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Comments
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
My school district just bought (2) 7 passenger Chrysler Minivans to use as buses. I think they paid 28K each. Not sure they got much of a deal as the vehicles have just basic options.
Anyway, the district was promptly criticized for buying such "luxury" vehicles. This puzzles me because they are replacing some old Suburbans which cost 40K. Even the drivers are fighting over who gets to use them. Maybe it's because out of the 200+ buses in the fleet, these are the only ones which are not painted yellow.
I get to drive them more often than most because I have a special run that goes to the deaf school in central NY and the Chryslers get twice the milage (24 mpg) of the vehicle I used to use. Not my choice for a personal vehicle but pretty nice inside.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
There's no need to go back to the dealer for the routine maintenance required to keep the warranty in force, as long as you can prove that you had the necessary work done. (Am I telling you something that you don't know?) We use an excellent independent mechanic just a mile away - close enough so that I can walk home after dropping off the car.
During the 8 years that we owned it, we never had our 1st Lexus serviced by the dealer. We've had the 2nd Lexus for 2 1/2 years, & it hasn't yet been back to the dealer, either.
That's only if the owner sells it within 2 years. Most people who buy minivans don't do that. The longer a Caravan owner holds onto their vehicle, the better value it becomes in comparison to the Ody.
Despite mediocre reliability ratings (due to faulty transmissions 2000-2005) , the Odyssey still holds it's resale value well. Which just goes to show you name brand recognition and perceived quality goes further in resale value, than what actual reliability numbers show.
This months Consumers Reports has the Honda Accord "Best Family Sedan". This despite the Nissan Altima "edging out the Accord" in CR's yearly ratings. Their justification was the Altima lacked stability control in some models. Sheesh, talk about an excuse to put a Honda on top (their only vehicle)... I thought it was a lame excuse. Toyota had 5 vehicles in Top Picks of 2009.
I guess you need to be elegant enough not to wear shorts in the car... otherwise you'll get out and have little circles pressed into the backs of your legs... :shades:
I actually try to give my dealer as much biz as I can. They are extremely good about winking and covering things that are out of warranty. A couple of years ago they noticed that the paint was fading on my 2000 LX 460. They gave me free loaner for 3 weeks, completely repainted the truck (invoice said $7800.) and did not charge me anything. Truck looked brand new.
They take customer relations very seriously and it pays off for them. Since that happened I have bought 2 more Lexus vehicles from them.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Funny, if a Caravan transmission lasts 100,000 miles, the owner would consider himself lucky. On a Honda, it's the end of the world.
I guess I think that's a good thing.
look at any long term test and check out the maintenance costs.
i don't ask what lexus owners pay to maintain their vehicles, but they sure tell me.
if you shop for a better deal, good for you. most people don't and they PAY.
this is not to say that most lexus owners are not happy with their vehicles or their dealership.
i was pointing out that lexus are expensive to maintain. it is documented and easily confirmed.
ford replaced a $500 trim panel on my 5 +year old, at the time, explorer for $50.
my next door neighbor had the rusted out front spring mounts on his 7 year old e class replaced for free. other companies take care of their customers, too.
At any rate maintenance costs are way down the list, actually not even on the list, when I am deciding which car to buy. But since you brought it up and it is so easy to document it would be interesting for you to post a comparison.
My guess is that Lexus probably falls somewhere in the middle with German cars at the top.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Richard
You got that right. Some of those Honda people over on the problems board are just crazy. They have a 6, 7 or 8 year Honda, at or around 100,000 miles, and they are upset that Honda only offers to cover 50% of the cost of a failed transmission, which are usually tens of thousands of miles and years out of warranty. Such said rare occasions likely to turn the service advisors hair white I'm sure. Honda does deserve credit for stepping up to the plate on the Ody transmissions though.
I'll tell you something funny that I found out this weekend. I have waited so long to buy a nice '08, that I have begun to see '09 program cars with low mileage. Maybe now I can trade up to a new one.
I think that you are in the same position as I am. You don't really have to have a new car, but you like the one that you have selected. I have set on the fence so long that I have splinters in my a--. Still, it is my fence.
Richard
Really? Then please do so. The maintenance cost for my wife's Lexus averages $15 per month, or 50 cents per day. Does that strike you as excessively expensive?
ford replaced a $500 trim panel on my 5 +year old, at the time, explorer for $50.
I've never had to replace a trim panel on any of my cars, & I've kept 2 of them for well over 10 years.
Are you honestly looking for information or just trying to make some sort of obscure point?
Richard
I noticed that when I went by today they had cars everywhere. My guess is they have about 100 cars. The paved lot was jammed and they had cars sitting all around the dealership on the grass. Never saw that before.
Does Honda make the dealers accept cars they may not especially want?
Is the pricing from Honda so good that the dealers are taking a chance?
Is this guy nuts?
I go by there about three times a week and haven't seen one person on the lot in over three weeks. :surprise:
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
It turned out to be way too expensive (197 hp Touring for +$30K!), made in Canada, so I ended up with a much cheaper and better option with the standard 266 hp and assembled in Indiana. We love it but the pop-up table would have been nice...
I was very tempted by the Odyssey EX-L but all the tranny talk and the awful local dealer kept me away.
it's kind of fun being the first person to drive on a road covered with 8-10 inches of snow.
"Fun" wouldn't be how I would describe my snow experience this weekend. I can tell you a 2wd Jeep Commander isn't worth a pinch of rat's manure in 8-10" of snow. It was great letting the kids experience real snow for the first time but now I know why the mountain cabin rental company stressed the need for 4wd for Boone, NC winters! Lesson learned -- the hard way as usual.
We thought about taking the Jeep down to the main road ahead of the storm but my eternally overconfident buddy swore he could tow us to the highway with his 4wd F150 if need be.... Well, that didn't work, just as I feared. A set of $129 :surprise: snow cables were useless as well -- one side kept slinging off for some reason. :mad: Just as we put the cables back on that wheel for the 20th time with reality setting in that we were totally screwed, a tow truck appeared at the top of the hill to pull the neighbors out. Since we were blocking his way, he didn't have much choice but to pull me out too. Best $50 I have spent in years.
4 sale: one set of ZT735 snow cables, used once....
You guys can keep the white stuff. I now have a better appreciation for our 100 degrees and 100% humidity in the summer. A/C will cure that every time.
You were afraid of having transmission problems yet you bought a Chrysler??
The best powertrain option should have been standard across their line the way Honda and Toyota does it.
When you get the white stuff on a regular basis you learn how to deal with it a lot better. One rule is don't go into over 4 inches of snow without snow tires on all 4 wheels, and/or 4 wheel drive!
I'll take a bit of snow and a few chilly days a year over temperatures over 80 and humidity over 60% any time, but I do sympathize with you.....it isn't fun being stuck in snow.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
My Toyota has 201K and runs like a champ (when it starts - in the really cold -10 degrees, it's more like a teenager..."leave me alone")
The police office said you could have "Lost your life doing that".
Jay says, "This guy has no life, he's driving a 1993 Honda!"
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Ford sales for February were off 48 percent from February 2008, led by a 71 percent drop in SUV sales.
The 53 percent drop at General Motors led the domestic sales decline, raising even more doubts as to whether or not the former juggernaut will survive the storm. Chrysler’s 44 percent decline gave the privately-owned manufacturer bragging rights for the smallest loss of the domestic manufacturers. In a statement on the company’s web site, Chrysler President and Vice Chairman Jim Press clung to any bit good news available, citing a 1.4 percent increase in market share from January as “a shining light of positive news.” A stronger in-house financing arm plus aggressive vehicle incentives are also credited with helping Chrysler fail a little bit less than the rest.
The bad news isn’t just for the Detroit Three. Toyota sales fell 40 percent, Honda dropped 38 percent, Nissan squeaked out with “just” a 37 percent loss and Mitsubishi fell hard with a 51 percent decline. German automakers fared slightly better, BMW sales were 34 percent off pace with last year and Volkswagen lost only 19 percent. Subaru once again stole the show by claiming the only positive gain last month; the company’s sales were up a little over one percent from a year ago. The Hyundai Group (Hyundai and Kia) also posted enviable sales figures for the month, with a loss of just under one percent thanks to the company's Assurance America program.
Had a meeting with our financial planning people yesterday. They are certain this recession will end one day just as the previous 9 since the great depression did. Usually you recover before anyone realizes it. And one thing that will drive a recovery will be pent up demand. The average age of our cars is more than ever before..average vehicle is 8 years old now. These cars are going to have to be replaced sometime soon. Unless there are holdouts like you know who sitting on the fence?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I remember hearing a comedian(Jerry Seinfeld I think) talk about vanity plates:
I saw a guy with a vanity plate that read "EDS GEO". I said " Hold on a minute, Ed. You're driving a Geo- this is no time to be bragging."
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Throw in $4 plus for a gallon of gas like we had last summer and it's no wonder people will drive less, thus cars will last longer.
Same for my Acura dealer...
'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...)
Sounds like the EW may be in the market soon. We looked the new RX over the other day and my wife really liked it. She had a sharper eye for the changes than I did. Overall a big improvement.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Yesterday, this young guy comes into our dealership and I promptly welcome him. He pulls up in an older body style TL (I hate those new ones). After quick introductions, he lets me know that he is looking for a '02+ 911 in the $20k - 30k range or a lease in the $500-600 range. He asks me if there is anything like that around. I tell him that we just traded in an '01 Cab with 30k miles on it and that is priced at $32k. He brushed off that suggestion saying it was too old.
He asked about new car leases and I went over some of our recent specials, but they were still too high. He asked about the Boxster and sat in one. He then commented on how there weren't any back seats and that wasn't going to work. He has to have the backseats of the 911 so his parents can get in the vehicle when they come into town. :confuse: I'm not real sure he's ever taken a close look at the backseats in a 911, but I didn't say anything. I didn't want to burst his bubble.
At this point, he interrupts me because he had a call coming through on his Blackberry.
Him, "Hey buddy! What's going on?"
Listens.
"Mmhmm. Ya, hey listen, I'm in a.... I'm.... can I call you back in 5 minutes?"
"Ok, talk to you in a bit."
To me, "Ok, you were saying?"
I asked him if he wanted to see something cool to get him excited as he was not real pumped about anything. I walked him out to our service bay where we currently have 3 Carrera GT's. 2 are in for service (local R&B singer had a mishap where he hurt his suspension, 1 for normal oil change) and 1 is on consignment.
We walked out and take a look at $1.5 million worth of inventory. He takes one look at them and asks me if I like them. I responded with hearty 'yes'! He says that they are ugly and they look like Ferraris. Ok.....
Then he asks me, "How long have you been doing this?"
Me, "Selling cars or selling Porsches?"
Him, " Selling Porsches."
Me. "Little over a year now."
Him, "So, based on the criteria that I gave you, do you think I am being reasonable about what I'm looking for?"
Me. "No, but you're close!"
The 'shooter' then leaves and lets me know that he'll be back to test drive when he has more time. I hand him my card and shake my head as he leaves.
I explained to our Sales Rep that while I'm sure a good deal could be had on an '09, there probably just wasn't enough trade-in value (or private sale) on our '02 to make it really attractive to go back into car payments or empty the much, much, much lighter piggy bank. He, somewhat surprisingly, did not pursue the matter or offer to go over any numbers. C'est la vie...
'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...)
2018 430i Gran Coupe
LOL! Yeah, because Ferraris are such an eyesore...
Thanks for the story moo, stories are getting scarce around here...
My BMW dealer has all the upscale touches but their prices are still very reasonable. I also use a good inependent BMW tech but I'm finding I use the dealer more often for the convenience of getting a loaner and being able to schedule a quick appointment.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
'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...)
I'm not sure what some people accomplish by coming in and trying to impress car salespeople, maybe cause they have no one else to bs to, especially people that know them, but it's pretty pathetic in my opinion. I wonder if they know that we know that they're usually full of it. And we do know. Makes the day interesting though.
For those who are really bent on impressing salespeople for some reason :confuse: , this is the only thing that will work:
Come in, know which make model, trim, color you want, make a deal on a car in 20 minutes or less, lay down a few grand cash or credit for deposit right away, (not when the the planets align, the tide is near, or your uncle passes away and leaves you the collectible stamp from worth $100k at the antiques road show). Pay the balance the same day with a bank draft or a 790+ beacon score for instant approval financing.
Do all this without hesitation, with confidence, and with no bs stories and I will be impressed.
You know what they say: money talks, bs walks.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
I can tell you that a Grand Cherokee with 4x4 QTII with snow tires is worth its price in gold in 8-10" of snow. :shades:
Back in 1972 my mom and dad brought me home from the UCLA medical center in the back seat of my dad's 911 Targa. He had that car until I was three and I still remember it - it was blue with black leather.
What a cool memory too. There's a certain kind of smell to Porsche's leather. That always sticks with me.
I brought my son home from the hospital in my 1988 M6. I figure that was a pretty decent start in life.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Yeah, yeah rub it in, lol. :P
My dealer had 4x4 identical to mine on the lot. Being thrifty and prudent, I insisted that they locate a 2wd just like it because the 4wd was about $20 higher per month on the lease. On Monday morning that twenty bucks per month didn't seem near as important as it was when I bought it. Sure wish I had taken the 4wd off the lot.... too bad, so sad...
The next time I buy a truck it will have 4wd just for those once a year occasions where peace of mind is worth more than $ or fuel economy.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
i posted it for anyone who considers maintenance in their buying decision.
everything i hear from owners and read about long term tests points to it being expensive. not saying it is not worth it if you like the vehicle.
So I pull in and parked away from the showroom and made a beeline straight to the car which was in the corner of the lot as at this time I really wanted to avoid any salesman. However one saw me and approached me and we chatted a bit. He quoted me two grand more for the car (sticker on the window confirmed this) and asked me if I could bring my wife over later this evening (I can't). I told him that if they can fit my budget (doable at the internet price), my wife agrees to it (she will be the driver) and it passed my mechanics inspection.
Well we will be going back Friday after work to look at it and maybe test drive it.
So now I can say it.... To Be Continued. :shades:
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Yeah, but with their sales volume that means they sold 2 cars less this month.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible