Monsoon Grey, probably my first choice. Not sure Audi has the greatest color pallete (not that Jag has an extensive one, either). Chestnut Brown interior, burled walnut. Sport pkg, yes for the seats at the very least! Hate to say, I'll go slush box as I last drove a stick regularly in our 1995 Saab 900. I commute, stick is no fun.
Jag XF, I could take son and a friend or two with skis in the car. A5, son, one friend and skis in car. 2005 Subaru Legacy wagon covers it all with the XK gleaming in the winter sun, awaiting the snow to melt...Well, at least on the roads.
Or, how about a Maserati Ghibli SQ4? Is that another problem solver? Or creating a whole new problem... ; - )
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
That's an awfully large car to only have two doors! It actually looks rather awkward with them, to tell the truth. Other than that, I like it! I suspect it will be a LONG time before I'd consider spending that kind of money on a car.
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
I think the color pallete is actually pretty decent it just seems that dealers, in my area at least, seem to load their inventory heavily toward black, white and gray. But I guess the know what sells. Audi has a couple of nice blues and a bright red and dark red as well, just don't see them that often. I like the chestnut brown on a cabrio with a brown top.
The BMW dealer I use here keeps their inventory of 3s in the same color family. The thing I really don't understand with them is they load up heavily on black interior which is a killer in the Atlanta summer. My 328 coupe was black on black. To say it was a hot car was an understatement!
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
There's a saying in the car business.." Stay around brown". Brown cars simply do not sell well unless you find the right buyer.
Our Used Car Manager got tempted a couple of times at the auction and he bought some nice cars that were brown for thousands less than the market.
I think a couple of these ended up back at the auction.
Same applies to gold. If someone called on a gold used car, we would say.." Well, it's kind of a champagne color". If you said gold you would never see that customer.
Green will kill sales on a lot of cars too.
Still, there are always people who like the oddball colors!
I'm kind of sick of silver and grays. I'd rather have a car that sets itself apart....just not too far (like green). Some of the golden brown metallic colors are quite nice, IMHO.
Speaking of beaters, I'd like all your opinions on what constitutes "your money's worth" on a winter beater type car. My own personal caveat is 10,000 miles for every $1,000 paid. So if you paid $5k you would want to get 50,000 miles before some major problem like a blown transmission.
I wouldn't count routine repairs like brakes and tires unless it totaled more than half the car's value.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Here's a kicker. I clocked my big boat Lincoln at 31.5 mpg with the cruise set at 65.
When I wasn't hypermiling I got a little frisky with it on the highway ramp. I was surprised that when I hammered it at 30 the back end broke loose and I fishtailed down the road. Guess I have finally blown the carbon out.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
They had two gray colors but they couldn't get either in the SE version here in South Florida even though I said I could wait until one was located so they got a silver one from their other location. It already had the black pin stripe on it but only the cheapy 1/4 rubber door edge guards so I had to take what they could get. The white over black was a nice combo in this rig but the silver was more to my liking so chose that. Like it more and more every time I drive it which is a good sign. The CVT in the Rogue really kept it out of the top position for me though I liked it a few months back with the red used SV I had found at the Ford store. Very nicely done interior actually and the power seat was comfortable but just didn't like that shade of red and the thought of used made me pass...really did want new even though it's prudent to let someone else take the depreciation hit most times. On a small ute, I wanted to be the 1st and only driver to break it in the proper way so that's why I did purchase new. And since I did like both the Outlander sport and the Tuscon equally as much, I knew the better deal was going to get me to pull the trigger. And even though it's gonna cost me a bit to move the amp, didn't want to just give it away for free to the dealer so recycling it for my new rig. And apparently it's a good amp according to my installer so was glad to hear that. Am certainly hoping that it works well with the stock speakers or I will have a dilemma here...spend and enjoy now...or wait awhile and build up my funds. I think the latter choice will win out here as just the thought of knowing that I wiped out $16k cash of my savings gives me pause here...not sure how much speakers and the install is going to cost but I know just swapping out the amp has already cost me a bit and if he needs to get extra plug-ins or other items Tuesday, it just adds to my bottom line so if I can keep it as low as possible right now, that'll work for me. And if the sound quality isn't what I want, waiting another few months isn't going to be a calamity and I will do it. But hope the amp alone will give me the sound quality similar to what I just got rid of! The wife will finally see the new addition in the morning and am quite interested as to what she's going to think about it...am guessing she's going to not like it at first but after she drives it a bit, I can see her doing a complete 180 on me...and I hope she's pleased from the get go...or at least just say it so I can feel better about it all as it's time to move on here!
The Sandman :sick: :shades:
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Brown seems to be popping up on higher line cars. I've seen a few modern MBs and Volvos in brown. Something like an E63 wagon would be especially subtle and awesome in brown.
Gold, no thanks. Green usually works best on old cars.
Foresters are cool. Everyone who has one LOVES it. I have a customer with a loaded non turbo forester with eye sight that he's happy with. I dig the squared off forester XTs with the hood scoop. You see one of those in your rear view, then get out of the way.
I actually dig the Impreza Sport styling. Those dark grey wheels give the car a sharp look.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
my son this time. I think he is more than ready to get a new car to replace the 14 YO Acura TL with 173K on it. Though it is running well now (wood has been knocked on). He is looking into a couple of extension jobs where he is now, 1 of which pays well and will be a permanent job (the other is another project based ST job through around April). If he gets the "real" job, it will be a no brainer. Not sure what he would like to do if he gets a temp job. probably nothing!
Hopefully he does get to pull the trigger. he deserves it, and no more worries when he does a late night trip into the boonies of NY.
That, and it solves my dilemma of being short a car. Because I would just hang onto the TL as my spare car. Plus my 18 YO daughter is assigned to that for insurance purposes, so selling it won't save all that much. So I get a "free" spare car, and come August, will be free to sell that and the Volvo and replace it with something nicer that I like, for me, for a change.
his eye is still on a really good lease offer on the Acura ILX. Less than $300/mo with just tags/DMV up front. Good terms. Almost 4K off of MSRP for a nice low cap cost. Residual is about 15K, so he could sign & drive, lease for 3 years, then buy it and only be in for a total of about 25K (off of a 28k sticker). It could work.
though my daughter is now obsessed with the ILX, and wants one bad. She thinks I should dump the Volvo, and get one for "me" (and by me, I mean her). Man, she will do a complete Carrie if her older brother shows up with "her" car!
Good point, au. For the A5, I like the Scooby Doo Blue, the Midnight Blue is too dark for me, hard to tell it from black. Shiraz Red is intriguing, but it can be a bit purple. Not that there's anything wrong with that, Prince...
ISell, the Chestnut Brown is an interior color offered on the A5, I dig it. Would that interior color hurt resale?
For the XF, Indigo Blue, not quite as dark as Audi's Midnight. You can actually tell it's blue in most light. Jag's Lunar Grey is a great color on the XF as Monsoon works for me on the A5.
Wacky weather is a'comin' to the mighty shores of New England. I'm going to have to do something soon. Not even sure if the XF is still available, haven't heard from the dealer in a week. Maybe they've labelled me a stroke.
I wish I could decide if my indecision is a bad trait.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I saw a late model MDX ('11, '12, or '13) last night in a Metallic Brown color that I really liked. If I were shopping CPO MDXs (I'm not), I'd strongly consider it over the sea of Black, Silver, & Grey ones on the lot.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Allow me to venture off topic for a moment. While we are coming to the close of the year & are all clamoring for that "free year of edmunds dues" as well as the bragging rights to who guessed how many CCBA punches we've had for 2013, I CANNOT wait for baseball season to start!
I'm sure by now everyone has heard the news that the best 2nd baseman in baseball has left my beloved Yankees for greener and rainier pastures to the tune of 10 years, $240 million dollars, and no state income tax. While it has been an absolute pleasure to watch Robinson Cano, the Yankees are still trying to dig themselves out of the last 10 year deal they inked. So if you are in the area (& I know a few of you are), head over to Safeco Field to watch just how amazing Robinson Cano is. The Yankees being the Yankees aren't standing pat, especially since the Red Sox are the reining world champs. They signed Jacoby Ellsbury to a 7 year $23 million per contract, re-signed Hiroki Kuroda to a 1 year $18 million dollar deal, and signed coveted free agent outfielder Carlos Beltran to a 3 year, $45 million dollar deal. And I was able to move from row 16 in my section to row 4 in 1 section further out. Take me out to the ball game!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
(My brother and his wife met David Robertson fishing a couple of times but they've been Yankee fans all along. And my sister knew Jake Gibbs a little so I have a team autographed baseball from the Ralph Houk years).
Haven't you ever heard the expression "happy wife, happy life"! One should never assume certain things in life like you are doing now sir. I have always been "non confrontational", guess it stems from growing up in a loud dysfunctional family where I'd always run the opposite way when ever there was any confrontations. I also always take the course of least resistance and have no need to "always be right"! So, any decision in life I make I always think how it's going to affect the wife and kids first thing...is this a good thing? Who the hell knows but I like to keep everyone happy to the point where I am sometimes unhappy. With my latest purchase, I listened to everyone's opinion and did what I wanted to do in the end. I learned long ago to compromise and to only fight the "important battles" in life so I let her win most times but this was a different case. I knew I wanted to swap out of my beloved Civic for an "easier" vehicle and I did when "I" decided I was ready. End of story! She just came home, saw it for the 1st time and said "it's nice, let's go take a ride"! Told her I need for her to drive it today to see how she likes it and we will after the guy cleans up her headlights...they are really bad and she's keeping the Mazda till the summer I just found out! Her choice here but did tell her to go look for what she wants "now" so we can just go in, find her vehicle and pay the nice man. So sir, before you comment on a situation you have no clue about, think! Things are not always as they appear!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Old...that young pup don't understand it like we do. Compromise isn't always a bad word! Know when to fight the important battles and let the small stuff slide!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
"While we are coming to the close of the year & are all clamoring for that "free year of edmunds dues" as well as the bragging rights to who guessed how many CCBA punches we've had for 2013..."
On that note, does anyone wish to register guesses for the number of 2014 punches?
I now have the dark grey alloys and don't like 'em as much as the regular Tuscon wheels, mine are special SE alloys. Told my sales lady yesterday I prefer the regular alloys but she said she couldn't swap them out for me, something I think is bull. Think they'd be happy to get my special alloys in exchange for the regular ones...probably should've made it a condition of the sale looking back but they are nice looking just that I prefer the lighter alloys. At least these won't show the brake dust though...making lemonade here! So far, all is good and it tracks straight and true. Can't wait till Tuesday afternoon to really enjoy my tunes. Hopefully the mileage figures will improve some but the computer shows my average at 27.5 right now, which is dead on specs!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
The A5 and S5 coupes look like supercars, in person... I'm stunned, every time I see one... Even the base A5 looks like it would be fast (but only 211 HP... lol)
Brown? That's the hottest color going... a lot of makes save it for special editions... When the MINI Clubman came out with it, they couldn't keep them on the lot.. It's not for me, but there you go...
Weather note.. found out that worn out winter tires will get you where you are going, even with 5" of snow, but it's a white knuckle drive..
Drove across Alligator Alley next to one of these Mini's in brown on Thursday and I liked it...seemed to sit a little higher off the ground than the regular Mini I drove a few months back. Never seriously gave it a look though maybe I should've. Nice little runabout!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
211 HP on the A5, but tons of torque (and a flat torque curve) from the 2.0T. It's a beautiful car, but I think the way the back of the trunk lid curves on the current A4 and A5 (to accommodate the license plate) looks weird.
I think the SE edition that Hyundai came out with for 2014 is really the "Sandy's Edition" for I have wanted this particular vehicle for so long. So glad to find one that checked all the boxes, and then some. Is it 100% the best, absolutely best I could have found? Well, maybe 98% so I'd say that's pretty damn good. Now that the headlights on the Mazda look brand new, think she'll be happier driving at night. Since it gets dark here about 5:30 now, those lights are on a lot. Do I think she should purchase before the end of the month...sure do but she'll do it when she is ready just like I did. One just has to be ready to do it and then make sure all the numbers work but once all the pieces fall into place, it's either time to buy or walk away and keep what ya got. And just like anyone else, whenever I see one of the other contenders on my short list, I always wonder a bit if I made the correct choice here but hey, that's human nature...one tends to second guess certain life decisions at one time or another. Things will calm down in a week or two and then it'll be on to the next thing...like getting us a 42" LED television for the family room. Right now the smaller set where I usually watch that has the little converter box on top is not working, waiting for the cable company to call me back with a fix here. Annoying when one wants to watch a show and when it turns on...nothing! But the practical side of me just can't seem to trash a good working 27" set for a newer better one that's HD ready even though the prices have come down tremendously. We already have a 32" Samsung and will probably buy another Samsung as it's been a flawless set so far. And bet I can score one in the 42" size for in the mid to high $300's in the next few weeks if we decide to just do it.
The Sandman :sick: :shades:
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
So, where is the number now for 2013? Who is the closest to winning right now? Doubt we'll have too many new purchases within the next 3 weeks but one never knows here. Trust me, I am doing my best to get the significant other to pull the trigger on either a Accent or Elantra, the one I prefer she get. Sat in a new one yesterday and it is sweet. Better yet is the GT model that Mike got, a very impressive vehicle and one I probably would've gotten if not for needing a power seat and a higher seating position. The GT just does it all right and Hyundai definitely gives a lot of bang for the buck...feature packed with a great warranty plus roadside. Hyundai/Kia has really come a long way and can now play with the big boys...they just need to get their resale values up to match the others but I think in time, this will happen. So far, this is the first vehicle I've had where everything works...nothing to bring it back in for yet. Will have them look at the aim of the high beams when I get my 1st oil change which I always do at the dealer...want to spend some $ there so they will be more apt to help with any issues down the line. Just those little things can make a big difference if there's a big problem...maybe getting a loaner or comped for a rental, or maybe even a couple free oil changes...good will goes a long way so why not use their service department a few times here and there. The extra $ one might spend could come back a few fold if a problem arises. luckily my sales lady was awesome and has been there over 7 years now...I do remember her from when we bought the Accent matter of fact. And so far besides the broke brake light switch, it's been a stellar vehicle. The 5 years warranty ended last week so now everything is on me and the wife...doubt anything will go wrong either.
There Sandman :sick: :shades:
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
That's exactly it. I know a few old friends who are now hitched, and there's a lot less drama to simply pick your battles, or don't battle at all. For many, part of being an adult in this system, I guess.
This is going to be tough since so many bought this year and with the exception of Breld and Mike, most of us keep for a specific time period so I think the number is going to be quite low. I do know that we will most definitely be having a punch and I predict if not by summer, by next year at this time as we like the Thanksgiving period or around the new year. Also mid summer has also been done with both of us during the 2005 to 2006 time frame. But she will be buying before 2014 is out and she'll also make it to 150k on her Mazda, think it's more of a personal challenge now than anything else and as long as nothing major goes wrong, she'll be done. I personally will not let her put new sneakers on it but her Affinity's are holding up nicely and I do rotate them with every 5k oil change so she should be good to go in that department. Think she's due for the oil change/rotation any day now. Guess I can now throw away all the repair /oil change paperwork from my Civic...have put everything in a big bag and probably will wait till after the amp goes in Tuesday and then read them all one last time and discard them all. All useless paper now and not sure where the Civic is now as I did not see it yesterday on the lot. If they repair the back bumper cover and clean out the interior, bet they could put it on their lot and get maybe $9350 for it. I will keep on eye out for it on their web site as they could make a little bit on it if that bumper cover don't cost too much.
The Sandman :sick: :shades:
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
They have it on their website right now for $10,560 and they didn't even repair the back bumper! They originally had it for about $12k with the $1400 discount and they kept the alloys on it. Threw the old steelies and hubcaps plus lugs in the trunk as I didn't need them. Figured it would go onto their lot because they insisted they get to keep the alloys. All it need was a wash really as I did take good care of it. Best part is I felt nothing when I just found it...nothing, so guess I have moved on here. Just hope someone nice gets it but wish I could've sold it on my own for this price. guess some folks only feel good about buying from a dealer as they get some sort of warranty no matter how short a period of time that may be...usually 1k miles/1 month? Whatever, it ain't mine no more so good bye Civic!
The Sandman :sick: :shades:
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Didn't mean to insult you; since I've been a member of Edmunds for 10 plus years or so, I've read all the posts and I realize you DO have to live with her! Just my sense of humor regarding your decision-making process.
I'm gonna go with a guess of 20 for 2014. sandy and tjc have one each, and breld has to be good for at least 3 or 4, and mike may grow tired of the CLS and go back to something else.
No punches expected for me next year. Wife is quite happy with her CX-7 and the daughter loves her MINI, though she has talked about trading it in for a Countryman with ALL4. Problem is, when she configured it on-line she got the MSRP up to $36K!!!!
Speaking of the MINI, I took it to the local tire dealer this morning. They measured the tires at either 3/32 or 4/32, so not quite as dire as the dealer, who told me 2/32 all around. Talked to the kid about this and she wants me to go ahead and order the OEM Contis through the local place and get them installed. That will happen probably at the end of next week.
Looks like a great deal, $5,000 off retail. There are only 3 left in stock. Better hurry!
(I'm kind of sad that all the manufacturers have exited the DLP television market. Although I've had repair issues with my 57" model, for the past couple of years, even the 70-80" models were affordable.)
Those MINIs get expensive once you start adding the options to them!
I have a Fowler X-Tread digital tread gauge which will measure the tread depth of my tires. It's very precise (down to 1/1000 of an inch or mm) but you can switch the mode to round off to the closest 1/64", which is how I use it.
My 2012 LaCrosse is just over one year old. I wasn't sure I made the right decision, but since I've been driving it more the last 3 months, I have really learned to love it. With depreciation on Buick's horrendous -- lost about 13k in the past year. Buick is discounting new ones 6-7k off msrp. I'm quite happy to keep it at least 3 more years. It's such a pleasure to drive --smooth, quiet and solid. If it continues to be problem free, I may keep it a few more years out of warranty. I could sell the Prius in a year and not take a beating but just thinking about the hassle turns me off. If I was going for anything, the Toyota Highlander would be at the top of the list. I have other stuff to keep me busy, so I need to get give obsession a rest.
It's been a good car for us. Started off as my DD now the wife drives it more than me. It's been pretty good to us, except for the crankshaft seal dumping most of the oil on my driveway and a peeling door panel (replaced without question).
Next up, is an Enclave (depending on lease deals) , Explorer, or Pathfinder. I'd buy a Highlander but my wife hates them. I personally hate SUVs, but since this is her car I'll give in!
No offense taken now that I reread your post and I know, my decision process was pretty long there but like I said, I like to keep everyone happy. And a "happy wife, happy life" attitude tends to work here at the house actually. And now that both vehicles are in the garage, no problem at all since the Tuscon is about 2" longer than the Civic and about 2" wider so we are good to go. Did have to move my "X" on the wall forward those few inches but all is great now. Going to take her on a drive before dinner and also want her to drive it to get the feel of the higher seating position as I think she'll love it once she does drive it. She's happy now that her headlights are like new again and so am I...wanted the Mazda detailed but she didn't want to clean it all out so made another appointment for a few weeks when I can give him the vehicle all cleaned inside. Did notice that the drivers floor mat is pretty much destroyed at this point but will wait till she asks me to get it taken care of. She tried to blame me now for the worsening headlights over the past 2 years until I reminded her that I am the one who wanted it done then but she refused. I was the one who wants to, and has wanted to, have her a/c fixed now but she keeps saying no. Had enough and set her straight that I can only have done what she wants me to do since I hardly drive it...asked her in the future, make all the decisions about your vehicle and I will take it in to do whatever maintenance you want as I am tired of getting blamed after the fact on this crap. In my vehicle, if something needs to be done, I just do it so it's always maintained as I believe in preventive maintenance but even that has its limits...there's a fine balance here. Luckily, besides hers, all the others sleds in the fleet are pretty easy to maintain and have low mileage except the Versa which is close to 50k right now. We'll take cars of that on the 26th or 27th of this month and the Accent will be home those few days so will check it out to see how it drives, maybe even take it up to work one day to blow out the injectors a bit. I know the Versa needs a good detail but that'll get taken care of. But again, no offense taken and it's probably good that we can sit and laugh about this kind of stuff.
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
"Going to take her for a ride before dinner." You should take her for a ride to GET dinner. Show her you're a real sport and get a $5 hot and ready pizza from Little Ceasar's ---she'll know you really know how to treat a lady.
Comments
Jag XF, I could take son and a friend or two with skis in the car. A5, son, one friend and skis in car. 2005 Subaru Legacy wagon covers it all with the XK gleaming in the winter sun, awaiting the snow to melt...Well, at least on the roads.
Or, how about a Maserati Ghibli SQ4? Is that another problem solver? Or creating a whole new problem... ; - )
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
The BMW dealer I use here keeps their inventory of 3s in the same color family. The thing I really don't understand with them is they load up heavily on black interior which is a killer in the Atlanta summer. My 328 coupe was black on black. To say it was a hot car was an understatement!
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
Really?
There's a saying in the car business.." Stay around brown". Brown cars simply do not sell well unless you find the right buyer.
Our Used Car Manager got tempted a couple of times at the auction and he bought some nice cars that were brown for thousands less than the market.
I think a couple of these ended up back at the auction.
Same applies to gold. If someone called on a gold used car, we would say.." Well, it's kind of a champagne color". If you said gold you would never see that customer.
Green will kill sales on a lot of cars too.
Still, there are always people who like the oddball colors!
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
I love it when you talk dirty.
Speaking of beaters, I'd like all your opinions on what constitutes "your money's worth" on a winter beater type car. My own personal caveat is 10,000 miles for every $1,000 paid. So if you paid $5k you would want to get 50,000 miles before some major problem like a blown transmission.
I wouldn't count routine repairs like brakes and tires unless it totaled more than half the car's value.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Maybe part of my brain is telling me to expand my horizons. I'm currently on my 4th white car.
Had a green Tacoma as well but that was in 1995 when green was everywhere on cars.
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
Here's a kicker. I clocked my big boat Lincoln at 31.5 mpg with the cruise set at 65.
When I wasn't hypermiling I got a little frisky with it on the highway ramp. I was surprised that when I hammered it at 30 the back end broke loose and I fishtailed down the road. Guess I have finally blown the carbon out.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I had a green Plymouth and a green Chrysler and I thought the color worked on both. Wish I had known they were unsalable. Would have offered less.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
The wife will finally see the new addition in the morning and am quite interested as to what she's going to think about it...am guessing she's going to not like it at first but after she drives it a bit, I can see her doing a complete 180 on me...and I hope she's pleased from the get go...or at least just say it so I can feel better about it all as it's time to move on here!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Gold, no thanks. Green usually works best on old cars.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I actually dig the Impreza Sport styling. Those dark grey wheels give the car a sharp look.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Why are you sooo afraid of your wife?
Hopefully he does get to pull the trigger. he deserves it, and no more worries when he does a late night trip into the boonies of NY.
That, and it solves my dilemma of being short a car. Because I would just hang onto the TL as my spare car. Plus my 18 YO daughter is assigned to that for insurance purposes, so selling it won't save all that much. So I get a "free" spare car, and come August, will be free to sell that and the Volvo and replace it with something nicer that I like, for me, for a change.
his eye is still on a really good lease offer on the Acura ILX. Less than $300/mo with just tags/DMV up front. Good terms. Almost 4K off of MSRP for a nice low cap cost. Residual is about 15K, so he could sign & drive, lease for 3 years, then buy it and only be in for a total of about 25K (off of a 28k sticker). It could work.
though my daughter is now obsessed with the ILX, and wants one bad. She thinks I should dump the Volvo, and get one for "me" (and by me, I mean her). Man, she will do a complete Carrie if her older brother shows up with "her" car!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
ISell, the Chestnut Brown is an interior color offered on the A5, I dig it. Would that interior color hurt resale?
For the XF, Indigo Blue, not quite as dark as Audi's Midnight. You can actually tell it's blue in most light. Jag's Lunar Grey is a great color on the XF as Monsoon works for me on the A5.
Wacky weather is a'comin' to the mighty shores of New England. I'm going to have to do something soon. Not even sure if the XF is still available, haven't heard from the dealer in a week. Maybe they've labelled me a stroke.
I wish I could decide if my indecision is a bad trait.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Because it's the secret to a long marriage.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I'm sure by now everyone has heard the news that the best 2nd baseman in baseball has left my beloved Yankees for greener and rainier pastures to the tune of 10 years, $240 million dollars, and no state income tax. While it has been an absolute pleasure to watch Robinson Cano, the Yankees are still trying to dig themselves out of the last 10 year deal they inked. So if you are in the area (& I know a few of you are), head over to Safeco Field to watch just how amazing Robinson Cano is. The Yankees being the Yankees aren't standing pat, especially since the Red Sox are the reining world champs. They signed Jacoby Ellsbury to a 7 year $23 million per contract, re-signed Hiroki Kuroda to a 1 year $18 million dollar deal, and signed coveted free agent outfielder Carlos Beltran to a 3 year, $45 million dollar deal. And I was able to move from row 16 in my section to row 4 in 1 section further out. Take me out to the ball game!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
(My brother and his wife met David Robertson fishing a couple of times but they've been Yankee fans all along. And my sister knew Jake Gibbs a little so I have a team autographed baseball from the Ralph Houk years).
With my latest purchase, I listened to everyone's opinion and did what I wanted to do in the end. I learned long ago to compromise and to only fight the "important battles" in life so I let her win most times but this was a different case. I knew I wanted to swap out of my beloved Civic for an "easier" vehicle and I did when "I" decided I was ready. End of story! She just came home, saw it for the 1st time and said "it's nice, let's go take a ride"! Told her I need for her to drive it today to see how she likes it and we will after the guy cleans up her headlights...they are really bad and she's keeping the Mazda till the summer I just found out! Her choice here but did tell her to go look for what she wants "now" so we can just go in, find her vehicle and pay the nice man.
So sir, before you comment on a situation you have no clue about, think! Things are not always as they appear!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
On that note, does anyone wish to register guesses for the number of 2014 punches?
So far, all is good and it tracks straight and true. Can't wait till Tuesday afternoon to really enjoy my tunes. Hopefully the mileage figures will improve some but the computer shows my average at 27.5 right now, which is dead on specs!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Brown? That's the hottest color going... a lot of makes save it for special editions... When the MINI Clubman came out with it, they couldn't keep them on the lot.. It's not for me, but there you go...
Weather note.. found out that worn out winter tires will get you where you are going, even with 5" of snow, but it's a white knuckle drive..
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2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
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The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
There Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
"No wife, happy life" works well, too
01/08/13 breld 2011 BMW 335xi 27K
01/11/13 steine13 2013 Chevrolet Cruze LT (lease)
01/15/13 breld 2010 BMW 328xi wagon 21K
01/18/13 qbrozen 2013 Nissan Leaf (lease)
01/19/13 anon 2013 Toyota Sienna (lease)
02/13/13 corvette 2013 VW Jetta GLI
02/16/13 fezo 2004 Mazda6 wagon 77k
02/17/13 fintail 2013 Mercedes E350 Bluetec (lease)
03/22/13 js06gv 2013 Ford F150 King Ranch 2WD
04/04/13 kyfdx 2011 BMW X3
04/09/13 au1994 2013 BMW 335i (lease)
05/01/13 abacomike 2014 MB E350 Sport
05/27/13 breld 2013 Hyundai Veloster
05/29/13 qbrozen 2013 Ford Mustang GT
07/31/13 rayainsw 2013 VW GTI
08/03/13 akangl 2014 Ford Explorer Limited
08/12/13 tifighter 2013 Honda Accord EX-L
08/24/13 ronsteve 2013 VW Jetta 2.5SE
09/02/13 breld 2004 BMW 330ci 72k
09/11/13 sda 2013 Honda Accord EX
09/25/13 28firefighter 2013 VW CC
09/28/13 oldfarmer 1995 Lincoln Mark VIII 67k
09/28/13 ohenryx 2013 Ford F-150
10/24/13 breld 2008 Audi A3 37k
11/07/13 michaell 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT (lease)
11/30/13 abacomike 2014 Mercedes CLS550
12/02/13 sandman_6472 2014 Hyundai Tucson
12/02/13 nippononly 201X Honda Civic Si
xx/xx/13 andres3 2014 Audi S4
Punch guesses for 2013:
Michaell 15-17
Xwesx 22
Stickguy 25
abacomike 25
Qbrozen 28
Au1994 30
Anon 31
gimmestdtranny 33
Tifighter 34
Jpp5862 35
Steve 36
Roadburner 37
Nyccarguy 38
Rayainsw 39
Ateixeira 40
sandman 43
Kyfdx 45
Any guesses for 2014?
Guess I can now throw away all the repair /oil change paperwork from my Civic...have put everything in a big bag and probably will wait till after the amp goes in Tuesday and then read them all one last time and discard them all. All useless paper now and not sure where the Civic is now as I did not see it yesterday on the lot. If they repair the back bumper cover and clean out the interior, bet they could put it on their lot and get maybe $9350 for it. I will keep on eye out for it on their web site as they could make a little bit on it if that bumper cover don't cost too much.
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
(Or you could get a loaded CLA250).
I can't commit to number yet, but overall I'd guess less than this year.
Late to the party, but congrats Sandy and Mike. Enjoy your rides!
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Didn't mean to insult you; since I've been a member of Edmunds for 10 plus years or so, I've read all the posts and I realize you DO have to live with her! Just my sense of humor regarding your decision-making process.
I'm gonna go with a guess of 20 for 2014. sandy and tjc have one each, and breld has to be good for at least 3 or 4, and mike may grow tired of the CLS and go back to something else.
No punches expected for me next year. Wife is quite happy with her CX-7 and the daughter loves her MINI, though she has talked about trading it in for a Countryman with ALL4. Problem is, when she configured it on-line she got the MSRP up to $36K!!!!
Speaking of the MINI, I took it to the local tire dealer this morning. They measured the tires at either 3/32 or 4/32, so not quite as dire as the dealer, who told me 2/32 all around. Talked to the kid about this and she wants me to go ahead and order the OEM Contis through the local place and get them installed. That will happen probably at the end of next week.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
(I'm kind of sad that all the manufacturers have exited the DLP television market. Although I've had repair issues with my 57" model, for the past couple of years, even the 70-80" models were affordable.)
I have a Fowler X-Tread digital tread gauge which will measure the tread depth of my tires. It's very precise (down to 1/1000 of an inch or mm) but you can switch the mode to round off to the closest 1/64", which is how I use it.
Let's see .. she wants the Countryman S with ALL4, automatic, leather and pretty much every tech toy available (NAV, Harmon/Kardon stereo, etc.).
At the dealer the other night, I saw a Countryman with an MSRP of $45K! Of course, it was the John Cooper Works edition, but still...
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Colors tend to evolve and I have seen a LOT more brown new cars out there.
BTW, that khaki color on the Elements wasn't a high demand color compared to others. Still, I probably would have chosen that color too.
Honda aimed the Element toward the 19-26 year old males but the missed the mark. I sold more to older and retired people.
They certainly weren't my favorite Honda.
Next up, is an Enclave (depending on lease deals) , Explorer, or Pathfinder. I'd buy a Highlander but my wife hates them. I personally hate SUVs, but since this is her car I'll give in!
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
She tried to blame me now for the worsening headlights over the past 2 years until I reminded her that I am the one who wanted it done then but she refused. I was the one who wants to, and has wanted to, have her a/c fixed now but she keeps saying no. Had enough and set her straight that I can only have done what she wants me to do since I hardly drive it...asked her in the future, make all the decisions about your vehicle and I will take it in to do whatever maintenance you want as I am tired of getting blamed after the fact on this crap. In my vehicle, if something needs to be done, I just do it so it's always maintained as I believe in preventive maintenance but even that has its limits...there's a fine balance here. Luckily, besides hers, all the others sleds in the fleet are pretty easy to maintain and have low mileage except the Versa which is close to 50k right now. We'll take cars of that on the 26th or 27th of this month and the Accent will be home those few days so will check it out to see how it drives, maybe even take it up to work one day to blow out the injectors a bit. I know the Versa needs a good detail but that'll get taken care of.
But again, no offense taken and it's probably good that we can sit and laugh about this kind of stuff.
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)