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The simpler the car, the fewer repairs it will need. When you add some engineering, electricals, new safety devices, more technology, European influence things can go wrong. No one wants down time or repair bills, but that is the cost of having these extra features.
But truth be told I never needed one as I never wanted to date someone who based me on the car I drove.
I feel the same way. I didn't attract many women when I drove my old Chevy(except my future wife), so I would really wonder if they were attracted because of a BMW (if I was single). Only my wife stuck by me when I had the old Chev and a crumby job, so the car is just for my satisfaction.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
They can and they do. And I think many of the reliability problems are exaggerated. I bought my first German car almost 50 years ago, and have had nothing but for the last 25 years. Never had a problem with any of them besides annual routine maintenance, plus tires and brakes. Drove them up to a high of 237k, and he one I have now is like new at 135k. Also sold them for a number of years, and most people who buy them are very loyal to the brands. Besides, if the Benz is in the shop, you just drive the Porsche. To each his own. :shades:
I know that I can; I just hate technical things like car manuals. As an English and history teacher, I loved reading books. In fact, i never used a book in front of my students. It all just stuck in my head. As for car manuals and assembly instructions for small appliances, I dread opening the cover. I learned a long time ago that if I messed with something mechanical, I would screw it up for sure. I didn't completely learn my lesson. Remember my computer repair effort last year? :P
BTW, I have SAT radio.
Richard
Richard
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Not at all. So THAT'S what you look like? :P I envy Italian men. They always look so tanned and healthy. With my fair skin, I look like a lobster after ten minutes in the sun. :sick:
Richard
BTW, how is the flooding along the Missouri River? I went by the AAA office today. They haven't received any alerts; it's on our route.
Richard
Having met Steve a number of years ago, I can tell you that he does not fit the mold of the typical Italian male. Don't let his internet persona fool you!
Richard, I wish you safe travels on your 6K jaunt across the country. When I was 22, a friend and I drove from Southern California to Michigan and back. We made stops in Childress, TX and Toledo, OH on the outbound trip, and Childress and Phoenix, AZ on the return trip, all to visit friends and family. Not sure how many miles it was in total, but I remember a great many things from that trip, from being sick on I-44 in Missouri to driving 900 miles from Childress (SE of Amarillo) to Phoenix in one 15 hour day.
It's important to remember that this was when the federal speed limit on the interstates was 55 .. now, with 70-75MPH limits, you'll certainly make better time. My wife and I recently did 1800 miles from our home in Colorado to Sedona, AZ and back. Limit on I-25 and I-40 was 75 most of the time, which we bent by doing 77-79 on cruise.
The nice part about a road trip is that you can stop when you want, eat when you want and you'll never have to worry about a middle seat in coach or a screaming child next to, or behind, you.
I did a little research using Google maps and from Pinehurst, NC to Cody, WY the total distance is between 2000 and 2100 miles, depending on which route you take (I-64, I-40 or I-80).
Double that and you get 4000 to 4200 miles, yet you keep stating that the total distance is around 6K miles.
Are you going to other, intermediate, destinations that you haven't shared with us?
Inquiring minds want to know.
Since you will be doing a lot of highway cruising at 75mph or so, and very little stop and go, I'm guessing you will return home with even more oil life left, probably about 50%, or higher.
You are running Mobil 1, right? Use the oil life indicator. Use the little windshield stickers only as a record of when you last changed the oil. I'm sure the dealer that previously changed the oil added 3,000 miles and 3 months to the date/milage when he changed it.
You can easily change the oil at 30 or 40% and still be very conservative. But change it at least once a year, this is needed for any warranty you have.
Saying this, I just changed my Corvette at 88%, but it was 1 year 5 months. I think it was about 1,200 miles. (I've got to drive this car more.) If this car would puke up the motor tomorrow, I have no fear that GM Extended Warranty Company will look at my Onstar diagnoistic and refuse to cover the motor repair because I went 5 months over the 1 year rule.
There is absolutely no need for 3,000 mile oil changes on 90+% of newer autos. Even with non-synethic oil, modern oil and auto engines can be driven 5,000 to 6,000 miles, unless ALL of it is stop-and-go and very short drives.
If you change the oil now, you throw away money. And, I don't want to hear from anyone about 'it's cheap insurance, etc, etc'. I know of no one with an engine failure that was oil related in the last 30 years. As a matter of fact, the only major failures I personally know about was a low milage Chevy Suburban of my brothers that had a tranny fail, which was a well known problem about 20 years ago. And 40 years ago 454 Chevy motors wore the cams down. And Chevy Turbo 200 trannys were made with plastic gears that failed. To keep Isell happy, I'm not going to comment much on the couple of years V6 Hondas had tranny problems, which they covered with extended 100,000 mile warranties.
The bottom line: Use the oil life indicator. Changing at 30-40% will be giving very conservative maintenance to your vehicle.
It depends, and when I see 20 or 30 year old cars that still run they are usually a Mercedes, BMW, Audi or Jaguar. I suppose these cars cost more so the owners maintain them better. Many of them probably cost less to run than newer less expensive cars.
My neighbors 10 year old Jetta diesel just broke down after 300,000 miles with no problems. He saw a small leak when he was at the garage. The mechanic wanted the car and said he could fix it fairly cheaply, and my neighbor went out and bought a new Jetta.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
One never knows about the future. You ask me right here, right now? I say if it isn't broke don't fix it. We are committed to each other totally. Marriage is one way to show that. But, understand that there are other ways, too.
isell...I hear what you're saying. The biggest hand wringer in this whole scenario is the knowledge that Honda/Acura products are well built and engineered, to the point of being practically bullet proof. But, something/somewhere isn't quite right. If I could put my finger on it (vs my vague references to lose steering/suspension, or nebulous squeaks/rattles) I would and have them fix it. I can't do that, though.
This is going to sound silly, but I'm relatively pleased at the trade-in offers I've been getting. Looks like a 15 month Acura TL SH AWD only loses about $6k and change to depreciation. I paid roughly in the $38K range for mine. Trade offers are right around that $32K mark. Not bad. Still, $6K is $6K.
driver....what I'm seeing regarding the current crop of 3 series is just about what your seeing, 10% off MSRP for a 2011. While I don't like pricing a car that way, it seems that's about where they're coming in at. Plus, there's an $1,850 incentive in the xDrive 335i.
While I do think that reliability is not the hallmark of Mercedes/BMW/Audi. I've known way too many people (including myself) who've owned each of those brands. So, I know what they've told me and what I've experienced personally. They aren't going to be the "bulletproof, drive-it 'till it quits 10 years down the road" that the Japanese brands are. They are far from junk, or service nightmares, though (the 3xx dual turbo motors not withstanding). And, they are very nice cars. Still, they've built that "premium" image into them that people don't mind paying for.
Best BMW deal I've come across is a 335i xDrive with 4K miles, totally loaded up with Nav, leather, cold weather, convenience package, etc for $46K. It's a demo that the General Manager's Secretary drove (nice perk) for 3 months. It's a $52K+ MSRP car. I probably would have sprung on it. But, it was the most boring color one could ever imagine (light grey with black interior). The other ones I'm interested in are coming in just under $50K (which is my threshold, and one I want to be well under).
Drove the Audi A4 and A5 last night. They drive the same. Nice cars....lots of bling. Not really performance cars, per se. They're more like boulevard cruisers, which is OK. Just not my cup of tea. For 4 cyl cars, and putting some options on them, they can get surprisingly pricey.
The phone calls are coming in fast and furious. Contrary to how I usually do this, I really haven't made up my mind whether I want to keep my TL. So, I truly am kicking tires with no immediate intention of buying anything.
I know you sales people hate this. But, if something strikes me, I'm willing to make a deal.
I am going to look around some more, too. So, this is more than just casual interest.
If you aren't happy, and can afford it, why annoy (torture?) yourself? If the BMW, audi, whatever calls to you, make the move.
Of course, it ain't my money, and you don't see me buying anything new (wait, that would have mroe to do with the lack of "my money" issue).
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
GG, Almost any car is going to cost about $5k a year in depreciation, so a $6k
hit isn't bad at all. I'll be closer to a $7k a year hit in depreciation over 4 years.
You are on the same situation as I am in regards to buying right now. I can keep my car or not...depends if they come up with an offer I can't refuse.
If you got a 3 Series what color are you looking for? I saw a nice one in that deep metalic blue with a white interior. My wife's 335 is white with white interior and black accents. I didn't think it made sense when she ordered it, but I really like it now. I also like black, but you have to really look after it and wash it a lot.
Keep us posted.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I can believe that. He doesn't fit any typical mold. :P I agree with you. A road trip does allow a certain amount of freedom that you don't get with public transportation. We made this same trip via the Southern route back in the '80's---a bit younger then. The Northern route will give us new things to see. We're looking forward to it.
Richard
I am serious. You have my email address so send me the details.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Richard
It might say "Should have changed oil before the big trip" :P
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
When the littlest one is old enough, we'll have to do it. My wife says "where to?" I said, "It doesn't matter. That's the point of the road trip. Its the trip, not the destination." So I'll be experiencing it for the first time along with my kids.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I suspect that is one of the drawbacks of living on the east coast - everything is so close, so there really isn't a long distance road trip to be had.
The family accompanied me on a business trip to Boston some years ago. I tacked on an extra day for some sightseeing. We drove from Boston to Springfield, MA to the aquarium in Mystic, CT, then through RI back to the hotel - in one day.
No way can you get through 3 states here out west that quickly.
My sister has been upset that we're not flying with them to WY. She's against this long road trip because of my arthritis and my wife's neuropathy problems. If she thought that we were going even further in our travels, she would have a cow. We say "bunk" to all of that. We have our meds and know how to stop and walk around for a little. We'll be fine.
Having said all of that, you can see why I estimated 6K for everything inviolved. We'll see.
Richard
driver.....That deep blue with white interior sounds nice. If that was available around here, and they wante to get skinny on a deal, I would have popped for something like that.
Quick sales story surrounding a phone call I got last night from the local Infiniti dealer. I've tried for years to deal with them. Being the only Infiniti dealer in Cincinnati (there's another one a little further North in Dayton, OH), they have, for the most part, a captive audience with little in the way of competition.
I've seen the sales people there come and go, but the General Manager has been there quite a while. He knew I had stopped in, as I've been there many times in the past trying to work with them....with no luck. It's not that they aren't nice people. They most certainly are. But, they loathe to make a skinny deal I guess his sales person said that I walked on him when he tried to close me for a "generous" $2K off MSRP (should be around $4.5-$5K off). Plus, they low-balled my TL by about $1,700 from offers I'd had from other dealers.
I told the sales person we weren't even playing in the same ballpark, but thanked him for his time.
The GM asked the time worn question of "what would it take for us to earn your business?"
GG-"Let's make a skinny deal. You've got a G37 in your showroom that has an MSRP of about $43.5K. TRUCAR pegs it as $39.5 from one of their dealers. I'll give you $39K. You give me $32.5K on my car. You throw in the doc fee. I'll pay the tax. You do that, I'll be there tonight."
GM-(running his calclulator in the background) "I can't do that. We're $2,000 apart on the trade. Let's see what I can come up with."
GG-"No need. Appreciate your time, though."
GM-(half chuckling) "Are we ever going to do business?"
GG-"Frankly, you aren't competitive for someone like me. I know you must do well because you've had your store for quite some time. I want skinny deals, and that's not what you want to do. No harm, no foul."
GM-"Well, if you're ever out here again, stop in and I'll buy your lunch."
GG-"Fair enough."
Richard
They are friendly and easy to get along with and they don't "cheap sell" their cars. They hold out for what they feel the value is and that seems to be working for them.
A lot of markets turn to crap when dealers allow the customers to pit them against each other and as a result they start giving away their cars.
That is when the Screamer Ads start and the games start to get played as the stores struggle to make a profit while paying their tremendous overhead.
Turnover is high and nobody is happy as the market turns into a miserable snake pit.
Sounds like a well run store to me where the management takes good care of their customers while making a (gasp) decent profit.
I was having a hard time getting to sleep last night and was poking around on Google Maps for your trip. My trip from CA to MI back in 1986 showed 5300 miles with the to and from - that's before any other side trips we did.
I would hate to call you if we were passing through at 3 AM in the morning.
I would hate to think that you'd be driving at 3AM .. you need to rest each night. My mom and dad took us on a trip from CA to NY in the summer of 1971. Their MO was to start each day around 4AM, drive for a few hours, stop and have breakfast, then drive until around 4PM each day .. early enough to get a hotel with a pool and let my sister and I expend all the pent up energy from being in the car. I think we did that trip in 5 days.
She's against this long road trip because of my arthritis and my wife's neuropathy problems. If she thought that we were going even further in our travels, she would have a cow. We say "bunk" to all of that. We have our meds and know how to stop and walk around for a little. We'll be fine.
I agree with you, but I do see your sister's point. My folks have pretty much stopped traveling now, other than short trips to San Diego to see my sister and her family. With my dad's pulmonary issues, there is no way he can take a plane anywhere, and certainly not to the altitude here in Colorado. Even on the trips to SD, he has to arrange for extra oxygen to be available so he can get around.
Next time she calls you delusional or silly take a moment and check how you feel when she says these things.
If you feel angry or annoyed don't marry her. :mad:
If you smile and feel like she's looking out for you, marry her quick, she's a keeper.
You can trust my advice because my wife says that I know everything. :confuse:
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Our trip to Williamsburg has nice road trip bits in it. No rush, a ferry and a couple of bridge-tunnels along the way...
Hey! We get back the day Richard is leaving for his trip - so he really does have time to come by and say hello!
I do understand, and I know that things will work out for you both.
Richard
You're exactly right. There are so many great things to see in this country that any direction will bring you pleasure.
Richard
Richard
Richard
Well, I certainly hope you don't see water, 'cuz you'd sink!
But, I do agree with you - some of the vistas here in the west are truly amazing. Even though I've lived out here my whole life, I'm still stunned by the beauty of the scenery when we take road trips to Arizona or Utah.
Wyoming, OTOH, is not quite as nice, though I've not been to the Tetons or Yellowstone.
You're such a looney bird. I'm not next door to Williamsburg; it's 300 miles from here! I can see myself doing 600 miles before leaving on a 6,000 mile trip. When you come to the Outer Banks, I'll drive out and see you.
Richard
As for late night driving, I used to love it---little traffic and so peaceful. With my vision problems now, i don't do that any longer; plus it's too dangerous. It's because of problems such as your dad's that we want to do this trip now. We may not be able to later. As our housekeeper told my wife this morning, "Go now because tomorrow is not promised."
Richard
I hear something similar at times such as, "It's Richard's way or the highway." If I really want to get her going, I say something like, "I'm so glad that you finally realize that." :P Naturally, I always pay for that indiscretion! :sick:
Richard
Yeah. Yeah. we were at the Outer Banks last year. Did I see you? I did see biancar and we had a very good time that day.
Not sure about the August trip yet. Might be the Outer Banks again. Might be Chincoteague. We always pass the entrance for there but haven't been there yet. Some of my late, great SIL's ashes are scattered there. Some are at Hatteras and the rest are in Hawaii. If I'm going to visit that one I'll have to borrow and pay it back. I'm out of older relatives as a source of loans so I'll have to check out Uncle Richard......
Isell, what would you do in my case?
My dealer, who I have bought 3 cars from, might give me about 2 to 3% off list price if I am very lucky...usually no discount.
Dealer B, finds a car similar to what I am looking for, and gives me 10% off MSRP before we even start negotiationg.
Would you use the guy who doesn't "cheap sell" his cars, and pay $6000 or $7000 extra?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
My daughter needs her wisdom teeth out (surgical, since they are impacted). went to guy that did my son's, and the cost estimate was crazy. Turns out he is not in network for the dental plan.
so, go to another guy that is in network. Price is 2K cheaper (our OOP cost)! so of course, we switch.
well today my wife gets a call, and it is the first guy, offering to meet the in network price! we hadn't asked him to, but I guess after we called to cancel the procedure, they decided they wanted to keep the business even on a "mini"
I have never heard of this happening before.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
That was way to easy
When we were kids we didn't take out teeth that sissy way.
We tied our teeth to the back bumper of my fathers Ford, he just took off and it was done, fast, quick and cheap!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That was way to easy
If you can ditch your Acura with only a $6K loss after a little over a year, then that's awesome.
SO, the Infiniti G37X is a less expensive vehicle, but the BMW is the better "deal," you are going to take the BMW?
Let's say the Infiniti guy calls you up over July 4th weekend & wants you to come in Monday (last day of the June sales month) to do a deal on the G. You are $2000 apart and he comes down $1250 (so now you are $750 apart), do you do it or go for the more expensive 3 series?
I also agree with Isellhondas to have admiration for the Infiniti GM that knows his market and won't just do a skinny deal to make a sale. It would drive me crazy, but I do respect the guy.
Next time you go to the Infiniti dealer, he's probably going to take you to lunch and offer you a job.
Good luck my friend. Whichever car you end up with you will be happy. Both great cars. I'd consider it a priviledge to have either one parked in my driveway.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Next time try "I'd agree with you, but then we'd both be wrong"
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
why these kids can't just wait on this stuff (and braces, and contacts, etc.) until they are off on their own (and paying for it themselves) I don't know!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I recently had to have a tooth extracted, and after I got in the chair, the surgeon decided it would be easier (for them) if I were under general anesthesia. I told them no thanks, it was more than I wanted to pay. The surgeon knocked the price in half right there. Presto! Probably works best to negotiate directly with the physician rather than someone at the front desk.
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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