$1,000 Conquest Cash "Conquest Bonus Cash is available towards leasing or retail purchases to current lessees of a competitive brand vehicle (non-Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT, Jeep or Ram). Competitive vehicle must have been in the lessees name for 30 days prior to qualify or if the vehicle has already been turned in, then it must have been returned within the past 30 days." = YES (you lease the Leaf)
-combined with Conquest Cash
$1000 Minivan Customer Cash = YES
$750 Bonus Cash toward leasing
So on top of the "Big" rebate, you should qualify for an additional $2,750 in rebates. If I'm reading the "fine print" correctly
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
@stickguy said:
Andre, no punches for selling. You wouldn't buy a 2nd PU to replace that one would you?
I wouldn't buy a second pickup, but I've thought about unloading it and getting a car...something midsized and fairly easy on gas. I guess it's a good thing we kept the Silverado around though...otherwise it would be my 2012 Ram getting a new rear window, instead!
Stever, I'm not sure what you are saying. You only see $750? I click on the link you provided and I see all the same ones NYC and I are talking about.
Told the wife we are going to go to our dealer of choice. They at least have a Touring L, so we can drive and see what the interior is like. The other options, such as moonroof, Nav, and DVD are standard kind of stuff we already know we want, so no need to see those in person. If everything works, they can get us one of the 3 at the dealer we dislike.
'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
@qbrozen said:
That's where I'm at, too, NYC. So $9500 total.
Stever, I'm not sure what you are saying. You only see $750? I click on the link you provided and I see all the same ones NYC and I are talking about.
Told the wife we are going to go to our dealer of choice. They at least have a Touring L, so we can drive and see what the interior is like. The other options, such as moonroof, Nav, and DVD are standard kind of stuff we already know we want, so no need to see those in person. If everything works, they can get us one of the 3 at the dealer we dislike.
I'm seeing 11k off msrp on cars.com. $500 military is in there but worth researching.
Stever, I'm not sure what you are saying. You only see $750? I click on the link you provided and I see all the same ones NYC and I are talking about.
Oh, sorry, I was just talking about the leasing incentive.
Someone needs to figure out the stacking - I assumed that if you are leasing you don't get the purchase incentives. Not sure about the military and conquest type incentives though.
@stickguy said:
Sounds nice. I doubt it makes it to Christmas though.
Well, hard to argue with my track record, but a lot of agonizing thought went into this one with the intention of keeping it more long-term than history would indicate. Combining my "fun car" budget into the whole thing was a way of not compromising on my main car. Nothing against the Passat whatsoever, 'cause that did everything well and actually was the reason I took a liking to larger family sedans, but from the moment I got it I was itching for something nicer.
When I was hunting Jaguar, I learned of the $5k incentive on Cars.com. I'm not sure if Edmunds ever had it listed.
'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 know the conquest cash applies to a lease, because my best friend just leased a Wrangler through Ally & they were able to apply conquest cash to his selling price of the lease.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Thanks for the welcome. We went to look at a used 2012 S60 AWD today with 66k miles (too high, and definitely not one we'd buy) but I figured It would get us in one to drive as we have not driven one before. I was impressed with the pickup, but overall the car wasn't well taken care of. It had many scratches, dings, rattles, it didn't have a sunroof even though it was a T6, sounded like it needed a wheel bearing, etc. etc. etc. Overall I was a bit put off, but I need to chalk it up to the fact that it wasn't well taken care of. I found another local one that's a bit higher than I want to pay, but I assume that one will give me a better feeling for the vehicle overall.
A few of the other vehicles mentioned:
Subaru Legacy - Not a fan of the current bloated model
Ford Fusion - I do like the Fusion, but it's not quite as premium as the others. I'll have to look into one though.
Buick Regal - It'd have to be a 2014 to get AWD, but it seems as if their resale isn't great. Definitely something to look into.
Now If only I had the budget like @breld has, then I could just buy whatever I liked first, and then just trade it in when something better came along
@rny421
I think we all feel that way, just a little, but there is something supremely enjoyable about both not spending money and living vicariously through someone else who is doing so....
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
@xwesx, can you post the link to that hitch carrier you recommend? I forget where you posted that. Pretty sure I want to go ahead and get one. Cheaper by far than renting a minivan, and should give me enough capacity to get all the crap to college. Just need to measure what I want to put on it first!
happened to browse at the Audi/VW place, looking at the used stuff. A beautiful (but pricey) 2008 A3 caught me eye. Blue over Beige, with pano roof. Sounds like what Breld has. only 39K on it, asking $19,500 which seems crazy, even with modest miles for the year. That is already 7 MYs old!
and I browsed the carfax. Looked sketchy. many owners, and quick flips. And saw this red flag (at 16K miles):
They also had this one (I thought of Roadburner, since at first I thought it didn't have a moonroof, but it just blended into the black paint) that I looked at up close. Man it looked clean for a 2003. No clue if the price is ambitious or not at $20,500. Should have gone in and asked for a test drive. Probably best that I didn't.
@stickguy said:
happened to browse at the Audi/VW place, looking at the used stuff. A beautiful (but pricey) 2008 A3 caught me eye. Blue over Beige, with pano roof. Sounds like what Breld has. only 39K on it, asking $19,500 which seems crazy, even with modest miles for the year. That is already 7 MYs old!
and I browsed the carfax. Looked sketchy. many owners, and quick flips. And saw this red flag (at 16K miles):
Oil consumption test performed
Never a good sign!
Sounds exactly like ours, even the mileage. We paid around $16k for ours last year at an Acura dealer. It doesn't surprise me an audi dealer is trying to get a premium. FWIW, we haven't had any issues with the car, not they we've he'd it they long.
@jayrider said:
I'm seeing 11k off msrp on cars.com. $500 military is in there but worth researching.
Thanks, jay. Right now, I'm looking at a bit over $12k off if it works the way I hope.
But, looking at cars.com, where do you find this info? I went through their customize a new car thing and it is only showing me a couple hundred bucks under invoice, no incentives listed.
'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
If it's an early 2008 model, it had the older FSI engine, which is more prone to oil consumption. The 2008.5 and newer models have the newer TSI engine, which is less prone to oil consumption.
At around 16,500 miles (6,000 miles since the last service), the oil level appeared low and I added 1/4 of a quart to my GLI. It's kind of difficult to read the dipstick, as the oil level crosses the dipstick at a diagonal angle. It's close to the full mark now.
@stickguy said:
Based on some quick browsing, pick ups are crazy expensive used. Even such also rans as a Colorado. And usually miles up and often modified. Dang.
Agreed. Given the incentives usually available on new ones, you're often better off buying new.
The new Colorado (with an optional diesel) is coming soon, as is a new Frontier (the current one is also ancient). Doubt they will be value-priced. I think that's one of the reasons we don't see as many smaller trucks, the prices got to the point where you could have a "behemoth" truck with a larger engine and a better ride for about the same money. Also, it's more comfortable to ride in the middle front seat of a full size truck than in the back seat of a compact extended cab truck, so you can carry three passengers in a full size regular cab better than a compact extended cab.
'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...)
Wow, I don't think I can begin to explain the formatting of my above post!
'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...)
@stickguy said:
xwesx, can you post the link to that hitch carrier you recommend? I forget where you posted that. Pretty sure I want to go ahead and get one. Cheaper by far than renting a minivan, and should give me enough capacity to get all the crap to college. Just need to measure what I want to put on it first!
The one I bought was a Rola 59500 Cargo Tray, but I think Reese must have bought them (or that model?). This is what I find on Amazon. The price is consistent and the design identical.
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
What I do with cars.com is punch in the vehicle plus specs in the new cars for sale section.---any distance. Then I click on price cheapest. It gives you advertised discount prices for actual cars for sale. You can check msrp by going to the dealer website with the inventory model.Granted, some prices are bait but you can work with a local dealer on the price to see if is for real.
Well, actually, now I'm not entirely sure. The product I purchased, the Rola 59500, states that it is 56x22, which it is. However, the steel support structure is much smaller (about 30" wide). The photos for both products are the same (aside from the computer-generated labeling, I'm sure), and yet the Reese unit indicates significantly different dimensions, which I kinda think are the frame dimensions, not the tray dimensions. /sigh
So, I'm pretty sure it's the same, but not 100%.
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
If it's an early 2008 model, it had the older FSI engine, which is more prone to oil consumption. The 2008.5 and newer models have the newer TSI engine, which is less prone to oil consumption.>
I have a 2008 Passat with the newer TSI engine, owned since new. Presently has 102k miles, and I've never added oil between changes. Of course, I always change the oil at 5k intervals, so...
And on the subject of used pickups, you can probably score a brand new one for less than what they ask for a one or two year old model. Now if you want to go back 8 to 10 years, and do some careful shopping, you can get a very nice used truck under 100k for $7k to $9k.
Wow, trucks are expensive as hell! Just for kicks, I did a search on used Ram 1500's within 20 miles of my zipcode. It came back with 30 results. 29 of them have asking prices higher than the $20,751 out the door that my 2012 Ram cost, brand-new. The only one that's cheaper is a 2012 with a short bed, 84,000 miles, for $18,783.
Just about all of the others though, were 4-door models, and nicer trim levels, many of them 4wd as well. So that's going to make some difference, compared to my stripper regular cab, RWD, 8-foot bed model. A style that probably not too many people want, anymore.
Have to say, the seats in the "new" van don't fit me as well as the ones in the Quest did. Even the driver's "8 way power" seat isn't as comfy. The lumbar seems too high or I don't have the seat height adjustment dialed in yet. Meanwhile a t-shirt is helping (a 550 mile day today didn't help much either).
Other than that the mpg is fine at 24 and I think I have the tire pressures dialed in better. It really swallowed a load of junk.
So 2 friends of mine entered this year's Bull Run race from NYC to AZ. The guy who fronted the money for the 2 of them is the guy I've spoken of before with the ///M5, X5///M, & B7 Alpina X-drive. The other guy is my best friend. 1st leg was NYC to Cape May, NJ. Then it was Cape May, NJ to DC. 3rd leg was DC to Hot Springs, VA. Guys in this bull run race drive dangerously fast. Insanely high speeds, cutting people off in the shoulder, blowing through red lights and stop signs when they get off the interstate. Now my friend with the M5 was driving crazy, but not at the level of these other guys. My best friend drove faster than normal, but once there was a car in his way, he eased off the gas pedal and waited until it was safe to pass. It was on this 3rd leg that my best friend realized "this is not for him." He's at this gorgeous resort hotel where they are staying the night and realizes he doesn't want to get arrested or killed or be responsible for someone else being killed or seriously injured. He tells our friend with the M5: "I'm out of here." So he takes a car service from Hot Springs, VA to Norfolk, VA and misses the last flight out to NY by 15 minutes. So he rents the last car Hertz has available on the lot. A brand new Malibu LTZ. he loved it and remarked how much better it drove than the Malibu LS his local Chevy Dealer has as a loaner.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Project Corvette restoration is going very well. Instead of having the car towed to my mechanic near where I work which would have been a project in itself for me (research a tow company, meet the tow company at my Dad's house, follow the tow company to my mechanic, then have my mechanic tell me what parts he needs and go buy them), I found 2 mechanics that travel and who I trust. They recently renovated my parents' kitchen and bathroom. They also completed a restoration of a 1956 Chevy. Long story short, they used my list I compiled from many of you guys as a guide and were able to fire the car up last week! Here's the best part, my Dad has no idea what's going on. This is his father's day gift. I'm going to surprise the living day lights out of him with this one:)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
So I know I've been saying I need to start test driving. Tonight while getting gas for my lawn mower, I saw a guy pull into the gas station with a Passat TDI SEL. I asked him how he liked the car and such. He gets out and I see he's wearing a Polo Shirt from the local VW dealer. He says he's in sales and come on by when I'm ready to test drive. He said it is hard to say no to a TDI once thou drive it.
I do like the Passat. It is a handsome looking car, especially with those 18" spilt spoke allow wheels. I think I'll make VW my 1st stop.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
@nyccarguy said:
So I know I've been saying I need to start test driving. Tonight while getting gas for my lawn mower, I saw a guy pull into the gas station with a Passat TDI SEL. I asked him how he liked the car and such. He gets out and I see he's wearing a Polo Shirt from the local VW dealer. He says he's in sales and come on by when I'm ready to test drive. He said it is hard to say no to a TDI once thou drive it.
I do like the Passat. It is a handsome looking car, especially with those 18" spilt spoke allow wheels. I think I'll make VW my 1st stop.
Which means you'll be asking for lease numbers for the Passat very soon. :-)
Yeah, I am ALL over the place with this. My biggest problem is that I'm researching the "best deal" instead of "the right car." It is a slippery slope. I look at the Passat TDI, what I think it will lease for, then I start to check out other sedans in the category. "Oh wow, X has a really high resdiual & a low mf." Or I think to myself: "Well, if I'm willing to go with a front driver & snow tires, then I might as well go for something like a Civic." "Can I live with a base model Forester with wheel covers for 3 years?" I should stick with something semi-cool (in the car geek world anyway) just in case I really like it and want to buy it out when the lease is up. At that point, I'll have a very nice used car with only 36K miles that I'll know who the previous owner is. The Passat TDI is cool (the diesel factor), I like the Buick Regal AWD. Even the $31k sticker "base" model has tons of features plus a very sophisticated Haldex AWD system and a turbo 4. Oh wait, for the price of a Passat TDI or Buick Regal AWD, I might be able to get a Forrester XT:)-
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I don't understand at all how someone can be all over the place.
I would give the unsolicited advice to be careful not to focus too much on the best deal and sacrifice getting the right car for you. I obviously did that with the Passat Wolfsburg and immediately wished I had spent the extra for a nicer model, or even something else altogether. You do seem to really enjoy your 328xi, and while you do have the Prelude as a fun car, I found for myself that the "fun" car doesn't necessarily make up for having a daily driver you're not thrilled with.
Having said all that, and as ironic as it may sound given my change this past week, I do think the Passat TDI could be a great car for you. Frankly, if I would've gone that route (and a more loaded one at that), I likely would not have been making the change I did when I did. But once I decided to make a change at all, I just opened up all the options and ended up going with the 535xi. If you all remember, my first attempt at making a change was actually at the VW dealer to see if I could "upgrade" my Passat.
I, along with most others here, look forward to your experience of driving all kinds of different cars and hearing your impressions.
Love the balance of comfort and sport. If I came directly from the E90 to this, I probably would've thought it was too soft, but coming from the Passat, I appreciate the car's ability to soak up bumps and grooves, but still feel secure in braking and curves.
Didn't realize how much I missed having a sunroof - enjoyed having it open driving around yesterday. It's not a panoramic, but it certainly seems larger than a standard roof.
The "multi-contour" seats are awesome. In the 5-series, the upper portion of the back can be "bent" (for lack of better words) forward and backward, causing the seat to conform to the curvature of your back, sort of "cupping" you.
May sound silly, but I don't actually prefer all the power with the 535i. The VW 1.8T may have left me wanting for more power every once in awhile, but for the most part, it was much more than adequate, and IMO, more engaging to work the throttle to get the most out of the engine. With the 535i, there's not much to it in normal driving - tap the accelerator and you're up to speed with ease. I would have been more than happy with a 528i, but finding one of those used with the sport package seemed to be very difficult, which makes sense to me - I'm sure most of the buyers who wanted the sport (or m-sport) package opted for the bigger engine too.
Anyhow - overall very happy with the choice. It was fun to entertain other options like the Lexus, but the familiarity with the BMW is very nice.
@nyccarguy said:
"Well, if I'm willing to go with a front driver & snow tires, then I might as well go for something like a Civic."
The Accord is a lot more car than the Civic, for not a lot more money. The Accord LX loses a few features over the Civic EX (Lanewatch, keyless go, sunroof), but now has auto climate control and alloy wheels, plus it's more powerful and probably rides better.
There is one way I can make my life very easy. My best friend has a contact very high up at a high volume Infiniti dealership. He told me to "say the word" and we'll go down together and most likely walk out with a smokin deal on a 326hp G37X sedan:)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I've been sniffing around this one for a few weeks. Low miles, 2001, but damn thing has a vibration in the clutch on take-off. 996 Porsches can be scary. You have to be very careful. What is seductive about this one is the color combo and the hardtop option. They're asking $23,500K I was thinking more like $17.5K We are, needless to say, rather far apart at the moment.
@Mr_Shiftright said:
I've been sniffing around this one for a few weeks. Low miles, 2001, but damn thing has a vibration in the clutch on take-off. 996 Porsches can be scary. You have to be very careful. What is seductive about this one is the color combo and the hardtop option. They're asking $23,500K I was thinking more like $17.5K We are, needless to say, rather far apart at the moment.
This 2001 996 looks great. I would be firm on pricing with this model year.... 19.5k would be my final offer for this model year.. with reliability concerns you'd really have to love it Shift.. .. These cars are expensive to maintain. Be careful
Granted, the 996 is a transitional figure in the Porsche genealogy. It’s a given, that money being no object, every sportscar enthusiast would choose the styling and performance of the current Porsche progeny, (the 997 – 2005-present), over the 996. But the 996 paved the way for the 997 by leaving behind the antiquated air-cooled system for a conventional “water”/radiator engine cooling system, as well as computerized driver aids.
996 was freshened in 2002 with a more durable, more powerful engine, interior revisions, and a facelift. The market’s opinion on these cars, however, is written in the resale values.
There is one way I can make my life very easy. My best friend has a contact very high up at a high volume Infiniti dealership. He told me to "say the word" and we'll go down together and most likely walk out with a smokin deal on a 326hp G37X sedan:)
The G37X is a great choice, I enjoyed mine for the 18 months I had it....but if you go that route you should see what they can do on a Q50 AWD, it's a nice step up.
@nyccarguy, don't you need something big enough to put all 3 kids in the back? Forget a civic. Accord should very ok. Passat yeah. Don't discount a legacy either.
I just can't see you going with a small economy car, and not regretting it.
how many miles, shifty? I think you said in the other discussion. Those at auction are going for quite a bit more than you want to pay, so my guess is you'd never come together on price.
'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
went to the Chrysler dealer this afternoon. Van has a really cool interior, IMHO.
The rebates do stack, but a bit differently than I thought. The $1k minivan cash can't be used with a lease, but the $500 trade assistance does stack with conquest cash, contrary to what Edmunds has in their incentives page. So total incentives come to $9k when leasing a Touring-L through an independent bank.
Next step is wife going there on Saturday to show them our trade and make sure SHE likes the vehicle.
'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
For those that may be interested ("Anyone, anyone. Buehler, Buehler?"), there is a Caddy dealer in the Boston area advertising $15k off MSRP of all their ELRs. Let the stampede begin.
'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...)
Comments
OK, let me check again:
Limited: $7,500
S: $5,000
Touring: $5,000
Touring L: $6,750
Let's see what looks like it would stack:
Touring L
$1,000 Conquest Cash "Conquest Bonus Cash is available towards leasing or retail purchases to current lessees of a competitive brand vehicle (non-Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT, Jeep or Ram). Competitive vehicle must have been in the lessees name for 30 days prior to qualify or if the vehicle has already been turned in, then it must have been returned within the past 30 days." = YES (you lease the Leaf)
-combined with Conquest Cash
$1000 Minivan Customer Cash = YES
So on top of the "Big" rebate, you should qualify for an additional $2,750 in rebates. If I'm reading the "fine print" correctly
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I wouldn't buy a second pickup, but I've thought about unloading it and getting a car...something midsized and fairly easy on gas. I guess it's a good thing we kept the Silverado around though...otherwise it would be my 2012 Ram getting a new rear window, instead!
That's where I'm at, too, NYC. So $9500 total.
Stever, I'm not sure what you are saying. You only see $750? I click on the link you provided and I see all the same ones NYC and I are talking about.
Told the wife we are going to go to our dealer of choice. They at least have a Touring L, so we can drive and see what the interior is like. The other options, such as moonroof, Nav, and DVD are standard kind of stuff we already know we want, so no need to see those in person. If everything works, they can get us one of the 3 at the dealer we dislike.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I'm seeing 11k off msrp on cars.com. $500 military is in there but worth researching.
Oh, sorry, I was just talking about the leasing incentive.
Someone needs to figure out the stacking - I assumed that if you are leasing you don't get the purchase incentives. Not sure about the military and conquest type incentives though.
Well, hard to argue with my track record, but a lot of agonizing thought went into this one with the intention of keeping it more long-term than history would indicate. Combining my "fun car" budget into the whole thing was a way of not compromising on my main car. Nothing against the Passat whatsoever, 'cause that did everything well and actually was the reason I took a liking to larger family sedans, but from the moment I got it I was itching for something nicer.
No doubt about that.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
When I was hunting Jaguar, I learned of the $5k incentive on Cars.com. I'm not sure if Edmunds ever had it listed.
'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...)
@stever
I know the conquest cash applies to a lease, because my best friend just leased a Wrangler through Ally & they were able to apply conquest cash to his selling price of the lease.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Thanks for the welcome. We went to look at a used 2012 S60 AWD today with 66k miles (too high, and definitely not one we'd buy) but I figured It would get us in one to drive as we have not driven one before. I was impressed with the pickup, but overall the car wasn't well taken care of. It had many scratches, dings, rattles, it didn't have a sunroof even though it was a T6, sounded like it needed a wheel bearing, etc. etc. etc. Overall I was a bit put off, but I need to chalk it up to the fact that it wasn't well taken care of. I found another local one that's a bit higher than I want to pay, but I assume that one will give me a better feeling for the vehicle overall.
A few of the other vehicles mentioned:
Subaru Legacy - Not a fan of the current bloated model
Ford Fusion - I do like the Fusion, but it's not quite as premium as the others. I'll have to look into one though.
Buick Regal - It'd have to be a 2014 to get AWD, but it seems as if their resale isn't great. Definitely something to look into.
Now If only I had the budget like @breld has, then I could just buy whatever I liked first, and then just trade it in when something better came along
@rny421
I think we all feel that way, just a little, but there is something supremely enjoyable about both not spending money and living vicariously through someone else who is doing so....
@xwesx, can you post the link to that hitch carrier you recommend? I forget where you posted that. Pretty sure I want to go ahead and get one. Cheaper by far than renting a minivan, and should give me enough capacity to get all the crap to college. Just need to measure what I want to put on it first!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
happened to browse at the Audi/VW place, looking at the used stuff. A beautiful (but pricey) 2008 A3 caught me eye. Blue over Beige, with pano roof. Sounds like what Breld has. only 39K on it, asking $19,500 which seems crazy, even with modest miles for the year. That is already 7 MYs old!
and I browsed the carfax. Looked sketchy. many owners, and quick flips. And saw this red flag (at 16K miles):
Oil consumption test performed
Never a good sign!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
They also had this one (I thought of Roadburner, since at first I thought it didn't have a moonroof, but it just blended into the black paint) that I looked at up close. Man it looked clean for a 2003. No clue if the price is ambitious or not at $20,500. Should have gone in and asked for a test drive. Probably best that I didn't.
http://www.cherryhillaudi.com/used/BMW/2003-BMW-M3-7fc487b20a0a00e018c4326c5372446a.htm
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Sounds exactly like ours, even the mileage. We paid around $16k for ours last year at an Acura dealer. It doesn't surprise me an audi dealer is trying to get a premium. FWIW, we haven't had any issues with the car, not they we've he'd it they long.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Thanks, jay. Right now, I'm looking at a bit over $12k off if it works the way I hope.
But, looking at cars.com, where do you find this info? I went through their customize a new car thing and it is only showing me a couple hundred bucks under invoice, no incentives listed.
'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
Based on some quick browsing, pick ups are crazy expensive used. Even such also rans as a Colorado. And usually miles up and often modified. Dang.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
If it's an early 2008 model, it had the older FSI engine, which is more prone to oil consumption. The 2008.5 and newer models have the newer TSI engine, which is less prone to oil consumption.
At around 16,500 miles (6,000 miles since the last service), the oil level appeared low and I added 1/4 of a quart to my GLI. It's kind of difficult to read the dipstick, as the oil level crosses the dipstick at a diagonal angle. It's close to the full mark now.
Agreed. Given the incentives usually available on new ones, you're often better off buying new.
But there is nothing new except the antique Tacoma, or behemoths. Plus I can't afford one!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The new Colorado (with an optional diesel) is coming soon, as is a new Frontier (the current one is also ancient). Doubt they will be value-priced. I think that's one of the reasons we don't see as many smaller trucks, the prices got to the point where you could have a "behemoth" truck with a larger engine and a better ride for about the same money. Also, it's more comfortable to ride in the middle front seat of a full size truck than in the back seat of a compact extended cab truck, so you can carry three passengers in a full size regular cab better than a compact extended cab.
http://www.cars.com/go/advice/incentives/index.jsp> @qbrozen said:
Cars.com, go to "Finance" then "Rebates and Incentivew." You then customize for your zip code.
http://www.cars.com/go/advice/incentives/index.jsp
'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...)
Wow, I don't think I can begin to explain the formatting of my above post!
'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 one I bought was a Rola 59500 Cargo Tray, but I think Reese must have bought them (or that model?). This is what I find on Amazon. The price is consistent and the design identical.
What I do with cars.com is punch in the vehicle plus specs in the new cars for sale section.---any distance. Then I click on price cheapest. It gives you advertised discount prices for actual cars for sale. You can check msrp by going to the dealer website with the inventory model.Granted, some prices are bait but you can work with a local dealer on the price to see if is for real.
Well, actually, now I'm not entirely sure. The product I purchased, the Rola 59500, states that it is 56x22, which it is. However, the steel support structure is much smaller (about 30" wide). The photos for both products are the same (aside from the computer-generated labeling, I'm sure), and yet the Reese unit indicates significantly different dimensions, which I kinda think are the frame dimensions, not the tray dimensions. /sigh
So, I'm pretty sure it's the same, but not 100%.
I saw that. Info grid said 30x22, but description said 56x22. I may go ahead and order it if I can't find local. Don't need it right away.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I have a 2008 Passat with the newer TSI engine, owned since new. Presently has 102k miles, and I've never added oil between changes. Of course, I always change the oil at 5k intervals, so...
And on the subject of used pickups, you can probably score a brand new one for less than what they ask for a one or two year old model. Now if you want to go back 8 to 10 years, and do some careful shopping, you can get a very nice used truck under 100k for $7k to $9k.
Wow, trucks are expensive as hell! Just for kicks, I did a search on used Ram 1500's within 20 miles of my zipcode. It came back with 30 results. 29 of them have asking prices higher than the $20,751 out the door that my 2012 Ram cost, brand-new. The only one that's cheaper is a 2012 with a short bed, 84,000 miles, for $18,783.
Just about all of the others though, were 4-door models, and nicer trim levels, many of them 4wd as well. So that's going to make some difference, compared to my stripper regular cab, RWD, 8-foot bed model. A style that probably not too many people want, anymore.
Have to say, the seats in the "new" van don't fit me as well as the ones in the Quest did. Even the driver's "8 way power" seat isn't as comfy. The lumbar seems too high or I don't have the seat height adjustment dialed in yet. Meanwhile a t-shirt is helping (a 550 mile day today didn't help much either).
Other than that the mpg is fine at 24 and I think I have the tire pressures dialed in better. It really swallowed a load of junk.
So 2 friends of mine entered this year's Bull Run race from NYC to AZ. The guy who fronted the money for the 2 of them is the guy I've spoken of before with the ///M5, X5///M, & B7 Alpina X-drive. The other guy is my best friend. 1st leg was NYC to Cape May, NJ. Then it was Cape May, NJ to DC. 3rd leg was DC to Hot Springs, VA. Guys in this bull run race drive dangerously fast. Insanely high speeds, cutting people off in the shoulder, blowing through red lights and stop signs when they get off the interstate. Now my friend with the M5 was driving crazy, but not at the level of these other guys. My best friend drove faster than normal, but once there was a car in his way, he eased off the gas pedal and waited until it was safe to pass. It was on this 3rd leg that my best friend realized "this is not for him." He's at this gorgeous resort hotel where they are staying the night and realizes he doesn't want to get arrested or killed or be responsible for someone else being killed or seriously injured. He tells our friend with the M5: "I'm out of here." So he takes a car service from Hot Springs, VA to Norfolk, VA and misses the last flight out to NY by 15 minutes. So he rents the last car Hertz has available on the lot. A brand new Malibu LTZ. he loved it and remarked how much better it drove than the Malibu LS his local Chevy Dealer has as a loaner.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
"It's ALIVE! It's ALIVE!"
Project Corvette restoration is going very well. Instead of having the car towed to my mechanic near where I work which would have been a project in itself for me (research a tow company, meet the tow company at my Dad's house, follow the tow company to my mechanic, then have my mechanic tell me what parts he needs and go buy them), I found 2 mechanics that travel and who I trust. They recently renovated my parents' kitchen and bathroom. They also completed a restoration of a 1956 Chevy. Long story short, they used my list I compiled from many of you guys as a guide and were able to fire the car up last week! Here's the best part, my Dad has no idea what's going on. This is his father's day gift. I'm going to surprise the living day lights out of him with this one:)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
So I know I've been saying I need to start test driving. Tonight while getting gas for my lawn mower, I saw a guy pull into the gas station with a Passat TDI SEL. I asked him how he liked the car and such. He gets out and I see he's wearing a Polo Shirt from the local VW dealer. He says he's in sales and come on by when I'm ready to test drive. He said it is hard to say no to a TDI once thou drive it.
I do like the Passat. It is a handsome looking car, especially with those 18" spilt spoke allow wheels. I think I'll make VW my 1st stop.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Which means you'll be asking for lease numbers for the Passat very soon. :-)
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Most likely! I know where to find you guys when I need you:)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
'..this is his father's day gift. I'm going to surprise the living day lights out of him with this one:)' - nyccarguy
Please take & share pictures?
Sounds wonderful!
Expecting a card & home-baked goodies......
You're just all over the place - which I find amusing, since I'm the same way from time to time.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
@rayainsw
I definitely will
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
@Michaell
Yeah, I am ALL over the place with this. My biggest problem is that I'm researching the "best deal" instead of "the right car." It is a slippery slope. I look at the Passat TDI, what I think it will lease for, then I start to check out other sedans in the category. "Oh wow, X has a really high resdiual & a low mf." Or I think to myself: "Well, if I'm willing to go with a front driver & snow tires, then I might as well go for something like a Civic." "Can I live with a base model Forester with wheel covers for 3 years?" I should stick with something semi-cool (in the car geek world anyway) just in case I really like it and want to buy it out when the lease is up. At that point, I'll have a very nice used car with only 36K miles that I'll know who the previous owner is. The Passat TDI is cool (the diesel factor), I like the Buick Regal AWD. Even the $31k sticker "base" model has tons of features plus a very sophisticated Haldex AWD system and a turbo 4. Oh wait, for the price of a Passat TDI or Buick Regal AWD, I might be able to get a Forrester XT:)-
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
@ nyccarguy
I don't understand at all how someone can be all over the place.
I would give the unsolicited advice to be careful not to focus too much on the best deal and sacrifice getting the right car for you. I obviously did that with the Passat Wolfsburg and immediately wished I had spent the extra for a nicer model, or even something else altogether. You do seem to really enjoy your 328xi, and while you do have the Prelude as a fun car, I found for myself that the "fun" car doesn't necessarily make up for having a daily driver you're not thrilled with.
Having said all that, and as ironic as it may sound given my change this past week, I do think the Passat TDI could be a great car for you. Frankly, if I would've gone that route (and a more loaded one at that), I likely would not have been making the change I did when I did. But once I decided to make a change at all, I just opened up all the options and ended up going with the 535xi. If you all remember, my first attempt at making a change was actually at the VW dealer to see if I could "upgrade" my Passat.
I, along with most others here, look forward to your experience of driving all kinds of different cars and hearing your impressions.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Some quick first impressions of the "new" BMW:
Love the balance of comfort and sport. If I came directly from the E90 to this, I probably would've thought it was too soft, but coming from the Passat, I appreciate the car's ability to soak up bumps and grooves, but still feel secure in braking and curves.
Didn't realize how much I missed having a sunroof - enjoyed having it open driving around yesterday. It's not a panoramic, but it certainly seems larger than a standard roof.
The "multi-contour" seats are awesome. In the 5-series, the upper portion of the back can be "bent" (for lack of better words) forward and backward, causing the seat to conform to the curvature of your back, sort of "cupping" you.
May sound silly, but I don't actually prefer all the power with the 535i. The VW 1.8T may have left me wanting for more power every once in awhile, but for the most part, it was much more than adequate, and IMO, more engaging to work the throttle to get the most out of the engine. With the 535i, there's not much to it in normal driving - tap the accelerator and you're up to speed with ease. I would have been more than happy with a 528i, but finding one of those used with the sport package seemed to be very difficult, which makes sense to me - I'm sure most of the buyers who wanted the sport (or m-sport) package opted for the bigger engine too.
Anyhow - overall very happy with the choice. It was fun to entertain other options like the Lexus, but the familiarity with the BMW is very nice.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
The Accord is a lot more car than the Civic, for not a lot more money. The Accord LX loses a few features over the Civic EX (Lanewatch, keyless go, sunroof), but now has auto climate control and alloy wheels, plus it's more powerful and probably rides better.
@corvette
now you see what I go through:)
There is one way I can make my life very easy. My best friend has a contact very high up at a high volume Infiniti dealership. He told me to "say the word" and we'll go down together and most likely walk out with a smokin deal on a 326hp G37X sedan:)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I've been sniffing around this one for a few weeks. Low miles, 2001, but damn thing has a vibration in the clutch on take-off. 996 Porsches can be scary. You have to be very careful. What is seductive about this one is the color combo and the hardtop option. They're asking $23,500K I was thinking more like $17.5K We are, needless to say, rather far apart at the moment.
I think that's the difference between what you need, and what you want.
This 2001 996 looks great. I would be firm on pricing with this model year.... 19.5k would be my final offer for this model year.. with reliability concerns you'd really have to love it Shift.. .. These cars are expensive to maintain. Be careful
Granted, the 996 is a transitional figure in the Porsche genealogy. It’s a given, that money being no object, every sportscar enthusiast would choose the styling and performance of the current Porsche progeny, (the 997 – 2005-present), over the 996. But the 996 paved the way for the 997 by leaving behind the antiquated air-cooled system for a conventional “water”/radiator engine cooling system, as well as computerized driver aids.
996 was freshened in 2002 with a more durable, more powerful engine, interior revisions, and a facelift. The market’s opinion on these cars, however, is written in the resale values.
Good luck
23 Telluride SX-P X-Line, 23 Camry XSE
The G37X is a great choice, I enjoyed mine for the 18 months I had it....but if you go that route you should see what they can do on a Q50 AWD, it's a nice step up.
@nyccarguy, don't you need something big enough to put all 3 kids in the back? Forget a civic. Accord should very ok. Passat yeah. Don't discount a legacy either.
I just can't see you going with a small economy car, and not regretting it.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
how many miles, shifty? I think you said in the other discussion. Those at auction are going for quite a bit more than you want to pay, so my guess is you'd never come together on price.
'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
went to the Chrysler dealer this afternoon. Van has a really cool interior, IMHO.
The rebates do stack, but a bit differently than I thought. The $1k minivan cash can't be used with a lease, but the $500 trade assistance does stack with conquest cash, contrary to what Edmunds has in their incentives page. So total incentives come to $9k when leasing a Touring-L through an independent bank.
Next step is wife going there on Saturday to show them our trade and make sure SHE likes the vehicle.
'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
For those that may be interested ("Anyone, anyone. Buehler, Buehler?"), there is a Caddy dealer in the Boston area advertising $15k off MSRP of all their ELRs. Let the stampede begin.
'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...)