Yes, the Mugen Civic Si was the textbook definition of pointless- stupid money for some suspension tweaks, trim bits, and stickers. If Honda's product planners actually believed that the car would be considered to be serious competition for the Mazdaspeed 3 and WRX then they were smoking some unbelievably potent crack...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
We've had quite a bit of hail over the past few days here in Denver too. Fortunately we have a garage at work, so that lessens the opportunity for damage.
Speaking of TDIs, tonight I was coming off of a downhill exit ramp, slowing down because of the heavy traffic. There is a merge from the left and a cross merge from the right to try and get to the highway on the left. Anyway, I see a Passat approaching from the right. Now I'm going straight and have the right of way. Due to the difficulty of the merge fom the right cross to the left, I always wave the driver on from the right. The woman driving the Passat looked left (at me) and before I even had a chance to wave her on (nt everyone is as nice as me), stabs the throttle and just squirts in front of me and onto the highway in 1 smooth motion. As she crossed in front of me, I saw the TDI badge on the back. Diesel torque!
I heard a screamer ad in the radio tonight for "Lester Glenn Hyundai" advertising $10,000 off the sticker price of every new 2014 Sonata Limited in stock. There is some fierce competition in NJ between Lester Glenn, Brad Benson, & Sansone Hyundai dealers. They all spend big money advertising on the radio.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
10K? If I walked in at the limited on the floor with the 28K MSRP was a legit 18K, I would buy the dang thing. Of course, when I see that, I always assume there is a 3K dealer pack in there someplace.
I certainly would like a Touareg TDI, but as with all their models, they carry quite a premium, but this one doesn't come with a dramatic upgrade in MPG. Actually, the upfront cost isn't all that bad, but the difference on the used market is pretty steep. 17/23 on the V6 versus 20/29 on the TDI. Better for sure, but the TDI's I'm seeing listed are going for $5-10k more, and with many more miles.
So I did check out the '02 330ci this afternoon. Decent condition, but there was a tear at the seam on the driver's bolster, and the wheels were painted (or dipped or whatever) a matte gray. Yuck.
45k miles is nice, but I've seen many well kept BMWs with twice as many miles in just as good, if not better, condition.
Even the salesperson admitted it was priced way over book, but the manager came back with some KBB printout that somehow showed a retail price of $12.5k, and then graciously offered it for only $12.9k.
The salesperson also commented on how quick the car was, and how he thought there were twin-turbos on this model.
Sometimes you have a dealer that doesn't know what they have, and so they undervalue it (like, perhaps a Lexus dealer with a ZHP trade in). This was one of those times when they don't know what they have, and they've grossly overpriced it.
If you are even remotely interested, the 2 places your should check out are:
fuelly.com where real world owners report their mileage & the site spits out a cost per mile as well. It is pretty cool and very easy to track your fill ups.
Right here on edmunds.com you can follow @gagrice and @ruking1 on "What Would It Take for You to buy a Diesel Car?" They each own a 2013 & 2012 TDI Toureg.
I'd love to try and make a Passat TDI work for us, but VW just puts so much incentives on the TSI that it will be hard to justify the price delta.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
My buddy the Porsche mechanic just bought his wife a used TDI Toureg (I think he might have gotten it somewhat cheap due to some serious issue--not sure what that was, but not the engine); anyway, she just loves it, and he seems very impressed---this from a guy who is not easy to impress, given what he drives himself and what he works on every day. He also services Audi so that's his VW connection, indirectly.
The local Lexus dealer has some CPO CT200Hs listed for sale in the $24 - $26K range with super low miles. One is a 2012 with only 9K miles. While checking out their website, I see this low miles, loaded up 2012 Dodge Charger RT AWD. Red with a Red interior. Not a cool red interior like in a BMW 1er, but Lipstick red like its right out of an early '90s Corvette. They are asking $28K for the car. I say they gave the PO $21-$22K for it?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I heard a screamer ad in the radio tonight for "Lester Glenn Hyundai" advertising $10,000 off the sticker price of every new 2014 Sonata Limited in stock. There is some fierce competition in NJ between Lester Glenn, Brad Benson, & Sansone Hyundai dealers. They all spend big money advertising on the radio.
nyc,
All 3 of the dealers you mention have game. They get over on car buyers big time. Absolutely no chance of getting 10k off any of there vehicles. I have bought many vehicles from each dealership over the years but let me tell you its not fun or easy with any of them.
My younger brother played football with Brad Benson at Penn State college in the 70's. He is doing very well over there. They sucker many uneducated buyers. His ad's mislead many folks into thinking they will get a great deal. I laugh every time i hear one of those radio ad's
I'm now maybe 6 months from lease pull forward, or 9 months til lease end. I've started looking at CL for anything interesting - really hard to find a mint low miles right colors 97-99 W140, I might give up that hunt. But...
Thanks for the heads up on the Si Stick! Other than nav, that's just like the one I was thinking about locally here (it sold). Seems like a nice price for not horrible miles. The one's around here in that price range are well into the 100k's.
As for the Touareg TDI, that does seem to be "the" model to get if you can swing it. Car & Driver did a comparison test a little while ago where the VW came out on top against the diesel versions of the Grand Cherokee, ML, X5, and Cayenne. Pretty impressive.
nyccarguy - I'm sure you will, but definitely check out the TDI on the Passat. I'm happy with the 1.8T in mine, but considering how well the TDIs hold their value, that extra upfront cost is mitigated quite a bit through resale. You may appreciate the additional torque.
@breld said:
Sometimes you have a dealer that doesn't know what they have, and so they undervalue it (like, perhaps a Lexus dealer with a ZHP trade in). This was one of those times when they don't know what they have, and they've grossly overpriced it.
I love the idiot dealerships that see one ///M badge on a 5 Series and advertise that it has the "M5 Package". Then there are the brain-dead morons who advertise an M3 with the "very rare" manual transmission...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
well, that is certainly blue. Personally, I would like it a lot more without the SC on it. not like it really needed more power, and it opens up a whole like more risk.
That blue overload is pretty garish, but I don't hate it. What would a stock one with similar miles and condition be worth? All of that probably reliability-lessening tack on stuff looks like the dictionary definition of "bad investment". I usually keep walking when I see AMGs modified similarly.
I definitely like that Laguna blue, but the seats are certainly a bit much. And the mods are not to my taste. But if you're okay with those things, the price isn't all that bad for the miles. Thanks for the enabling!
There are some questions to ask. First - has your friend had a MB before? What are his expectations? Does he have a maintenance/repair budget? It won't be like running an 03 Camry.
Pros - C320 was the highline C class and will have better materials and features than a lowline car. The engine is smooth, and with over 200hp, performance is adequate. This car is a nice color combo and appears to have been cared for.
Cons - W203 are not known to be the pinnacle of MB quality, earlier ones especially. This one might not be too bad.
Might be a nice car, maybe negotiate a little on the price or on that warranty offer for peace of mind.
There are some questions to ask. First - has your friend had a MB before? What are his expectations? Does he have a maintenance/repair budget? It won't be like running an 03 Camry.
He is currently driving a '90's J30 with 200k, so he's used to having a repair budget.
Pros - C320 was the highline C class and will have better materials and features than a lowline car. The engine is smooth, and with over 200hp, performance is adequate. This car is a nice color combo and appears to have been cared for.
I think Santa Barbara is chock full of those kinds of cars. Low mileage, well cared for, one (elderly) owner.
Cons - W203 are not known to be the pinnacle of MB quality, earlier ones especially. This one might not be too bad.
I figure the engine is strong, the electrics are weak. Do these have a timing belt or chain?
Might be a nice car, maybe negotiate a little on the price or on that warranty offer for peace of mind.
Yeah I like that it has a short warranty standard - if anything goes wrong, it should happen pretty quick. Plus, the available ext warranty means someone is willing to stand behind it for another 3 years - not something you often see for 10 year old 100k luxury brands.
IIRC, MB has never made a car with a timing belt, so that's one less worry. Of course, there are other worries to make up for it. Electrical gremlins are a risk. I'd also want some kind of maintenance history - if it is really a one owner car, something should be able to be produced. I'd also want to be sure the transmission is solid and has been serviced. That was an era when MB was still often going by the "lifetime" service interval, which was negligent at best, and really just dumb. If the transmission is untouched, deduct a few hundred for a service and maybe get a PPI at the same time. That'd probably be my biggest worry. Knock it down to say $8500-9000, and it's a nice car for not a lot of money.
@fintail said:
IIRC, MB has never made a car with a timing belt, so that's one less worry. Of course, there are other worries to make up for it. Electrical gremlins are a risk. I'd also want some kind of maintenance history - if it is really a one owner car, something should be able to be produced. I'd also want to be sure the transmission is solid and has been serviced. That was an era when MB was still often going by the "lifetime" service interval, which was negligent at best, and really just dumb. If the transmission is untouched, deduct a few hundred for a service and maybe get a PPI at the same time. That'd probably be my biggest worry. Knock it down to say $8500-9000, and it's a nice car for not a lot of money.
Perfect. I knew you could tell me what to look for. I'll talk to him soon and pass this along.
@breld said:
Seriously considered buying this car earlier this week.
The ad has been deleted, but I always loved Mystic Blue as a color.
@breld said:
The Passat may not be winning comparison tests, but, IMO, it just does so much so well.
I was not all that enthused with the 2.5 liter Passat (haven't driven the new 1.8T). I recently had a 2.5 liter 2013 Jetta SE as a loaner, and there was nothing at all "special" about it. It ran on regular gas but got about 3 MPG worse than my GLI, the handling was mushy, and I didn't see a whole lot to recommend it over one of the Japanese or Korean brands. I was more bothered by the soft suspension than I was the hard plastic dashboard!
still not sure why people obsess so much about the dash. it looks fine to me, and when I am in my son's car, including when I drive it, I never actually touch the dash.
and there is no real comparison from the 2.5l SE to the 1.8t. much better engine, MPG is up, and the new suspension handles just fine. I would suggest driving one to compare instead of deciding based on that rental!
I can't wait to see the 15s when they come out. The Golf was sweet, and I think the Jetta is going to be the same platform, just stretched, with the same interior?
Wouldn't be a Memorial Day without some car shopping (no punch though).
I may have to turn in my man card. Or I'm just getting older.
In the spirit of my newfound affection for comfort over sport, I looked at and test drove a Lexus ES350.....
And I liked it quite a bit.
Used, but a new model 2013 CPO. As would be expected, it was extremely smooth and quiet. Plenty of power with its V6. From a handling perspective? If I was just coming out of my 335xi, I may not have thought much of it, but compared to my Passat, I thought it was fairly athletic.
Interior space was much greater than I expected - backseat legroom seemed as spacious as the Passat, which is to say great. I really like the interior design language of the new Lexus's. Nice cockpit feel.
This one seemed nicely equipped with navigation, blind spot monitoring, etc.
19k miles, CPO, listed at $36.9k, I'd imagine $35k would do it. But they weren't the least interested in my VW, and that was reflected in the trade offer. And for that matter, it would've taken a crazy deal for me to actually pull the trigger today. At this price point of $35k, there's a lot of models to consider.
put me on the list as appreciating the Lexus ES. Real comfy. plenty of goodies.
I had to do a couple of 75 mile highway trips this weekend (taking my son to the train station, then picking him up) so used my TL. Damn, that is a really good highway cruiser. really in it's element. I find it a bit heavy/cumbersome around town, but on the road, it just cruises. The ES would be that, times 10.
@stickguy said:
and there is no real comparison from the 2.5l SE to the 1.8t. much better engine, MPG is up, and the new suspension handles just fine. I would suggest driving one to compare instead of deciding based on that rental!
Yeah, I should give the new 2014 1.8T model a test drive sometime. It would still be kind of cool if they offered a "light" sport package for the 1.8T, maybe with just a firmer suspension and 17" wheels for $1,000 or so. You could "chip" the engine and turn it into a budget GLI.
I don't think APR has a chip for the 6-speed automatic 1.8T yet, but they are working on it. They did find that, although the new 1.8T engine does run on regular fuel, as advertised, it produces more power with premium fuel, even with a stock tune, so that's something your son and Breld might want to experiment with in their 1.8Ts.
you would probably have to go aftermarket for suspension tweaks, but there are plenty out there. And the VW dealer is perfectly happy to sell you bigger wheels.
I can mention using premium, but pretty sure the car is quick enough as is, since he is paying the gas bills now!
"The Passat may not be winning comparison tests..." @breld
That's why I think comparison tests are just one of many tools to use when researching a vehicle. One of my favorite things to read are owner reviews. I feel the same way about our Pilot. It's current body style dates back to 2009. It gets dogged by the automotive press. 3 years and close to 50,000 miles into ownership, it continues to impress me. I have no reason to believe it won't hold up as well or better than my Prelude.
Just this weekend. Yesterday we piled all of our beach stuff in the trunk (beach cart, beach chairs, beach toys, cooler bags, beach bags) without having to play "SUV Tetris."
This afternoon my wife got home from work & we decided to all go on a bike ride. I drive, wife rides shot gun, 3 kids (7 1/2, 5, 2 1/2) sit in the second row. We throw our bike trailer (one of us gets to tow the 2 year old) in the trunk with the helmets & rack the bikes up on the back.
Back to the Passat. I'm going to test drive both the TSI & TDI models. If I happen to like the TDI model better, I'll certainly run the numbers to see if it will be worth it. Right now I think the TSI has a crummy residual, but lease cash and a low money factor to make it interesting. While TDIs have no lease cash, but a 5% higher. We'll see.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Bradd, I read a preview test in the paper yesterday on the new Legacy. Very positive stuff. Sounds like they really upgraded all the important aspects, and even have the MPG ratings up to 26/36, so right there with the FWD options. really interested in seeing this when it comes out, though not quite sure when that is.
probably won't do you any good, but heck, could be some amazing deals late this summer on leftover 2014s!
@nyccarguy said:
"The Passat may not be winning comparison tests..." breld
That's why I think comparison tests are just one of many tools to use when researching a vehicle. One of my favorite things to read are owner reviews. I feel the same way about our Pilot. It's current body style dates back to 2009. It gets dogged by the automotive press. 3 years and close to 50,000 miles into ownership, it continues to impress me. I have no reason to believe it won't hold up as well or better than my Prelude.
Just this weekend. Yesterday we piled all of our beach stuff in the trunk (beach cart, beach chairs, beach toys, cooler bags, beach bags) without having to play "SUV Tetris."
This afternoon my wife got home from work & we decided to all go on a bike ride. I drive, wife rides shot gun, 3 kids (7 1/2, 5, 2 1/2) sit in the second row. We throw our bike trailer (one of us gets to tow the 2 year old) in the trunk with the helmets & rack the bikes up on the back.
We basically feel that way about our Odyssey - we've recently considered replacing it with a more "manly" SUV, but when we have to haul around all 4 kids and some stuff, it just works so well. And with 70k miles on it, it looks and runs great, and will do so for many more miles.
To that point, we did look at a recent model Pilot in our searching, and that'd probably be the one I'd pick if we went that way. All the same "goodness" we're used to in the Odyssey - love all the storage inside. The boxy look may be a bit bland to look at it, but it pays dividends in interior room.
Back to the Passat. I'm going to test drive both the TSI & TDI models. If I happen to like the TDI model better, I'll certainly run the numbers to see if it will be worth it. Right now I think the TSI has a crummy residual, but lease cash and a low money factor to make it interesting. While TDIs have no lease cash, but a 5% higher. We'll see.
I drove the TSI and TDI models back to back on the same route when I bought mine. I honestly didn't feel a significant amount of difference in acceleration or smoothness in the transmission (both were good). I liked the idea of the traditional auto vs. DSG, as well as the use of regular gas. In hindsight, I may have chosen the TDI instead, just for that increased range and torque. If I remember right, the lease payments were almost the same between the two, for similar models.
Leftover 2014 Legacys & Passats will definitely be on my radar. Both have significant body changes for 2015. The AWD is what keeps bringing me back to try and get a good price on the Subie.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
'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 spent some time at the Lexus dealership this afternoon, looking at and driving the ES350 and ES300h.
The hybrid took some getting used to, primarily due to the CVT and the overall hybrid performance. It accelerates just fine, but the feel is certainly a bit different. I'd say overall I prefer the drive of the ES350, but for the increased efficiency, I'd probably go with the ES300h, particularly since it's only $2-3k more.
I do like the combination of the comfort, quietness, spaciousness and luxury features offered on the ES's. And I actually like the look of the car - it kind of reminds me of a slightly larger Mazda6 with the way the grill protrudes out from the headlights. The rear taillights also remind me of the Mazda. And as I said before, I really like the interior cockpit feel.
We'll see - they sticker for right around $45k nicely equipped, $47 for the hybrid. Salesperson today was very upfront that they could do invoice less holdback - or around $3k off. Not all that bad for what you're getting. But I'd rather wait for used ones to start showing up more on the market. They had a couple used ES300h's listed at $42k - ridiculous. Another dealer had a nice CPO ES350 for $36k. A bit better.
Just not sure if I'm ready to take on the inevitable loss on the Passat at this point. Doesn't get better over time, but may as well get more use out of it after taking the brunt of depreciation.
For nyccarguy - the 1.8T makes a good case for itself against the TDI.
Now I know the trip calculators in the car aren't necessarily the most accurate measure, but still....that was on my half hour, 30 mile trip home from a tennis match tonight. Obviously mostly highway.
ti...this bege the question..."who in the world would buy that?". Moreover, what possessed the dealership to think tricking out that Mini like that was a good idea?
Kind of reminded me of a BMW dealer a few years back, when I was shopping fot an E92. Anyone who's shopped a 3 Series knows the volume models are the 32x ones. The upper level, gaster 33x models are much harder to come by. Anyway, the next closest dealer (not the one I purchased from) had 2 335ix coupes in stock, which for them was 2 more than they usually carry. Problem was, the dealer "cutomized" both with hideous stripes on the hood and trunk.
They said they could make a "great" deal on either. Yeah....guess so. I passed. Couldn't see me going to my garage every a.m. to see "stripey".
@tifighter said:
While perusing the listings (who doesn't?), came across this odd duck. Yes, that appears to be a lift installed...
impressive. thanks! This is the 1st time I've ever not known pretty much exactly what I wanted as far as what my next car will be. I started a spreadsheet last night with some pertinent pricing information that I'll share with our hosts once I start test driving and narrowing down choices.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Comments
Yes, the Mugen Civic Si was the textbook definition of pointless- stupid money for some suspension tweaks, trim bits, and stickers. If Honda's product planners actually believed that the car would be considered to be serious competition for the Mazdaspeed 3 and WRX then they were smoking some unbelievably potent crack...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
We've had quite a bit of hail over the past few days here in Denver too. Fortunately we have a garage at work, so that lessens the opportunity for damage.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
@breld
Why not check out a Toureg TDI?
Speaking of TDIs, tonight I was coming off of a downhill exit ramp, slowing down because of the heavy traffic. There is a merge from the left and a cross merge from the right to try and get to the highway on the left. Anyway, I see a Passat approaching from the right. Now I'm going straight and have the right of way. Due to the difficulty of the merge fom the right cross to the left, I always wave the driver on from the right. The woman driving the Passat looked left (at me) and before I even had a chance to wave her on (nt everyone is as nice as me), stabs the throttle and just squirts in front of me and onto the highway in 1 smooth motion. As she crossed in front of me, I saw the TDI badge on the back. Diesel torque!
@stickguy
@qbrozen
I heard a screamer ad in the radio tonight for "Lester Glenn Hyundai" advertising $10,000 off the sticker price of every new 2014 Sonata Limited in stock. There is some fierce competition in NJ between Lester Glenn, Brad Benson, & Sansone Hyundai dealers. They all spend big money advertising on the radio.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
10K? If I walked in at the limited on the floor with the 28K MSRP was a legit 18K, I would buy the dang thing. Of course, when I see that, I always assume there is a 3K dealer pack in there someplace.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
3K? I'd bet 4K or 5K...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I certainly would like a Touareg TDI, but as with all their models, they carry quite a premium, but this one doesn't come with a dramatic upgrade in MPG. Actually, the upfront cost isn't all that bad, but the difference on the used market is pretty steep. 17/23 on the V6 versus 20/29 on the TDI. Better for sure, but the TDI's I'm seeing listed are going for $5-10k more, and with many more miles.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
So I did check out the '02 330ci this afternoon. Decent condition, but there was a tear at the seam on the driver's bolster, and the wheels were painted (or dipped or whatever) a matte gray. Yuck.
45k miles is nice, but I've seen many well kept BMWs with twice as many miles in just as good, if not better, condition.
Even the salesperson admitted it was priced way over book, but the manager came back with some KBB printout that somehow showed a retail price of $12.5k, and then graciously offered it for only $12.9k.
The salesperson also commented on how quick the car was, and how he thought there were twin-turbos on this model.
Sometimes you have a dealer that doesn't know what they have, and so they undervalue it (like, perhaps a Lexus dealer with a ZHP trade in). This was one of those times when they don't know what they have, and they've grossly overpriced it.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
@breld
If you are even remotely interested, the 2 places your should check out are:
fuelly.com where real world owners report their mileage & the site spits out a cost per mile as well. It is pretty cool and very easy to track your fill ups.
Right here on edmunds.com you can follow @gagrice and @ruking1 on "What Would It Take for You to buy a Diesel Car?" They each own a 2013 & 2012 TDI Toureg.
I'd love to try and make a Passat TDI work for us, but VW just puts so much incentives on the TSI that it will be hard to justify the price delta.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
My buddy the Porsche mechanic just bought his wife a used TDI Toureg (I think he might have gotten it somewhat cheap due to some serious issue--not sure what that was, but not the engine); anyway, she just loves it, and he seems very impressed---this from a guy who is not easy to impress, given what he drives himself and what he works on every day. He also services Audi so that's his VW connection, indirectly.
well, the toureg is sort of a Porsche under the skin (or maybe the Porsche is a VW?).
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The local Lexus dealer has some CPO CT200Hs listed for sale in the $24 - $26K range with super low miles. One is a 2012 with only 9K miles. While checking out their website, I see this low miles, loaded up 2012 Dodge Charger RT AWD. Red with a Red interior. Not a cool red interior like in a BMW 1er, but Lipstick red like its right out of an early '90s Corvette. They are asking $28K for the car. I say they gave the PO $21-$22K for it?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
well, that one certainly is red. I'm surprised they still make an interior that color! I know I could never get my wife to sign off on that one.
quite a bit different than the other options you have been talking about. if your wife likes it, go for it!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
one for Breld:
http://subaruofcherryhill.reachlocal.com/?scid=277169&kw=696649:3791
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
nyccarguy said;
I heard a screamer ad in the radio tonight for "Lester Glenn Hyundai" advertising $10,000 off the sticker price of every new 2014 Sonata Limited in stock. There is some fierce competition in NJ between Lester Glenn, Brad Benson, & Sansone Hyundai dealers. They all spend big money advertising on the radio.
nyc,
All 3 of the dealers you mention have game. They get over on car buyers big time. Absolutely no chance of getting 10k off any of there vehicles. I have bought many vehicles from each dealership over the years but let me tell you its not fun or easy with any of them.
My younger brother played football with Brad Benson at Penn State college in the 70's. He is doing very well over there. They sucker many uneducated buyers. His ad's mislead many folks into thinking they will get a great deal. I laugh every time i hear one of those radio ad's
23 Telluride SX-P X-Line, 23 Camry XSE
I'm now maybe 6 months from lease pull forward, or 9 months til lease end. I've started looking at CL for anything interesting - really hard to find a mint low miles right colors 97-99 W140, I might give up that hunt. But...
If it is as nice as the description, probably worth it
Notoriously pricey seller, but cool car
Or a cool rare expensive gas guzzler
Realistically, will probably lease again should finances allow.
Thanks for the heads up on the Si Stick! Other than nav, that's just like the one I was thinking about locally here (it sold). Seems like a nice price for not horrible miles. The one's around here in that price range are well into the 100k's.
As for the Touareg TDI, that does seem to be "the" model to get if you can swing it. Car & Driver did a comparison test a little while ago where the VW came out on top against the diesel versions of the Grand Cherokee, ML, X5, and Cayenne. Pretty impressive.
nyccarguy - I'm sure you will, but definitely check out the TDI on the Passat. I'm happy with the 1.8T in mine, but considering how well the TDIs hold their value, that extra upfront cost is mitigated quite a bit through resale. You may appreciate the additional torque.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
I love the idiot dealerships that see one ///M badge on a 5 Series and advertise that it has the "M5 Package". Then there are the brain-dead morons who advertise an M3 with the "very rare" manual transmission...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Breld: I'm enabling you...
http://eugene.craigslist.org/cto/4469145622.html
only 50k miles
well, that is certainly blue. Personally, I would like it a lot more without the SC on it. not like it really needed more power, and it opens up a whole like more risk.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Just spent 9k on a supercharger and now it's for sale for 23k. I'd pass on that one.
A Smurf droptop. No thanks- can't take it to CCA HPDEs...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
That blue overload is pretty garish, but I don't hate it. What would a stock one with similar miles and condition be worth? All of that probably reliability-lessening tack on stuff looks like the dictionary definition of "bad investment". I usually keep walking when I see AMGs modified similarly.
I definitely like that Laguna blue, but the seats are certainly a bit much. And the mods are not to my taste. But if you're okay with those things, the price isn't all that bad for the miles. Thanks for the enabling!
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
My buddy in CA has found an '03 C320 with 93k on it. Asking $9800.
I can't copy the lInk on my phone. Google carzoid Santa Barbara.
Thoughts? Anyone?
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Here it is
There are some questions to ask. First - has your friend had a MB before? What are his expectations? Does he have a maintenance/repair budget? It won't be like running an 03 Camry.
Pros - C320 was the highline C class and will have better materials and features than a lowline car. The engine is smooth, and with over 200hp, performance is adequate. This car is a nice color combo and appears to have been cared for.
Cons - W203 are not known to be the pinnacle of MB quality, earlier ones especially. This one might not be too bad.
Might be a nice car, maybe negotiate a little on the price or on that warranty offer for peace of mind.
He is currently driving a '90's J30 with 200k, so he's used to having a repair budget.
I think Santa Barbara is chock full of those kinds of cars. Low mileage, well cared for, one (elderly) owner.
I figure the engine is strong, the electrics are weak. Do these have a timing belt or chain?
Yeah I like that it has a short warranty standard - if anything goes wrong, it should happen pretty quick. Plus, the available ext warranty means someone is willing to stand behind it for another 3 years - not something you often see for 10 year old 100k luxury brands.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
IIRC, MB has never made a car with a timing belt, so that's one less worry. Of course, there are other worries to make up for it. Electrical gremlins are a risk. I'd also want some kind of maintenance history - if it is really a one owner car, something should be able to be produced. I'd also want to be sure the transmission is solid and has been serviced. That was an era when MB was still often going by the "lifetime" service interval, which was negligent at best, and really just dumb. If the transmission is untouched, deduct a few hundred for a service and maybe get a PPI at the same time. That'd probably be my biggest worry. Knock it down to say $8500-9000, and it's a nice car for not a lot of money.
Perfect. I knew you could tell me what to look for. I'll talk to him soon and pass this along.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
The ad has been deleted, but I always loved Mystic Blue as a color.
I was not all that enthused with the 2.5 liter Passat (haven't driven the new 1.8T). I recently had a 2.5 liter 2013 Jetta SE as a loaner, and there was nothing at all "special" about it. It ran on regular gas but got about 3 MPG worse than my GLI, the handling was mushy, and I didn't see a whole lot to recommend it over one of the Japanese or Korean brands. I was more bothered by the soft suspension than I was the hard plastic dashboard!
still not sure why people obsess so much about the dash. it looks fine to me, and when I am in my son's car, including when I drive it, I never actually touch the dash.
and there is no real comparison from the 2.5l SE to the 1.8t. much better engine, MPG is up, and the new suspension handles just fine. I would suggest driving one to compare instead of deciding based on that rental!
I can't wait to see the 15s when they come out. The Golf was sweet, and I think the Jetta is going to be the same platform, just stretched, with the same interior?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Wouldn't be a Memorial Day without some car shopping (no punch though).
I may have to turn in my man card. Or I'm just getting older.
In the spirit of my newfound affection for comfort over sport, I looked at and test drove a Lexus ES350.....
And I liked it quite a bit.
Used, but a new model 2013 CPO. As would be expected, it was extremely smooth and quiet. Plenty of power with its V6. From a handling perspective? If I was just coming out of my 335xi, I may not have thought much of it, but compared to my Passat, I thought it was fairly athletic.
Interior space was much greater than I expected - backseat legroom seemed as spacious as the Passat, which is to say great. I really like the interior design language of the new Lexus's. Nice cockpit feel.
This one seemed nicely equipped with navigation, blind spot monitoring, etc.
19k miles, CPO, listed at $36.9k, I'd imagine $35k would do it. But they weren't the least interested in my VW, and that was reflected in the trade offer. And for that matter, it would've taken a crazy deal for me to actually pull the trigger today. At this price point of $35k, there's a lot of models to consider.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
put me on the list as appreciating the Lexus ES. Real comfy. plenty of goodies.
I had to do a couple of 75 mile highway trips this weekend (taking my son to the train station, then picking him up) so used my TL. Damn, that is a really good highway cruiser. really in it's element. I find it a bit heavy/cumbersome around town, but on the road, it just cruises. The ES would be that, times 10.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Yeah, I should give the new 2014 1.8T model a test drive sometime. It would still be kind of cool if they offered a "light" sport package for the 1.8T, maybe with just a firmer suspension and 17" wheels for $1,000 or so. You could "chip" the engine and turn it into a budget GLI.
I don't think APR has a chip for the 6-speed automatic 1.8T yet, but they are working on it. They did find that, although the new 1.8T engine does run on regular fuel, as advertised, it produces more power with premium fuel, even with a stock tune, so that's something your son and Breld might want to experiment with in their 1.8Ts.
you would probably have to go aftermarket for suspension tweaks, but there are plenty out there. And the VW dealer is perfectly happy to sell you bigger wheels.
I can mention using premium, but pretty sure the car is quick enough as is, since he is paying the gas bills now!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
"The Passat may not be winning comparison tests..." @breld
That's why I think comparison tests are just one of many tools to use when researching a vehicle. One of my favorite things to read are owner reviews. I feel the same way about our Pilot. It's current body style dates back to 2009. It gets dogged by the automotive press. 3 years and close to 50,000 miles into ownership, it continues to impress me. I have no reason to believe it won't hold up as well or better than my Prelude.
Just this weekend. Yesterday we piled all of our beach stuff in the trunk (beach cart, beach chairs, beach toys, cooler bags, beach bags) without having to play "SUV Tetris."
This afternoon my wife got home from work & we decided to all go on a bike ride. I drive, wife rides shot gun, 3 kids (7 1/2, 5, 2 1/2) sit in the second row. We throw our bike trailer (one of us gets to tow the 2 year old) in the trunk with the helmets & rack the bikes up on the back.
Back to the Passat. I'm going to test drive both the TSI & TDI models. If I happen to like the TDI model better, I'll certainly run the numbers to see if it will be worth it. Right now I think the TSI has a crummy residual, but lease cash and a low money factor to make it interesting. While TDIs have no lease cash, but a 5% higher. We'll see.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Bradd, I read a preview test in the paper yesterday on the new Legacy. Very positive stuff. Sounds like they really upgraded all the important aspects, and even have the MPG ratings up to 26/36, so right there with the FWD options. really interested in seeing this when it comes out, though not quite sure when that is.
probably won't do you any good, but heck, could be some amazing deals late this summer on leftover 2014s!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
We basically feel that way about our Odyssey - we've recently considered replacing it with a more "manly" SUV, but when we have to haul around all 4 kids and some stuff, it just works so well. And with 70k miles on it, it looks and runs great, and will do so for many more miles.
To that point, we did look at a recent model Pilot in our searching, and that'd probably be the one I'd pick if we went that way. All the same "goodness" we're used to in the Odyssey - love all the storage inside. The boxy look may be a bit bland to look at it, but it pays dividends in interior room.
I drove the TSI and TDI models back to back on the same route when I bought mine. I honestly didn't feel a significant amount of difference in acceleration or smoothness in the transmission (both were good). I liked the idea of the traditional auto vs. DSG, as well as the use of regular gas. In hindsight, I may have chosen the TDI instead, just for that increased range and torque. If I remember right, the lease payments were almost the same between the two, for similar models.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
@stickguy
Leftover 2014 Legacys & Passats will definitely be on my radar. Both have significant body changes for 2015. The AWD is what keeps bringing me back to try and get a good price on the Subie.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Looks very nice for 140k miles. What could go wrong?
2001 M5
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Not necessarily in the market for one of these, but without knowing any better, seems like a pretty good deal?
Z4 M
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
That price is in the low side; the Z4 M Coupes can bring $6k-$10k more, easy-they are a bit of a cult car...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
So you're saying I should buy it.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Does it really have to be said?!
'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...)
While perusing the listings (who doesn't?), came across this odd duck. Yes, that appears to be a lift installed...
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
Yep...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I spent some time at the Lexus dealership this afternoon, looking at and driving the ES350 and ES300h.
The hybrid took some getting used to, primarily due to the CVT and the overall hybrid performance. It accelerates just fine, but the feel is certainly a bit different. I'd say overall I prefer the drive of the ES350, but for the increased efficiency, I'd probably go with the ES300h, particularly since it's only $2-3k more.
I do like the combination of the comfort, quietness, spaciousness and luxury features offered on the ES's. And I actually like the look of the car - it kind of reminds me of a slightly larger Mazda6 with the way the grill protrudes out from the headlights. The rear taillights also remind me of the Mazda. And as I said before, I really like the interior cockpit feel.
We'll see - they sticker for right around $45k nicely equipped, $47 for the hybrid. Salesperson today was very upfront that they could do invoice less holdback - or around $3k off. Not all that bad for what you're getting. But I'd rather wait for used ones to start showing up more on the market. They had a couple used ES300h's listed at $42k - ridiculous. Another dealer had a nice CPO ES350 for $36k. A bit better.
Just not sure if I'm ready to take on the inevitable loss on the Passat at this point. Doesn't get better over time, but may as well get more use out of it after taking the brunt of depreciation.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
For nyccarguy - the 1.8T makes a good case for itself against the TDI.
Now I know the trip calculators in the car aren't necessarily the most accurate measure, but still....that was on my half hour, 30 mile trip home from a tennis match tonight. Obviously mostly highway.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
ti...this bege the question..."who in the world would buy that?". Moreover, what possessed the dealership to think tricking out that Mini like that was a good idea?
Kind of reminded me of a BMW dealer a few years back, when I was shopping fot an E92. Anyone who's shopped a 3 Series knows the volume models are the 32x ones. The upper level, gaster 33x models are much harder to come by. Anyway, the next closest dealer (not the one I purchased from) had 2 335ix coupes in stock, which for them was 2 more than they usually carry. Problem was, the dealer "cutomized" both with hideous stripes on the hood and trunk.
They said they could make a "great" deal on either. Yeah....guess so. I passed. Couldn't see me going to my garage every a.m. to see "stripey".
@breld
impressive. thanks! This is the 1st time I've ever not known pretty much exactly what I wanted as far as what my next car will be. I started a spreadsheet last night with some pertinent pricing information that I'll share with our hosts once I start test driving and narrowing down choices.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
@graphicguy heck, I woulda just taken the stickers off after making a "great deal."
'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