@stickguy said:
The good old days of my youth. A duster and gremlin with black vinyl. And no AC. Probably still have scars on back of my legs from that.
I might have you beat - when I graduated HS, I drove a '79 Pontiac Sunbird - beige with beige vinyl. No AC - hey, I lived near the beach in CA and didn't need it.
Fast forward 8 months - I move to Phoenix to attend college. The lack of AC was OK in February when I moved there, but a few months later it was unbearable.
Told my folks we had two options - add AC for about $1000 or invest in some quality sheepskin seat covers for $300-400.
Between the seat covers and the 2/55 rule - 2 windows down, 55 MPH - I survived 3 summers there.
First car was '70 Galaxie Coupe... black vinyl, no air.. Wearing shorts was rough.
I was 32 before I bought a car with A/C... That was a Porsche 911 that only had A/C coming out of two tiny vents in the center of the dash.. so, even that was marginal.
Dropped my 535i off at the dealership this morning to have a few dings and some road rash repaired (part of the sales agreement), and received a loaner 428i with m-sport in that cool Estoril Blue. Definitely a fun car and sharp looking. Happy to report I prefer the size of my 5-series.
Also dropped off the wife's TT at our independent shop - it has been running funny when the fuel gets low, and even refused to start one time.
So, there is a failure of some fuel pump and it needs to be replaced - that part is easy, but you have to remove the fuel tank to do the job. Not cheap.
stopped at the VW/Porsche dealer today (had to take my son over to pick up his Jetta from service). Finally saw a new GTI (actually 2). Our salesguy was not at his desk, so didn't find out if they had any Golfs laying around.
anyway, the GTI is really nice. didn't get inside being locked (none in the showroom) but I liked the style, and loved the interior.
One was a super nice Titanium base model, with red/black plaid cloth. Old school! No roof, Stick shift. MSRP $25,800. If you want a stick and don't like a hole in the roof, that was the on.
The other one was black Autobahn package, all loaded up. Glass roof, DSG, xeonons, etc. MSRP on that one was $32,500!
I still don't think I could ever buy something with such low profile tires (235/40-18). Like little rubber bands. with how crappy our roads still are, I would be extremely paranoid. I also hate the phone dial style with the giant holes. Get a roof on that base one, and downsize to 50 series 17" wheels/tires, and perfect!
Oh, the Porsches were so nice I wanted to cry. they had a sweet 911 cab in the showroom. medium gray that I liked. And even better, RWD and a stick shift. Old, old school. Still 113K!
RB would have liked the Cayman S, black over black, all the goodies. and only 82K. Wow.
Be careful. Once a Porsche gets its hooks into you, it's hard to escape.
I didn't get that 2001 Carrera 4 after all--I was easily outbid by someone from our new Gilded Age, who has a 10" standpipe installed in his living room I'm sure, that spurts out money whenever you need it. Not only did he pay full list for the car--but when told it needed a clutch, new tires and a major service, he paid for all that to be done before shipping the car back east. So he paid MSRP plus kicked in another $6K for shipping and repairs. All this sight unseen, mind you. Total? around 30K. What would I have paid for the car all FIXED? $21.5K-$23K tops.
do I sound bitter? I don't mean to be. I low-balled the car because I'm really not a convertible kind of guy, even when it has a detachable hardtop. And quite frankly, AWD Porsches "push" a lot in turns--and I find that mildly annoying.
So the search for a clean 996 under $20K continues! I am going to get exactly what I want, or I'm not going to buy. That's it!
So the search for a clean 996 under $20K continues!
Well, that certainly is a bit on the tough side. A few 1999 models (carrera 2 coupes) with 70-80k have been around that $16k-$17k mark. But, of course, no idea what you will get when buying a car that has gone through auction. Those cars, however, probably got $15k trade-in money. So I'd think those owners would have been tickled with $17,500 private party.
There was a silver 2000 with 86k miles that went through SF Bay on May 7 to the tune of $16k on the nose.
'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
added benefit on the new T&C = better gas mileage. I didn't think it would be significant since the EPA estimates really aren't much better than our 2008, but we were under 19 on the old and, so far, have been in the 23 range with the new one. I consider that pretty impressive given what it is.
'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
Yep, that would have been the sweet spot, $16K, but on an auction car, that's a risky buy. A late 90s coupe, 2WD, manual transmission, clean bill of health, would be just right at around $17.5K. AWD just adds weight for me, and if someone needs AWD to stay on the road in a Porsche, they should be driving something else IMO.
Thanks for those price comparisons, it's encouraging. A miled-up Porsche isn't like a miled-up Vette or Viper or Ferrari---I know plenty of Porsches breaking 200K with no problems. They are rugged cars. Once you mile-up a Ferrari (over say 60K), it's a parts car. Nobody will touch it.
Yep, the 993 is still spiraling upwards. It's getting ridiculous. What's happening is that Porsche, in refusing to stand behind the 996 engine defects, has made the 993 the chocolate bunny that everybody wants now. It didn't help that when Porsche went racing, it used 993 blocks, not 996 blocks.
21% improvement?! Yeah, that's impressive no matter which way you slice it!
I'm gathering up parts for this year's annual Auto Maintenance weekend (known by others as Independence Day (or 4th of July) weekend). It's shaping up to be an impressive one! In addition to the normal fluids change, I have new wipers for both cars, a full set of struts and HD springs for the Forester, spark plugs and wires for the Fiesta, a trailer wiring kit (also for Fiesta) and bulbs all around.
I'm debating whether to try replacing some steering components on my van as well as doing some work on the plow truck, but those may have to wait for another time later in the summer!
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
Changing plug wires ? I can't remember the last time I had that done. --- Now I remember. It was in 1978 when I swapped them out in my 75 VW Rabbit. I did it for fun because everything was right in front of you. How is access on the Fiesta?
I made it to the 4 Series Ultimate Drive event today, and I lucked out big time. I didn't have to drive a droptop! Instead, I had the opportunity to spend some time behind the wheel of this puppy- a 435i with just about every M Performance part you could throw at it. I was EXTREMELY impressed. Very fast and agile yet still comfortable when driven at a sedate pace. Even the automatic transmission was a pleasant surprise- clicking off ultra-quick upshifts and rev-matching downshifts yia the wheel mounted shift paddles. While I still would much rather have a M235i, a 4er equipped like this is sled is one of the few new BMWs I actually would want to own.
@jayrider said:
Changing plug wires ? I can't remember the last time I had that done. --- Now I remember. It was in 1978 when I swapped them out in my 75 VW Rabbit. I did it for fun because everything was right in front of you. How is access on the Fiesta?
The Wrangler maintenance schedule calls for it every 60K, can't understand why, but I go ahead and do it. Haven't touched the plug wires on the '02 or Club Sport, and everything else is coil on plug...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Sounds like fun! Is that a stripe down the side or just the shadow of the line in the body?
Just got back from Covington. kyfdx, I know it's a chain, but you're near a pretty cool pub (Yard House) across the river. Huge menu and huge beer selection.
Looks like a stripe. I still can't get over the fender vents. I see a ton of those on the road now, I guess the 3er coupe crowd was waiting for something new.
@corvette said:
Sounds like fun! Is that a stripe down the side or just the shadow of the line in the body?
Just got back from Covington. kyfdx, I know it's a chain, but you're near a pretty cool pub (Yard House) across the river. Huge menu and huge beer selection.
Yes, it's a stripe; I can take it or leave it. The rest of the M Performance trim was really nice, although I probably wouldn't spring for the $700 carbon fiber mirror covers...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
@roadburner said:
I made it to the 4 Series Ultimate Drive event today, and I lucked out big time. I didn't have to drive a droptop! Instead, I had the opportunity to spend some time behind the wheel of this puppy- a 435i with just about every M Performance part you could throw at it. I was EXTREMELY impressed. Very fast and agile yet still comfortable when driven at a sedate pace. Even the automatic transmission was a pleasant surprise- clicking off ultra-quick upshifts and rev-matching downshifts yia the wheel mounted shift paddles. While I still would much rather have a M235i, a 4er equipped like this is sled is one of the few new BMWs I actually would want to own.
Hate to say it, but from that angle in that photo the styling looks almost Kia-ish.
@jayrider said:
Changing plug wires ? I can't remember the last time I had that done. --- Now I remember. It was in 1978 when I swapped them out in my 75 VW Rabbit. I did it for fun because everything was right in front of you. How is access on the Fiesta?
Well, plug wires can be one of those things that age rather gradually, meaning you don't notice the increased resistance in them until you really push the car or some thing else goes wonky (like a low voltage situation that then exacerbates your weak spark).
I wouldn't think I should need to replace plugs or wires on the car yet, as it only has 40K miles (the maint schedule calls for plugs every 100K), but I'm having serious performance issues with it. Any time I get on it (e.g., above about 3K RPM, which is about where it starts coming alive), the car no longer pulls in a linear fashion. It seems like it hesitates on a rather rhythmic basis. I suspect it is somehow related to the direct injection (I've heard that DI can be problematic like that), but I have also had issues with stock plugs/wires before, so I figure that it is a cheap maintenance item that will reset the clock and at least give me some peace of mind.
When I drive my car on windy roads, I want it to respond when I get on it. And, it doesn't get responsive until 3K+, so it's really frustrating to feel like I'm on a galloping horse every time I pull out of a turn. I guess if I drove it like a Sunday stroll, I'd never notice the issue, but what fun is that?
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
There's probably good reason for that - Kia brought in a German designer to spiff up their traditional mediocre KDM design - and although he came from Audi, some other influences are seen.
@ab348 said:
Hate to say it, but from that angle in that photo the styling looks almost Kia-ish.
@corvette said:
Sounds like fun! Is that a stripe down the side or just the shadow of the line in the body?
Just got back from Covington. kyfdx, I know it's a chain, but you're near a pretty cool pub (Yard House) across the river. Huge menu and huge beer selection.
I might have had a few beers in there, a time or three.
@xwesx, while crossing a corner of Texas today on a two lane with a 75 mph speedlimit, I hit 90 in the '09 Grand Caravan a couple of times passing people. Seems to be a pretty peppy and responsive 3.8 V6, but I can't say going 90 in a minivan, on a two lane no less, if all that much fun. At least the roads on the plains are staight for miles and miles.
that is a bit faster than I would want to go in a minivan. especially a miled up TC. Even my RDX would probably feel like it was moving at that speed (though maybe not, I caught myself doing 85 a couple of times, and it felt like I was doing 60).
I touched 100 one time in the Quest when it was younger on a long quiet stretch of Oregon backroad, and yeah, we're all much happier cruising at 70 or so.
The van is doing great but Las Cruces sure is a Soul town. They are all over out there. Have to say I'm enjoying the power seat and dashboard options in the "new" van. And the power sliders are as handy as I knew they would be. Love the bells and whistles.
A few more notes from my Ultimate Drive experience...
I talked with a friend who works at my dealership about the BMW "Genius" job. The "Genius" helps customers decide on models and options as well as helping them learn about and operate the technology in their new cars. My wife insisted that I would be perfect for the job and my friend agreed- except for one thing. I'm too old. BMW won't admit it of course, but who they really
Talked with another one of my friends(a salesperson) who is also a fellow BMW CCA instructor. He is completely smitten by the M235i and has one on order. He actually likes it better than the 1 Series M Coupe that he recently sold. I was really surprised me when he said he preferred the ZF 8HP automatic, explaining it shifts as fast or faster than a DCT and makes the car quicker on the track. Wow. BMW apparently agrees; they put the identical transmission(with modified software) in the turnkey M235i Racing car that they are now producing.
I wonder how long it will be until the software from the Racing car leaks out to the Bimwads who want to pump up their street/track cars? Alpina's automatic software is available if you know where to look- and it isn't all that hard to download to your car- assuming it has a compatible transmission.
RB....I've beem smitten by the M235i since it was first announced.....so much so, I won't go near my BMW dealer for fear I'll actually buy one.....seriously!
I built an M235i; Melbourne Red, Black Sensatec, CWP, H-K, and moonroof delete- $46k I still haven't priced the port-installed limited slip-almost certainly north of $3.5k. I would add the M Performance power kit and exhaust later(@$3k before discounts).
And I know that I'm tilting at windmills, but I'm still ticked at BMW for not making the LSD standard. Mazda, Ford, and Chevrolet can do it, why not Munich?
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
The M235i is BMW's first "M Performance" car- intended to slot in between the M Sports(trim/suspension) and the true ///M cars. The ///M2-if BMW decides to build one-would likely have flared fenders, a CF roof, aggressively bolstered sport seats, and a much more powerful engine(400+ bhp would be my guess).
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:
I hit 90 in the '09 Grand Caravan a couple of times passing people.
The DGC is a nice cruiser; it really is. Even on my '98, it had much nicer driving characteristics than any of the other minivans. And, with regard to feedback and handling, it out-performed the 2010 Outback I test drove while we had it. An aside.... That's one of the things that disgusted me so much about the Gen4 Outbacks: They went from being nice driver's cars in the Gen3 to bearing exactly no resemblance to the prior gen in any way (and they were all for the worse except passenger space).
Cruising in the DGC across the plains at ~85 seemed entirely natural for it, and we still pulled around 24mpg after a long day. The 3.8L V6 is a superb engine. Ours sounded (and behaved) like new even when we sold it at 215K miles. The kids and I saw it at Safeway (seems that's the only place we ever see it!) again last Saturday. I keep hoping to see the owner, too, so I can find out how many miles it has now!
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
With our '08 T&C 4.0, I was firmly into triple digits several times for long stretches during our trip to Disney and back. Van fully loaded down and luggage on the roof. Mileage did suffer greatly though.
'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
@xwesx mentions the 3.8l as being a good engine, but it sounds like the 4.0l is even better.
Had to add a quart of oil yesterday, and I'm a bit overdue for the oil change (some habits never change, LOL). We still think we want a Soul after 2 or 3 more road trips in this van, but dang, it's going to be hard to give up the room. The driver's seat on this Grand Caravan doesn't fit me too well though, even with the tilt wheel and 8 way power and lumbar control. Getting good use out of my foam pillow.
Drive a lot of these Dodge vans at work and seems that Hertz buys a bit more Dodge Caravans than Town & Country's though I prefer the T & C's because of the XM radio subscription. Yesterday, we had customers coming in for their minivans and we were shuffling them between our locations. For those walk in's that insist on a minivan this time of year, very doubtful they'll get one unless they go to an airport location. Had one guy waiting almost an hour yesterday till I could get back to the office with one...heard him talking that they were going to Niagra Falls and then over to Portland Maine down through Boston and then back to South Florida the next couple of weeks. Got a feeling that it's going to be a bit on the expensive side but like I said, this is the height of the vacation season so folks have no problem paying the price for one.
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Got some Meguiar's Ultimate Black Plastic Restorer yesterday to clean up the body cladding on the Tuscon and hopefully it'll do the trick. Some wax got on it and it didn't come off in the car wash. Makes the vehicle look awful so someone recommended this product to me. I did see an infomercial for a certain brand on t v but don't remember the name of the product...they didn't have it at Autozone but the sales guy recommended this stuff as selling very well. Will give it a shot later and see just how well it performs. Would've preferred to have all paint around the bottom of the vehicle but see this same black body cladding on most of the cuv's out there...this is the reason I dislike them so much, the extra care needed to keep them looking like new!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
@stever said:
xwesx mentions the 3.8l as being a good engine, but it sounds like the 4.0l is even better.
Had to add a quart of oil yesterday, and I'm a bit overdue for the oil change (some habits never change, LOL). We still think we want a Soul after 2 or 3 more road trips in this van, but dang, it's going to be hard to give up the room. The driver's seat on this Grand Caravan doesn't fit me too well though, even with the tilt wheel and 8 way power and lumbar control. Getting good use out of my foam pillow.
All this positive talk on Chrysler mini vans has me a bit sorry I didn't check them out when I bought my Buick. Rented a Sienna in Canada and even my wife was impressed with the room and seat comfort. Room for 6 and still plenty of space for all the luggage. Of course, the Buick is a garage queen. 8500 miles in 2.5 years -- we drive the Prius 90 % of the time. As the price of gas increases, trade-in on the Toyota is increasing a dollar a day or so. Average low 40's around town -- mid 50's on the highway. The Buick consistently returns 20 plus mpg with the V-6 and AWD which is surprising. Won $140 at the casino yesterday. May need to stretch the Buick's legs today and go back for another 100. While I was strolling through the high limit section, saw a guy hit a 20K jackpot. Triple Diamonds on the pay line. I've seen him and his grandson there often and he gambles big and loses big so I doubt if he left the floor with much.
So, the question is --- if you won 20k -- tax free, what would you buy this week ?
I think I'd get my GF a nice used Miata automatic so she would stop mutilating the clutch on my Mini Cooper (pricey item, that) and then a clean compact pickup truck for yard work and hauling bicycles. My used truck advisor, Autogator Auto Wrecking, after a private conference on the pros and cons of various trucks, such as Ranger, Dakota, S10, Sonoma, B2600, etc. gave me the same old tired advice I always hear: "Buy a Toyota".
@Mr_Shiftright said:
I think I'd get my GF a nice used Miata automatic so she would stop mutilating the clutch on my Mini Cooper (pricey item, that) and then a clean compact pickup truck for yard work and hauling bicycles. My used truck advisor, Autogator Auto Wrecking, after a private conference on the pros and cons of various trucks, such as Ranger, Dakota, S10, Sonoma, B2600, etc. gave me the same old tired advice I always hear: "Buy a Toyota".
If your GF is ruining your clutch and you still let her drive the Mini, what are you getting out of the situation that compensates you for her poor driving skills ?
Sandy, darned minivans are expensive to rent. I priced them out as an option for taking my daughter to college and I think the lowest I found was $100/day. Ouch.
looks like I will save money buying a hitch basket/tray to carry some overflow, then packing to the roof. Of course, my favorite option is bring less crap, but that is going to be tough with my wife involved.
we use our dining room as a trip staging area. So I suspect she is going to keep adding stuff that I will then remove. My thought is, anything that you can buy at a normal store, that she does not need on moving day, we buy local. We are staying over the night of move in day (they have family activities on day 2), so can easily go out to target/walmart/BJs and buy all the consumables, extra chair, etc. Frankly, she should bring her clothes, 1 set of bedding/towels, and electronics, and just get everything else down there!
I still am fixated on PUs. Probably because I have 2 travel/move events pending (both kids). Stopped at the store today, and parked next to a sharp looking GMC Canyon. dark blue, 4 door, offroad package. Not gargantuan like the 1/2 tons these days. looked like a convenient thing to have.
@sandman_6472, this DGC has a Sirrius radio, likely an option. The dealer must have pushed a button somewhere because I had a short free trial. Nice, but all I'd likely listen to is the coffee channel. Need to investigate the AUX cable and a cheap MP3 player; that would likely sound better than my MP3/FM transmitter. Unlike you though, I'm not enough of an audiophile to much notice.
@jayrider, I'd do just like Shifty and get a used Miata for my garage queen. And yeah, if you can tolerate the gas mileage, it's hard to beat the versatility of a minivan, especially for road trips or if you shop a lot in town for garden stuff or bigger items. About the only real negative is driving in the snow or to the ski hill (and you can still get an AWD Sienna for that). Part of me still wants that Prius V with 40 mpg though. That would work better for a commute too, but I don't have that to worry about.
Now that I'm driving a Dodge minivan again, I'm noticing them on the road. They really are everywhere.
Comments
I might have you beat - when I graduated HS, I drove a '79 Pontiac Sunbird - beige with beige vinyl. No AC - hey, I lived near the beach in CA and didn't need it.
Fast forward 8 months - I move to Phoenix to attend college. The lack of AC was OK in February when I moved there, but a few months later it was unbearable.
Told my folks we had two options - add AC for about $1000 or invest in some quality sheepskin seat covers for $300-400.
Between the seat covers and the 2/55 rule - 2 windows down, 55 MPH - I survived 3 summers there.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
First car was '70 Galaxie Coupe... black vinyl, no air.. Wearing shorts was rough.
I was 32 before I bought a car with A/C... That was a Porsche 911 that only had A/C coming out of two tiny vents in the center of the dash.. so, even that was marginal.
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Dropped my 535i off at the dealership this morning to have a few dings and some road rash repaired (part of the sales agreement), and received a loaner 428i with m-sport in that cool Estoril Blue. Definitely a fun car and sharp looking. Happy to report I prefer the size of my 5-series.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Also dropped off the wife's TT at our independent shop - it has been running funny when the fuel gets low, and even refused to start one time.
So, there is a failure of some fuel pump and it needs to be replaced - that part is easy, but you have to remove the fuel tank to do the job. Not cheap.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
stopped at the VW/Porsche dealer today (had to take my son over to pick up his Jetta from service). Finally saw a new GTI (actually 2). Our salesguy was not at his desk, so didn't find out if they had any Golfs laying around.
anyway, the GTI is really nice. didn't get inside being locked (none in the showroom) but I liked the style, and loved the interior.
One was a super nice Titanium base model, with red/black plaid cloth. Old school! No roof, Stick shift. MSRP $25,800. If you want a stick and don't like a hole in the roof, that was the on.
The other one was black Autobahn package, all loaded up. Glass roof, DSG, xeonons, etc. MSRP on that one was $32,500!
I still don't think I could ever buy something with such low profile tires (235/40-18). Like little rubber bands. with how crappy our roads still are, I would be extremely paranoid. I also hate the phone dial style with the giant holes. Get a roof on that base one, and downsize to 50 series 17" wheels/tires, and perfect!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Oh, the Porsches were so nice I wanted to cry. they had a sweet 911 cab in the showroom. medium gray that I liked. And even better, RWD and a stick shift. Old, old school. Still 113K!
RB would have liked the Cayman S, black over black, all the goodies. and only 82K. Wow.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Be careful. Once a Porsche gets its hooks into you, it's hard to escape.
I didn't get that 2001 Carrera 4 after all--I was easily outbid by someone from our new Gilded Age, who has a 10" standpipe installed in his living room I'm sure, that spurts out money whenever you need it. Not only did he pay full list for the car--but when told it needed a clutch, new tires and a major service, he paid for all that to be done before shipping the car back east. So he paid MSRP plus kicked in another $6K for shipping and repairs. All this sight unseen, mind you. Total? around 30K. What would I have paid for the car all FIXED? $21.5K-$23K tops.
do I sound bitter? I don't mean to be. I low-balled the car because I'm really not a convertible kind of guy, even when it has a detachable hardtop. And quite frankly, AWD Porsches "push" a lot in turns--and I find that mildly annoying.
So the search for a clean 996 under $20K continues! I am going to get exactly what I want, or I'm not going to buy. That's it!
Hey... it could happen! I paid $20K for my first 911. Of course, it was for an '84 model, and the year was 1990.
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I wonder if 993 price inflation will continue. I strangely like the Targas. Might be a cool car to have in a zero depreciation kind of way.
oh, don't worry. The sticker price pretty much prevented any hooks from attaching.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
So the search for a clean 996 under $20K continues!
Well, that certainly is a bit on the tough side. A few 1999 models (carrera 2 coupes) with 70-80k have been around that $16k-$17k mark. But, of course, no idea what you will get when buying a car that has gone through auction. Those cars, however, probably got $15k trade-in money. So I'd think those owners would have been tickled with $17,500 private party.
There was a silver 2000 with 86k miles that went through SF Bay on May 7 to the tune of $16k on the nose.
'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
added benefit on the new T&C = better gas mileage. I didn't think it would be significant since the EPA estimates really aren't much better than our 2008, but we were under 19 on the old and, so far, have been in the 23 range with the new one. I consider that pretty impressive given what it is.
'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
Yep, that would have been the sweet spot, $16K, but on an auction car, that's a risky buy. A late 90s coupe, 2WD, manual transmission, clean bill of health, would be just right at around $17.5K. AWD just adds weight for me, and if someone needs AWD to stay on the road in a Porsche, they should be driving something else IMO.
Thanks for those price comparisons, it's encouraging. A miled-up Porsche isn't like a miled-up Vette or Viper or Ferrari---I know plenty of Porsches breaking 200K with no problems. They are rugged cars. Once you mile-up a Ferrari (over say 60K), it's a parts car. Nobody will touch it.
Yep, the 993 is still spiraling upwards. It's getting ridiculous. What's happening is that Porsche, in refusing to stand behind the 996 engine defects, has made the 993 the chocolate bunny that everybody wants now. It didn't help that when Porsche went racing, it used 993 blocks, not 996 blocks.
21% improvement?! Yeah, that's impressive no matter which way you slice it!
I'm gathering up parts for this year's annual Auto Maintenance weekend (known by others as Independence Day (or 4th of July) weekend). It's shaping up to be an impressive one! In addition to the normal fluids change, I have new wipers for both cars, a full set of struts and HD springs for the Forester, spark plugs and wires for the Fiesta, a trailer wiring kit (also for Fiesta) and bulbs all around.
I'm debating whether to try replacing some steering components on my van as well as doing some work on the plow truck, but those may have to wait for another time later in the summer!
that sounds like a good idea. I should make a list. Although I'm afraid of how long it would be.
'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
Changing plug wires ? I can't remember the last time I had that done. --- Now I remember. It was in 1978 when I swapped them out in my 75 VW Rabbit. I did it for fun because everything was right in front of you. How is access on the Fiesta?
I made it to the 4 Series Ultimate Drive event today, and I lucked out big time. I didn't have to drive a droptop! Instead, I had the opportunity to spend some time behind the wheel of this puppy- a 435i with just about every M Performance part you could throw at it. I was EXTREMELY impressed. Very fast and agile yet still comfortable when driven at a sedate pace. Even the automatic transmission was a pleasant surprise- clicking off ultra-quick upshifts and rev-matching downshifts yia the wheel mounted shift paddles. While I still would much rather have a M235i, a 4er equipped like this is sled is one of the few new BMWs I actually would want to own.
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 guess they want at least 60K for that 4 series?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The Wrangler maintenance schedule calls for it every 60K, can't understand why, but I go ahead and do it. Haven't touched the plug wires on the '02 or Club Sport, and everything else is coil on plug...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Sounds like fun! Is that a stripe down the side or just the shadow of the line in the body?
Just got back from Covington. kyfdx, I know it's a chain, but you're near a pretty cool pub (Yard House) across the river. Huge menu and huge beer selection.
Looks like a stripe. I still can't get over the fender vents. I see a ton of those on the road now, I guess the 3er coupe crowd was waiting for something new.
Yes, it's a stripe; I can take it or leave it. The rest of the M Performance trim was really nice, although I probably wouldn't spring for the $700 carbon fiber mirror covers...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Nice write up @roadburner. I'm starting to see a few 4s on the road. I like them a lot. The look f the drop top is much nicer than the 3er cabrios.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Hate to say it, but from that angle in that photo the styling looks almost Kia-ish.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Well, plug wires can be one of those things that age rather gradually, meaning you don't notice the increased resistance in them until you really push the car or some thing else goes wonky (like a low voltage situation that then exacerbates your weak spark).
I wouldn't think I should need to replace plugs or wires on the car yet, as it only has 40K miles (the maint schedule calls for plugs every 100K), but I'm having serious performance issues with it. Any time I get on it (e.g., above about 3K RPM, which is about where it starts coming alive), the car no longer pulls in a linear fashion. It seems like it hesitates on a rather rhythmic basis. I suspect it is somehow related to the direct injection (I've heard that DI can be problematic like that), but I have also had issues with stock plugs/wires before, so I figure that it is a cheap maintenance item that will reset the clock and at least give me some peace of mind.
When I drive my car on windy roads, I want it to respond when I get on it. And, it doesn't get responsive until 3K+, so it's really frustrating to feel like I'm on a galloping horse every time I pull out of a turn. I guess if I drove it like a Sunday stroll, I'd never notice the issue, but what fun is that?
There's probably good reason for that - Kia brought in a German designer to spiff up their traditional mediocre KDM design - and although he came from Audi, some other influences are seen.
I might have had a few beers in there, a time or three.
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@xwesx, while crossing a corner of Texas today on a two lane with a 75 mph speedlimit, I hit 90 in the '09 Grand Caravan a couple of times passing people. Seems to be a pretty peppy and responsive 3.8 V6, but I can't say going 90 in a minivan, on a two lane no less, if all that much fun. At least the roads on the plains are staight for miles and miles.
that is a bit faster than I would want to go in a minivan. especially a miled up TC. Even my RDX would probably feel like it was moving at that speed (though maybe not, I caught myself doing 85 a couple of times, and it felt like I was doing 60).
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I touched 100 one time in the Quest when it was younger on a long quiet stretch of Oregon backroad, and yeah, we're all much happier cruising at 70 or so.
The van is doing great but Las Cruces sure is a Soul town. They are all over out there. Have to say I'm enjoying the power seat and dashboard options in the "new" van. And the power sliders are as handy as I knew they would be. Love the bells and whistles.
A few more notes from my Ultimate Drive experience...
I talked with a friend who works at my dealership about the BMW "Genius" job. The "Genius" helps customers decide on models and options as well as helping them learn about and operate the technology in their new cars. My wife insisted that I would be perfect for the job and my friend agreed- except for one thing. I'm too old.
BMW won't admit it of course, but who they really
Talked with another one of my friends(a salesperson) who is also a fellow BMW CCA instructor. He is completely smitten by the M235i and has one on order. He actually likes it better than the 1 Series M Coupe that he recently sold. I was really surprised me when he said he preferred the ZF 8HP automatic, explaining it shifts as fast or faster than a DCT and makes the car quicker on the track. Wow. BMW apparently agrees; they put the identical transmission(with modified software) in the turnkey M235i Racing car that they are now producing.
I wonder how long it will be until the software from the Racing car leaks out to the Bimwads who want to pump up their street/track cars? Alpina's automatic software is available if you know where to look- and it isn't all that hard to download to your car- assuming it has a compatible transmission.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
RB....I've beem smitten by the M235i since it was first announced.....so much so, I won't go near my BMW dealer for fear I'll actually buy one.....seriously!
I built an M235i; Melbourne Red, Black Sensatec, CWP, H-K, and moonroof delete- $46k I still haven't priced the port-installed limited slip-almost certainly north of $3.5k. I would add the M Performance power kit and exhaust later(@$3k before discounts).
And I know that I'm tilting at windmills, but I'm still ticked at BMW for not making the LSD standard. Mazda, Ford, and Chevrolet can do it, why not Munich?
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
@roadburner
Why is the ///M235i not an ///M2?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
@graphicguy
I need to stay away from BMW dealers too. For the same reason.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
@roadburner
You could be the "Supervising Genius" or "Wizard" that stays in the back and comes out in the event of a problem:)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
The M235i is BMW's first "M Performance" car- intended to slot in between the M Sports(trim/suspension) and the true ///M cars. The ///M2-if BMW decides to build one-would likely have flared fenders, a CF roof, aggressively bolstered sport seats, and a much more powerful engine(400+ bhp would be my guess).
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
The DGC is a nice cruiser; it really is. Even on my '98, it had much nicer driving characteristics than any of the other minivans. And, with regard to feedback and handling, it out-performed the 2010 Outback I test drove while we had it. An aside.... That's one of the things that disgusted me so much about the Gen4 Outbacks: They went from being nice driver's cars in the Gen3 to bearing exactly no resemblance to the prior gen in any way (and they were all for the worse except passenger space).
Cruising in the DGC across the plains at ~85 seemed entirely natural for it, and we still pulled around 24mpg after a long day. The 3.8L V6 is a superb engine. Ours sounded (and behaved) like new even when we sold it at 215K miles. The kids and I saw it at Safeway (seems that's the only place we ever see it!) again last Saturday. I keep hoping to see the owner, too, so I can find out how many miles it has now!
With our '08 T&C 4.0, I was firmly into triple digits several times for long stretches during our trip to Disney and back. Van fully loaded down and luggage on the roof. Mileage did suffer greatly though.
'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
How does the 3.6 liter Pentastar engine compare to the 4.0?
@xwesx mentions the 3.8l as being a good engine, but it sounds like the 4.0l is even better.
Had to add a quart of oil yesterday, and I'm a bit overdue for the oil change (some habits never change, LOL). We still think we want a Soul after 2 or 3 more road trips in this van, but dang, it's going to be hard to give up the room. The driver's seat on this Grand Caravan doesn't fit me too well though, even with the tilt wheel and 8 way power and lumbar control. Getting good use out of my foam pillow.
Drive a lot of these Dodge vans at work and seems that Hertz buys a bit more Dodge Caravans than Town & Country's though I prefer the T & C's because of the XM radio subscription. Yesterday, we had customers coming in for their minivans and we were shuffling them between our locations. For those walk in's that insist on a minivan this time of year, very doubtful they'll get one unless they go to an airport location. Had one guy waiting almost an hour yesterday till I could get back to the office with one...heard him talking that they were going to Niagra Falls and then over to Portland Maine down through Boston and then back to South Florida the next couple of weeks. Got a feeling that it's going to be a bit on the expensive side but like I said, this is the height of the vacation season so folks have no problem paying the price for one.
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Got some Meguiar's Ultimate Black Plastic Restorer yesterday to clean up the body cladding on the Tuscon and hopefully it'll do the trick. Some wax got on it and it didn't come off in the car wash. Makes the vehicle look awful so someone recommended this product to me. I did see an infomercial for a certain brand on t v but don't remember the name of the product...they didn't have it at Autozone but the sales guy recommended this stuff as selling very well. Will give it a shot later and see just how well it performs. Would've preferred to have all paint around the bottom of the vehicle but see this same black body cladding on most of the cuv's out there...this is the reason I dislike them so much, the extra care needed to keep them looking like new!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
All this positive talk on Chrysler mini vans has me a bit sorry I didn't check them out when I bought my Buick. Rented a Sienna in Canada and even my wife was impressed with the room and seat comfort. Room for 6 and still plenty of space for all the luggage. Of course, the Buick is a garage queen. 8500 miles in 2.5 years -- we drive the Prius 90 % of the time. As the price of gas increases, trade-in on the Toyota is increasing a dollar a day or so. Average low 40's around town -- mid 50's on the highway. The Buick consistently returns 20 plus mpg with the V-6 and AWD which is surprising. Won $140 at the casino yesterday. May need to stretch the Buick's legs today and go back for another 100. While I was strolling through the high limit section, saw a guy hit a 20K jackpot. Triple Diamonds on the pay line. I've seen him and his grandson there often and he gambles big and loses big so I doubt if he left the floor with much.
So, the question is --- if you won 20k -- tax free, what would you buy this week ?
I think I'd get my GF a nice used Miata automatic so she would stop mutilating the clutch on my Mini Cooper (pricey item, that) and then a clean compact pickup truck for yard work and hauling bicycles. My used truck advisor, Autogator Auto Wrecking, after a private conference on the pros and cons of various trucks, such as Ranger, Dakota, S10, Sonoma, B2600, etc. gave me the same old tired advice I always hear: "Buy a Toyota".
If your GF is ruining your clutch and you still let her drive the Mini, what are you getting out of the situation that compensates you for her poor driving skills ?
shifty - do ya ever miss your Scion xA?
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Sandy, darned minivans are expensive to rent. I priced them out as an option for taking my daughter to college and I think the lowest I found was $100/day. Ouch.
looks like I will save money buying a hitch basket/tray to carry some overflow, then packing to the roof. Of course, my favorite option is bring less crap, but that is going to be tough with my wife involved.
we use our dining room as a trip staging area. So I suspect she is going to keep adding stuff that I will then remove. My thought is, anything that you can buy at a normal store, that she does not need on moving day, we buy local. We are staying over the night of move in day (they have family activities on day 2), so can easily go out to target/walmart/BJs and buy all the consumables, extra chair, etc. Frankly, she should bring her clothes, 1 set of bedding/towels, and electronics, and just get everything else down there!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I still am fixated on PUs. Probably because I have 2 travel/move events pending (both kids). Stopped at the store today, and parked next to a sharp looking GMC Canyon. dark blue, 4 door, offroad package. Not gargantuan like the 1/2 tons these days. looked like a convenient thing to have.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
@sandman_6472, this DGC has a Sirrius radio, likely an option. The dealer must have pushed a button somewhere because I had a short free trial. Nice, but all I'd likely listen to is the coffee channel. Need to investigate the AUX cable and a cheap MP3 player; that would likely sound better than my MP3/FM transmitter. Unlike you though, I'm not enough of an audiophile to much notice.
@jayrider, I'd do just like Shifty and get a used Miata for my garage queen. And yeah, if you can tolerate the gas mileage, it's hard to beat the versatility of a minivan, especially for road trips or if you shop a lot in town for garden stuff or bigger items. About the only real negative is driving in the snow or to the ski hill (and you can still get an AWD Sienna for that). Part of me still wants that Prius V with 40 mpg though. That would work better for a commute too, but I don't have that to worry about.
Now that I'm driving a Dodge minivan again, I'm noticing them on the road. They really are everywhere.