I had another revelation about the thing. I just realized that inflated residual can create even larger mental price gap without actual lowering of the price. Inflating residual by 5% is like mentally decreasing price by 10%, because the lessee is paying a portion of a car, not the whole thing. Using same example as before, 45K w/ "real" 36-month residual of 50% requires 22.5K to pay over 36 months plus fees/interest of course. Inflate residual by 5%, you get only $20.25 to pay, which means after normalizing to "real" residual (i.e. in non-subsidized lease), it "feels" like the car's price is $40.5K. Take additional 2 thousand off the 45K sticker (negotiation with the dealer) and you now are paying only $18.25 (plus, plus of course), i.e. now it "feels" like normal lease on $36.5K car, 8.5 grand off the sticker. That's the power of inflated residual. Not all of that "feel" is real, as after 36 months one has to get a new car and go through same excercise and fees will eat some portion of the savings, but nevertheless inflated residuals are tremendous help in pushing the iron out the door without dilution of brand's pricey image.
No disputes from me. I only like to keep it real, which means best way to evaluate the lease is no money down, just security deposit, appropriate mileage (not too high, but definitely not too low). If it works under these conditions, then it's a good offer.
Well, if you're old, I don't know what that makes me. Your first car is a '78; mine was a '65, and that didn't count the three motorcycles that came before.
Either way, interesting to see what everyone drives, or has driven.
laurasdada...love your list. When I was looking to buy my first new car, those Mirage Turbos were really high on my list. But, I let my Father talk me out of it. He was a huge proponent in "Buy American" and that the "Japanese cars" would be rust buckets. Well, now Honda and Toyota makes cars here and I see more rusted out Chevies than Accords.
My older sister had a late '70s Siroco that she bought used. I think you're right...about 77HP but that motor was smooth as silk as it reved up high. Great car to drive, but terrible reliability... which she traded on a.....ready for it? A Fiat X1/9 (used). Frying pan meet fire.
That was a dog of a car. I still wanted to buy it from her when I got my license, but even I got scared of the reliability when she told me she literally had it in the shop alternating weeks. Still, when it ran, I remember it was slow, but fun.
I don't have a car and I'm not old enough to have a license.
Your secret is out, explorer! So, instead of listing the cars (and trucks) you've owned, list the cars and trucks you dream of owning. If you are like most teens, the list should be long, but interesting!
*I'm taking a "leap" at guessing you are a teen - you post too well to be younger!!!
Ugh, tire prices are really nuts. The 18s on my LaCrosse are something like $250/tire. I know its funny, but if they won't make the three year lease that car will be getting traded in! (Wife wants an SUV anyway.... :P )
My summers are 18".... stock.. but, I have the super-duper performance package...
I just bought a new set through TireRack and they were $988, including shipping.... then, another $120 for mounting/balancing... I'd guess you would have to add $200-$250 more for equivalent 19"...
Just seems like overkill, that's all... thought you Canadians were more conservative than that...
lol.....I guess because of the M Package the cladding would drag along the pavement without the larger tires.
Maybe larger tires last longer. Seems that to replace them will cost around $400 each in Canada. May have to buy them in Florida. They are RFTs.
Many years ago I went to apply for a job at Good Year. Thank goodness I wasn't accepted. I did learn that the tires were inspected once built.
The best tires went to the car manufacturers. The thinking was when replacement time comes people would just ask for the same tire - which does make sense.
2nd grade of tires went to indie garages. GY wanted those garages to be satisfied and reorder GY tires.
3rd grade went to their own stores...they had a captive audience that had to buy their tires.
I see replacement tires for these have a warranty for 35K miles...less than I hoped.">
thought you Canadians were more conservative than that..
I thought we sent our pot smoking hippie draft dodgers up there to mellow the place. Hey, driver do they still have chartreuse VW vans with flowers there?
Maybe larger tires last longer. Seems that to replace them will cost around $400 each in Canada. May have to buy them in Florida. They are RFTs.
Actually many of the 18+ sizes are more performance oriented and actually wear fairly quickly.
The Michelin Pilots on my LaCrosse seem to be doing well, but in no way will go past 40K. I have 16" Michelin Symmetry on the Grand Marq, they have about 25K on them and look like new.
I thought we sent our pot smoking hippie draft dodgers up there to mellow the place.
Haven't you heard about Toronto's supposedly pot smoking mayor? That's the mayor with the drug guys...pix looks photshopped to me.
Hey, driver do they still have chartreuse VW vans with flowers there? Believe it or not....there is a used car lot in town, and they seem to specialize in VWs....lots of Jettas. Every once in awhile they get a hippy VW van with flowers...they had one the other day. Are you interested?
hippy VW van with flowers...they had one the other day. Are you interested?
Not interested. Wouldn't buy a VW on a bet. Just sent an inquiry on a F-150 to TC Ford of Charlotte, NC about trading the Mustang and having the truck delivered. We'll see how a trade/purchase thru email goes as I'm not driving 2 1/2 hours and waiting half a day with current technology.
Yeh, like Mikes tires last 15K miles. Of course he trades in his cars before he has to buy new tires
Interesting that you mentioned that. I don't think I related this when I bought my car last month - if I did, my apologies for repetition - if not, here goes:
I ordered my car in January, 2013, to make sure my new car came in with the first batch for "launch" of the new 2014 E350 Sport Sedan. Between the end of January and the first part of April when the car was produced, there were many changes made to the order because of changes that Mercedes made in combining colors and optional equipment as well as changes I was forced to make due to their changes.
First, I was told they discontinued Natural Beige (saddle) leather. Since I did not want beige interior with Diamond White or Black Interior with Diamond White, I changed the exterior color to Iridium Silver w/Black leather. I was then told that the Keyless-Go Package would not be available until after June 1st, so I had to order Keyless-Go and Electronic Trunk opener/closer separately. I then added the Comfort Box (for loose groceries - it pulls out and you create a large box and then stow it away).
Next, the sales manager suggested gray leather instead of black leather because of a change in the scheme - instead of gray with black headliner and dashboard, it was now being produced in light gray with darker gray headline and dashboard. So I changed that.
I had originally ordered the car with the wheel package which included 18" sport AMG wheels and a sport steering wheel, but I also ordered the Wood/Leather Steering Wheel for Sport. When the car arrived, it did not have AMG Wheels (just the standard wheels which, for the first time, had the same size tires on all four wheels). The Wood Leather Steering Wheel came in with the flat bottom - a duplicate of what is in the CLS550.
I was very unhappy with this - the AMG wheels "make" the car, if you know what I mean. When I got home, I received a call from the GM who said he heard I was unhappy with the wheels - so he told me to come back, they took off a set of AMG wheels from another car, put them on my car, and did not want me to pay for them. That was very nice - however I now have different size tires on front and rear like I did in previous year.
The reason I mentioned this was because it is very difficult to get more than 15,000-18,000 miles on a set of tires because they cannot be rotated. If I could rotate them, I would get another 3,000-5,000 miles on a set of tires.
Could you rotate the front and rear tires side to side
No, Houdini, they are all unidirectional tires. Every 3,000 miles, my service manager looks at both front tires to check for wear - to make sure the car is in proper alignment. Proper alignment is essential in order to get the most wear on these tires.
I hate to feed the Japanese reliability stereotype, but through all the years of owning Mitsubishis, Hondas, Nissans, Acuras, not much to report other than routine... But, to be honest, the domestics I've owned/driven (co. cars) haven't had much to report either. The Chrysler products were far from screwed together well, but that didn't lead to any issues, other than embarassment regarding uneven/large panel gaps and trim pieces ill-fitting...
My Aunt and Uncle liked the Scirocco so much, they each bought one! Really liked that car, fun, good-looking, practical and economical. Don't recall any major reliability issues, other then the front fenders rusting away before my saddened eyes.
My Dad abandoned the domestics in the early 70s after some really troublesome cars. He decided in the '90s to give 'em a try again and bought a Caddy Catera. He loved driving that car, the few days a month it wasn't in the shop (Caddy X1/9?!)... And, back to imports he went!
OMG, poor reliability so she went Fiat! Actually, the X1/9 was the car that kinda got me intrigued in cars. Something about the styling just caught my young eye and that got me interested in reading Dad's Car and Driver mag. And, hopefully my list of cars represents a modicum of good taste in cars!
How does she like the XF? If I have to grow up, that would be on my list.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
My Mom went on a series of bad buying trips in Pa in the 80s while I was busy working in Va. Her husband (not my dad) had died and she sold a perfectly good Olds 88 because it was hard to fit in the garage. She replaced it with a Pacer (upside down fish bowl). From that she traded to a VW Rabbit. Even she admitted it was a piece of crap. Then she traded into a Mercury Sable. Getting better! She had it for 4 years and told me she was getting a new car even though she liked the Sable which had only 7k miles on it. Reason-the battery is 4 years old...time for a new car. I had my buddy up there take it and put an Interstate 800 CCA in it. That's what she had when she had her heart problems and came to live with us in VA. We sold it to the neighbors cheap. Now she gets driven in a 2013 GT Mustang, soon to be traded for a Lariat or King Ranch so we can stow the wheelchair.
If I could rotate them, I would get another 3,000-5,000 miles on a set of tires.
I know I am going against all the rules of proper care of tires but I wouldn't spend the time and money rotating tires for an extra 3000 miles. I think there is a greater chance the tires won't wear as well as they will just leaving them in their place.
I have a friend who is far more knowledgeable than me mechanically (doesn't take much) and he had the same opinion....and we both came to the same conclusion separately just from our own experience.
I know exactly what you mean and agree with you 100%
What amazes me, nyc, is how manufacturers put ugly wheels on beautiful automobiles. Great looking alloy wheels can make a so-so car look great.
I just didn't like the standard wheels. I was fortunate the dealership management was sensitive to my likes and dislikes and did the right thing. It seems that if you order the wood steering wheel, it cancels out the AMG sport wheel package. The AMG wheels are not that costly (pkg. is $790 which includes a leather wrapped flat bottom steering wheel).
Yes, good looking shoes can make the suit just like good looking wheels can make the car.
HA HA Mike, I'm really just young at heart anymore. If I went through all the vehicles I've owned, it would go back to the late 70's and that seems like a lot of work. I will say this, my 2002 Explorer has used 8478 gallons of gas over 134,803 miles for an average of 15.9 mpg.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
Let's have some fun for a change. Everyone list your "DREAM" car as a post and why that car. List equipment/options if you like, but you are limited to just one car!
You all know what mine would be:
A special order Rolls Royce Ghost, fully loaded - MSRP at about $335,000.
Color would be a Diamond White or Off-White with 20" alloys wheels and a dark Maroon or Dark Saddle leather interior.
Notice I did not opt for the Phantom.
The Ghost is just a purely exquisite automobile that I truly "pine" for. I'll never own one (don't expect to ever have that kind of money), that's for sure, but I can always "DREAM"!
*If I was younger (in my 20's - 40's), I'd opt for a custom built Ferrari in bright red with saddle leather seats.
I really don't know which is better - but 3,000-5,000 miles is about what I drive in 4-5 months.
How much does it cost to rotate tires? At that rate you have to have your tires rotated every 2 or 3 months. Is it worth 2 or 3 hours of your time plus the cost to get a few extra miles out of your tires.
Also, I thought you got about 15K miles on your tires. Can rotating save you an extra 20% to 30% of tire wear?
Just non-mechanical me, but I think more can go wrong with a rotation than goes right.....occassionally rotating works, usually I am worse off.
Isn't that 48.26cm? I thought Canada was on the metric system.
But we are on the metric system too. Every other dimension of the tire is metric. Ask any woman who is in labor and is about to have a baby. Although she could care less about the metric system, suddenly 10 centimeters are metric gold.
A special order Rolls Royce Ghost, fully loaded - MSRP at about $335,000.
I kind of like that Ghost too...but even if I was given the car, about $350K loaded the way you would want it.....it would bother me that it only gets 13 mpg city and 20 highway.
I'm not a tree hugger, and I don't like to sacrifice enjoyment for a few gallons of gas........but that is just excessive.
What I would really like to do is park it near my idiot neighbor who cut down the 6 30 foot Spruce trees to put his swimming pool in......now I have to watch him walk around with his gut hanging out. Soon our trees will grow in and we will be blocked from seeing him......$10K later. We are also having film put on the windows so they can't see in, but they will never know when I am looking out...... :mad:
Oh yeh, other than the Ghost....I think I like my 535 as much as anything. I would definitely want the lane changing option though if I did it again. Then I would road test MB C and E, Audi A4 and 6, and maybe the new Jag XF, then compare to the 5.
Frankly, I am already driving my dream car, a 2011 Buick LaCrosse CXS. It is understated luxury that does not shout out conspicuous consumption. Mechanically it is bullet proof and it has all the techno gadgets that I will ever need or want.
For example, my CXS is equipped with a hiper-strut adaptive suspension system that completely eliminates understeer. It has 19" wheels, HID headlights, Heads-up Display, Blind side monitoring, Back-up camera, Automatic Rear Sunshade, and ABS breaks with traction control.
On the inside, perforated heated and cooled leather seats with lumber support, heated steering wheel, voice activated navigation, Harman Kardon sound system, spacious front and back seats, incredible fit and finish, and an elegantly styled console.
All this, plus OnStar safety and concierge service for about $40,000. If there is one thing I could add to this list it would be automatic parallel park assist.
laurasdada...my sister really likes Jags. She had an S-Type before the XF. She's never had issues with either one....just routine maintenance. So, either she's been real lucky, or the unreliable rep about them is a myth. I think it helps that she has a dealer service dept that's been top notch.
She was always a little left of center in her car choices. She owned a Saab 900 turbo at one point, and another Fiat (850 Spyder). She snuck a Cadillac of early '90s vintage in there, too.
I remember the Fiat X 1/9 had what amounted to a lift off top. Again, wasn't very fast, but the engine was directly behind the passenger dept, which I thought was way cool (sounded great, too).
I also remember the very first week she had it, it spit out all of its coolant, and that began a weekly trip to the service dept.
Even before I had my license, she let me drive her cars. Matter of fact, she taught me to drive. I taught myself how to drive a manual transmission (in her car).
driver, I think this points out exactly how good cars are these days. You don't have to spend that much to get to a level where you have to spend a whole bunch of money to get a small incremental increase in goodness.
Your 5 series at what, 60K pretty loaded, seems to have darned near everything. spending another 1/4 million doesn't seem to get you much really over that. Or conversely, a car at the level of the 535 is already more than anyone really needs.
I think this points out exactly how good cars are these days
stickguy, *driver, me, and many fellow posters here are perfectly happy with the cars we drive. My comment has to do with "dreamcars"! In other words, assuming I have millions in the bank and invested and have my yacht moored outside my 200 million dollar estate on Star Island in Biscayne Bay, and have an extra $300,000+ laying around the house in the drawers of my expensive antique furniture, I would love to get a Rolls Royce Ghost. It's just a dream - will never be a reality.
Most automobiles priced in the $30,000+ range and above (and many even less expensive) are perfectly excellent automobiles. But, to reiterate, if I had all I wanted and money that's burning holes in my pockets, my dream car would be the Ghost.
Will I ever have one or buy one or win the lottery? No! But I can still dream!
driver, I think this points out exactly how good cars are these days Your 5 series at what, 60K pretty loaded, seems to have darned near everything. spending another 1/4 million doesn't seem to get you much really over that
Excellent point, and that Buick sounds pretty good too for $40K. I wouldn't want a larger car and most cars I would be interested in - 4 door sedans, that are more expensive would be larger. I would be extremely content with my wife's A4 and that would come in at under $40K.
It sounds like $40 to $60K is the sweet spot, you can get a car that's about as good as you need...going over that is kind of superfluous.
GG, that is one fabulous dream car! A piece of art.
Yes, the X1/9 was mid-engined with a Targa top. IIRC, handled well, very underpowered and, as your sis found out, a mechanic's college fund!
My first thought as to a dream car would be a Ferarri Italia convertible. Of course, like the LaCrosse guys here, in the realm of reality, I am driving my dream car. But, every time I go to sleep, I have a new dream...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Excellent point, and that Buick sounds pretty good too for $40K.
You are not alone in your assessment. Read what CNN Money/Fortune Magazine wrote about the 2011 Buick LaCrosse compared to the BMW 535i. Now that the economy has recovered I wonder if they still hold that opinion.
"A BMW 535i sedan, loaded with options such as navigation, adaptive cruise control and night vision, costs about $60,000. The vehicle is highly rated and is powered with a 3-liter, six-cylinder engine. Buick's 2011 LaCrosse, with a 3.6-liter engine, navigation, leather and other options costs about $40,000. U.S. sales of the LaCrosse this year have more than doubled to 56,038 through the end of November, compared with 23,237 a year earlier. Sales of BMW 5-Series sedans, by contrast, have fallen 4.7 percent to 33,746 from 35,392 during the same period.
I've driven both of these estimable sedans. Amazingly they're quite comparable in terms of comfort, performance and handling attributes, even though the BMW costs roughly 50 percent more than the Buick. But years of image-building by BMW have produced an intangible sense that one's status is elevated simply by getting behind the wheel.
General Motors has been trying for years to make Buick feel like a "premium" brand, albeit not quite at the level of Cadillac, GM's luxury brand. The LaCrosse might be the first Buick sedan to achieve that goal."
"My older sister had a late '70s Siroco that she bought used. I think you're right...about 77HP but that motor was smooth as silk as it reved up high. Great car to drive, but terrible reliability... which she traded on a.....ready for it? A Fiat X1/9 (used). Frying pan meet fire."
LD and GG--
When I was first in college at a small liberal arts college in the mid-70s I would lust after some of the cars I would see in the student lots. At the top of my list:
Datsun 240/260 VW Scirocco Fiat X-19
Of course I knew nothing of practical issues like reliability, but the style...oh be still my beating heart! Don't know about the Datsun or VW, but I had a professor--and later a student--who drove the dreaded X19. Glorious to look at, but a nightmare to keep on the road. Thank God I didn't have the money to buy one--or anything for that matter. I don't want to stereotype myself as an artist, but clearly, for me, it has always been about style over substance.
The X19 did, and does influence me, however. I loved the first gen. of the Toyota MR2, which is clearly a knock-off of the X19, but I succumbed and bought a 2nd gen MR2 almost 15 years ago and that has been a love match made in heaven. Still runs like a top and is 21 years old with 60K on the clock. Like Kyfdx I just bought new wheels and tires from Tire Rack and it looks grand.
I do hope that Fiat/Chrysler do better this time around.
Well, if I can really dream I would like the 1964 Aston Martin DB5, preferably silver, but it must have the working machine guns (for my latent road rage from being a bicyclist) and ejector seat (when the passenger becomes tiresome).
Didn't one of the two used in the film Goldfinger just sell at auction last year? I think it went for something like $4.5 million. Alas, the machine guns and ejector seat were disconnected, which is why I didn't bid.
My second two "more realistic" choices are a 63-67 Corvette Stingray or similar vintage Jaguar XKE. Paradoxically, I prefer the coupes over the convertibles. I would even be content with the smaller engines in either.
Nothing new quite grabs me like the cars I adored in my youth.
Very few new vehicles interest me in the slightest- 911, Cayman S, M3. M5, M6 Gran Coupe, S5... That's about it. Methinks I'm going to spend my money on older cars that aren't crammed with gadgets and hell-bent on totally insulating you from the experience of driving. In other words, I'll take an E30 over an F30 every time... Even my Mazda isn't as boring to drive as an F30. I guess that's what I liked so much about the Abarth- it's loud, a bit hyper, and a really visceral driving experience. Once again, it's a car- not a video game.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
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2018 430i Gran Coupe
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Well, if you're old, I don't know what that makes me. Your first car is a '78; mine was a '65, and that didn't count the three motorcycles that came before.
Either way, interesting to see what everyone drives, or has driven.
My older sister had a late '70s Siroco that she bought used. I think you're right...about 77HP but that motor was smooth as silk as it reved up high. Great car to drive, but terrible reliability... which she traded on a.....ready for it? A Fiat X1/9 (used). Frying pan meet fire.
That was a dog of a car. I still wanted to buy it from her when I got my license, but even I got scared of the reliability when she told me she literally had it in the shop alternating weeks. Still, when it ran, I remember it was slow, but fun.
BTW...she owns a Jag XF, now.
Your secret is out, explorer! So, instead of listing the cars (and trucks) you've owned, list the cars and trucks you dream of owning. If you are like most teens, the list should be long, but interesting!
*I'm taking a "leap" at guessing you are a teen - you post too well to be younger!!!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
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Why wouldn't we?
Do you think we have laws against them?
There not like guns you know! :P
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Just seems like overkill, that's all... thought you Canadians were more conservative than that...
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I just bought a new set through TireRack and they were $988, including shipping.... then, another $120 for mounting/balancing... I'd guess you would have to add $200-$250 more for equivalent 19"...
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lol.....I guess because of the M Package the cladding would drag along the pavement without the larger tires.
Maybe larger tires last longer. Seems that to replace them will cost around $400 each in Canada. May have to buy them in Florida. They are RFTs.
Many years ago I went to apply for a job at Good Year. Thank goodness I wasn't accepted. I did learn that the tires were inspected once built.
The best tires went to the car manufacturers. The thinking was when replacement time comes people would just ask for the same tire - which does make sense.
2nd grade of tires went to indie garages. GY wanted those garages to be satisfied and reorder GY tires.
3rd grade went to their own stores...they had a captive audience that had to buy their tires.
I see replacement tires for these have a warranty for 35K miles...less than I hoped.">
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I thought we sent our pot smoking hippie draft dodgers up there to mellow the place.
Hey, driver do they still have chartreuse VW vans with flowers there?
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Actually many of the 18+ sizes are more performance oriented and actually wear fairly quickly.
The Michelin Pilots on my LaCrosse seem to be doing well, but in no way will go past 40K. I have 16" Michelin Symmetry on the Grand Marq, they have about 25K on them and look like new.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
Isn't that 48.26cm? I thought Canada was on the metric system.
:P
Haven't you heard about Toronto's supposedly pot smoking mayor?
That's the mayor with the drug guys...pix looks photshopped to me.
Hey, driver do they still have chartreuse VW vans with flowers there?
Believe it or not....there is a used car lot in town, and they seem to specialize in VWs....lots of Jettas. Every once in awhile they get a hippy VW van with flowers...they had one the other day. Are you interested?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Yeh, like Mikes tires last 15K miles. Of course he trades in his cars before he has to buy new tires.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
lol..............but, the rest of the world uses metric too....so who is out of step?
btw...I think metric is a plot to make gas seem cheaper. $1 a litre sounds much better than $4 a gallon.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Not interested. Wouldn't buy a VW on a bet. Just sent an inquiry on a F-150 to TC Ford of Charlotte, NC about trading the Mustang and having the truck delivered. We'll see how a trade/purchase thru email goes as I'm not driving 2 1/2 hours and waiting half a day with current technology.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Interesting that you mentioned that. I don't think I related this when I bought my car last month - if I did, my apologies for repetition - if not, here goes:
I ordered my car in January, 2013, to make sure my new car came in with the first batch for "launch" of the new 2014 E350 Sport Sedan. Between the end of January and the first part of April when the car was produced, there were many changes made to the order because of changes that Mercedes made in combining colors and optional equipment as well as changes I was forced to make due to their changes.
First, I was told they discontinued Natural Beige (saddle) leather. Since I did not want beige interior with Diamond White or Black Interior with Diamond White, I changed the exterior color to Iridium Silver w/Black leather. I was then told that the Keyless-Go Package would not be available until after June 1st, so I had to order Keyless-Go and Electronic Trunk opener/closer separately. I then added the Comfort Box (for loose groceries - it pulls out and you create a large box and then stow it away).
Next, the sales manager suggested gray leather instead of black leather because of a change in the scheme - instead of gray with black headliner and dashboard, it was now being produced in light gray with darker gray headline and dashboard. So I changed that.
I had originally ordered the car with the wheel package which included 18" sport AMG wheels and a sport steering wheel, but I also ordered the Wood/Leather Steering Wheel for Sport. When the car arrived, it did not have AMG Wheels (just the standard wheels which, for the first time, had the same size tires on all four wheels). The Wood Leather Steering Wheel came in with the flat bottom - a duplicate of what is in the CLS550.
I was very unhappy with this - the AMG wheels "make" the car, if you know what I mean. When I got home, I received a call from the GM who said he heard I was unhappy with the wheels - so he told me to come back, they took off a set of AMG wheels from another car, put them on my car, and did not want me to pay for them. That was very nice - however I now have different size tires on front and rear like I did in previous year.
The reason I mentioned this was because it is very difficult to get more than 15,000-18,000 miles on a set of tires because they cannot be rotated. If I could rotate them, I would get another 3,000-5,000 miles on a set of tires.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
No, Houdini, they are all unidirectional tires. Every 3,000 miles, my service manager looks at both front tires to check for wear - to make sure the car is in proper alignment. Proper alignment is essential in order to get the most wear on these tires.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
My Aunt and Uncle liked the Scirocco so much, they each bought one! Really liked that car, fun, good-looking, practical and economical. Don't recall any major reliability issues, other then the front fenders rusting away before my saddened eyes.
My Dad abandoned the domestics in the early 70s after some really troublesome cars. He decided in the '90s to give 'em a try again and bought a Caddy Catera. He loved driving that car, the few days a month it wasn't in the shop (Caddy X1/9?!)... And, back to imports he went!
OMG, poor reliability so she went Fiat! Actually, the X1/9 was the car that kinda got me intrigued in cars. Something about the styling just caught my young eye and that got me interested in reading Dad's Car and Driver mag. And, hopefully my list of cars represents a modicum of good taste in cars!
How does she like the XF? If I have to grow up, that would be on my list.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
I know I am going against all the rules of proper care of tires but I wouldn't spend the time and money rotating tires for an extra 3000 miles. I think there is a greater chance the tires won't wear as well as they will just leaving them in their place.
I have a friend who is far more knowledgeable than me mechanically (doesn't take much) and he had the same opinion....and we both came to the same conclusion separately just from our own experience.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I know exactly what you mean and agree with you 100%
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Hey, where you guys at???
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
What amazes me, nyc, is how manufacturers put ugly wheels on beautiful automobiles. Great looking alloy wheels can make a so-so car look great.
I just didn't like the standard wheels. I was fortunate the dealership management was sensitive to my likes and dislikes and did the right thing. It seems that if you order the wood steering wheel, it cancels out the AMG sport wheel package. The AMG wheels are not that costly (pkg. is $790 which includes a leather wrapped flat bottom steering wheel).
Yes, good looking shoes can make the suit just like good looking wheels can make the car.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Interesting take on tire rotation. I really don't know which is better - but 3,000-5,000 miles is about what I drive in 4-5 months.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I'm really just young at heart anymore.
If I went through all the vehicles I've owned, it would go back to the late 70's and that seems like a lot of work.
I will say this, my 2002 Explorer has used 8478 gallons of gas over 134,803 miles for an average of 15.9 mpg.
Just "thinking" about the gasoline almost cut me to the quick!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
You all know what mine would be:
A special order Rolls Royce Ghost, fully loaded - MSRP at about $335,000.
Color would be a Diamond White or Off-White with 20" alloys wheels and a dark Maroon or Dark Saddle leather interior.
Notice I did not opt for the Phantom.
The Ghost is just a purely exquisite automobile that I truly "pine" for. I'll never own one (don't expect to ever have that kind of money), that's for sure, but I can always "DREAM"!
*If I was younger (in my 20's - 40's), I'd opt for a custom built Ferrari in bright red with saddle leather seats.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Richard gave us fair warning, but Farmer and Snake, not so much.
How much does it cost to rotate tires? At that rate you have to have your tires rotated every 2 or 3 months. Is it worth 2 or 3 hours of your time plus the cost to get a few extra miles out of your tires.
Also, I thought you got about 15K miles on your tires. Can rotating save you an extra 20% to 30% of tire wear?
Just non-mechanical me, but I think more can go wrong with a rotation than goes right.....occassionally rotating works, usually I am worse off.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Isn't that 48.26cm? I thought Canada was on the metric system.
But we are on the metric system too. Every other dimension of the tire is metric. Ask any woman who is in labor and is about to have a baby. Although she could care less about the metric system, suddenly 10 centimeters are metric gold.
You are probably right. But it is moot with my car anyway since the tire sizes are different.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I kind of like that Ghost too...but even if I was given the car, about $350K loaded the way you would want it.....it would bother me that it only gets 13 mpg city and 20 highway.
I'm not a tree hugger, and I don't like to sacrifice enjoyment for a few gallons of gas........but that is just excessive.
What I would really like to do is park it near my idiot neighbor who cut down the 6 30 foot Spruce trees to put his swimming pool in......now I have to watch him walk around with his gut hanging out. Soon our trees will grow in and we will be blocked from seeing him......$10K later.
We are also having film put on the windows so they can't see in, but they will never know when I am looking out...... :mad:
Oh yeh, other than the Ghost....I think I like my 535 as much as anything. I would definitely want the lane changing option though if I did it again. Then I would road test MB C and E, Audi A4 and 6, and maybe the new Jag XF, then compare to the 5.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
For example, my CXS is equipped with a hiper-strut adaptive suspension system that completely eliminates understeer. It has 19" wheels, HID headlights, Heads-up Display, Blind side monitoring, Back-up camera, Automatic Rear Sunshade, and ABS breaks with traction control.
On the inside, perforated heated and cooled leather seats with lumber support, heated steering wheel, voice activated navigation, Harman Kardon sound system, spacious front and back seats, incredible fit and finish, and an elegantly styled console.
All this, plus OnStar safety and concierge service for about $40,000. If there is one thing I could add to this list it would be automatic parallel park assist.
She was always a little left of center in her car choices. She owned a Saab 900 turbo at one point, and another Fiat (850 Spyder). She snuck a Cadillac of early '90s vintage in there, too.
I remember the Fiat X 1/9 had what amounted to a lift off top. Again, wasn't very fast, but the engine was directly behind the passenger dept, which I thought was way cool (sounded great, too).
I also remember the very first week she had it, it spit out all of its coolant, and that began a weekly trip to the service dept.
Even before I had my license, she let me drive her cars. Matter of fact, she taught me to drive. I taught myself how to drive a manual transmission (in her car).
Someone mention dream cars?
Here's mine....
http://www.vintagesportscars.com/68ferrari365gt.html
Your 5 series at what, 60K pretty loaded, seems to have darned near everything. spending another 1/4 million doesn't seem to get you much really over that. Or conversely, a car at the level of the 535 is already more than anyone really needs.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
stickguy, *driver, me, and many fellow posters here are perfectly happy with the cars we drive. My comment has to do with "dreamcars"! In other words, assuming I have millions in the bank and invested and have my yacht moored outside my 200 million dollar estate on Star Island in Biscayne Bay, and have an extra $300,000+ laying around the house in the drawers of my expensive antique furniture, I would love to get a Rolls Royce Ghost. It's just a dream - will never be a reality.
Most automobiles priced in the $30,000+ range and above (and many even less expensive) are perfectly excellent automobiles. But, to reiterate, if I had all I wanted and money that's burning holes in my pockets, my dream car would be the Ghost.
Will I ever have one or buy one or win the lottery? No! But I can still dream!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Your 5 series at what, 60K pretty loaded, seems to have darned near everything. spending another 1/4 million doesn't seem to get you much really over that
Excellent point, and that Buick sounds pretty good too for $40K. I wouldn't want a larger car and most cars I would be interested in - 4 door sedans, that are more expensive would be larger. I would be extremely content with my wife's A4 and that would come in at under $40K.
It sounds like $40 to $60K is the sweet spot, you can get a car that's about as good as you need...going over that is kind of superfluous.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Yeah, that retracts when put into reverse but doesn't raise back up. Dumb.
Otherwise, I agree on all points. The LaCrosse is a fine car, especially loaded up like yours and mine.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
Yes, the X1/9 was mid-engined with a Targa top. IIRC, handled well, very underpowered and, as your sis found out, a mechanic's college fund!
My first thought as to a dream car would be a Ferarri Italia convertible. Of course, like the LaCrosse guys here, in the realm of reality, I am driving my dream car. But, every time I go to sleep, I have a new dream...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
You are not alone in your assessment. Read what CNN Money/Fortune Magazine wrote about the 2011 Buick LaCrosse compared to the BMW 535i. Now that the economy has recovered I wonder if they still hold that opinion.
"A BMW 535i sedan, loaded with options such as navigation, adaptive cruise control and night vision, costs about $60,000. The vehicle is highly rated and is powered with a 3-liter, six-cylinder engine. Buick's 2011 LaCrosse, with a 3.6-liter engine, navigation, leather and other options costs about $40,000.
U.S. sales of the LaCrosse this year have more than doubled to 56,038 through the end of November, compared with 23,237 a year earlier. Sales of BMW 5-Series sedans, by contrast, have fallen 4.7 percent to 33,746 from 35,392 during the same period.
I've driven both of these estimable sedans. Amazingly they're quite comparable in terms of comfort, performance and handling attributes, even though the BMW costs roughly 50 percent more than the Buick. But years of image-building by BMW have produced an intangible sense that one's status is elevated simply by getting behind the wheel.
General Motors has been trying for years to make Buick feel like a "premium" brand, albeit not quite at the level of Cadillac, GM's luxury brand. The LaCrosse might be the first Buick sedan to achieve that goal."
Source: http://money.cnn.com/2010/12/21/autos/Buick-LaCrosse-luxury-GM.fortune/index.htm- - - -
December 21, 2010
I like what excited me when I was younger. (nothing excites me much now) That would be the 67 Austin Healey 3000 MK III.
Oh well, pic won't work
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
LD and GG--
When I was first in college at a small liberal arts college in the mid-70s I would lust after some of the cars I would see in the student lots. At the top of my list:
Datsun 240/260
VW Scirocco
Fiat X-19
Of course I knew nothing of practical issues like reliability, but the style...oh be still my beating heart! Don't know about the Datsun or VW, but I had a professor--and later a student--who drove the dreaded X19. Glorious to look at, but a nightmare to keep on the road. Thank God I didn't have the money to buy one--or anything for that matter. I don't want to stereotype myself as an artist, but clearly, for me, it has always been about style over substance.
The X19 did, and does influence me, however. I loved the first gen. of the Toyota MR2, which is clearly a knock-off of the X19, but I succumbed and bought a 2nd gen MR2 almost 15 years ago and that has been a love match made in heaven. Still runs like a top and is 21 years old with 60K on the clock. Like Kyfdx I just bought new wheels and tires from Tire Rack and it looks grand.
I do hope that Fiat/Chrysler do better this time around.
Gogiboy
Well, if I can really dream I would like the 1964 Aston Martin DB5, preferably silver, but it must have the working machine guns (for my latent road rage from being a bicyclist) and ejector seat (when the passenger becomes tiresome).
Didn't one of the two used in the film Goldfinger just sell at auction last year? I think it went for something like $4.5 million. Alas, the machine guns and ejector seat were disconnected, which is why I didn't bid.
My second two "more realistic" choices are a 63-67 Corvette Stingray or similar vintage Jaguar XKE. Paradoxically, I prefer the coupes over the convertibles. I would even be content with the smaller engines in either.
Nothing new quite grabs me like the cars I adored in my youth.
Gogiboy
1984 Skylark T-Type-->1987 Scorpio-->1991 Volvo 740 Turbo-->1993 Pathfinder SE-->1998 318ti-->1997 528i-->2004 X3 2.5
Everything else purchased outright:
1975 2002A
1999 Wrangler Sahara
2007 Mazdaspeed3
2009 328i
Note: 2002 is for sale...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive