How about a Nissan Leaf? "Cheap" ($199) lease last I looked, 5 door hatch and okay city range in the winter with the heat blasting. You could skip the fast charge setup too.
The problem with the Leaf is that when I use it for pizza duty, I might run out of charge. I've put as many as 80-100 miles on my car during a single shift.
But why do you need so many miles if you lease?
Same reason .. I don't want to have to pay .20-.25 a mile over if I only go with a 12K or 15K lease.
For pizza duty? Cheap Craigslist beater. The only thing that makes economic sense from what I remember you saying you made off that job. Do a thorough mechanical check to avoid big repairs.
On the surface, that would seem to make the most sense. However, I don't trust myself to make a sound choice if buying used, and I'd rather not spend several thousand dollars from savings for a car that I may end up selling for a loss 2 or 3 years down the road. Plus, unknown maintenance costs during that period.
First, I'll echo others' sentiments that we're glad to hear your DIL's condition seems to be improving. That's a lot for a family to deal with.
I think your approach seems like a good one - cheap lease. And with your GM points, may as well make it easy and narrow it down that way. Which, as you've surmised, more or less means a Cruze. Unless you foresee using those points for something else down the road.
I actually was very pleasantly surprised by the Cruze when I drove one about a year ago (an "ECO" model). For that matter, I also liked the Sonic we test drove a couple weeks ago.
VW seems to be running some good lease deals too - wonder what a 2014 Jetta would run you? The new 1.8T would be fun.
Thanks to everyone for the good wishes regarding our DIL.
We have tickets to see "Book of Mormon" in a few weeks and it looks like her schedule will allow her to make the trip with us to the theater.
Not sure about the Cruze LS ... I'm not a big fan of the 1.8. Had a Cruze LT2 as a rental earlier this year and really liked the 1.4L turbo engine.
Have test driven a Sonic sedan and liked that as well. Might look into a lease of the HB.
But, the deals on the Cruse are pretty hard to beat. Invoice - incentives ($500) - GM cash ($1000) puts me at a pretty low sales price. With an inflated residual courtesy of GM (Ally?), my lease payment ought not to be more than a couple hundred a month.
Lots of Chevy dealers in town that I can get to compete with one another.
Fun, one of the two stars heading to Denver (Elder Price) was in NY when we saw it there back in May. Be sure to check the Playbill for the LDS ad - it's pretty funny too.
Pretty impressive highway mpg numbers on the Cruze, even better than the Sonic. The hatch is appealing though.
Anyone want an Ocean Blue '06 Audi A3 with about 106,500 miles for the December Holidays?
It has been modified to perform similarly to an amazingly fast S3 with great handling abilities, but with FWD/Frontrak abilities. It has been driven hard, but that's the way Audi's are at their best. The modifications more than make up for any problems you'll have due to wear and tear.
It has new wipers, new front strut mounts, new DSG oil and filter, and is in fairly good condition, and has been very well maintained.
It has been a reliable car since 4/06 and for over 105,000 miles.
Need to make room for a more civilized sports car, family sedan, and larger track car, the new 2014 S4. It's on a boat somewhere near the Americas I think; can't wait until delivery!
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
You want the diesel, Michaell.... go with the diesel! :P
The only way a lease could make sense to me is if the added mileage for which you are paying is handily outstripped by the income from the pizza gig. Or, if you don't need it at all except for the fact you have that job, then the TCO (or TCL?) vs. income better be break-even or better. Otherwise, you just want a new car.
There are lots of nice used cars out there, but you probably won't get into anything you'd want to get into for less than a lease. Difference is, there's value on the other end, too.
Maybe you really could convince breld to sell you the Audi. Maybe get in contact with him in a couple weeks. Hehehe.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
The only way a lease could make sense to me is if the added mileage for which you are paying is handily outstripped by the income from the pizza gig. Or, if you don't need it at all except for the fact you have that job, then the TCO (or TCL?) vs. income better be break-even or better. Otherwise, you just want a new car.
I work from home during the day (like stickguy), but do run errands which would require me to have a car even if I didn't have the part time job in the evenings. If I "lend" the ION to the kids, I'd still need something to drive.
The wife is not a fan of used cars ("why buy somebody else's problems?"), so a cheap lease is probably the best way to go. If I get the ION back in a year or two, then I can return the lease, wash my hands of it and continue to drive the ION. If we decide to sell the ION to them, then I can return the lease and get something else.
Ideally, I'd like to "retire" from the pizza job at some point, but the money is just too good to give up. For 10-15 hours a week, I'm seeing around $650-700/mo in tips (plus another couple hundred in my paycheck that goes directly into savings).
Again, all this is predicated on the fact that the kids will need a 2nd car.
Delivery better be in 2013 or Audi is going to have a lot of explaining to do!
The last estimate I wrangled out of the dealer was a 2nd week or mid-November arrival/delivery.
The website they gave me for tracking the "Green Dale" lost sight of the cargo ship some time ago. I guess they only cover a region in and around Germany?
If the ship was sunk that would be a nightmare, and ruin the agreed upon deal with the dealer. Unless Audi extends the loyalty rebate of 1,000 dollars, I believe it expires at the end of the year. IMO that's part of my offer. Out goes the rebate, my offer goes down $1,000 accordingly.
Had to custom order the thing so that it wasn't too pricey (most models loaded with loads of overpriced options), and to have a color other than black or white (or one in between).
As to tickets, since it's Misano Red pearl I'm already planning on investing in Escorts latest and greatest new radar detector, the new "HD" model. It has the ability to cloak your vehicle ala Star Trek, and make it invisible to law enforcement officer's eyes :P j/k
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Didn't discuss trading the A3 in yet. I need the A3 at least until after Thanksgiving actually (one more track event weekend before Turkey day), and I don't think I'll have the S4 fully broken in yet.
Plus I already bought and installed these ridiculously overpriced track brake pads that also produce ridiculous noise but they are broken in and ready.
However, the thought has crossed my mind that it will be hard to leave the S4 at home if it comes earlier than expected and already has over 1,000 miles by track weekend.
I'll be satisfied with Edmund's private party value or if needed trade-in value to a dealer or Carmax. I spoke with a used car manager and they said after-market part upgrades were a break-even thing for them. They offer no more and no less because of them.
In the past I haven't settled for trade in value, but my time is getting more valuable to me as I get older; so considering a possible trade-in this time around.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Audi, BMW and MB do load up almost all their cars on dealer lots. Not sure if is because the dealers order them that way, but it does help with profit margins. VW always has a bunch of base models on hand --- different target population I suppose. Your patience in ordering a car deserves a prop from me. Nicely done.
You know, when I first ordered the car, I didn't think it would take much patience really.
After a month went by, I was starting to lose patience and get more anxious for the new car! At this point I'm ready for it.
3-4 month delivery wait!
But if your going to spend $50K+ on a car, my opinion is you should get exactly what you want.
Now if a dealer was willing to give me even more of a great discount, we could talk, but I feel better knowing I'm getting a great deal, but still be able to make a realistic offer by not loading the thing up drastically. Trust me, I still made them heavily discount the thing despite requiring the custom order.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
I know what you mean. Perhaps arrange for an inspection with a local mechanic?
Any cheap used car will have issues but with a professional inspection you know what you're up against.
On my beaters I usually forgo the mechanic because I'm only spending a few grand. Sometimes I've been very lucky, sometimes not but I never got stuck with a vehicle that wouldn't run.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I went ahead and put your purchase on the punch list. Including that, we're at 25 purchases for the year, which is exactly the number Stickguy and abacomike predicted. (Don't get your hopes up, there are still two full months left in the year!)
Misano Red Guess you're not going for the stealth look! :P Which options did you get?
Too bad you couldn't have sold your A3 to breld. With the mods, it may have been too much for a young driver, but it's uncanny how one member of our group is dumping an A3 at the same time another is buying one. Then again, how many VW GTIs have we collectively owned?
You could probably market the A3 pretty well on one of the Audi boards.
I traded in my previous car, I actually got almost private party retail for it, IIRC, as the car was fairly pristine. Probably not a common occurrence though. I could have probably got a couple grand more for it on my own, but it would have been stored outside, I'd have had to deal with flakes and potential crooks, and it probably would have taken a month or two to sell.
I suspect on some cars, aftermarket stuff actually harms their value. Something like an EVO or WRX or even an M3, I want it stock.
Profit margins and easier resale, as so many are leased. I've never seen a modern E-class without P1, for example, even though it is technically an option - and resale would be tough without it.
Stay away from the 1.8L at all costs. I went back and found a quick review I posted to the Cruze forum back in Jan 2012 (see below). I believe the cruise control issue has been addressed in the newer LS models however.
I manage two claims offices for a large insurance company and oversee a fleet of 65 cars. Over the years our vehicle choices have improved to decent, nicely sized cars (well, decent for company car standards - Magnum, Impala, current Taurus) but like most corporations these days we have looked for ways to cut costs. I thought it was enough of a step down when we went to all four-cylinder Malibus and Fusions last year but a decision was made to order some Cruzes for our office pool vehicles. The first one arrived on Friday and today one of the managers who reports to me drove in from our satellite office to my location for a visit. His first comment when he came into my office was "this thing doesn't have cruise control." After telling him that couldn't be, we went for a ride and he was right. Turns out that even though there is supposedly a fleet model of the Cruze, we're only getting the base LS. IIRC, cruise isn't an option at any cost on this lowest trim level. As for the car itself, I've liked the looks of the Cruze since it came out and have sat in a few but never driven one until today. Room, ride, fit and finish appear to be competitive, but man was that 1.8L one slug of an engine. I wasn't expecting a powerhouse by any stretch; just figured that 1.8 liters of displacement in a car of this size would be adequate. Freeway merging is white knuckle kinda stuff. I know the 1.4L turbo is the engine of choice in this car. I sure hope it moves it with more authority than the base engine. Too bad that this one feature sours the entire experience, at least with the slushbox.
I have three more of these things arriving in the next few weeks. I anticipate some grumbling among my employees.......
2024 Ram 1500 Longhorn, 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2019 Ford Mustang GT Premium, 2016 Kia Optima SX, 2000 Pontiac Trans Am WS6
Michael, a cheapo cruz lease sounds like a good idea. But, are you sure you need more than 12K? Do the math, to figure out where the break even point is (I bet over 14K). Remember, if you go over you only pay what you drive. Go under, and no rebate!
and don't worry, you are never seeing the Ion again unless you go to visit it at their place.
Oh, good to know she is doing well. I have experience in this area. Not something that really prevents you from driving.
For the Mustangs, yeah, the 3.7l would be the way to go. Only reason to not just spec out a new one is cost. Those babies depreciate hard, and I have no problem waiting for the snow to fall! I also don't think that a 6 cyl AT convertible is really a "sports car" or that likely to have been beaten on.
I drove a cruze today. 1LT with sunroof and tech pig. MSRP of $22,xxx. Nice, solid feel to it. Not a rocket but certainly decent acceleration. Lots of features - backup camera and voice activated audio.
Regarding the number of miles in the lease, I've put almost 65k onto the ION in the 42 months I've been driving it. Granted, that includes a 2200 mile trip to CA and back, but I'm pretty sure a 12k or 15k lease won't work.
While the DIL is responding well to treatment, there is still a long way to go.
She is undergoing only the third of eight chemotherapy treatments this week. Given that they have been waiting three weeks between treatments instead of the normal two, she won't be finished until March (I think).
Rather than 'loaning' them a car, how about just buying them a car. I'm 'friends' with a local Buy/Sell/Trade Facebook page, and there seem to be a lot of $1,000 to $2,000 cars on there. High milage, 150,000 miles or so, but these seem to be running and would have some life left in them.
Rather than 'loaning' them a car, how about just buying them a car.
Refer back to my point about the wife not wanting to buy used cars .. that would apply to the kids, as well.
And, at the moment, it's advantageous for them not to have a second car in their name. Easier to keep the ION registered to us, and have them pay for gas, maintenance, etc.
That's the good thing about most German iron, in my experience it doesn't matter how hard it has been driven (short of negligent abuse). What matters is how it has been maintained.
I consider negligent abuse to be something like doing burnouts more than weekly by dropping the clutch at red-line or pushing the launch control button over once every 5 to 7 days.
Shifting at the red-line like your supposed to??? Nah, that's not abuse. With modern cars you can't really abuse them no matter what you do, the electronic nannies and rev limiters just won't let you.
At the Audi Driving experience I did many years ago, they decided that since Americans are not very good with the stick shifts and clutches, they'd lead them around track in 3rd gear the whole time, and just have them bounce off the rev limiter over and over on the straights rather than have people shifting a lot. They felt that was preferable to worn out clutches. You really can't abuse a German car these days I tell ya.
I've done a good amount of track weekends now, and for the life of me I can't remember too many times where an Audi car had a complete breakdown that wasn't solvable in between runs.
There was an incident where the Camaro rental lost its transmission on the track and got towed onto the adjacent highway for reporting to Hertz. Also, a Maserati had issues dumping coolant everywhere. The BMW's, Porsche's and Audi's just don't' get fazed.
I believe this is where the Germans are superior to the Americans. Cars built to be driven, vs. cars that fall apart if you don't baby them.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
As Fintail says, aftermarket stuff can actually harm a car's value. Lots of people fall into that camp.
If you're going to drive a car "hard", it's probably better for resale to keep it stock unless you happen to find a knowledgeable enthusiastic who appreciates the mods. That person likely has their own idea of how your car should be modded though.
Or you could restore it back to stock and say nothing I suppose.
What should be necessary for everyone of course (can't live without options):
1) Rear Sport Differential Quattro upgrade (make it standard Audi!) 2) 7-Speed DSG dual clutch automated manual (manual-amatic S-Tronic) Once you go DSG; you never go back (my A3 from '06 has DSG). I test drove all the sport sedans available in the $35-$50K range before making my decision. The biggest pet peeve I had with all of them was the slush boxes, even the ones that had 8 gears. I'm in the "don't want a manual for my daily driver in rush hour camp." My cars have to do it all (utility, family, hauler, 4-doors, track sports car).
What was "nice" and semi-needed for me:
1) The pearl paint upgrade (I like Audi's paint jobs; worth the extra $500 to me). 2) The interior fine Nappa ultra nice upgraded Leather seats and leather trim contrasting colors (Magma red and black) and contrasting colored stitching upgrade. This one's pricey, but it really makes the interior more luxurious and beautiful to me. Lots of little details and differences/upgrades from the standard Alcantara/standard leather mix. This box was harder to click though as it doesn't make the performance any better. 3) This one is a no brainer because I value high quality sound, the Bang & Olufsen sound system upgrade. At $850, it's a no-brainer and bargain. In the after-market, you can't do anything with $850 for a nicer stereo.
That's it!
If priced right, these things would be nice too, but I was able to live without them:
1) Navigation - should be $250, not $3,000!
2) Adaptive Damping Suspension (too costly and it might add weight I think which is even worse).
3) Forget a backup cam, I want a forward cam to monitor traffic and bad drivers, catch lying cops, or record accidents (god forbid). A backup cam is OK; I'd pay $75 extra for it, but not more.
After-market Options I'm planning on buying for the S4:
1) A new portable Garmin Navigation unit. 2) A new radar detector, maybe with direct wiring install (clean). 3) New sunglasses. 4) An I-phone mount that actually works during a 1G turn.
And a maybe:
1) That forward dash cam.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Exactly, it wouldn't cost all that much to restore it all back to stock and no one would know any better.
The most work would be in the suspension (and I'm not sure I stored my old dampers and springs well (outdoors). Other then that, the costs would be minimal.
Yes, some after market parts are superior to others.
For instance no one will complain (or know) that I put in the S3 intercooler (OEM Audi). Fintail mentioned keeping/wanting an M3 stock, similar to wanting an S3 or RS3 stock. I agree, that's why I chose the S3 intercooler
Hotchkis Sway bars K&W Coilovers Variant 2 Carbon Fiber hood painted to match Full Exhaust (custom w/ Borla muffler) OZ Racing 18" x 8" lightweight wheels.
None of these mods are easily "visually" noticeable, except the exhaust tips and wheels. You'd have to really look hard to even notice them. You will feel a tighter stiffer harsher ride though.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
I have personal experience with these units and I put one on my Honda ST (bike) about 8 years ago, and it works flawlessly. The only thing missed is a 'cancel', but turning it off and back on if you want works like a cancel. I usually nudge a brake lever or br pedal a hair to trip it off if no one is behind me. It uses the rear brake light circuit to trigger itself off (instead of under dash mechanical two pole spring loaded switches, so install goes faster. It also measures RPMs, so on stick equipped cars, any increase in revs by pushing the clutch in momentarily also trips it off so no need to tap brakes either if your intent is to cancel.
Before you order a bunch, confirm compatibility with the Cruze. In this day and age of electronic modules throughout the vehicle chassis, that all talk to each other (even for simple lighting circuits like wanting to wire your own trailer lighting) it is getting so that ANY outside little extra, causes them to all have conniptions.
But this particular unit is a winner..as long as you have a really competent installer. I soldered and siliconed all my connections, plus I don't ride in the salt so is probably why mine has been faultless all these years. On a car subject to salted roads and especially with a co vehicle you want to ensure as little potential down time as possible, I would insist they solder any connection that isn't well protected under the hood or in the car.
edit - also, over on one of the earlier Cruze forums here, somone said they 'think' that cruise is already IN all the cars, and a steering wheel swap from an LT is all that's required, (has the controls) but that too would probably not be cheap. Desirable though to have stock cruise if this theory is true and the wheels are not too dear..I asked later and no one ever did confirm if this was the case..
Having left out the Navigation could be a big turn off at resell time. Me personally, I'd pay you a premium for not having it. Never use the one in my Biuck. the Garmin is simpler.
I won't have that problem. The RDX to me is a hot rod. and considering the last 2 cars that were "mine" were a 4 cyl Accord and a non-turbo Volvo, my bar has been set pretty low.
Maybe, but at some point drive-by-wire still uses a potentiometer that are usually, (if not exclusively) rotary in design. As long as other electronic parameters allow, I suspect it would boil down to if there is room to have a clear pull at the pot, or the pedal linkage itself.
Michaelll - glad to see you have things in perspective. DIL is way more important than cars. Do be wary of when doctors say one will recover. I was supposed to be good by this past March. Now we're looking at maybe next March. Grant you I had major complications neither of which were the direct result of the transplant but it slowed everything down.
Now I know you value domestic tranquility but that "why buy someone else's headache" philosophy on used cars is a bunch of horse hockey. The two worst cars I ever owned were bought new (I only ever bought three new). Only once have I been sorry about a used car I bought and it's a long story that I won't get into but it relates to my wife not wanting to learn how to drive a stick. She since has - actually as a result of the lousy used car.
Leasing for a pizza car makes no sense at all to me. First, as you point out, the mileage probably doesn't work. Second, you'll really get donged at the end of the lease because they'll say it smells like a pizza. If you're going to lease a business car the business should be something like an insurance adjuster - not food delivery.
Find your Cruze if that's what you want but find a two year old one. Why give yourself a financial headache?
I hardly belong in here. I've only been averaging a car a year for 4 years now....
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
"Second, you'll really get donged at the end of the lease because they'll say it smells like a pizza."
If they don't charge extra for people who smoked cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or those funny little medicinal cigarettes they have in Colorado in leased cars, I don't see why they would charge extra for pizza smell.
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The problem with the Leaf is that when I use it for pizza duty, I might run out of charge. I've put as many as 80-100 miles on my car during a single shift.
But why do you need so many miles if you lease?
Same reason .. I don't want to have to pay .20-.25 a mile over if I only go with a 12K or 15K lease.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
On the surface, that would seem to make the most sense. However, I don't trust myself to make a sound choice if buying used, and I'd rather not spend several thousand dollars from savings for a car that I may end up selling for a loss 2 or 3 years down the road. Plus, unknown maintenance costs during that period.
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You really need to go to Florida and find an old Subaru (there must be six or eight for sale there from Yankees bringing them down).
Sell it in a year or two and double your money.
Yeah, but if they started out up north, how much rust might I find?
Not that I'm going anywhere but Colorado for this ... if it happens.
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I think your approach seems like a good one - cheap lease. And with your GM points, may as well make it easy and narrow it down that way. Which, as you've surmised, more or less means a Cruze. Unless you foresee using those points for something else down the road.
I actually was very pleasantly surprised by the Cruze when I drove one about a year ago (an "ECO" model). For that matter, I also liked the Sonic we test drove a couple weeks ago.
VW seems to be running some good lease deals too - wonder what a 2014 Jetta would run you? The new 1.8T would be fun.
Or use those GM points toward an ATS lease!
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
On the CCBA front, a think cheap lease might be the way to go for you:)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
We have tickets to see "Book of Mormon" in a few weeks and it looks like her schedule will allow her to make the trip with us to the theater.
Not sure about the Cruze LS ... I'm not a big fan of the 1.8. Had a Cruze LT2 as a rental earlier this year and really liked the 1.4L turbo engine.
Have test driven a Sonic sedan and liked that as well. Might look into a lease of the HB.
But, the deals on the Cruse are pretty hard to beat. Invoice - incentives ($500) - GM cash ($1000) puts me at a pretty low sales price. With an inflated residual courtesy of GM (Ally?), my lease payment ought not to be more than a couple hundred a month.
Lots of Chevy dealers in town that I can get to compete with one another.
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Pretty impressive highway mpg numbers on the Cruze, even better than the Sonic. The hatch is appealing though.
It has been modified to perform similarly to an amazingly fast S3 with great handling abilities, but with FWD/Frontrak abilities. It has been driven hard, but that's the way Audi's are at their best. The modifications more than make up for any problems you'll have due to wear and tear.
It has new wipers, new front strut mounts, new DSG oil and filter, and is in fairly good condition, and has been very well maintained.
It has been a reliable car since 4/06 and for over 105,000 miles.
Need to make room for a more civilized sports car, family sedan, and larger track car, the new 2014 S4. It's on a boat somewhere near the Americas I think; can't wait until delivery!
Oh, wait... did I say that out loud?
Congrats on the new car, andres!
The only way a lease could make sense to me is if the added mileage for which you are paying is handily outstripped by the income from the pizza gig. Or, if you don't need it at all except for the fact you have that job, then the TCO (or TCL?) vs. income better be break-even or better. Otherwise, you just want a new car.
There are lots of nice used cars out there, but you probably won't get into anything you'd want to get into for less than a lease. Difference is, there's value on the other end, too.
Maybe you really could convince breld to sell you the Audi. Maybe get in contact with him in a couple weeks. Hehehe.
So, will you take delivery in 2013?
Andres in an S4...watch out speedtrappers!
I work from home during the day (like stickguy), but do run errands which would require me to have a car even if I didn't have the part time job in the evenings. If I "lend" the ION to the kids, I'd still need something to drive.
The wife is not a fan of used cars ("why buy somebody else's problems?"), so a cheap lease is probably the best way to go. If I get the ION back in a year or two, then I can return the lease, wash my hands of it and continue to drive the ION. If we decide to sell the ION to them, then I can return the lease and get something else.
Ideally, I'd like to "retire" from the pizza job at some point, but the money is just too good to give up. For 10-15 hours a week, I'm seeing around $650-700/mo in tips (plus another couple hundred in my paycheck that goes directly into savings).
Again, all this is predicated on the fact that the kids will need a 2nd car.
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The last estimate I wrangled out of the dealer was a 2nd week or mid-November arrival/delivery.
The website they gave me for tracking the "Green Dale" lost sight of the cargo ship some time ago. I guess they only cover a region in and around Germany?
If the ship was sunk that would be a nightmare, and ruin the agreed upon deal with the dealer. Unless Audi extends the loyalty rebate of 1,000 dollars, I believe it expires at the end of the year. IMO that's part of my offer. Out goes the rebate, my offer goes down $1,000 accordingly.
Had to custom order the thing so that it wasn't too pricey (most models loaded with loads of overpriced options), and to have a color other than black or white (or one in between).
As to tickets, since it's Misano Red pearl I'm already planning on investing in Escorts latest and greatest new radar detector, the new "HD" model. It has the ability to cloak your vehicle ala Star Trek, and make it invisible to law enforcement officer's eyes :P j/k
Plus I already bought and installed these ridiculously overpriced track brake pads that also produce ridiculous noise but they are broken in and ready.
However, the thought has crossed my mind that it will be hard to leave the S4 at home if it comes earlier than expected and already has over 1,000 miles by track weekend.
I'll be satisfied with Edmund's private party value or if needed trade-in value to a dealer or Carmax. I spoke with a used car manager and they said after-market part upgrades were a break-even thing for them. They offer no more and no less because of them.
In the past I haven't settled for trade in value, but my time is getting more valuable to me as I get older; so considering a possible trade-in this time around.
After a month went by, I was starting to lose patience and get more anxious for the new car! At this point I'm ready for it.
3-4 month delivery wait!
But if your going to spend $50K+ on a car, my opinion is you should get exactly what you want.
Now if a dealer was willing to give me even more of a great discount, we could talk, but I feel better knowing I'm getting a great deal, but still be able to make a realistic offer by not loading the thing up drastically. Trust me, I still made them heavily discount the thing despite requiring the custom order.
I know what you mean. Perhaps arrange for an inspection with a local mechanic?
Any cheap used car will have issues but with a professional inspection you know what you're up against.
On my beaters I usually forgo the mechanic because I'm only spending a few grand. Sometimes I've been very lucky, sometimes not but I never got stuck with a vehicle that wouldn't run.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Misano Red Guess you're not going for the stealth look! :P Which options did you get?
Too bad you couldn't have sold your A3 to breld. With the mods, it may have been too much for a young driver, but it's uncanny how one member of our group is dumping an A3 at the same time another is buying one. Then again, how many VW GTIs have we collectively owned?
You could probably market the A3 pretty well on one of the Audi boards.
I suspect on some cars, aftermarket stuff actually harms their value. Something like an EVO or WRX or even an M3, I want it stock.
I manage two claims offices for a large insurance company and oversee a fleet of 65 cars. Over the years our vehicle choices have improved to decent, nicely sized cars (well, decent for company car standards - Magnum, Impala, current Taurus) but like most corporations these days we have looked for ways to cut costs. I thought it was enough of a step down when we went to all four-cylinder Malibus and Fusions last year but a decision was made to order some Cruzes for our office pool vehicles. The first one arrived on Friday and today one of the managers who reports to me drove in from our satellite office to my location for a visit. His first comment when he came into my office was "this thing doesn't have cruise control." After telling him that couldn't be, we went for a ride and he was right. Turns out that even though there is supposedly a fleet model of the Cruze, we're only getting the base LS. IIRC, cruise isn't an option at any cost on this lowest trim level. As for the car itself, I've liked the looks of the Cruze since it came out and have sat in a few but never driven one until today. Room, ride, fit and finish appear to be competitive, but man was that 1.8L one slug of an engine. I wasn't expecting a powerhouse by any stretch; just figured that 1.8 liters of displacement in a car of this size would be adequate. Freeway merging is white knuckle kinda stuff. I know the 1.4L turbo is the engine of choice in this car. I sure hope it moves it with more authority than the base engine. Too bad that this one feature sours the entire experience, at least with the slushbox.
I have three more of these things arriving in the next few weeks. I anticipate some grumbling among my employees.......
2024 Ram 1500 Longhorn, 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2019 Ford Mustang GT Premium, 2016 Kia Optima SX, 2000 Pontiac Trans Am WS6
and don't worry, you are never seeing the Ion again unless you go to visit it at their place.
Oh, good to know she is doing well. I have experience in this area. Not something that really prevents you from driving.
For the Mustangs, yeah, the 3.7l would be the way to go. Only reason to not just spec out a new one is cost. Those babies depreciate hard, and I have no problem waiting for the snow to fall! I also don't think that a 6 cyl AT convertible is really a "sports car" or that likely to have been beaten on.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Regarding the number of miles in the lease, I've put almost 65k onto the ION in the 42 months I've been driving it. Granted, that includes a 2200 mile trip to CA and back, but I'm pretty sure a 12k or 15k lease won't work.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
She is undergoing only the third of eight chemotherapy treatments this week. Given that they have been waiting three weeks between treatments instead of the normal two, she won't be finished until March (I think).
But, so far so good.
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Refer back to my point about the wife not wanting to buy used cars .. that would apply to the kids, as well.
And, at the moment, it's advantageous for them not to have a second car in their name. Easier to keep the ION registered to us, and have them pay for gas, maintenance, etc.
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Yeah, but remember mako1a from the 'Stories' board? He got the 6 and after a month returned it for the 8.
On used, I agree go for the 6 because I would assume any near new V8 Mustang was traded because it was beat.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Nope....
Nope .
Nissan did this right in the new Altima. It has a hydraulic system which receives pressure from an electric pump:
http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NISSAN/ALTIMA/2013_altima_tech_release.html
In driving, it feels like a conventional hydraulic setup.
http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NISSAN/ALTIMA/2013_altima_tech_release.html
In driving, it feels like a conventional hydraulic setup."
That would be a good middle ground. Still can't wait to take a test drive of a M235 when they arrive.
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
I consider negligent abuse to be something like doing burnouts more than weekly by dropping the clutch at red-line or pushing the launch control button over once every 5 to 7 days.
Shifting at the red-line like your supposed to??? Nah, that's not abuse. With modern cars you can't really abuse them no matter what you do, the electronic nannies and rev limiters just won't let you.
At the Audi Driving experience I did many years ago, they decided that since Americans are not very good with the stick shifts and clutches, they'd lead them around track in 3rd gear the whole time, and just have them bounce off the rev limiter over and over on the straights rather than have people shifting a lot. They felt that was preferable to worn out clutches. You really can't abuse a German car these days I tell ya.
I've done a good amount of track weekends now, and for the life of me I can't remember too many times where an Audi car had a complete breakdown that wasn't solvable in between runs.
There was an incident where the Camaro rental lost its transmission on the track and got towed onto the adjacent highway for reporting to Hertz. Also, a Maserati had issues dumping coolant everywhere. The BMW's, Porsche's and Audi's just don't' get fazed.
I believe this is where the Germans are superior to the Americans. Cars built to be driven, vs. cars that fall apart if you don't baby them.
If you're going to drive a car "hard", it's probably better for resale to keep it stock unless you happen to find a knowledgeable enthusiastic who appreciates the mods. That person likely has their own idea of how your car should be modded though.
Or you could restore it back to stock and say nothing I suppose.
What should be necessary for everyone of course (can't live without options):
1) Rear Sport Differential Quattro upgrade (make it standard Audi!)
2) 7-Speed DSG dual clutch automated manual (manual-amatic S-Tronic) Once you go DSG; you never go back (my A3 from '06 has DSG). I test drove all the sport sedans available in the $35-$50K range before making my decision. The biggest pet peeve I had with all of them was the slush boxes, even the ones that had 8 gears. I'm in the "don't want a manual for my daily driver in rush hour camp." My cars have to do it all (utility, family, hauler, 4-doors, track sports car).
What was "nice" and semi-needed for me:
1) The pearl paint upgrade (I like Audi's paint jobs; worth the extra $500 to me).
2) The interior fine Nappa ultra nice upgraded Leather seats and leather trim contrasting colors (Magma red and black) and contrasting colored stitching upgrade. This one's pricey, but it really makes the interior more luxurious and beautiful to me. Lots of little details and differences/upgrades from the standard Alcantara/standard leather mix. This box was harder to click though as it doesn't make the performance any better.
3) This one is a no brainer because I value high quality sound, the Bang & Olufsen sound system upgrade. At $850, it's a no-brainer and bargain. In the after-market, you can't do anything with $850 for a nicer stereo.
That's it!
If priced right, these things would be nice too, but I was able to live without them:
1) Navigation - should be $250, not $3,000!
2) Adaptive Damping Suspension (too costly and it might add weight I think which is even worse).
3) Forget a backup cam, I want a forward cam to monitor traffic and bad drivers, catch lying cops, or record accidents (god forbid). A backup cam is OK; I'd pay $75 extra for it, but not more.
After-market Options I'm planning on buying for the S4:
1) A new portable Garmin Navigation unit.
2) A new radar detector, maybe with direct wiring install (clean).
3) New sunglasses.
4) An I-phone mount that actually works during a 1G turn.
And a maybe:
1) That forward dash cam.
The most work would be in the suspension (and I'm not sure I stored my old dampers and springs well (outdoors). Other then that, the costs would be minimal.
Yes, some after market parts are superior to others.
For instance no one will complain (or know) that I put in the S3 intercooler (OEM Audi). Fintail mentioned keeping/wanting an M3 stock, similar to wanting an S3 or RS3 stock. I agree, that's why I chose the S3 intercooler
Hotchkis Sway bars
K&W Coilovers Variant 2
Carbon Fiber hood painted to match
Full Exhaust (custom w/ Borla muffler)
OZ Racing 18" x 8" lightweight wheels.
None of these mods are easily "visually" noticeable, except the exhaust tips and wheels. You'd have to really look hard to even notice them. You will feel a tighter stiffer harsher ride though.
http://www.amazon.com/Audiovox-CCS100-Universal-Vacuum-Control/dp/B00029WQTW
I have personal experience with these units and I put one on my Honda ST (bike) about 8 years ago, and it works flawlessly. The only thing missed is a 'cancel', but turning it off and back on if you want works like a cancel. I usually nudge a brake lever or br pedal a hair to trip it off if no one is behind me. It uses the rear brake light circuit to trigger itself off (instead of under dash mechanical two pole spring loaded switches, so install goes faster. It also measures RPMs, so on stick equipped cars, any increase in revs by pushing the clutch in momentarily also trips it off so no need to tap brakes either if your intent is to cancel.
Before you order a bunch, confirm compatibility with the Cruze. In this day and age of electronic modules throughout the vehicle chassis, that all talk to each other (even for simple lighting circuits like wanting to wire your own trailer lighting) it is getting so that ANY outside little extra, causes them to all have conniptions.
But this particular unit is a winner..as long as you have a really competent installer. I soldered and siliconed all my connections, plus I don't ride in the salt so is probably why mine has been faultless all these years. On a car subject to salted roads and especially with a co vehicle you want to ensure as little potential down time as possible, I would insist they solder any connection that isn't well protected under the hood or in the car.
edit - also, over on one of the earlier Cruze forums here, somone said they 'think' that cruise is already IN all the cars, and a steering wheel swap from an LT is all that's required, (has the controls) but that too would probably not be cheap. Desirable though to have stock cruise if this theory is true and the wheels are not too dear..I asked later and no one ever did confirm if this was the case..
A rev limiter won't keep you from a forced over-rev, if you shift down, instead of up... You can still blow up your engine.. (the money shift)
But, I agree... nothing wrong with full-throttle acceleration to the red-line.. if you can't use the car, what's the point?
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2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Another reason not to buy a sporty car used. That car might end up on some car lot after Hertz is done with it.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I may still be getting used to the DSG on the A3, but for right now anyway, I prefer the 8-speed auto that was in my A5.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Now I know you value domestic tranquility but that "why buy someone else's headache" philosophy on used cars is a bunch of horse hockey. The two worst cars I ever owned were bought new (I only ever bought three new). Only once have I been sorry about a used car I bought and it's a long story that I won't get into but it relates to my wife not wanting to learn how to drive a stick. She since has - actually as a result of the lousy used car.
Leasing for a pizza car makes no sense at all to me. First, as you point out, the mileage probably doesn't work. Second, you'll really get donged at the end of the lease because they'll say it smells like a pizza. If you're going to lease a business car the business should be something like an insurance adjuster - not food delivery.
Find your Cruze if that's what you want but find a two year old one. Why give yourself a financial headache?
I hardly belong in here. I've only been averaging a car a year for 4 years now....
If they don't charge extra for people who smoked cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or those funny little medicinal cigarettes they have in Colorado in leased cars, I don't see why they would charge extra for pizza smell.