market, but low 20's seems possible with work. There are premium packages which affects things some, but if you got 6k off at the model change , I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Thanks again.
because it happened!! Just got home about an hour ago, and it's dark, so baby's first picture isn't exactly the cover of Vogue...
Anyway, here's the details on it. It's a leftover 2012 Ram 1500, regular cab, 8-foot bed, Hemi V-8, automatic, power windows, locks, cruise, tilt wheel, Sirius radio with a 1 year subscription. It doesn't have a sliding rear window, but they're going to put one in for me as part of the deal. Plus, give me a third key/fob. Those things are something like $185 these days! :surprise: It also has one of those spray-in bed liners, and a receiver for a trailer hitch...although I don't think I'm going to be doing any towing with it.
Out the door price was $19,451, plus the $1300 trade-in we got for unloading my uncle's '97 Silverado on them. So, essentially it was $20,751 total.
I have to admit, at one point I almost walked. The internet price on the truck was quoted as $17,499. Here's the dealer's link...might not be active for long, though. Well, when I got there, they threw on freight, which was $995. Guess I got used to Fitzmall, who quotes the whole price, and doesn't tack freight on after the fact. Then, there was the fact that the state of Maryland still taxes rebates, of which this truck ultimately had about $4500 that I qualified for. So I had to pay sales tax on whatever price we agreed to PLUS $4500.
I was about ready to walk, but then my uncle said let's go outside and talk. That's when he suggested that I try to negotiate in the sliding rear window and a third key fob (I know we're going to lose or break those things. ) So, we came back in, haggled a little, and came to an agreement.
And, looking at the paperwork, if I take that $20,751 and back out the $1347 in sales tax and the $1300 trade-in, and the $995 freight, I come in at $17,154. Plus the extra fob and the sliding rear window. So, I actually came out a bit better than that internet price.
I think I might've pissed off the finance lady though. She tried to sell me on an extended warranty and a bunch of other add-ons and I declined everything. They tried to sell me a Lo-Jack, and I just said that if the thing gets stolen that, honestly, I hope they DON'T recover it, because it'll probably get found on the 29th day, trashed, but not quite totaled, and would never be the same.
As for the warranty, the factory is something like 3 years bumper-to-bumper and 5 years powertrain. I told her that if it starts breaking down and having repairs not covered by the warranty, I'm probably going to simply get pissed off and dump it. That got her a little miffed. She started talking about what a great deal it is, because of how expensive cars can be when they break.
I mentioned that I once bought an extended warranty on a 2000 Intrepid and never had to use it, and she said that cars are a lot different today. To which I replied...well I hope that a modern car is more reliable than a 2000 Intrepid! Honestly, the finance lady was getting me a little annoyed, and a few times I was tempted to tell her to chill, or we're walking. She sort of reminded me of a cross between Charo, that lady that Al Bundy is married to in "Modern Family", and a Rottweiler that's been smacked around a bit too much.
Oh, as for financing...I'm planning on paying it off by raiding some home equity. But, one of the perks they threw in was another $500 off if I financed through them. So, all I have to do is make 4 payments, then pay it off, and they're satisfied. APR is 3.99%. My HELOC is only 3.5%, but I can write that off on my taxes, so it's really more like 2.4%.
Well, not exactly. This was a bit of a hedonistic purchase, I must admit. If anything, it's replacing my uncle's '97 Silverado. He also has an '03 Corolla. He works three days a week, for which he drives the Corolla, and goes to dialysis 3 days a week, and he usually drove the Silverado for that.
So it's kind of a "family" truck. I thought about buying a new truck back in the spring, when my uncle's '97 needed a ton of work. I called my insurance guy to ask about buying a truck, but putting my uncle on as a driver, and he said that the only way I could do that was if my uncle lived with me. Otherwise, my uncle's name would have to be on the title. I would've been wililng to do it, but then my uncle jumped the gun and told the repair shop to fix his '97 up. So, I forgot about it.
Until last week, when his truck decided to do the driveshaft pole-vault about 50 miles from home. The repair shop, who I've been losing faith in, fixed it, but it didn't seem quite right. I drove it this past Friday, and every time it shifted I could hear something a grinding noise, and there was a bad vibration. With my luck, it was probably something minor that was out of balance and could be easily fixed, but it's a done deal, now! Anyway, that truck was getting kinda ragged and, this is sad for GM, but my '85 Silverado is aging better!
So, I figure my uncle can drive the truck some, I'll drive it some, and I'll probably end up selling the Park Ave to my roommate, with the caveat that I can borrow it from time to time, and relegate him to my old '85. I go into DC from time to time, and I shudder at the thought of bringing this virgin white truck into that city! Heck, I don't like bringing the Buick into it! And the only reason I don't bring the '85 is because it can be a pain to parallel park, where the Buick's not too bad.
This mechanic you've lost faith in isn't the guy holding your DeSoto hostage is ist?
No, different mechanic, although I've had issues with that one too. He started turning out to be what IsellHondas calls a "Prima Donna". I think my word for him was "princess". He did some work on my uncle's '97 Silverado too, which came undone.
Last time I checked, that DeSoto was up on a lift, with a '61 Plymouth wagon underneath it, and the suspension parts scattered from here to Kingdom Come. I need to start pounding on that guy to do some work on it, but have been slacking off myself, because I figure the longer he sits on it, the longer I don't have to pay him! :P
Congrats! At that cheap, it is difficult to go wrong and, of course, has me thinking. The issue is, I'd need an extended cab or crew cab, and I'm sure that sends the price skyrocketing.
Enjoy!
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
A crew/extended cab will be pricier, but they might not be *that* bad. For example, here's one for $26K, which in addition to being a Crew Cab, also has nicer wheels than mine, as well as painted (rather than blackout) bumpers and grille. I'm sure it has a few other things that mine doesn have, as well.
I have been thinking that when I finally get a spare car for me to use, it could be a PU. But I highly doubt I would get a full size one. And it would have to be well used.
No way I want to put dirt, mulch, furniture, etc. in the new RDX. But I guess I so rarely need to carry big or dirty stuff that I can just work around it. But having a truck of some kind certainly seems like it could be handy!
I would probably be fine with one of the trucklets like that Subaru El Camino from a few years ago.
Somehow, I like these lower line "real" work trucks more than fancy chrome laden leather lined urban cowboy trucks. Not pretending to be anything it isn't.
Thanks! And yeah, it's amazing how these trucks can be padded up. The cheaper models, like mine, seem like a great value for the dollar, but I imagine in the right body style, with the appropriate options and such, the same basic thing would sticker for $50K or more!
I had been looking at one at another dealership a bit south of me, for $19,601. It was silver, and had a nicer grille, bumpers, and wheels. But, it sold. The salesman said he'd look around and try to find me another Hemi, as the only other 2012's that had the 8-foot bed were 4.7's. But, the place I bought from was open on Sundays and they weren't, and I happened to see this one online last nite.
And, while white isn't my favorite color, at least it's inoffensive enough, and not something like 1974-Cadillac-Pharoah's-Gold. And, oddly enough, they had a gold-ish/coppery colored Ram pickup in the showroom.
I really have absolutely no need for a pickup truck whatsoever. I live in an apartment and will be for the foreseeable future. I'm pretty sure if I get one, I'll be sleeping in the truck-bed every night.
But it did get me looking - the incentives available on the 2012 Dodge/Chrysler vehicles is ridiculous. A loaded up Avenger/200 with V6 and Nav? 20-22k. They must be THAT bad.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
A loaded up Avenger/200 with V6 and Nav? 20-22k. They must be THAT bad.
Wow, I didn't realize they were letting 'em go *that* cheap! But while my uncle and I were at the dealer, I looked at a few and noticed that even at MSRP, a 200 with the V-6, leather, and a sunroof (dunno about Nav) was only about $27K.
I don't think they're *bad* so much as just mediocre and outclassed.
I'm really curious to see this 2013 Ram that's coming out, with the 3.6/6-speed and an EPA rating of 18/25. But, I'm not going to be racking up the miles, so the cost premium to fuel savings ratio probably isn't worth it to me.
I've heard they're changing the interior on the 2013 as well, although for the price, I don't think the 2012 is bad. I do have a few nitpicks though. The shift lever is pretty clunky. And it doesn't have gauges for the oil pressure or amps. Usually pickups tend to have full gauges.
Nice rig (I like white). How's the liftover and climb-in height? Climbing in my brother's new F-150 got a bit old on a tour a couple of weeks ago and the top of the bed rails is up to my shoulders. You need steps to access the bed (at least Ford builds those in, but sheesh).
Well, I have to admit, I was a bit intimidated by the truck at first...it's taller than I am! But, it's not hard for me to get into and out of. I definitely noticed though, that the top of the bed seems higher than I'm used to. That might take some getting used to.
On the way back home, I drove the truck and my uncle followed me home in my Park Ave. I think they do something with the rearview mirror to compress the view or something, because I swear my Park Ave looked taller and skinnier than it really is. That distortion might take a bit of getting used to.
Yeah, the shift lever looks like it sticks out really far from the steering wheel. Kind of weird. Then again, the Escalade/Suburban/Tahoe/Yukon still use a column shift (although it doesn't stick out as far).
Congrats on the truck! At least I'm not the only one around here adding punches to their card......although maybe I'm doing it a little more frequently.
Enjoy it! I love driving a truck, parking isn't that bad.
Congrats on the new truck! What led you to the Dodge - and away from an [ apparent ] history with Silverados? Are the Chevys discounted similarly? [ Seen to be, here ] - Ray Not in the market for a pickup, today....
Andre, in my not so humble opinion, I think you need to light a fire under your De Soto guy. Some of these "restorers" take on too much work and then they focus their attention between several cars never getting much of anything done.
Believe me, I know the type. Some of these guys never finish anything and the car owner ends up in the end with a basket case nobody else will work on.
Unless, of course, you've lost a bit of interest yourself?
Thanks! Main reason I went with the Ram is because it just felt like exactly what I wanted. Good looks, regular cab, 8-foot bed, Hemi V-8, and at a cheap price.
I don't know if the Chevies are discounted similarly, but doing a quick look online, I'm not seeing much pop up. The dealer group I bought the Dodge from, Ourisman, has a Chevy dealer, and on their website I'm seeing this example. It's just a 4.3 V-6 and has an MSRP of $26,400! There's a coupon listed that gives you $1,000 off of invoice, so that's going to get it more reasonable.
Unfortunately, the 4.3 V-6 still uses the same 4-speed automatic that my uncle's '97 ate two of. I think the 4.8 uses it too, and you have to get the 5.3 to get a 6-speed automatic.
Plus, I just don't care for the style of the Chevy. I like the GMC better, but still like the Dodge the best. I think the Ford F-150 is nice looking (for an F-word :P ), but I worry about long-term reliability, with their small, yet powerful, hi-tech engines. Plus, I think the F-150 is kind of a hot item now, and they're tending to push the nicer-equipped ones, so it's probably not that easy to find a basic, inexpensive version.
Another thing I noticed...the Ram seems noticeably roomier inside than the GM's I've been in at auto shows and test drive events. Seems like the seat goes back further, and there's a bit more storage room behind the seat.
Nice review. Haven't seen one in person but on TV the redesign looks cleaner than the previous version.
I will be in the market in about a year as well when the lease on my 328i coupe expires.
I guess you can say I've drank the kool-aid as I am looking to stay with BMW although the A5 looks pretty good as well.
We'll see when the time comes. I love the smooth I-6 so I am not jumping up and down over the possiblity of the A5 or 328's 4 cyl option. So that means I upgrade to the 335i if I stay with BMW. More $ = More power to be sure, but not sure if it is worth it.
Oh well...like I said, I have a year to shop and thats half (or more) the fun!
One thing I will not do again and that is black interior. I am in the Atlanta area as well and that was just a bone head move by me.
I have noticed in my constant checking of inventories that Audi and BMW seem to be in love with black interiors. I'd really rather have a tan or a gray. They are out there but not as common and usually coupled with white exterior.
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
'As far as buying an Accord with a V-6, I really used to wonder why people had to have a V-6 when the 4 cylinders were almost as powerful.' ........................................ I4 ............... V6 Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net) 185 @ 6400 .. 278 @ 6200 Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) ........... 181 @ 3900 .. 252 @ 4900
To me [ admitted TQ junkie, I am ] the difference between 181 and 252 is significant. - Ray Admittedly, not the typical Honda Accord buyer . . .
In the midsize sedan segment the V6 significantly changes the car.
Go drive any of them in both varients and report back. The Camry is an overall pretty boring car, but.... put the 2GR V6 in it and 6 seconds to 60 can be pretty fun!
A good friend of mine has a V6 Camry and embarassed an older Mustang GT with it. I cracked up, the Mustang was more than a little upset.
Thanks! Main reason I went with the Ram is because it just felt like exactly what I wanted. Good looks, regular cab, 8-foot bed, Hemi V-8, and at a cheap price.
Can't beat the bang for your buck with the Ram you bought. Nice truck.
Unfortunately, the 4.3 V-6 still uses the same 4-speed automatic that my uncle's '97 ate two of.
Yeah, I don't think you want to pay 2012 prices for a 1990's powertrain.
Comments
The car: EX-L V6.
I found the ride smooth on most surfaces, though highway concrete slab seams and similar short, sharp bumps are both heard and felt. Doubt it would be an issue for most. It is certainly quieter than the last few Honda sedans I have driven - even with the moonroof in the vent position, as I typically drive, all year round. I found it to feel agile and responsive. The electric steering felt fine, to me.
The V6 is smooth and certainly has enough grunt – and combined with the 34 MPG highway EPA rating, is an impressive engine- again [ still ]. The new 6-speed transmission generally works well.
I found the seats and driving position quite comfortable – and had no issue with the headrest. NVH was well under control. [ I had the stereo turned off the whole drive. ] The big horizontal bar graph of instant MPG in the center of the speedometer I find useless.
One oddity noticed – several times, on a winding back road, the LDW yellow light in the dash [ accompanied by a warning chime ] displayed. Although I and the salesperson both saw this as LOW [ suspecting a PDI oversight = low tire pressure . ]
I certainly hope this is something that can be permanently turned off??
For me, it was annoying, distracting & NOT helpful!
The other issue, for me is how Honda groups equipment and color offerings for the 2013. I would really prefer the EX-L equipment level [ minimum to have the V6 and 6-speed automatic], but without the LDW, the Blindspot camera and the Backup camera – for example.
Also, the Sedan is simply not available with the V6 and the paddle shifters. I have come to use the paddle shifters on my current coupe a lot – I enjoy the extra measure of control they offer. It would be very difficult for me to give up that aspect. The paddle shifters are only available on the 4 cylinder CVT Sport Sedan. Not even available on the ‘range topping’ V6 Touring Sedan. According to online information, the Coupe V6 does offer the paddle shifters – but most every exterior color offered on the Coupe comes only with a black interior. Not something I prefer, very impractical here near Hotlanta.
My ideal Honda seems unlikely to be assembled anytime soon.
[ EX-L V6 Automatic Sedan, paddle shifters, blue or red exterior, gray interior. ]
[ sigh ]
- Ray
I do like the car, quite a lot, but . .
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
white lines along the edge of the road -
apparently seen as a 'lane' by the system...
I always had a sweet spot for the 1800ES too.
someone floating around here owns one. I just can't remember who, but I know that he likes it.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
It is a Silver non-R Design model with the two-tone black/blonde t-tec seats, premium pack, cold weather package, and satellite radio. It handles nicely, has a lot of pep, and is very comfortable. My only bone to pick is that the cargo area (due to the funky rear shape) is really not very functional unless you put the rear seat down.
If you have more specific questions, I'd be happy to answer them.
I would hear..." Why can't Honda....Why can't I get a black interior in this green car?....You would THINK Honda would......" I never use my paddle shifters....I HAVE to have a sunroof.....I love the EXL but why should I have to pay for a useless sunroof I'll never use....etc...etc....
As far as buying an Accord with a V-6, I really used to wonder why people had to have a V-6 when the 4 cylinders were almost as powerful.
People want it all and all Honda (or anyone else) can do is attempt to please the masses. This car does sound like a home run for Honda!
I'm not a huge black interior fan, but if it was the only choice with a "had to have" exterior color I guess I'd have to make an exception.
The color choices on cars today stink anyway, so we just have to live with it. What ever happened to blue interiors? They looked so good with white and (sometimes) silver cars.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
'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'm not entirely sure why it has depreciated - my purchase price was very aggressive (24k + TTL on a 30k MSRP) but, then again, it was also the end of the 2011 MY and 2012's were already on the lot.
CR-V has nasty bad visibility out the back for the driver. Take that into account.
Trading your Altima in for a 2013 Accord seems like a better idea to me....But I'm pretty much decided on buying a new Accord in a few months myself.
I do want to get rid of the Altima though. Am only considering a CRV as having two sedans, we have had to borrow others suv's a few times.
Sooo glad the new Accord is looking to be a real winner. The current model drove well but I couldn't get over the exterior looks. And I/we have owned plus family members probably 10 Accords over the years. The 2013 is defiantely top of list if we get out of the Altima. Can't wait to drive it. Probably a 4cyl EX-L Navi. Before the Altima we had a 2009 TSX -Tech pkg but getting the loaded SL Altima saved us about $150/month on the lease.
Carmax is dangerous (or a blessing!) as it would only cost me about $1500 ish to have them buy the Altima. I've used them a few times in the past. That way going in there is no trade to deal with.
Simple answer....It's a Volvo. They do that.
For those who just have to have a Volve, great buys can be found on slightly used ones making them a lot of car for the money.
Our UCM used to buy two or three year old Volvos at teh auction for thousands of dollars "back of book".
He did get burned on a couple of them that had problems so he backed off. Still, he would snag a good one once in awhile.
Anyway, here's the details on it. It's a leftover 2012 Ram 1500, regular cab, 8-foot bed, Hemi V-8, automatic, power windows, locks, cruise, tilt wheel, Sirius radio with a 1 year subscription. It doesn't have a sliding rear window, but they're going to put one in for me as part of the deal. Plus, give me a third key/fob. Those things are something like $185 these days! :surprise: It also has one of those spray-in bed liners, and a receiver for a trailer hitch...although I don't think I'm going to be doing any towing with it.
Out the door price was $19,451, plus the $1300 trade-in we got for unloading my uncle's '97 Silverado on them. So, essentially it was $20,751 total.
I have to admit, at one point I almost walked. The internet price on the truck was quoted as $17,499. Here's the dealer's link...might not be active for long, though. Well, when I got there, they threw on freight, which was $995. Guess I got used to Fitzmall, who quotes the whole price, and doesn't tack freight on after the fact. Then, there was the fact that the state of Maryland still taxes rebates, of which this truck ultimately had about $4500 that I qualified for. So I had to pay sales tax on whatever price we agreed to PLUS $4500.
I was about ready to walk, but then my uncle said let's go outside and talk. That's when he suggested that I try to negotiate in the sliding rear window and a third key fob (I know we're going to lose or break those things.
And, looking at the paperwork, if I take that $20,751 and back out the $1347 in sales tax and the $1300 trade-in, and the $995 freight, I come in at $17,154. Plus the extra fob and the sliding rear window. So, I actually came out a bit better than that internet price.
I think I might've pissed off the finance lady though. She tried to sell me on an extended warranty and a bunch of other add-ons and I declined everything. They tried to sell me a Lo-Jack, and I just said that if the thing gets stolen that, honestly, I hope they DON'T recover it, because it'll probably get found on the 29th day, trashed, but not quite totaled, and would never be the same.
As for the warranty, the factory is something like 3 years bumper-to-bumper and 5 years powertrain. I told her that if it starts breaking down and having repairs not covered by the warranty, I'm probably going to simply get pissed off and dump it. That got her a little miffed. She started talking about what a great deal it is, because of how expensive cars can be when they break.
I mentioned that I once bought an extended warranty on a 2000 Intrepid and never had to use it, and she said that cars are a lot different today. To which I replied...well I hope that a modern car is more reliable than a 2000 Intrepid! Honestly, the finance lady was getting me a little annoyed, and a few times I was tempted to tell her to chill, or we're walking. She sort of reminded me of a cross between Charo, that lady that Al Bundy is married to in "Modern Family", and a Rottweiler that's been smacked around a bit too much.
Oh, as for financing...I'm planning on paying it off by raiding some home equity. But, one of the perks they threw in was another $500 off if I financed through them. So, all I have to do is make 4 payments, then pay it off, and they're satisfied. APR is 3.99%. My HELOC is only 3.5%, but I can write that off on my taxes, so it's really more like 2.4%.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
Are you replacing something like your Buick?
Well, not exactly. This was a bit of a hedonistic purchase, I must admit. If anything, it's replacing my uncle's '97 Silverado. He also has an '03 Corolla. He works three days a week, for which he drives the Corolla, and goes to dialysis 3 days a week, and he usually drove the Silverado for that.
So it's kind of a "family" truck. I thought about buying a new truck back in the spring, when my uncle's '97 needed a ton of work. I called my insurance guy to ask about buying a truck, but putting my uncle on as a driver, and he said that the only way I could do that was if my uncle lived with me. Otherwise, my uncle's name would have to be on the title. I would've been wililng to do it, but then my uncle jumped the gun and told the repair shop to fix his '97 up. So, I forgot about it.
Until last week, when his truck decided to do the driveshaft pole-vault about 50 miles from home. The repair shop, who I've been losing faith in, fixed it, but it didn't seem quite right. I drove it this past Friday, and every time it shifted I could hear something a grinding noise, and there was a bad vibration. With my luck, it was probably something minor that was out of balance and could be easily fixed, but it's a done deal, now! Anyway, that truck was getting kinda ragged and, this is sad for GM, but my '85 Silverado is aging better!
So, I figure my uncle can drive the truck some, I'll drive it some, and I'll probably end up selling the Park Ave to my roommate, with the caveat that I can borrow it from time to time, and relegate him to my old '85. I go into DC from time to time, and I shudder at the thought of bringing this virgin white truck into that city! Heck, I don't like bringing the Buick into it! And the only reason I don't bring the '85 is because it can be a pain to parallel park, where the Buick's not too bad.
What's up on that anyway?
No, different mechanic, although I've had issues with that one too. He started turning out to be what IsellHondas calls a "Prima Donna". I think my word for him was "princess". He did some work on my uncle's '97 Silverado too, which came undone.
Last time I checked, that DeSoto was up on a lift, with a '61 Plymouth wagon underneath it, and the suspension parts scattered from here to Kingdom Come. I need to start pounding on that guy to do some work on it, but have been slacking off myself, because I figure the longer he sits on it, the longer I don't have to pay him! :P
Enjoy!
No way I want to put dirt, mulch, furniture, etc. in the new RDX. But I guess I so rarely need to carry big or dirty stuff that I can just work around it. But having a truck of some kind certainly seems like it could be handy!
I would probably be fine with one of the trucklets like that Subaru El Camino from a few years ago.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Somehow, I like these lower line "real" work trucks more than fancy chrome laden leather lined urban cowboy trucks. Not pretending to be anything it isn't.
I had been looking at one at another dealership a bit south of me, for $19,601. It was silver, and had a nicer grille, bumpers, and wheels. But, it sold. The salesman said he'd look around and try to find me another Hemi, as the only other 2012's that had the 8-foot bed were 4.7's. But, the place I bought from was open on Sundays and they weren't, and I happened to see this one online last nite.
And, while white isn't my favorite color, at least it's inoffensive enough, and not something like 1974-Cadillac-Pharoah's-Gold. And, oddly enough, they had a gold-ish/coppery colored Ram pickup in the showroom.
But it did get me looking - the incentives available on the 2012 Dodge/Chrysler vehicles is ridiculous. A loaded up Avenger/200 with V6 and Nav? 20-22k. They must be THAT bad.
Your hemi is technically a significant engine upgrade, right? I wonder if that is common on lower trim level models. Maybe your truck is rare.
Wow, I didn't realize they were letting 'em go *that* cheap! But while my uncle and I were at the dealer, I looked at a few and noticed that even at MSRP, a 200 with the V-6, leather, and a sunroof (dunno about Nav) was only about $27K.
I don't think they're *bad* so much as just mediocre and outclassed.
I'm really curious to see this 2013 Ram that's coming out, with the 3.6/6-speed and an EPA rating of 18/25. But, I'm not going to be racking up the miles, so the cost premium to fuel savings ratio probably isn't worth it to me.
I've heard they're changing the interior on the 2013 as well, although for the price, I don't think the 2012 is bad. I do have a few nitpicks though. The shift lever is pretty clunky. And it doesn't have gauges for the oil pressure or amps. Usually pickups tend to have full gauges.
On the way back home, I drove the truck and my uncle followed me home in my Park Ave. I think they do something with the rearview mirror to compress the view or something, because I swear my Park Ave looked taller and skinnier than it really is. That distortion might take a bit of getting used to.
Enjoy it! I love driving a truck, parking isn't that bad.
What led you to the Dodge - and away from an [ apparent ]
history with Silverados?
Are the Chevys discounted similarly?
[ Seen to be, here ]
- Ray
Not in the market for a pickup, today....
Believe me, I know the type. Some of these guys never finish anything and the car owner ends up in the end with a basket case nobody else will work on.
Unless, of course, you've lost a bit of interest yourself?
That happens too.
I don't know if the Chevies are discounted similarly, but doing a quick look online, I'm not seeing much pop up. The dealer group I bought the Dodge from, Ourisman, has a Chevy dealer, and on their website I'm seeing this example. It's just a 4.3 V-6 and has an MSRP of $26,400! There's a coupon listed that gives you $1,000 off of invoice, so that's going to get it more reasonable.
Unfortunately, the 4.3 V-6 still uses the same 4-speed automatic that my uncle's '97 ate two of. I think the 4.8 uses it too, and you have to get the 5.3 to get a 6-speed automatic.
Plus, I just don't care for the style of the Chevy. I like the GMC better, but still like the Dodge the best. I think the Ford F-150 is nice looking (for an F-word :P ), but I worry about long-term reliability, with their small, yet powerful, hi-tech engines. Plus, I think the F-150 is kind of a hot item now, and they're tending to push the nicer-equipped ones, so it's probably not that easy to find a basic, inexpensive version.
Another thing I noticed...the Ram seems noticeably roomier inside than the GM's I've been in at auto shows and test drive events. Seems like the seat goes back further, and there's a bit more storage room behind the seat.
I will be in the market in about a year as well when the lease on my 328i coupe expires.
I guess you can say I've drank the kool-aid as I am looking to stay with BMW although the A5 looks pretty good as well.
We'll see when the time comes. I love the smooth I-6 so I am not jumping up and down over the possiblity of the A5 or 328's 4 cyl option. So that means I upgrade to the 335i if I stay with BMW. More $ = More power to be sure, but not sure if it is worth it.
Oh well...like I said, I have a year to shop and thats half (or more) the fun!
One thing I will not do again and that is black interior. I am in the Atlanta area as well and that was just a bone head move by me.
I have noticed in my constant checking of inventories that Audi and BMW seem to be in love with black interiors. I'd really rather have a tan or a gray. They are out there but not as common and usually coupled with white exterior.
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
........................................ I4 ............... V6
Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net) 185 @ 6400 .. 278 @ 6200
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) ........... 181 @ 3900 .. 252 @ 4900
To me [ admitted TQ junkie, I am ] the difference between 181 and 252 is significant.
- Ray
Admittedly, not the typical Honda Accord buyer . . .
Go drive any of them in both varients and report back. The Camry is an overall pretty boring car, but.... put the 2GR V6 in it and 6 seconds to 60 can be pretty fun!
A good friend of mine has a V6 Camry and embarassed an older Mustang GT with it. I cracked up, the Mustang was more than a little upset.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Can't beat the bang for your buck with the Ram you bought. Nice truck.
Unfortunately, the 4.3 V-6 still uses the same 4-speed automatic that my uncle's '97 ate two of.
Yeah, I don't think you want to pay 2012 prices for a 1990's powertrain.