@breld said:
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 fun, check out the LaCrosse, Lexus like with huge discounts and AWD is available. Great deals on CPO's as well. I love my 2012 AWD.
@jayrider said:
For fun, check out the LaCrosse, Lexus like with huge discounts and AWD is available. Great deals on CPO's as well. I love my 2012 AWD.
I would also check out the redesigned 2015 Genesis with 8 speed trans, and Awd comming out in late Sept/ Oct. Alot more for your money than the Lexus and Buick and aslo featuring a great warranty, and awesome sound system . The standard features on the new 2015 is very impressive with every safety option imaginable. My only problem with the 2015 is the look of it. Would need to see this car in person to make a better judgement.
In terms of Lexus product, I find the ES to be the least offensive - the grille is subdued, styling is clean, it's not too pretentious - just a smooth cruiser that doesn't pretend to be anything else. Now a Superavalon instead of a Supercamry, maybe still some DNA in there. Not hugely more expensive than a loaded Avalon either, seeing as it does have better design, probably better materials, maybe better sales/service.
@breld said:
I spent some time at the Lexus dealership this afternoon, looking at and driving the ES350
I was at the Hyundai dealer just last week and saw a new Genesis. Personally, I really like the look of it. Haven't priced one out, but I'm guessing an AWD version actually runs a bit higher than what I'm currently looking at.
EDIT: Just priced one out on the Edmunds site and to get it comparably equipped to the ES's I'm looking at, it's a $52k MSRP (about $6-7k higher). Now, it looks like to get Navigation on the Genesis, you basically have to check all the option packages, so you're also getting some extra features over the ES, not to mention AWD. And it really is much more competitive with the GS AWD than the ES anyway. So, as you point out, even if it's a bit more money, it is a good value.
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.
Kinda fun to not know exactly what you want - gives you a lot of options!
Spreadsheet! Fun! I made one yesterday to present MPG comparisons for all the cars I'd consider versus my Passat. Used estimated miles I drive on a day-to-day basis. And used conditional formatting to highlight the range of cost savings - the most expensive ones were highlighted in red, white for average and blue for the best savings. Yes, my name is Bruce and I'm a CPA nerd.
@corvette said:
LOL at the concept of "cost savings" when trading cars every few months.
Quite right.
BTW, I'm not considering something like the ES300h anticipating that I'll "save money" due to the fuel savings. I'm interested in "upgrading" my Passat at some point, and if I can maintain the good fuel economy at the same time, that would be very desirable.
Thinking about it yesterday - we had three 3-series in the garage earlier this year (the wagon, 'vert and sedan). Now I'm looking at and strongly considering a Lexus!!?!!
Wife and I have been married 3 years now (happily "remarried") and as you've all gathered, she loves cars as much as I do. So I've taken full advantage of that luxury for these past three years. But I think both my wife and I are ready to "settle down" a little bit with our cars. What I'd like to do is get a dependable, comfortable commuter car that I can have some sort of long-term relationship with (hence, the appeal of something like a Lexus), and then feel free to trade in and out of a single "fun" car, that's far less expensive. That, in contrast to trading out all our cars here and there. Or having an expensive "fun" car, like my previous 335xi.
Wife suggested I actually put the majority of the car budget toward my "main" car, instead of always compromising to allow for a fun car that I can only drive about 10% of the time. Smart woman.
Sounds like a solid plan - we'll see how it goes. Of course, for the time being, the Passat can be that commuter.
My spreadsheet doesn't get nearly as detailed as MPG comparisons. Anything on my list will net me better fuel economy numbers. My wife is averaging 15.8 mpg (and this is up due to a few recent weekend highway trips) with an average cost of $67.70 per fill up (RUG). I average 21.1 mpg in my BMW with an average cost per fill up of $59.90 (PUG). Once I take the Pilot as my daily driver, the combination of my mostly highway commute coupled with the fact that I'll be filling it up in NY where gas is cheaper than in CT will raise my MPG and lower my cost per fill up (and cost per mile). Its safe to assume that whatever we get for my wife will most likely run on RUG (although there are 2 diesels on the short list) and get at least 5 mpg better than she gets right now. However, the real cost savings will be the fact that we'll be leasing a car with a significantly lower monthly payment.
Back to my spreadsheet, its got Make/Model/Trim - MSRP/Invoice/Incentive/Target Price - Money Factor/Residual/Monthly Payment
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
@breld said:
I was at the Hyundai dealer just last week and saw a new Genesis. Personally, I really like the look of it. Haven't priced one out, but I'm guessing an AWD version actually runs a bit higher than what I'm currently looking at.
EDIT: Just priced one out on the Edmunds site and to get it comparably equipped to the ES's I'm looking at, it's a $52k MSRP (about $6-7k higher). Now, it looks like to get Navigation on the Genesis, you basically have to check all the option packages, so you're also getting some extra features over the ES, not to mention AWD. And it really is much more competitive with the GS AWD than the ES anyway. So, as you point out, even if it's a bit more money, it is a good value.
I just priced out the 2015 AWD, Genesis. You Definitely want the Signature and Tech pck for about 3400 to 3600 each. The last option package the Ultimate pk for $ 3,600 you dont need . That package gives you fancy wood work, a 9 inch upgraded Nav screen. and 17 speakers instead of 14.
This brings the Genesis to 45k for invoice price , With comming incentives and rebates you could be lucky and buy one for 43k plus taxes etc....................... Still alot of coin.
@brian125 said:
You really would have to love the car to buy it.
I see - I thought you had to get that ultimate package just to get navigation. Just looked at the inventory of a local Hyundai dealer, and they have a 3.8l AWD model with an MSRP of $45k (and it does indeed have nav).
Compelling for what it is - basically a GS competitor for ES money. But with the kind of depreciation Hyundai's generally experience, I'd more than likely wait 1-2 years and find a used one.
How's your post accident GLI doing? Still having issues?
The dealer spent about a month correcting the initial job they did on the bodywork and it seems to have improved. The at-fault party's insurance company paid a substantial amount due to the fact that the car is worth less because of the accident.
I still think the car should have been totaled. If you run the numbers on my insurance carrier's economic loss had they totaled the car, versus the economic loss they incurred by not totaling the car, we both would have been better off had they totaled it, as they would have gotten to sell the car to a rebuilder, would not have paid $17,000+ in body work and $1,500 in rental costs, and would have been able to collect the at-fault party's full $10,000 property damage limit, instead of the small amount of that which was left after the at-fault party's carrier paid my diminished value claim.
I'm still tweaking the Mazdaspeed a bit; I have a James Barone Racing rear anti-roll bar with billet bushing mounts on order. A fellow BMW CCA instructor swears that the bars's stiffest setting will dial out ALL of the understeer. As I've said before, the FSD struts/shocks and the Hypertech tune have really made the car much more enjoyable to drive- whether cruising or attacking a twisting rural two lane. The JBR bar should be the final modification.
For now, anyway...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
@stever said:
The latest is getting good reviews around the net, including this one from the Detroit News.
"So how’s the new Genesis? It’s a knockout." Hyundai's 2015 Genesis belongs in the bigs
Surely by now we would have learned to seriously discount the automotive media's early reviews of any new Hyundai. They always fall all over themselves praising it as The Bestest Thing Ever, only to have buyers discover 6-12 months later that the cars have design/quality shortcomings that make them a headache to live with.
I've always liked that style Legacy wagon, and the addition of the SVX engine makes it truly interesting. Yeah, OK, needs the interior redone. That wouldn't be so bad, but the rust is definitely my biggest turn-off.
'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
Everything looks good to me, but the hood pins are a deal breaker.
man, would a freak show. I assume if it was factory RHD it was one of the ones imported for the postal service? Though unless he converted it, the stick seems like an odd set up.
My local dealer has a white one, stick and 4-door... no more cloth interior.. the base model gets vinyl. $28K or so on the sticker...
I'm scouting for a cheap lease on a leftover 2014, but I'm afraid they will all be gone, before they get cheap enough, or I'm ready (current lease is up in October).
I was hoping they wouldn't be here for another month..
@stickguy said:
man, would a freak show. I assume if it was factory RHD it was one of the ones imported for the postal service? Though unless he converted it, the stick seems like an odd set up.
Did you ever notice, whenever something isn't working on a used car that is advertised that it's always something "minor" that would be cheap to fix?
" Probably a loose wire somewhere"
" Oh, the A/C just needs a charge"
" I'm sure it's something minor"
" I just never got around to fixing it"
Foolishly, I have signed up to run a 5K for a worthy cause. Not being a runner, why did I do so? A pretty, young woman asked me to. And, a wonderful cause.
So, I'm preparing by doing the "Couch to 5K" training. I was out last night training. Just off my route is a local public "Estate," that is often host to car shows. As I ran, I spotted balloons at the estate, and headed in that direction.
And, so my routine was completely disrupted by....Porsche-nogrophy! (Can I trademark that?). There was a Porshce show, not sure the sponsor or reason, but several variations on all models, including a nicely restored 1957 356A. And, new ones (including Macans, which for some reason really had me thinking Audi Q5) with Monroneys. If you've never read through Porsche options, it's fun and depressing (the $ of some of the options).
So, I'm "jogging" around the cars in appropriate running attire ("Boston Strong" t-shirt, shorts that might be a bit too short and running shoes in requisite day-glo colors) surrounded by very attractive women with trays of wine and hors d'ouvers available to the nattily attired....everyone else. I was not offered any treats, but I enjoyed my sore-thumb status. And yes, I heard a few German accents.
I really like the current Porsche interior designs, there was a Boxster S interior in two tone brown and tan leather that was just beautiful. I wonder if I could do a straight up trade, XF for a new Cayman S (I'm not really a 'vert kind of guy)?
So, I'm not sure if I have to repeat last night's training regimen or just move on to the next. And maybe I should stay away from that estate until I (hopefully!) complete the 5k...
'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...)
@breld said:
You're not alone Ray. I think folks on the VW forums are already looking into how to swap the seats and trim to the traditional plaid cloth.
The base model is pretty well equipped, but if you want a sunroof (a nice panoramic one at that), you're stuck with the leather.
Is it really leather? When I was shopping for my Passat, only the Premium has actual leather. The normal is "leatherette", which is a not actually leather. But it looks and feels good.
I thought the sides and backs were vinyl, and just the seating surfaces were leather? Anyway, if memory serves, the old GTI had real leather, while the GLI has leatherette. Maybe the Golf/GTI get real leather, and that is part of the reason they charge more for the Golf/GTI?
@rayainsw said:
From VW:
Golf GTI S [ Base ] - 'Heritage design cloth seating surfaces w/ front manual lumbar support'
All other versions have leather.
Ray
NOT pleased with this marketing choice....
VW is one of the worst for bundling options into packages or trim levels. I've passed the GTI over twice for that reason. All I want are heated cloth seats, xenons, and the Performance Pack. NOTHING else. So this will likely make it 3 in a row...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
@isellhondas said:
I've heard people say..." My car has** all **leather interior.
Unless it's something exotic the only leather is the actual seating surfaces and the back.
It's amazing how closely they can get the vinyl to match the leather.
My BMW salesman says that a large number of people cannot tell the difference. Some customers even claim that their car has leather but the VIN actually says vinyl...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
For many years Mercedes used an outstanding quality vinyl material in their cars that held up forever. I forget now what they called it. Morochide or something like that?
@isellhondas said:
For many years Mercedes used an outstanding quality vinyl material in their cars that held up forever. I forget now what they called it. Morochide or something like that?
Morrikide? I thought that was GM's name for vinyl. Benz used MBTex for years.
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
Yes, MB-Tex. In other markets it is called "Artico". It's still a fairly convincing fake leather - I don't know if anyone other than German makers are into vinyl...hmm. I know Lexus IS comes standard with vinyl too.
@isellhondas said:
For many years Mercedes used an outstanding quality vinyl material in their cars that held up forever. I forget now what they called it. Morochide or something like that?
@roadburner said:
VW is one of the worst for bundling options into packages or trim levels. I've passed the GTI over twice for that reason. All I want are heated cloth seats, xenons, and the Performance Pack. NOTHING else. So this will likely make it 3 in a row...
I think you may be in luck for the 2015 model. I'd have to double-check, but I believe heated seats are standard, and the "Lighting Package" and "Performance Pack" are options available across the board. So a "base" model with those two packages fits the bill.
It's priced right around KBB trade value, so I was actually thinking there would be something wrong with it. But nothing that I could tell, and a clean one-owner carfax. Guy traded it in for a Range Rover Sport.
The deal they offered was almost exactly the same as the Lexus dealer penciled earlier this week for the CPO ES350. Same model year and miles (2013, 20k miles). I did like the Lexus, but a 528i xdrive for the same money sure seems like a much better value.
I don't know - good value, but still a lot of coin.
@stickguy said:
Dang breld, you really do have a condition. I used to be like that, but becoming poor pretty much cured it.
Wow - you really know you got it bad when you're getting those comments on this forum.
Well, I really do want to settle down a bit on the car front. Unfortunately, I'm obviously not content with the current ride, as I bought it with the thought of keeping the 335xi, or another fun car, so I skimped a lot on what I really wanted. But it's not like the Passat is all that bad - just missing some of the features I wish I had.
@stickguy said:
Nicely loaded car. I like the blue, but not sure about that interior color. would have to see it in person, but looks too light for me.
Yeah - that interior color (oyster) is not for everyone, but we certainly liked it in the wife's X3, and it's similar to the lemon interior we really liked in her 328xi before that.
If I give up the Lexus route and stick with BMW, the biggest competitor in my mind against something like this 5-series is a 328i GT. Backseat room is better than the 5-series, and I love a hatchback. I think within a year I'd be able to find a used one for the same price as this 528.
just read a bunch of intro review on the Golf. Dang, I got a yearning for one of these. Might have to wait for the annual Christmas time sales...
autoweek had pricing. Not sure how reliable, but said that an SE was $24,500ish (seems high), but an S with sunroof was $20,995. That dog will hunt. pretty well equipped otherwise (touchscreen stereo, plus some other nice stuff).
Comments
For fun, check out the LaCrosse, Lexus like with huge discounts and AWD is available. Great deals on CPO's as well. I love my 2012 AWD.
I would also check out the redesigned 2015 Genesis with 8 speed trans, and Awd comming out in late Sept/ Oct. Alot more for your money than the Lexus and Buick and aslo featuring a great warranty, and awesome sound system . The standard features on the new 2015 is very impressive with every safety option imaginable. My only problem with the 2015 is the look of it. Would need to see this car in person to make a better judgement.
23 Telluride SX-P X-Line, 23 Camry XSE
In terms of Lexus product, I find the ES to be the least offensive - the grille is subdued, styling is clean, it's not too pretentious - just a smooth cruiser that doesn't pretend to be anything else. Now a Superavalon instead of a Supercamry, maybe still some DNA in there. Not hugely more expensive than a loaded Avalon either, seeing as it does have better design, probably better materials, maybe better sales/service.
The latest is getting good reviews around the net, including this one from the Detroit News.
"So how’s the new Genesis? It’s a knockout."
Hyundai's 2015 Genesis belongs in the bigs
I was at the Hyundai dealer just last week and saw a new Genesis. Personally, I really like the look of it. Haven't priced one out, but I'm guessing an AWD version actually runs a bit higher than what I'm currently looking at.
EDIT: Just priced one out on the Edmunds site and to get it comparably equipped to the ES's I'm looking at, it's a $52k MSRP (about $6-7k higher). Now, it looks like to get Navigation on the Genesis, you basically have to check all the option packages, so you're also getting some extra features over the ES, not to mention AWD. And it really is much more competitive with the GS AWD than the ES anyway. So, as you point out, even if it's a bit more money, it is a good value.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Kinda fun to not know exactly what you want - gives you a lot of options!
Spreadsheet! Fun! I made one yesterday to present MPG comparisons for all the cars I'd consider versus my Passat. Used estimated miles I drive on a day-to-day basis. And used conditional formatting to highlight the range of cost savings - the most expensive ones were highlighted in red, white for average and blue for the best savings. Yes, my name is Bruce and I'm a CPA nerd.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
LOL at the concept of "cost savings" when trading cars every few months.
Breld, the Azera is the es competitor. And a very nice package too. Much cheaper than a genesis
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Quite right.
BTW, I'm not considering something like the ES300h anticipating that I'll "save money" due to the fuel savings. I'm interested in "upgrading" my Passat at some point, and if I can maintain the good fuel economy at the same time, that would be very desirable.
Thinking about it yesterday - we had three 3-series in the garage earlier this year (the wagon, 'vert and sedan). Now I'm looking at and strongly considering a Lexus!!?!!
Wife and I have been married 3 years now (happily "remarried") and as you've all gathered, she loves cars as much as I do. So I've taken full advantage of that luxury for these past three years. But I think both my wife and I are ready to "settle down" a little bit with our cars. What I'd like to do is get a dependable, comfortable commuter car that I can have some sort of long-term relationship with (hence, the appeal of something like a Lexus), and then feel free to trade in and out of a single "fun" car, that's far less expensive. That, in contrast to trading out all our cars here and there. Or having an expensive "fun" car, like my previous 335xi.
Wife suggested I actually put the majority of the car budget toward my "main" car, instead of always compromising to allow for a fun car that I can only drive about 10% of the time. Smart woman.
Sounds like a solid plan - we'll see how it goes. Of course, for the time being, the Passat can be that commuter.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Spreadsheets? Nope, I just talk about it, constantly... so, I don't forget the details. My wife loves that part!
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@corvette
How's your post accident GLI doing? Still having issues?
@breld
My spreadsheet doesn't get nearly as detailed as MPG comparisons. Anything on my list will net me better fuel economy numbers. My wife is averaging 15.8 mpg (and this is up due to a few recent weekend highway trips) with an average cost of $67.70 per fill up (RUG). I average 21.1 mpg in my BMW with an average cost per fill up of $59.90 (PUG). Once I take the Pilot as my daily driver, the combination of my mostly highway commute coupled with the fact that I'll be filling it up in NY where gas is cheaper than in CT will raise my MPG and lower my cost per fill up (and cost per mile). Its safe to assume that whatever we get for my wife will most likely run on RUG (although there are 2 diesels on the short list) and get at least 5 mpg better than she gets right now. However, the real cost savings will be the fact that we'll be leasing a car with a significantly lower monthly payment.
Back to my spreadsheet, its got Make/Model/Trim - MSRP/Invoice/Incentive/Target Price - Money Factor/Residual/Monthly Payment
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I just priced out the 2015 AWD, Genesis. You Definitely want the Signature and Tech pck for about 3400 to 3600 each. The last option package the Ultimate pk for $ 3,600 you dont need . That package gives you fancy wood work, a 9 inch upgraded Nav screen. and 17 speakers instead of 14.
This brings the Genesis to 45k for invoice price , With comming incentives and rebates you could be lucky and buy one for 43k plus taxes etc....................... Still alot of coin.
You really would have to love the car to buy it.
23 Telluride SX-P X-Line, 23 Camry XSE
Steve....interesting....a good looker in pics. Would have to see it in the flesh, though.
Q.....yeah, I thought about buying the 3 series with stripes, and just removing them. Too much work for a brand new car.
Are we talking pinstripes? Sometimes those simply peel right off.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
I see - I thought you had to get that ultimate package just to get navigation. Just looked at the inventory of a local Hyundai dealer, and they have a 3.8l AWD model with an MSRP of $45k (and it does indeed have nav).
Compelling for what it is - basically a GS competitor for ES money. But with the kind of depreciation Hyundai's generally experience, I'd more than likely wait 1-2 years and find a used one.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
The dealer spent about a month correcting the initial job they did on the bodywork and it seems to have improved. The at-fault party's insurance company paid a substantial amount due to the fact that the car is worth less because of the accident.
I still think the car should have been totaled. If you run the numbers on my insurance carrier's economic loss had they totaled the car, versus the economic loss they incurred by not totaling the car, we both would have been better off had they totaled it, as they would have gotten to sell the car to a rebuilder, would not have paid $17,000+ in body work and $1,500 in rental costs, and would have been able to collect the at-fault party's full $10,000 property damage limit, instead of the small amount of that which was left after the at-fault party's carrier paid my diminished value claim.
Am I crazy for being really intrigued by this??
'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
Whatever floats yer boat!
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I'm still tweaking the Mazdaspeed a bit; I have a James Barone Racing rear anti-roll bar with billet bushing mounts on order. A fellow BMW CCA instructor swears that the bars's stiffest setting will dial out ALL of the understeer. As I've said before, the FSD struts/shocks and the Hypertech tune have really made the car much more enjoyable to drive- whether cruising or attacking a twisting rural two lane. The JBR bar should be the final modification.
For now, anyway...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
@qbrozen, that Subaru has rural postal carrier written all over it.
It looks pimped out and worn out. Unless you plan to take a job as a rural carrier, I think a RHD vehicle would be extremely impractical.
Surely by now we would have learned to seriously discount the automotive media's early reviews of any new Hyundai. They always fall all over themselves praising it as The Bestest Thing Ever, only to have buyers discover 6-12 months later that the cars have design/quality shortcomings that make them a headache to live with.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
I've always liked that style Legacy wagon, and the addition of the SVX engine makes it truly interesting. Yeah, OK, needs the interior redone. That wouldn't be so bad, but the rust is definitely my biggest turn-off.
'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
Exactly... it's a mail car... .not a JDM car. So, yes... crazy.
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Everything looks good to me, but the hood pins are a deal breaker.
man, would a freak show. I assume if it was factory RHD it was one of the ones imported for the postal service? Though unless he converted it, the stick seems like an odd set up.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
For those interested:
The 2015 VW GTI is starting to show up at dealers.
Waiting for the dealer I bought from to have 1 I can test drive....
I want to see the regular golf
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
My local dealer has a white one, stick and 4-door... no more cloth interior.. the base model gets vinyl. $28K or so on the sticker...
I'm scouting for a cheap lease on a leftover 2014, but I'm afraid they will all be gone, before they get cheap enough, or I'm ready (current lease is up in October).
I was hoping they wouldn't be here for another month..
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From VW:
Golf GTI S [ Base ] - 'Heritage design cloth seating surfaces w/ front manual lumbar support'
All other versions have leather.
NOT pleased with this marketing choice....
You're not alone Ray. I think folks on the VW forums are already looking into how to swap the seats and trim to the traditional plaid cloth.
The base model is pretty well equipped, but if you want a sunroof (a nice panoramic one at that), you're stuck with the leather.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Did you ever notice, whenever something isn't working on a used car that is advertised that it's always something "minor" that would be cheap to fix?
" Probably a loose wire somewhere"
" Oh, the A/C just needs a charge"
" I'm sure it's something minor"
" I just never got around to fixing it"
ETC....
Foolishly, I have signed up to run a 5K for a worthy cause. Not being a runner, why did I do so? A pretty, young woman asked me to. And, a wonderful cause.
So, I'm preparing by doing the "Couch to 5K" training. I was out last night training. Just off my route is a local public "Estate," that is often host to car shows. As I ran, I spotted balloons at the estate, and headed in that direction.
And, so my routine was completely disrupted by....Porsche-nogrophy! (Can I trademark that?). There was a Porshce show, not sure the sponsor or reason, but several variations on all models, including a nicely restored 1957 356A. And, new ones (including Macans, which for some reason really had me thinking Audi Q5) with Monroneys. If you've never read through Porsche options, it's fun and depressing (the $ of some of the options).
So, I'm "jogging" around the cars in appropriate running attire ("Boston Strong" t-shirt, shorts that might be a bit too short and running shoes in requisite day-glo colors) surrounded by very attractive women with trays of wine and hors d'ouvers available to the nattily attired....everyone else. I was not offered any treats, but I enjoyed my sore-thumb status. And yes, I heard a few German accents.
I really like the current Porsche interior designs, there was a Boxster S interior in two tone brown and tan leather that was just beautiful. I wonder if I could do a straight up trade, XF for a new Cayman S (I'm not really a 'vert kind of guy)?
So, I'm not sure if I have to repeat last night's training regimen or just move on to the next. And maybe I should stay away from that estate until I (hopefully!) complete the 5k...
'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...)
Is it really leather? When I was shopping for my Passat, only the Premium has actual leather. The normal is "leatherette", which is a not actually leather. But it looks and feels good.
'leather seating surfaces'
I've heard people say..." My car has** all **leather interior.
Unless it's something exotic the only leather is the actual seating surfaces and the back.
It's amazing how closely they can get the vinyl to match the leather.
I thought the sides and backs were vinyl, and just the seating surfaces were leather? Anyway, if memory serves, the old GTI had real leather, while the GLI has leatherette. Maybe the Golf/GTI get real leather, and that is part of the reason they charge more for the Golf/GTI?
VW is one of the worst for bundling options into packages or trim levels. I've passed the GTI over twice for that reason. All I want are heated cloth seats, xenons, and the Performance Pack. NOTHING else. So this will likely make it 3 in a row...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
My BMW salesman says that a large number of people cannot tell the difference. Some customers even claim that their car has leather but the VIN actually says vinyl...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
For many years Mercedes used an outstanding quality vinyl material in their cars that held up forever. I forget now what they called it. Morochide or something like that?
Morrikide? I thought that was GM's name for vinyl. Benz used MBTex for years.
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
Yes, MB-Tex. In other markets it is called "Artico". It's still a fairly convincing fake leather - I don't know if anyone other than German makers are into vinyl...hmm. I know Lexus IS comes standard with vinyl too.
I think you may be in luck for the 2015 model. I'd have to double-check, but I believe heated seats are standard, and the "Lighting Package" and "Performance Pack" are options available across the board. So a "base" model with those two packages fits the bill.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Oh boy do I have the car shopping fever right now.
Looked and drove this over lunch:
2013 528xi
It's priced right around KBB trade value, so I was actually thinking there would be something wrong with it. But nothing that I could tell, and a clean one-owner carfax. Guy traded it in for a Range Rover Sport.
The deal they offered was almost exactly the same as the Lexus dealer penciled earlier this week for the CPO ES350. Same model year and miles (2013, 20k miles). I did like the Lexus, but a 528i xdrive for the same money sure seems like a much better value.
I don't know - good value, but still a lot of coin.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Maybe the car I was looking at wasn't base.. but, it did have vinyl, not leather...
Unless, I'm wrong...
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Dang breld, you really do have a condition. I used to be like that, but becoming poor pretty much cured it.
Nicely loaded car. I like the blue, but not sure about that interior color. would have to see it in person, but looks too light for me.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Wow - you really know you got it bad when you're getting those comments on this forum.
Well, I really do want to settle down a bit on the car front. Unfortunately, I'm obviously not content with the current ride, as I bought it with the thought of keeping the 335xi, or another fun car, so I skimped a lot on what I really wanted. But it's not like the Passat is all that bad - just missing some of the features I wish I had.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Yeah - that interior color (oyster) is not for everyone, but we certainly liked it in the wife's X3, and it's similar to the lemon interior we really liked in her 328xi before that.
If I give up the Lexus route and stick with BMW, the biggest competitor in my mind against something like this 5-series is a 328i GT. Backseat room is better than the 5-series, and I love a hatchback. I think within a year I'd be able to find a used one for the same price as this 528.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
just read a bunch of intro review on the Golf. Dang, I got a yearning for one of these. Might have to wait for the annual Christmas time sales...
autoweek had pricing. Not sure how reliable, but said that an SE was $24,500ish (seems high), but an S with sunroof was $20,995. That dog will hunt. pretty well equipped otherwise (touchscreen stereo, plus some other nice stuff).
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The GTI Press Kit, with Pricing & Specs files
to download:
http://media.vw.com/model/pack/90/
Here's the press release on the Golf pricing. You're right - the "S" models are pretty well equipped - and nice that you can get one with a sunroof.
media.vw.com/release/749/
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman