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Comments
re: the S4 - it may be getting better reliability-wise, but I'm not risking my hard-earned money on that bet.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
It all depends on what your priorities are. If you want the least expensive, most reliable transportation buy a Toyota, Honda, Accura etc., no question.
If your car is more than transportation, if you get enjoyment from superior handling and fine details in interior trim (look inside an A4 sometime, it is incredibly beautiful), and if you appreciate the engineering that goes into a fine automobile, then you wouldn't mind paying extra to drive an Audi. The money I save from not smoking a pack of cigarettes a day and a bottle of wine a day more than pays for the car......and for me, cigarettes and wine would be a bigger waste of my hard earned money.
Some people have a backyard pool, a summer cottage, a boat, a yaught, an ATV, classic cars, watch collection, art collection, jewellery, etc., I just appreciate a fine car and I am willing to pay a bit more to maintain it...it's better than a lot of other vices.
From Edmunds:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Richard
I just don't happen to like cars that need 2000.00 brake jobs or have complex troublesome electronics that go haywire as the cars age.
A BMW is expensive to maintain too but they are nothing like an Audi when it comes to trouble.
The JD Powers ratings mean nothing to me nor do the Consumers Reports numbers. They really oought to take a 100,000 mile car and test it at that point to determine the real number of problems.
Um, you're dating yourself buddy!
Richard....the "M"(arried) word is taboo. I've been down that road. I know where it leads. GF is a Subaru person, first and foremost. She loves them. Her daily driver is an OUTBACK. She also has an Avalanche, which has served her well for years. She thinks I'm silly for liking "fast" cars. We've kind of settled into our "committed" routine and that seems to be working for both of us. Every once in awhile she hints that a ring would be nice. But, she's never been demanding about it. Besides, if she had a ring, she wouldn't have received all those other nice pieces of jewelry I've bought her over time.
Anyway, I'm on the fence still about keeping the TL. Either real or imagined, it doesn't drive the same. Steering feels loser. Rattles are there that weren't before. Cosmetically it's fine, though.
Took it to my dealer's service yesterday (they did not do the repairs...I chose another shop that I trust to do the work). They said everything looks fine.
Again, still on the fence about what I might do.
Looked at the Audi S4. It's the only one in the city. It was sitting in the showroom. It's a manual tranny (which would probably be loads of fun). But, I prefer an automatic. Didn't test drive it, although the sales person offered to pull it out of the showroom. Besides, it would cost somewhere in the neighborhood of 50K large. And, I've got a huge mental block regarding spending $50K on anything that doesn't have "real estate" in the name.
While I was in that general neighborhood, I drove a few miles to the Infiniti dealership. Pretty familiar with them given I was seriously considering one when I was shopping the Acura. They must have done something different to their transmission programming as it works tons better than the one I test drove about 18 months ago. That was my biggest beef with the car. Seems they've fixed that bugaboo.
G37x coupe and 335i xDrive and now very close. If they were the same price, I'd probably choose the 3. That said, they aren't priced the same. Advantage to the G.
kyfdx...thanks for the note on winter driving. I kind of figured with some snows and the stability control, winter driving would be OK in the BMW.
explorer...I was high on the Taurus SHO when it first came out. I think I mentioned a good friend has one. I've been in it several times. Don't know if it's because I'm familiar with it, but I'm not thinking of looking at them again.
Might take a look at a "normal" Audi A5 to see what I think, and decide whether I'm going over the deep end for even looking at new cars, again.
It's high maintenance...you get what you pay for. Cars that are more tempermental are more human, we bond more with them when they act like humans. Some of us don't like perfect robot cars. :P
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That picture doesn't do it justice because it is in shades of gray. Wood trim :confuse:
Isell said it better than I could. I chose wood trim as an option in my 328, but not again. It kind of gives a convertible a bit of a classic look, but the brushed aluminum really looks cleaner and more modern. (they didn't have brushed aluminum in the good old days :P )
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
One of the car rags got their long term 09 up to 100K miles with very few repairs.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
I fully understand that and the people out there looking at cars like this better understand that too. If they know what they are getting into and don't care, then, great!
I don't "bond" with cars. to me, they are cars that take me from one place to another. I don't like troublesome cars that cause expensive trouble.
I do like cars that are fun but there are limits to what I will put up with.
I get where you are coming from too!
There have been times when I wanted the most dependable car possible, that I could afford. I did want some comfort and a bit of a fun factor, but the main thing was low cost operation.
Things are different now, I want to enjoy getting to where i am going...getting there is half the fun, when you enjoy what you are driving.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Richard
I don't know if that sounds like a really strong endorsement! :sick:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
I know, it can happen. Especally with a new model...and Hyundai has been growing at a rapid pace so a few minor problems are not a big deal.
It just seems, you aren't that positive, and usually people are even more positive about their cars...they don't even admit to any problems.
You are just to open and honest I guess.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
On the other hand, letting it become overdue can have expensive long term consequences.
While the traditional three month recommendation is probably a little conservative these days, you shouldn't go longer than six months, even if you've only done a few hundred miles in that time.
Of course there are those that replace their car evety three years and never change their oil, or will just have it changed right before the vehicle is turned in.
No long term consequences for them then! :shades:
Not really. There are still new cars that have some wood trim on the dash. Also, there is wood trim and there is wood trim. The wood trim on the SRX is REAL wood. It looks great with the camel colored interior. Also, I love having it on the steering wheel. I can't stand the fake wood trims, but ours is really nice.
Richard
Richard
I used to be into older Buick Rivieras and my 1965 had some of the most tasteful real wood I've ever seen.
I miss that Riviera and how classy it was and FAST!
The 8 MPG wasn't too good though.
If the owners manual gives you a time interval on the oil I'd follow that recommendation. Otherwise I'd change it every year if the mileage limit isn't exceeded. That's what I do in the case of my 3 Series and Wrangler- although I do run synthetic oil in both vehicles.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
It's natural that your GF would want a ring and a piece of paper. The fact that she doesn't put up more pressure speaks well of her. She has to be special or a nice guy like you wouldn't continue this relationship over time. There are certainly many factors to consider---legal ramifications, your son's viewpoint, and your perspective on a firm commitment. You say that the current routine is working for both of you. The fact that she hints at a ring tells us that she may prefer a more permanent routine.
Taking all of the above into account, only you can determine your happiness. The test is knowing if it feels right vs. your feelings about the past. Trying to keep the two separated is certainly a challenge. You're bright and level headed. Chances are that you'll come to the right conclusion as time heals your wounds. I'm pulling for the ring myself because marriage can really be a wonderful thing. You deserve a second chance to experience the real thing. Though I'm a hopeless romantic, I do believe that good things happen to good people.
To stay on topic: After listening to Isell's advice (always good), perhaps I was wrong about your trading in the TL. Now that it is repaired, you may never have any problems with the car. Still, you have to be happy with your vehicle. When I purchased my new '86 Blazer, I kept it after it was hit. They did a beautiful repair job and I loved the vehicle. The second time that it was hit, I kept it for the same reasons. After the third hit, I gave up and bought my Lincoln Town Car. I never understood the thing with the Blazer. I never had a car before or since that got hit. Some things just aren't meant to be.
Richard
The Blazer was just telling you that you should be driving a Town Car!!!
As for marriage. I'm not the most romantic person in the world, but it is truly a big step in life. My current GF and I have been together for three years this month. I know she is ready for the next step and now it's in my court to make that happen. A lot has happened in three years and we are as close as ever. I have a plan brewing and there may be a sales story but not involving an automobile.....
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
Richard
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
comes on, it means that service is required for your
vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible
within the next 600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that,
if you are driving under the best conditions, the engine
oil life system may not indicate that vehicle service is
necessary for over a year. However, the engine oil and
filter must be changed at least once a year
The manual specifies GM 4718M quality oil (synthetic). So if your dealer has you changing more than once a year it's just extra maintenance.
I would expect 10,000 miles to be nominal under normal conditions for the indicator to show the oil life % has dropped to 0. Under lots of starts and short drives, 7,000 miles might be a good oil change time.
Your dealer probably put 3000 miles and 3 months on the sticker to get people coming back. It's nice to do that if you're only paying for regular type oil, lots less money, then changing at 3000 would be extra nice maintenance and 5,000 is becoming typical for normal oil.
Rather you are using synthetic and probably Dexos, the new GM specification oil, was put in. Even if only Mobil1 level oil were put in, I'd still think 7000 at shortest and once a year as minimum for changes. Earlier is just extra payments.
Has the car been used for off-roading? Mountain climbing? Taxi use in extra hot low speed driving that overheats the motor's parts? No?
I'd drive it on my trip and enjoy. Don't pay for that Ashville, North Carolina, mountain home the dealership owner has bought to match his home on the islands or the yacht he owns.
Some advice, if I'm not overstepping my welcome, is that you take the diptstick for the engine oil and pull it out. Let two or three drops fall in one spot on a piece of paper towel. Watch the oil spread through the fibers and look at the dark spot in the middle. Then when you check the oil level again in weeks, do the same. Over time you'll see that dark spot in the middle of "stuff" being carried in the oil grow or get darker. Balance that appearance with the miles you've gone and time involved along with how much short drives and the environment's temp being cooler. You'll see a correlation and get a feel for when to change.
An important thing with longer oil change intervals is to keep checking the oil level when the motor has been stopped for 10 minutes or more and is sitting level. If the engine uses oil (normal), the car may need a quart or half a quart added. Be sure the bottle of oil used says that it meets GM 4718M on the back. There's another GM6094M spec which is for regular oils; it will list that also, but must have the GM4718M.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Richard
I had planned to change the oil for our 6,000 mile trip next week, but with 79% oil life, I guess that I don't need to spend that $125 right now. I do plan to take it in for a general check-up before we leave---fluid levels, air pressure, belts, etc.
I do have one additional question. My MPG monitor keeps saying that I get 16.5 MPG. The figure never changes. I believe that I'm getting better than that on the open road. It should be getting 22 MPG according to my research. Do you think that the monitor may need adjustment at the service department? It just seems strange to me.
Richard
:surprise: :surprise: :surprise: For an oil and filter change? Really!
It doesn't need to be done by the dealership, just a competent tech, and as I'm sure you can imagine, the dealership doesn't assign the oil changes to his most highly skilled tech.
I'm not necessarily recommending a 'Jiffy Lube' type of place, but around here there are several independant shops that will do an honest job of changing the filter and up to six quarts of oil for $25.
As for the MPG issue, which is simply a matter of miles divided by gallons, you can easily calculate it yourself. The longer the period you calculate it over, the more accurate the figure will be.
As to recalibrating the monitor, it depends on whether it's using software that allows it to be changed.
If a year goes by without hitting 0% left, then change it anyway. Otherwise, relax.
As for your MPG, is that total mileage? Do you ever reset it? You probably have some sort of instant MPG that changes as you step on the gas and a cumulative reading over time. I reset mine with every tank of gas but if you never touch it, the average won't change much because you have so many miles built up.
My Accord has a setting that automatically resets the trip computer with every fill-up. That may be something you might want to check out on yours.
It would be quite a bit more if using synthetic oil. My oil changes always run $90 or more, no matter where I get it changed, although it does hold 8 1/2 quarts. The dealer charges $135.
Good point, I agree that synthetic would bump the price up.
I also tend to forget that life is generally a little cheaper here in FL than many other places.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
That one gave me a good laugh!
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
How many miles since the last oil change? If it's 3000, that plus 6000 more would be about 9,000? I would go that route. If you have more, you might have oil changed at a Cadillac dealer midtrip if you have a stop that makes that possible.
Otherwise, just check that oil life monitor. If it hits 10% then think about change if you won't be home by 0%...
I didn't realize your trip would have that many miles!!!
>My MPG monitor keeps saying that I get 16.5 MPG. The figure never changes. I believe that I'm getting better than that on the open road. It should be getting 22 MPG according to my research.
What happens if you use the reset button while you are cruising along the interstate? The mileage should go to 0 and then show way higher than 16.5 average especially without stops and starts; they really eat up the gasoline getting the vehicle moving.
If it doesn't show a higher mileage when reset while rolling on open highway, then the monitor may not be working right and the dealership can check it.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I don't need the is model with 30 more hp, M trim, navigation, sound system, 19"wheels.
The model I really want has a MSRP of $10000 less.
I asked what the price of a 2012 would be with only the equipment I want. I also asked him for a ball park figure on what my trade in would be worth, and I said I understand if you don't want to send that info. He said to send him my VIN (BMW can trace any car and check service work etc from the VIN or key) and he would get back by the end of the week.
Dealer A has not called to follow up on my test drive in the 5 Series, or my remarks that I might be interested in the 335.
This salesman is sharp. My friend said he was really good, very casual, easy going...looks and talks like a mob guy, but he really works for you. I like that. Dealer A has salesmen that are all like executive types, suits and ties. Dealer B is more my kind of place.
The guys smart, he keeps working and there is a good chance he will get a sale, if not soon down the road...so to speak. If the numbers work I might just go for it so I will actually have a sales story, and might win the Sales Frontlines trophy for 2011.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Yep and if you don't buy, he makes you an offer you can't refuse... :P
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Or, buy the car or we have some cement shoes for you to try........ :sick:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I envision an olive skinned Italian with shiny black hair held in place by a bottle of "moose". He wears a large gold ring and a gold necklace. He is wearing dark slacks and a white polo shirt. Am I close? :P
Richard
You get what you pay for? I can pay $20K for a car that will go 150K or more miles with just normal routine maintence. So why does a car that costs three times as much so troublesome? To me thats not getting what you pay for.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Under warranty, they fixed the moon roof not being completely flat when closed and a rattle in the rear liftgate. No charge there.
Total out the door, $49.49.
Yes, I'm just under 3K now and will add 6K before we get home. I'll keep an eye on the oil monitor during the trip. I can certainly stop at a Cadillac dealership if the oil level gets down to 10%. Good idea.
I see you were surprised by such a long trip. Some people think that we are crazy to do it at our age. It may be our last trip of such length in a car. We both feel pretty good and are in no hurry. We do need to be in Coty, WY by July 4th for the rodeo---have our tickets. Since we're leaving on June 25th, it shouldn't be a problem. We want to do this and life is too short not to try. We decided that if we get too tired, we'll just stop early for the night. For once in our lives, we have the time and the money; so why not? I can't leave it ALL to fezo. :P
Richard
In my wifes car it will read nothing for maybe a quarter mile then show a very high numbeer, like in 60's, then slowly goes down over about 5 miles to more realistic numbers.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
"(Trip/Fuel): The following display menu items
can be displayed by pressing the trip/fuel button:3(Trip/Fuel): The following display menu items
can be displayed by pressing the trip/fuel button:
"AVERAGE ECONOMY (AFE)
This display shows the approximate average miles per
gallon (mpg) or liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km).
This number is calculated based on the number
of mpg (L/100 km) recorded since the last time this
display was reset. To reset this display, press the
set/reset button. The display will return to zero."
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
My friend who bought from him says he came across sounding and looking like a mob guy. But, he said if he had a business and needed a super salesman, this would be the guy he would go after.
I haven't met him, only talked on a cell phone and through emails. He sounds like a bit of a tough guy, but he is on top of things. His name isn't Vinnie.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
To me thats not getting what you pay for.
Yes it is, the more you pay for these European cars the more expensive the repairs. It's part of the fun and prestige of owning these cars.
It depends on the image you think is important. My brother will drive his Civic for 15 years and only pay for regualar maintenance. I drive a BMW and know repairs and maintenance will be high after the warranty period.
I'm happily married so I don't need a chick magnet car, but which one do you think the ladies would be attracted too? The practical Civic guy or the guy who pays high maintenance fees?
Now I am getting really ridiculous, better quit now before I make it worse.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You gotta problem wit dat? :P
Yes you can!
Get out the owner's manual and take a look at the index.
If you something that interests you, read up on it.
You can do this.
I still recommend getting a SAT radio subscription for your trip.
My whole point is why can companies like Hyundai and Honda can sell a car that will go 150K trouble free for $20K why cant BMW do it on a $50K? How much prestige is there in having a monthly appointment with your mechanic? How much fun is it to get repairs so frequently?
There is a lot to be said with having as few trips to the shop as possible.
I'm happily married so I don't need a chick magnet car, but which one do you think the ladies would be attracted too? The practical Civic guy or the guy who pays high maintenance fees?
I am happily married (talk about an oxymoron) too. So I don't need a chick magnet car. But truth be told I never needed one as I never wanted to date someone who based me on the car I drove.
Not to mention that when I was dating it was always better to pick up my date in a Dodge than to call off a date due to a BMW being in the shop.
That being said I have had way to many young lassies start talking to me as they walked by me in the Sebring with the top down. This could be a dangerous thing, Richard take note.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D