Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Michaell

kyfdx said:

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

the Sport always came in some real colors. But only if you wanted an AT. In the stick model, it was something like black or dark gray only.

it really is stripped compared to an EX. Pretty much just an LX with I think power seats *when the LX had manual). I think they tweaked the equipment levels a bit with the 2016 refresh.

No sat radio either.

Oh, one other big difference. They did not lease well. I think a Sport was quite a bit more per leased out than an LX, maybe more than an EX too, at least when I was looking.

It's all nice to talk about, but until I land a new job I'm not sure what's going to happen when my lease is up.

Doesn't the Sport get bigger wheels with shorter sidewalls? Thought you guys hated that?

Yeah, the Sport comes with 19" wheels and tires. They fill out the wheel well nicely, but I suppose I'd have to test drive it and the EX back to back to see which I prefer.

stickguy

Turns out what I thought was a new murano down the street is actually a new style Lexus RX350.

qbrozen

stickguy said:

I know this is really a Chevy underneath, but it really looks much better as a SAAB. Loaded up, and nice low miles. Not a bad price, and at least the engine parts you can still find!

Looks like something that would be right up QB's alley if he didn't already have the Rover.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2008-saab-9~7x-awd_4dr_4_2i-used-14875506.html

Not really a fan. Same vehicle as my mom's previous Ascender (brother has it now, actually). Not particularly nice as it gets used, kind of coarse engine, etc.

stickguy

The accord sport went up to 19" wheels for 2016. With I think 40 series tires. No clue why, since the 18"/45s were already too big though did look sharp. The 19s to me just look off. Too close to a dubs look.

qbrozen

So Budget assigned us a Durango for our time in FL last week and the drive back to NJ. It is a decent enough vehicle. Had power, leather, heated seats and touchscreen stereo. Not sure why reviewers think Uconnect is better than Cue. We have the older Uconnect in our T&C, and it works fine. This touchscreen setup in the Durango was pretty annoying. Very difficult to get to climate controls while driving, or do anything for that matter. Underpowered with the 6-cyl, although the 8-speed helped some. I had to manually shift it most of the time, though, and drop to at least 5th when trying to pass on the highway. I will praise that it got over 25 mpg, even with me beating on it. Driver's seat was not very comfortable and the road noise was a bit much. Jumping into our T&C after 1000 miles in the Durango accentuated how much nicer the van is. Much better seats, quieter, smoother, etc. In other words, the Durango is not worth what they charge for it, IMHO.

stickguy

My neighbor has had what I think is a rental Durango for the last week, instead of his GLK. Not sure why. Looks nice at least, but not my cup if tea.

And sounds like it needs a hemi!

Michaell

stickguy said:

The accord sport went up to 19" wheels for 2016. With I think 40 series tires. No clue why, since the 18"/45s were already too big though did look sharp. The 19s to me just look off. Too close to a dubs look.

I'll agree with you .. the wheel design looked decidedly aftermarket.

roadburner

Congrats, corvette!

fintail

Congrats on the Murano - they seem to have aged well design wise, unique enough to not instantly be dated. Good colors too, what I call a "Florida" combo.

stever

Congrats @corvette.

We should hogtie someone in here to start keeping track of these punches....

Hm, if you're padding the punch list with your own buys though, maybe we should hire an auditor.

Mr_Shiftright

@corvette -- like the sommelier says at a fine restaurant: "An excellent choice, sir!"

graphicguy

kyfdx said:

graphicguy said:

kyfdx said:

Most dealers are open on Sunday, here. BMW is an exception, though.

I did visit a couple of local tap rooms, today. Only one of them was open.

Walt....went back to Newberry's Saturday night. Had a wonderful time, as always.

To non-locals, www.newberrybroscoffee.com has a small cafe in the front, serving sandwiches. In the back is the largest selection of bourbons in the world (set up in back, as they would have done during prohibition). Neat place. Owners are wonderful host(esses). Patrons are fun.

Sundays are my day to shop for cars. Hard to do in private if the dealerships are open, but some (like BMW) are not. Mercedes isn't either. Audi is, though

You'll have to let me know, next time. 5 minutes from me. I can always be persuaded to meet for a drink.

I will do that. Would be fun!

rayainsw

Job #1 date for the 2017 Ford Fusion [ except the Sport model - the one that interests me ]
is today.
And yet I have not seen a single test - of any version...
This seems really odd, to me.
- Ray
Will be watching for them to hit dealers' lots...

sda

rayainsw said:

Job #1 date for the 2017 Ford Fusion [ except the Sport model - the one that interests me ]
is today.
And yet I have not see a single test - of any version...
This seems really odd, to me.
- Ray
Will be watching for them to hit dealers' lots...

The 2.7 Ecoboost should really be sweet in the Fusion. I hope Ford has the Sony audio that they have in the Titanium available in the Sport. That would be tempting.

rayainsw

According the 2017 Fusion 'Build & Price' tool -
'Sony® Premium Audio w/12 Speakers & HD Radio™'
included with -
'401A

All V6 SPORT SERIES CONTENT, Plus:

FUSION V6 SPORT UPGRADE PACKAGE
•(2) 4.2” Driver Configurable LCD Display in Instrument Cluster
•10-Way Power Passenger Seat (fore/aft, up/down, tilt, recline, 2-way power lumbar)
•Ambient Lighting
•Climate Control- Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (DEATC)
•Reverse Sensing System
•Sony® Premium Audio with 12 Speakers & HD Radio
•SYNC® 3'
Package MSRP - $2,000

corvette

We're at 7 punches for the year, so far, including mine. 

Time's a wastin', people!

stickguy

Breld needs to up his game. He's letting us all down.

Mr_Shiftright

corvette said:

We're at 7 punches for the year, so far, including mine. 

Time's a wastin', people!

We're off our game, right? Wasn't last year's total 30-something?

stickguy

Well 7 at this point is still a 28 pace. You sound like you're close! Chop chop people.

I know that barring a calamity, I am out for the year.

sda

sandman_6472 said:

Used to go to the NY Car Show as a kid when we lived in New York. Think I started in '64 and ended in '69 as we moved in October of that year to sunny Ft. Lauerdale Florida. Had no choice as I was about to turn 15 a few weeks later. My dad retired at 47 and since his folks were snowbirds in North Miami and getting up in years, it was really a done deal. And besides a four year stint at Tulane University in New Orleans, South Florida has been home. No basements here but had a great walk out back in New York where the new owners put in a pool. Sure do miss New York but the area where we grew up is just so expensive now, no way would we ever go back.
Must admit, the Miami International Car Show is a pretty damn good one and has been for years. Used to go every year like clock work. The Ft. Lauderdale show isn't as good but a nice try anyways.

The Sandman

We moved from St. Pete to New Orleans when I was 8, and moved to Europe for a couple of years when I was 15. I have great memories of Mardi Gras and school field trips to the French Quarter to get beignets and chocolate milk. My art teacher in 8th grade was the daughter of Blaine Kern. Blaine had a huge company that made the Mardi Gras floats used by the Crewes. In addition there used to be 'Scout Day' where Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts would go to the Army-Navy game at Tulane stadium. We had great fun.

nyccarguy

@corvette - congrats on the Murano punch!

@qbrozen - so you flew to Florida and rented the Durango for the trip home?  Did I miss something when I turned 40 yesterday?

breld

@nyccarguy - turning 40 is just the beginning of "missing something."

carnaught

Corvette, congrats on the Murano. One of my sisters with one likes it a lot, and it's been bullet-proof.

Sandman6472

Those Murano's are sure sweet, especially your generation. A co-worker has one and loves it. The new ones look very much like an RX for some reason. Speaking of beige interiors, my first one down here in Florida and I absolutely love it! Stays cool all year long and looks great though there is some due care that must be taken with it also. Mine looks especially nice with the blue exterior.
Loved living in New Orleans for college. Was almost a weekly thing to go down to Cafe Du Monde for the chocolate milk and beignets with the powdered sugar and a ritual after every fraternity meeting. Mardi Gras was always fun and the city usually turns off and everyone enjoys the party. A very hot & humid place but we did have snow my freshman year in 1973 so yes, it does get cold to. Would definitely consider moving there again if it ever came up as there's lots to do also.

The Sandman

stever

I got a ten speed at a LBS near Tulane in '71. Every few months I order up a batch of chicory (from CA though) - use a spoonful in every pot of coffee we make. I can make beignets too, but I try not to.

Awful place to try to drive especially with the one way streets. Got directions one time and was told to "go to the dead end and don't go nowhere's else".

carnaught

New Orleans is one of the most humid places on earth. When I was last there during the summer I couldn't wait to get back to Florida where it was "dry" .

breld

stickguy said:

Breld needs to up his game. He's letting us all down.

Hey now! I've got 3 in 3 months.

stickguy

I guess you do. Never mind.

breld

qbrozen said:

So Budget assigned us a Durango for our time in FL last week and the drive back to NJ. It is a decent enough vehicle. Had power, leather, heated seats and touchscreen stereo. Not sure why reviewers think Uconnect is better than Cue. We have the older Uconnect in our T&C, and it works fine. This touchscreen setup in the Durango was pretty annoying. Very difficult to get to climate controls while driving, or do anything for that matter. Underpowered with the 6-cyl, although the 8-speed helped some. I had to manually shift it most of the time, though, and drop to at least 5th when trying to pass on the highway. I will praise that it got over 25 mpg, even with me beating on it. Driver's seat was not very comfortable and the road noise was a bit much. Jumping into our T&C after 1000 miles in the Durango accentuated how much nicer the van is. Much better seats, quieter, smoother, etc. In other words, the Durango is not worth what they charge for it, IMHO.

Interesting to hear your impressions on a long "test-drive" of the Durango. Since we've settled on keeping the van more long-term instead of a 3-row SUV, it's not much of an option anymore, but seems as though our decision is a sound one based on your experience.

xwesx

tommister2 said:

Growing up in this historical area of Virginia there are many homes with old, stinky basements. That's really made an impression on her. Not all basements are stinky, right?

Only the ones that don't have proper ventilation! So, yeah, most of them in older homes are probably stinky. LOL

corvette

I've dealt with some incidents in Louisiana (in the professional capacity) and, suffice it to say, I'm a little uneasy about traveling there. One of my coworkers says the corruption is part of the charm.

stickguy

COrvette, I assume this looks just like yours? It's a 2012 SL

corvette

Yeah, that is the twin of mine! I'm liking it so far, but going to miss the higher seating position of the Yukon.

sda

sandman_6472 said:

Those Murano's are sure sweet, especially your generation. A co-worker has one and loves it. The new ones look very much like an RX for some reason. Speaking of beige interiors, my first one down here in Florida and I absolutely love it! Stays cool all year long and looks great though there is some due care that must be taken with it also. Mine looks especially nice with the blue exterior.
Loved living in New Orleans for college. Was almost a weekly thing to go down to Cafe Du Monde for the chocolate milk and beignets with the powdered sugar and a ritual after every fraternity meeting. Mardi Gras was always fun and the city usually turns off and everyone enjoys the party. A very hot & humid place but we did have snow my freshman year in 1973 so yes, it does get cold to. Would definitely consider moving there again if it ever came up as there's lots to do also.

i class="Italic">The Sandman

I remember the snow in 73. The city went crazy! Dad got stuck on the Mississippi River bridge and had to leave his car. We lived on the West Bank (Algiers) in a neighborhood called Bocage. We moved in June 74.

jpp75

@corvette Congrats on the Murano! My parents have a 2013 and they love it.

andres3

tommister2 said:

We sold the Mustang last night. I took it to Carmax Monday and received a good offer. We owned it 18 months and just passed 2k miles this week. We should have had more fun with it...

Moving on, we will stick with the 4 other cars while we build a house. We have 10 acres to build on, with a nice rolling topography. Our builder suggests that we do a walkout basement even if we leave it unfinished. My wife has a fear of basements. Growing up in this historical area of Virginia there are many homes with old, stinky basements. That's really made an impression on her. Not all basements are stinky, right?

What kind of Mustang was that again? Why didn't you have more fun with it? 2K miles is barely broken in? Disappointed? Any problems?

andres3

corvette said:

Vetting possible replacements for the Yukon. I don't mind the "truckiness," but something more nimble would also be appreciated. That said, I don't need three rows but do consider a higher curb weight an ancillary safety feature, and I like the solid, quiet ride of the Yukon. I'd also throw the Jeep Grand Cherokee in there with the Durango.

Higher curb weight works well when a Kia Rio crashes into you head-on, but there's always that Big Rig carrying 60+ feet of concrete blocks that will make your curb weight over the Kia Rio look puny and marginal in comparison during a head-on collision.

tommister2

andres3 said:

tommister2 said:

We sold the Mustang last night. I took it to Carmax Monday and received a good offer. We owned it 18 months and just passed 2k miles this week. We should have had more fun with it...

Moving on, we will stick with the 4 other cars while we build a house. We have 10 acres to build on, with a nice rolling topography. Our builder suggests that we do a walkout basement even if we leave it unfinished. My wife has a fear of basements. Growing up in this historical area of Virginia there are many homes with old, stinky basements. That's really made an impression on her. Not all basements are stinky, right?

What kind of Mustang was that again? Why didn't you have more fun with it? 2K miles is barely broken in? Disappointed? Any problems?

No problems with the car, just didn't drive it as much as expected. We were at 5 cars and 3 drivers. The Mustang was almost always left at home. It was a 2014 GT. My daughter loves the Wrangler too much to ever take anything else. I work at home 4 days a week so I don't drive much at all. My excuses go on and on...

andres3

graphicguy said:

Bradd....thanks for the great pics.

Tahoes....owned one for a few years, previous gen. Probably one of the best vehicles I ever had grace my garage. There's nothing it couldn't do (except maybe win a cafe race with a muscle car). And, it did so without complaint. Easy and cheap to maintain, too. The prototypical ideal long trip vehicle.

@laurasdada...I'm falling more and more in love with Jags, these days.

I think I mentioned I saw an M235i convertible at the Cincinnati Auto Show. In all frankness, if they were allowed to sell it off the display, I might have bought it on the spot.

There's a new competitor to the M235i coming on the block. The Audi TTS (AWD of course). From what I can tell, it is about 100 lbs lighter than the Golf R, which is already 200 lbs lighter than the S3 (so just over 3200 pounds total). They put fatter 245 tires on 9" wide wheels, which is bigger and wider than the other versions of the drive train in the above referenced models, which causes highway mileage to suffer significantly (probably also do to some extra short extra close ratio 6-speed DSG gearing), but who cares about fuel economy when your talking about 4-1/2 second 0-60 runs? I think Audi may have a legit mini R8 based on initial read reviews. I like the HD instrument cluster screen too. No center popups!

My main problem, only really 2 usable seats, so this couldn't be a great family hauler like the Golf R can just manage to be. Maybe a 2-car stable is in my future?

tifighter

breld said:

stickguy said:

Breld needs to up his game. He's letting us all down.

Hey now! I've got 3 in 3 months.

Good news! Month four is now here. They just won't stop coming, will they?

andres3

Michaell said:

When did the Accord Sport become available in real colors? Took the Outback to the local car wash today and saw a gorgeous dark blue Sport a couple cars in front of me.

Wow.

Though I'm not sure I'd like the 19" wheels, even though the roads here are in pretty decent shape.

What would I give up on this trim compared to the EX?

That's the color I'd get on an Accord Sport if I was getting any Accord. I think 19" is way overkill too, 18" is fine on the 2014 Accord Sport. I think it's the only "acceptable" color to me that they offer, so not sure they offer much in the way of real colors.

qbrozen

nyccarguy said:

@qbrozen - so you flew to Florida and rented the Durango for the trip home?  Did I miss something when I turned 40 yesterday?

Yes, that is what we did.

Saved $800 on plane tickets in exchange for ~$250 for the couple extra days on the rental plus gas, tolls, and a hotel room for 1 night.

nyccarguy

Some good news for you track day junkies from General Motors:

https://www.yahoo.com/autos/chevrolet-big-news-camaro-driving-184500857.html

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

Some good news for you track day junkies from General Motors:

https://www.yahoo.com/autos/chevrolet-big-news-camaro-driving-184500857.html

I will say that Ford and Subaru's attitude regarding warranties and HPDEs didn't exactly help their cause when I made my purchasing decision. I never caught any flack from my Mazda or BMW dealer with regard to using the MS3 or Club Sport on the track. Heck, my SA at my BMW dealer tracks his M3 and one of the sales guys is an instructor.

nyccarguy

Either way the 2016 Camaros are out of sight.  I saw this one at a trade show in NJ on Monday:

au1994

Every time I see a Camaro or Challenger I'm amazed at just how big these cars are.

had the latter with a hemi as a rental once in Wichita. Nice, flat Kansas highways allowed me to exercise it a bit. Still found it a bit wallowy in the corners and those huge doors were a pain in tight hotel parking lots

nyccarguy

The Challenger is a big vehicle for sure.  I sat in one at the auto show.  I liked it!

rayainsw

One reason I chose the Charger over the Challenger
[ I drove at least 2 Hemi Challengers ]
is the Charger's 4 doors.
- Ray
And even the Charger's front doors are rather long & heavy ....

tifighter

Speaking of large vehicles, I ended up renting a 3-series from Sixt for Portugal. Otherwise known as full size.

corvette

tifighter said:

Speaking of large vehicles, I ended up renting a 3-series from Sixt for Portugal. Otherwise known as full size.

What do they call a 5- or 7-series, then?