kyfdx was the one who said that when they did it, ABS was already standard on most models. I remember it not being standard on most Hondas up until recently, and I know my mom's 1990 Volvo 740 didn't have it (or a passenger airbag), but it was standard on all Volvos (along with two airbags) when she replaced it in 1995.
That reminds me..... I was behind a coworker on my way home yesterday. He was driving a late '80's Lesabre or Park Avenue. Spelled out on the trunk lid... 4 Speed Automatic. Impressive.
2012 Mustang Premium, 2013 Lincoln MKX Elite, 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander.
I can see a 'fuel injection' badge on a 50s or even 60s car...but 80s? No performance in an injected Chevy Celebrity! lol
I've seen those 4-speed automatic badges on larger 80s GM cars too. Impressive, save for I can find a 4 speed auto on a ca. 1961 Mercedes (which would also have that fuel injection). I also remember the "Automatique" badge on the Peugeot 604...but I think that was a ploy to make the car seem exotic. It worked on my 6 year old eyes anyway.
Speaking of 12 volt, that was once a very modern thing, right? I am surprised an early import didn't badge that. I have a Sony "Micro TV", one of the first portable TVs from the early 60s, and it has a book with all the voltages of period cars, as it was apparently encouraged to use it in the car. I've thought about setting it up in the fintail for a laugh.
But anyway...I think a 'traction control' badge is as lame as you can get, shared with an "ABS" badge.
A mechanic here at the dealership that I'm friends with had a good look over and under and inside the Benz, and said it looks fine, and everything checked out good.
The car has full service records from MB since new, serviced locally.
I picked up an extended warranty with it as well.
Life's too short for us car buffs to be driving the same car for 10 years. I thought why not? Thanks for all your input and wish me luck with it. :shades:
Thanks guys I think I will enjoy it. I'll post a pic of it in the near future. (My ninth car in 9 or 10 years now and my CCBA membership is right on track).
...yeah, I'm familiar with this argument/conundrum right now, my mom wants to replace her dead 300E with another E-class; of course, it should be as new as possible, with as few miles as possible, and only certain color combos (the 30% that are black not among them), with Nav (which I've explained to her is virtually useless, it's an outdated DVD system) and xenons. Oh yeah, and 4Matic....for under $20k. In this price range, I've tried really hard to steer her toward something that will cost her less than her mortgage to keep on the road, like an Accord, perhaps a GM thing (used SLS and DeVille type things are dirt cheap), maybe an Acura TL or an Avalon? She's having none of it. I've also hinted that MBs made more recently than hers (that is, 1988) have been generally less-than-stellar in the reliability department...and that these will never see anything like 500k on an original engine and trans. She still thinks of everything else as 'tin cans', never mind she hasn't bought or even driven another car other than rentals (one of which she's had now for a month) in 15 years. So far she's looked at (and in some cases, paid mechanics to look at):
-2001 E320 4Matic, 60k, original owner....looked and seemed nice enough in the ad, but needed $2600 in repairs, not couting the hail damage (not mentioned in the ad)...he was going to 'let her have it' for something like $17k ($500 off asking), never mind that Edmunds says it's a $15.5 car without the hail damage.
-2000 E430 RWD, 45k miles, owned by a smoker, she didn't have it checked out after I suggested that despite the miles, $17k is a lot for any seven year-old car, especially one that possesses none of the attributes she claims to want (better in snow, more rear seat room, decent gas mileage, fewer repairs);
-she also sent me an ad for a 2003 black C240 wagon....let's see, not much power (less, in fact, than her 20 year-old 300E and 200 pounds heavier), not much room, black, RWD and at the top of her price range (she thought it was a 'bait-and-switch' at $20k til she found out they were $32k base new).
-2001 E320 RWD, 101k (which suddenly didn't matter, because she's 'keeping it forever') but 'only' $13.5k; needed $4500 worth of repairs (shocking...on a six year-old 100k off-lease Mercedes? No!)
She also doesn't want to look at anything in Chicago (she's in Indy, everyone in Chicago's a crook, y'know), though our selection is probably 5 times Indy's. To top it off, she's moving to the Knoxville, TN area to be closer to my ailing grandparents....I'm thinking it's easier to get a Buick or Cadillac fixed there than an AWD Mercedes, but maybe I'm wrong. Strangely, I've sent her ads for cheaper 100k, $20k 2000 S-class and she's barely flinched.
I've shown her everything from 740iLs to LaCrosses. I forgot, she hasn't test driven anything other than Mercedes. Sorry I'm venting to you guys, rest assured she hasn't received this terse treatment from me...I'm showing her lots of ads, giving an opinion without harping, but I'm now officially blue in the face. :sick:
Again, sorry to ramble, this has become my cause celebre lately, despite our new house and my own dead car.
So, what's this I infer about a new job for Anony? Jolie selling her beloved Sebring? Stories, please (I've been away a while, can I have them without rehashing through 500 posts?.
Anyone know what it might cost to replace a trans on an '88 300E?
Have you looked at a Chrysler 300, they share some parts with the Mercedes. I don't know if you can find a used one yet in you price range, but I am sure you would be able to get a low mileage one in the low $20's.
The 12 Step Program for Chronic Car Buyers was not very successful – for me. ( sigh )
4 weeks ago I ordered a 2007 Corvette Coupe. It is scheduled to be built next week – and likely delivered sometime the week after. Although I did select the top option package \ group ( currently called: 3LT ), the new six speed automatic with paddle shift, the clear ( actually darkly tinted ) roof & extra cost dark red metallic paint, I did NOT specify:
Navigation system = $1,750 Z51 suspension = $1,695 F55 magnetic ride suspension = $1,995 Chrome or polished wheels = $1,850 or $1,295 2 tone leather seats = $695 Dual roof = $1,400 ( vs $750 for clear roof ) On Star 1 year = $695
So proud of my restraint & self control . . . ( ??? )
ghulet....I travel to Chicago a lot for work. Checking out the car ads in the Trib, I'd say Chicago is probably one of the most competitive areas in the midwest when it comes to car prices from what I can tell.
You're mother may think that Chicagoans are crooks, but fact is, it's a large metropolitan area (certainly more competitive than Indy) that has many dealerships of any brand that compete with each other. From a pricing standpoint, your mother may want to give Chicago another chance.
ghulet, I realize this is the least of your worries but there are aftermarket companies that support a lot of the old nav systems.
If it is DVD based its easy, you should be able to get updated maps from the dealer or eBay (you buy new DVDs, ~$200).
If its CD based, you google around for a company that supports that particular nav system and buy replacement CDs from them.
Alas the systems I had to update were "really old." The Magellan 750nav (aka the original Hertz NeverLost) had a brain mounted remotely in the vehicle that had to be removed and sent back for firmware and map updates. Still, pretty advanced for the 90s.
Chicago is probably one of the most competitive areas in the midwest when it comes to car prices from what I can tell.
I would agree that Chicago is very competitive. But cities like Indy or Cincinnati are also pretty competitive price wise. And generally, dealers in those cities have lower operating costs (BUSINESS taxes in Illinois are extraordinary.)
Like any other thing, a lot depends on the supply of the model that you are interested.
Is she open at all at replacing her assumedly beloved old ride with another W124? She should be able to get a pristine earlier W124 for no more than 5K, and a pristine late W124 shouldn't hit 10K unless it is really special (coupe, 500E). I'm talking genuinely nice cars, too.
Or maybe even a late 6cyl W126 or W140? I wouldn't be too hot on an early W220, even though they look like somewhat of a bargain now. Too many known issues.
Those miled up/damaged W210s she's found are overpriced, they sound like money pits to me. She should keep away. Any car that new with thousands in needs will end up costing even more in the long run, as they have almost certainly been neglected.
She seems to like the W210...she needs to seek the lowest mileage most maintained one she can find. Most of these aren't going much over 20K anymore, esp as you can get W211s for 25K pretty easily now.
How about a Lucerne? They seem really nice, especially for the money. But if she won't go for a DTS, she probably wouldn't go there either.
such problems. Trying to talk an "addict" into doing something good for them is usually a lost cause. In this case, the best you can probably do is to try and keep her from making a bad mistake. But, I bet that even with all your advice, she will end up buying something rediculous, without telling you first!
What I see as potentially the best options:
1) stop farting around with other peoples problems, and just get a new one, lease maybe? At least she won't be spending all her time trying to find a mechanic in Knoxville.
2) Put the money into the old one. I don't remember what problems it has, other than the tranny, but if it is essentially worth nothing as it sits, figure out what it would cost to give it a refresh (not a restore) and just keep using it. Would 10K get the tranny done, the engine refreshed, and any other nagging issues taken care of?
3) If 1 and 2 are non-starters, do your best to convince her to spend a little more for a super clean lower mile example, since it would be cheaper in the long run. maybe a CPO?
The 300C doesn't sound like a bad idea either. The old "it's just a rebadged E class" trick might just work. And with those gun slit windows, it really does feel like a tank!
There's a 2002 Mercedes C320 Wagon near me, Miles: 56,249, asking Price: $17,900. Looks really sharp.
I have a theory that the only cars more expensive to maintain than bmws (excluding the 7 series) when out-of-warranty are Mercedes, Land Rovers, & Jaguars.
What about a new AWD Volvo with a warranty? AWD Toyota/Honda/Acura? (I realize she's resistant to any ideas other than M-B's). I suppose it's not gonna really be "your" problem tho, even if it turns out badly. Maybe all you can do is help her to not get totally ripped of on a used M-B?
Yup, I sold it. Its not far away and its got a good home. After I got the Ram I hardly drove it, we had 4 vehicles (we aquired a 97 Ford F-250 PSD for $2000 about 6 weeks after buying the Rams) and insurance was a KILLER!!!
I put 1300 miles on it, had $980 into the car including tags, new brakes, and a few other little things. Sold it for $2500, could have gotten more I'm sure, but the family that got it needed something low miles and reliable, so I let it go for what they could afford. They only car they had was an ailing 94 Exploder.
Sounds like you've got your hands full with your mom, goodness! A friend of ours bought a 2000 Mercedes E-class wagon with 4matic AWD to use for commuting 150 miles/day. She paid somewhere around the $25k mark for it (it was 5 years old with 55k on it) had it less than a year, put over 30k on it (which was amazing considering the time it spent in the shop), and her kids trashed it inside and out. She traded it recently (I don't know what she got in trade for it, was afraid to ask) for a Kia Rio Cinco wagon. Not sure if she went from bad to worse or from worse to bad. I tried to steer here to a Subaru, Honda, Toyota, basically something reliable, but I guess she wanted a Kia. :sick:
Actually newer jaguars, post 2002 or so excluding the X-type that is not a real jag, are great. Jaguar is approaching Lexus in terms of initial quality and over all relablity.
I drove a 2007 CR-V today. Nice handling, good ride (like the RDX), a shortage of power and less smooth in the engine department. It was really nice, though, and very impressive value for the money.
The only thing I had a problem with, and it's a Big Deal to me... The instrument cluster is one of those that's lit up any time the ignition is on, but, the headlights aren't automatic. This creates the impression that your lights are on when in fact they aren't, and I see tons of Odysseys, Altimas, and Lexi driving at night with no lights (I think the Ody and Lexus models have an auto option, but can have it disabled). Now, I think I would be pretty anal about remembering to turn the lights on, but I imagine that, if I bought a car configured like this, driving at night in an area with lots of streetlights, at least a few times I'd be one of those idiots with only the really dim DRLs on.
Yeah, it does take some getting used to. I have an Ody and and Accord, both with electronic guages. It is actually better now that my normal driver has them, because when I only drove the van occasionally (with a normal dash on my car) I sometimes forgot. Now, I'm used to checking.
They do have a dash symbol to tell you when they are on.
The Ody does not have any auto feature (maybe the touring, but not lower models). ALso no DRLs in the US.
Have you checked out the Forester yet? They come with either manual or auto trans, & the latest ('06) XT version has 230 hp. And I read, "Heated wiper elements" (?). And full time AWD. Somehow I've always liked the "idea" of owning a Subie, but never have. (My ex mentioned to me once that they're often owned by people who practice "alternative lifestyles", let's say, but who cares?)
In snow country I'd also be thinking of what's best in the snow.
The lack of automatic headlights wouldn't bother me, but then I've never had them.....
I really like Subarus, in spite of their "image." The closest dealer to the town I will be working in is about 70 miles away (vs. 30 miles for the Honda dealer), and the Subie dealer is an unknown...
The Forester would probably be more interesting to drive, but my thinking is that I could get the CR-V and get a weekend car to accompany it in a year or two. My dad has been a great enabler, reminding me that if I'm not in love with the CR-V after a year or two, I can sell it without losing my shirt due to the impressive resale value of Hondas. :P
The resale was a factor for my picking up a Forester; I was looking for a used one but they weren't much cheaper than a new 06. The ccba in me wants the turbo sometimes though.
I am going to try to hold out and see if we get the rumored diesel boxer Subaru has coming soon. And with Honda confirming a diesel for the US by 09...aw, who am I kidding thinking I will hold out until 2009! :P
Stopped at the Acura dealer last night (hey, I was in the neighborhood, OK? And don't tell my wife). I actually wanted to look at the new MDX, since my SIL is shopping and I hadn't seen one. Of course, none in stock, but they did have an RDX on the floor.
So, I sit in it. Nice interior, comfy seats (although they are pretty confining, so I doubt that more "portly" folks will enjoy them). Nice back seat, good cargo area, overall a nice package.
Except for one thing: the parking brake (foot pedal) sticks out right where your left leg goeas. When it is off, it is almost like it was puched on, just hanging out in the middle of the foot area.
Even worse, it is directly in front of the dead pedal, so you have to twist your leg/ankle around to get under it, and if you aren't careful pulling your leg out, wango!
Really poor design IMO, and as sad as it is to say, I would cross the RDX off my list (if I had a list and it was on it) just for this reason.
Besides, something this "sporty" should have a hand brake anyway.
I have sat in the new MDX - it's a looker inside and out.
To me, the RDX seems pretty pricey for yet another Acura that is getting only moderate praise in the initial press. Too many SUVs, not enough true sport at the Acura store right now. But I have already seen an RDX on the street, so what is some disappointing product shuffling for me this year might be shrewd choices for Acura.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I was just thinking this last night. There's an Acura dealership that I drive by all the time. I've already seen the new MDX on the road. Haven't yet seen any RDXs though. And, the dealership has probably 15 RDXs sitting on the lot. They've been there for at least 3-4 weeks, too.
I saw an RDX yesterday, near work.... generic looking..
I guess they moved that brake to make room for the fancy console that holds a briefcase... I like a hand brake, personally.. I guess that comes from driving manuals...
I have a special invitation for the MDX launch party at my local dealership.. (light snacks...hmmm). Not sure if I actually want to go through the sales thing, though I'd like to see it..
I've seen some people on the RDX boards ranting about how "overpriced" the RDX is, & I tended to dismiss that. But, with NAV, it's like $37K something, right? Which is roughly $9K more than the '07 CRV loaded, with NAV, I think.
The RDX pricing is in the 4Runner range & not that far away from MDX territory.....I mean, if you can really afford $33-$37K, there are a lot of nice vehicles out there. And stretching to the MDX price range is not a huge leap.
woody....I agree. From what I've read, the spread between a "tweener" SUV like the RDX and the MDX probably isn't big enough that I wouldn't look more seriously at the MDX over the RDX.
The "best of the class" tweener SUV still seems to be the Mazda CX7.
We recently had the annual car show in Seattle last weekend, so I went to check it out. It's fun to see what's new in one spot. Sidenote: One car that impressed me more than I would have expected was new R320 CDI. I haven't been much of a MB fan since the last W124 rolled off the line, but I must say this R320, with diesel power and standard awd for $44k was nice. Seems like a good value, and who wouldn't love 398lb of torque AND 600 mile range?
We are looking to replace the SO's Protege5, so we spent time looking at that class. Originally, the Fit sport seemed like the choice, but every dealer in the state wants 10% over msrp for them; that's 18k + ttl. Ouch. We sat in it and there is no doubt that the magic back seats are an engineering marvel. But contrary to the reviews I read, I did not think the interior was 'Acura-grade' (as C&D put it). The console between the front seats looked low-rent and low-useful. At 18+K, we can cast a bigger net.
Looked at the civic; she liked the interior, but thinks the looks are boring, and that everyone has one. She wants to be exited when she goes in the garage and thinks the civic is as blah as it gets. Also checked out the Versa, which is a pretty comfortable car. The back seat is epic for its size, and the interior feels more upscale than the Fit. Apparently impossible to get one with ABS right now, and most are marked up locally. I have been pushing the 3 hatchback; our P5 has been great and it seems like the obvious replacement. But she isn't so hot on it and has her heart set on the Rabbit. :sick: After all, her dream car is an A3. I so know better than VW, but boy does she love that car. I will admit the interior, per usual VW operating procedure, feels 2 classes above its competitors. And on paper, it is a hell of a value with so much standard equipment for the money. It has been out in Germany for 2 years, and we are currently getting German built ones, so the first year troubles should be ironed out, in theory. Despite all of this, I still feel like I should know better. And how they manage only 22/30 mileage with a 6sp auto, I don't know. The only other thing out there is the Mini; new one is out next spring so orders are closed for the current one. New one will be mark up or long wait, and the only dealer in Seattle is 40 miles south of the city. Stupid.
I hope Mitsu has got their ducks in a row. I'm just don't have any faith that they're out of the financial woods, yet. It wasn't so long ago they were looking for another "bail-out" partner after Chrysler dumped them.
But, that Outlander looks like they can stay in the hunt, for a little longer.
I still don't have pricing on them yet but they will be right in the RDX territory. We are all really excited about them as we have needed a segment volume car forever.
It will be the first time Land Rover has had four current year models in the US.
I'll have to take a closer look at the parking brake placement on the CR-V. I sit with the seat pretty far forward, so maybe the geometry was different for me?
It has occurred to me that the CR-V is the slowest vehicle, 0-60, in Honda's lineup, with the exception of the Civic Hybrid...
It finally looks like a mini Range Rover, which is EXACTLY the right move. I think it could be a big seller for them.
Just when SUVs are getting good, the bottom has fallen out of the market, though.
Kinda what I've been thinking. Although I'm not so concerned with the market as I am gas consumption. Cool utes like the LR2, CX7, and RDX really appeal to me. But there is no way I'm going back to sucking gas at those rates.
(i can't find epa numbers for the LR2, but knowing rover, it ain't gonna be good)
'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
Comments
We once had a Corsica rental car with an ABS badge.
I'm waiting for Internal Combustion... 12 Volt Charging..
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I've seen those 4-speed automatic badges on larger 80s GM cars too. Impressive, save for I can find a 4 speed auto on a ca. 1961 Mercedes (which would also have that fuel injection). I also remember the "Automatique" badge on the Peugeot 604...but I think that was a ploy to make the car seem exotic. It worked on my 6 year old eyes anyway.
Speaking of 12 volt, that was once a very modern thing, right? I am surprised an early import didn't badge that. I have a Sony "Micro TV", one of the first portable TVs from the early 60s, and it has a book with all the voltages of period cars, as it was apparently encouraged to use it in the car. I've thought about setting it up in the fintail for a laugh.
But anyway...I think a 'traction control' badge is as lame as you can get, shared with an "ABS" badge.
I'll be picking it up next week sometime.
A mechanic here at the dealership that I'm friends with had a good look over and under and inside the Benz, and said it looks fine, and everything checked out good.
The car has full service records from MB since new, serviced locally.
I picked up an extended warranty with it as well.
Life's too short for us car buffs to be driving the same car for 10 years. I thought why not? Thanks for all your input and wish me luck with it. :shades:
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
But if you got a trustworthy warranty (and as you work in the car business, I trust you know warranties), you might be OK.
Life is too short, indeed. That's how I view my relatively irrational vehicle, too.
I take it all back... Congratulations... about time you dumped that Civic..
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After driving a Mercedes product since 1993 and currently have an E430, I would like to try the Honda... so, to each his own.
Hopefully you will have a good one as many of them are.
Congrats on the Mercedes purchase..... The Mercedes guy did show you the special "Mercedes handshake", right? :P
Happy Motoring. Mark156
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
-2001 E320 4Matic, 60k, original owner....looked and seemed nice enough in the ad, but needed $2600 in repairs, not couting the hail damage (not mentioned in the ad)...he was going to 'let her have it' for something like $17k ($500 off asking), never mind that Edmunds says it's a $15.5 car without the hail damage.
-2000 E430 RWD, 45k miles, owned by a smoker, she didn't have it checked out after I suggested that despite the miles, $17k is a lot for any seven year-old car, especially one that possesses none of the attributes she claims to want (better in snow, more rear seat room, decent gas mileage, fewer repairs);
-she also sent me an ad for a 2003 black C240 wagon....let's see, not much power (less, in fact, than her 20 year-old 300E and 200 pounds heavier), not much room, black, RWD and at the top of her price range (she thought it was a 'bait-and-switch' at $20k til she found out they were $32k base new).
-2001 E320 RWD, 101k (which suddenly didn't matter, because she's 'keeping it forever') but 'only' $13.5k; needed $4500 worth of repairs (shocking...on a six year-old 100k off-lease Mercedes? No!)
She also doesn't want to look at anything in Chicago (she's in Indy, everyone in Chicago's a crook, y'know), though our selection is probably 5 times Indy's. To top it off, she's moving to the Knoxville, TN area to be closer to my ailing grandparents....I'm thinking it's easier to get a Buick or Cadillac fixed there than an AWD Mercedes, but maybe I'm wrong. Strangely, I've sent her ads for cheaper 100k, $20k 2000 S-class and she's barely flinched.
I've shown her everything from 740iLs to LaCrosses. I forgot, she hasn't test driven anything other than Mercedes. Sorry I'm venting to you guys, rest assured she hasn't received this terse treatment from me...I'm showing her lots of ads, giving an opinion without harping, but I'm now officially blue in the face. :sick:
Again, sorry to ramble, this has become my cause celebre lately, despite our new house and my own dead car.
So, what's this I infer about a new job for Anony? Jolie selling her beloved Sebring? Stories, please (I've been away a while, can I have them without rehashing through 500 posts?.
Anyone know what it might cost to replace a trans on an '88 300E?
Just tell your Mom it's a rebadged MB E class.
The 12 Step Program for Chronic Car Buyers was not very successful – for me.
( sigh )
4 weeks ago I ordered a 2007 Corvette Coupe.
It is scheduled to be built next week – and likely delivered sometime the week after.
Although I did select the top option package \ group ( currently called: 3LT ), the new six speed automatic with paddle shift, the clear ( actually darkly tinted ) roof & extra cost dark red metallic paint, I did NOT specify:
Navigation system = $1,750
Z51 suspension = $1,695
F55 magnetic ride suspension = $1,995
Chrome or polished wheels = $1,850 or $1,295
2 tone leather seats = $695
Dual roof = $1,400 ( vs $750 for clear roof )
On Star 1 year = $695
So proud of my restraint & self control . . . ( ??? )
Thank you for your support . . .
- Ray
Counting the days 'till delivery!
You're mother may think that Chicagoans are crooks, but fact is, it's a large metropolitan area (certainly more competitive than Indy) that has many dealerships of any brand that compete with each other. From a pricing standpoint, your mother may want to give Chicago another chance.
Drive it...enjoy it. All of us who are card carrying members of CCBA threw restraint and self-control out the window a long while ago.
I realize this is the least of your worries but there are aftermarket companies that support a lot of the old nav systems.
If it is DVD based its easy, you should be able to get updated maps from the dealer or eBay (you buy new DVDs, ~$200).
If its CD based, you google around for a company that supports that particular nav system and buy replacement CDs from them.
Alas the systems I had to update were "really old." The Magellan 750nav (aka the original Hertz NeverLost) had a brain mounted remotely in the vehicle that had to be removed and sent back for firmware and map updates. Still, pretty advanced for the 90s.
I would agree that Chicago is very competitive. But cities like Indy or Cincinnati are also pretty competitive price wise. And generally, dealers in those cities have lower operating costs (BUSINESS taxes in Illinois are extraordinary.)
Like any other thing, a lot depends on the supply of the model that you are interested.
Or maybe even a late 6cyl W126 or W140? I wouldn't be too hot on an early W220, even though they look like somewhat of a bargain now. Too many known issues.
Those miled up/damaged W210s she's found are overpriced, they sound like money pits to me. She should keep away. Any car that new with thousands in needs will end up costing even more in the long run, as they have almost certainly been neglected.
She seems to like the W210...she needs to seek the lowest mileage most maintained one she can find. Most of these aren't going much over 20K anymore, esp as you can get W211s for 25K pretty easily now.
How about a Lucerne? They seem really nice, especially for the money. But if she won't go for a DTS, she probably wouldn't go there either.
What I see as potentially the best options:
1) stop farting around with other peoples problems, and just get a new one, lease maybe? At least she won't be spending all her time trying to find a mechanic in Knoxville.
2) Put the money into the old one. I don't remember what problems it has, other than the tranny, but if it is essentially worth nothing as it sits, figure out what it would cost to give it a refresh (not a restore) and just keep using it. Would 10K get the tranny done, the engine refreshed, and any other nagging issues taken care of?
3) If 1 and 2 are non-starters, do your best to convince her to spend a little more for a super clean lower mile example, since it would be cheaper in the long run. maybe a CPO?
The 300C doesn't sound like a bad idea either. The old "it's just a rebadged E class" trick might just work. And with those gun slit windows, it really does feel like a tank!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I have a theory that the only cars more expensive to maintain than bmws (excluding the 7 series) when out-of-warranty are Mercedes, Land Rovers, & Jaguars.
What about a new AWD Volvo with a warranty? AWD Toyota/Honda/Acura? (I realize she's resistant to any ideas other than M-B's). I suppose it's not gonna really be "your" problem tho, even if it turns out badly. Maybe all you can do is help her to not get totally ripped of on a used M-B?
Yup, I sold it. Its not far away and its got a good home. After I got the Ram I hardly drove it, we had 4 vehicles (we aquired a 97 Ford F-250 PSD for $2000 about 6 weeks after buying the Rams) and insurance was a KILLER!!!
I put 1300 miles on it, had $980 into the car including tags, new brakes, and a few other little things. Sold it for $2500, could have gotten more I'm sure, but the family that got it needed something low miles and reliable, so I let it go for what they could afford. They only car they had was an ailing 94 Exploder.
Sounds like you've got your hands full with your mom, goodness! A friend of ours bought a 2000 Mercedes E-class wagon with 4matic AWD to use for commuting 150 miles/day. She paid somewhere around the $25k mark for it (it was 5 years old with 55k on it) had it less than a year, put over 30k on it (which was amazing considering the time it spent in the shop), and her kids trashed it inside and out. She traded it recently (I don't know what she got in trade for it, was afraid to ask) for a Kia Rio Cinco wagon. Not sure if she went from bad to worse or from worse to bad. I tried to steer here to a Subaru, Honda, Toyota, basically something reliable, but I guess she wanted a Kia. :sick:
The only thing I had a problem with, and it's a Big Deal to me... The instrument cluster is one of those that's lit up any time the ignition is on, but, the headlights aren't automatic. This creates the impression that your lights are on when in fact they aren't, and I see tons of Odysseys, Altimas, and Lexi driving at night with no lights (I think the Ody and Lexus models have an auto option, but can have it disabled). Now, I think I would be pretty anal about remembering to turn the lights on, but I imagine that, if I bought a car configured like this, driving at night in an area with lots of streetlights, at least a few times I'd be one of those idiots with only the really dim DRLs on.
They do have a dash symbol to tell you when they are on.
The Ody does not have any auto feature (maybe the touring, but not lower models). ALso no DRLs in the US.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
In snow country I'd also be thinking of what's best in the snow.
The lack of automatic headlights wouldn't bother me, but then I've never had them.....
I can see a a Turbo model with some more performance oriented wheel and tire set up and suspension stuff from STI being a great little car.
The Forester would probably be more interesting to drive, but my thinking is that I could get the CR-V and get a weekend car to accompany it in a year or two. My dad has been a great enabler, reminding me that if I'm not in love with the CR-V after a year or two, I can sell it without losing my shirt due to the impressive resale value of Hondas. :P
What blows my mind is the value of this Subbie I am driving.
The auto group bought it with 121,000 miles on it and it is in good condition I would say but is a funky color with moderate options.
They still own it for 5,000 dollars. That is crazy money for a 100,000 plus mile 6 year old car.
I am going to try to hold out and see if we get the rumored diesel boxer Subaru has coming soon. And with Honda confirming a diesel for the US by 09...aw, who am I kidding thinking I will hold out until 2009! :P
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
So, I sit in it. Nice interior, comfy seats (although they are pretty confining, so I doubt that more "portly" folks will enjoy them). Nice back seat, good cargo area, overall a nice package.
Except for one thing: the parking brake (foot pedal) sticks out right where your left leg goeas. When it is off, it is almost like it was puched on, just hanging out in the middle of the foot area.
Even worse, it is directly in front of the dead pedal, so you have to twist your leg/ankle around to get under it, and if you aren't careful pulling your leg out, wango!
Really poor design IMO, and as sad as it is to say, I would cross the RDX off my list (if I had a list and it was on it) just for this reason.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I have sat in the new MDX - it's a looker inside and out.
To me, the RDX seems pretty pricey for yet another Acura that is getting only moderate praise in the initial press. Too many SUVs, not enough true sport at the Acura store right now. But I have already seen an RDX on the street, so what is some disappointing product shuffling for me this year might be shrewd choices for Acura.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I guess they moved that brake to make room for the fancy console that holds a briefcase... I like a hand brake, personally.. I guess that comes from driving manuals...
I have a special invitation for the MDX launch party at my local dealership.. (light snacks...hmmm). Not sure if I actually want to go through the sales thing, though I'd like to see it..
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The RDX pricing is in the 4Runner range & not that far away from MDX territory.....I mean, if you can really afford $33-$37K, there are a lot of nice vehicles out there. And stretching to the MDX price range is not a huge leap.
woody....I agree. From what I've read, the spread between a "tweener" SUV like the RDX and the MDX probably isn't big enough that I wouldn't look more seriously at the MDX over the RDX.
The "best of the class" tweener SUV still seems to be the Mazda CX7.
I haven't driven any of them, though.
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We are looking to replace the SO's Protege5, so we spent time looking at that class. Originally, the Fit sport seemed like the choice, but every dealer in the state wants 10% over msrp for them; that's 18k + ttl. Ouch. We sat in it and there is no doubt that the magic back seats are an engineering marvel. But contrary to the reviews I read, I did not think the interior was 'Acura-grade' (as C&D put it). The console between the front seats looked low-rent and low-useful. At 18+K, we can cast a bigger net.
Looked at the civic; she liked the interior, but thinks the looks are boring, and that everyone has one. She wants to be exited when she goes in the garage and thinks the civic is as blah as it gets. Also checked out the Versa, which is a pretty comfortable car. The back seat is epic for its size, and the interior feels more upscale than the Fit. Apparently impossible to get one with ABS right now, and most are marked up locally. I have been pushing the 3 hatchback; our P5 has been great and it seems like the obvious replacement. But she isn't so hot on it and has her heart set on the Rabbit. :sick: After all, her dream car is an A3. I so know better than VW, but boy does she love that car. I will admit the interior, per usual VW operating procedure, feels 2 classes above its competitors. And on paper, it is a hell of a value with so much standard equipment for the money. It has been out in Germany for 2 years, and we are currently getting German built ones, so the first year troubles should be ironed out, in theory. Despite all of this, I still feel like I should know better. And how they manage only 22/30 mileage with a 6sp auto, I don't know. The only other thing out there is the Mini; new one is out next spring so orders are closed for the current one. New one will be mark up or long wait, and the only dealer in Seattle is 40 miles south of the city. Stupid.
Stay tuned...
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
Let us know what you think if you attend.
Dont write off mitsu yet. The new 07 outlander seems like a good deal. It is afterall the best selling SUV in Japan.
But, that Outlander looks like they can stay in the hunt, for a little longer.
CX7 would still be my pick in the segment.
I still don't have pricing on them yet but they will be right in the RDX territory. We are all really excited about them as we have needed a segment volume car forever.
It will be the first time Land Rover has had four current year models in the US.
It has occurred to me that the CR-V is the slowest vehicle, 0-60, in Honda's lineup, with the exception of the Civic Hybrid...
'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
Just when SUVs are getting good, the bottom has fallen out of the market, though.
Just when SUVs are getting good, the bottom has fallen out of the market, though.
Kinda what I've been thinking. Although I'm not so concerned with the market as I am gas consumption. Cool utes like the LR2, CX7, and RDX really appeal to me. But there is no way I'm going back to sucking gas at those rates.
(i can't find epa numbers for the LR2, but knowing rover, it ain't gonna be good)
'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
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