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How un-fondly I remember those.
This was worse then any of those cause it was all about that tweenny bobber twilight whatchmacallit movie and all the product placement and marketing behind it.
I guess if you can't make up your mind, you get a crossover (which is really just a fancy name for a station wagon).
1.No disrespect,but maybe in your neck of the woods MSRP is the case.Well here in Texas you can get CRV's for much less than MSRP-if not invoice 3-400 over invoice. Or you can look at Ebay listings for an new 09 CRV with a buy it now or best offer deals which are pretty close to invoice. :P
2.Also the days of Hondas selling for MSRP`s are over IMHO. Not only Honda -any car maker has the same problem. Why? The competition is much better. If Honda is going for MSRP and nonnegotiable,then the guy can go buy a Toyota . Not including Nissans here as they are really horrible and Hyundais are improving massively .The last Honda which truly was MSRP and absolutely non negotiable was the 99-03 Odyssey which was a game changer .Then the 04 Sienna cracker jacker came out and suddenly all Odyssey`s were negotiable.
The models that now go for MSRP have to be very hot ones or in the initial 3-4 months of a new redesign like the Honda Fit .The Saturn Sky was a hot seller initially.Quality problems followed and sales dropped.Right now the hottest model would be the Prius.Very tough to get it for less than MSRP anywhere.Also helping is the fact that the Honda Insight sales have tanked and the model has flopped.So no competition,hence selling for MSRP.
Healthy competition is a win win situation for the buyer .Unfortunately not so much for the manufacturer. :shades:
A link as to how the competition is improving straight from the horse's mouth:
link title
But that's a function of it being a redesign. Like you said in your original post, give it 3 or 4 months, and it won't be selling at MSRP.
Me too, but there is a need for crossovers if you carry a lot of stuff, and I liked my X3 when I needed such a vehicle.
The bimmer in the picture is not a crossover, it is a 3 Series, and that is one reason I like it.
The Acura is a crossover, and Acura is expecting it will be a big seller. Acura, doesn't really sell too many vehicles in the scheme of things....a lot of people consider them to be dressed up Hondas...this model will differentiate the nameplate.......supposedly.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
It's hot b/c it's a redesign. You'll be able to get them off MSRP when the novelty wears off/early adopters get theirs. See lr's post.
The Insight is not hot? Well, not all new cars are hot.
On a side note, my best friend is looking for a new vehicle to buy his wife for her upcoming b-day (45). Personally, I would think that any new car would be a nice b-day gift. But, she's always wanted a Benz.
For giggles, we went to look at them at a local MB store....a C series. Yeah, you can get a base model for low $30s, but geez, they don't even have leather in them
Anyway, in the showroom they had a used '07, lease turn-in of an SL 550. They had the original sticker on it that had a whopping $100K number on the bottom. Yowza!!!!!! :surprise:
As the sales person gave us the lowdown, it was a two year lease turn-in. The original buyer pre-paid the lease for two years at the tune of about $48K....then, just gave it back. Go figure.
The number they had on the front windshield was $58K. Salesman said it might, maybe, perhaps, could be bought for $52-$53K.
We test drove it. Nice car and all....very fast, very high quality. Not very comfortable, at least for me. But, it lost 50% of its value over 2 years. I suspect that it will be a $30K car in another 2 years...from a $100K new sticker. Talk about taking a bath.
My friend loves his wife. And, there's nothing he won't do for her. Plus, I'm sure he'd score major points if he bought it for her. But....DAYUMMM!
He didn't buy it. Even looking at the "C" series, all loaded up with leather, Nav, a little of this, and a little of that, and you're going over $45K.
There's a whole lot of other cars out there, that have more HP, are better equipped, made just as well, or better, are more reliable, cheaper to maintain, for at least $10K less.
I guess someone sees the value 'cause I see them on the road. I can't make that leap, however!
My friend doesn't like the Infiniti G or the BMW 3 series (go figure). He's mildly interested in the TL, but seems to be stuck on getting a convertible. I told him to get her a smokin' Mustang GT 'vert, and be done with it. Heck, you can even score a great deal on a Honda S2000 'vert since they are discontinued.
I told him to buy her one of those Saturn Sky or Pontiac G6 'verts. Those are discontinued, too. And, she'd probably be just as happy.
They always had stupid lease programs on that car too. Well at least they did till leasing went away.
A customer of mine who used to lease two SC Range Rovers from me a year would usually lease a SL55 or SL65 AMG once every couple of years too.
Those AMG SLs are much pricier then the regular ones and a SL65 AMG approached 200,000 for Base MSRP.
When he was leasing 95,000 dollar SC Range Rovers for 1,600ish a month over 24 months with 10,000 down he could usually lease a SL AMG that stickered near 150,000 for 2,000 dollars a month.
Not many high dollar luxury cars can do that. The RX can but not sure that is worth driving around in something so ugly that drives so bad.
The Range Rover Sports are still holding 50% or better of their value after three years.
link title
HSE Sports were just under 60,000 to just over 65,000 retail in 2007.
You can trade one of those in and still get over 30,000 for it. With the right color combos and right options you might hit mid 30,00s.
But you forget the thrill of driving around in a car like that. Isn't that worth 70K over 4 years? Especially if you have the 100 K to begin with.
I guess the best investment would be my $900 farm van. In 4 years (if it doesn't blow up) it'll still be worth $500. That's only 100 bucks a year.
But do you want to spend the next 4 years sharing your ride with corn and tomatoes?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
GG, I am not sure about these people. Sound like the kinda people I wouldn't want to know, but, if somebody has the money to spend on a car why question it. I guess you can leave it to your children, but IMHO it is better to spend every last penny?
We have friends that are multi-millionaires and he has a 3 year old Equinox. Before that they had a 6 year old Malibu. I feel sorry for them because they could have any car they want, but they can't bring themselves to spend that kind of money-but I guess it makes them happy when they don't spend money, and can get a new Chevy, anything more would be a waste of money to them.
A Mustang is OK if you can't afford the SL550, but the MB is a completely different experience, I don't think the wife will like getting a "Ford" for her birthday. I say, if you can swing it, go for it.
There are a few other choices to consider. Hardtop/convertible 3 Series (says he doesn't like it but what exactly is wrong with it - not snobby enough?), VW Eos hdtp/convertible, Audi, Camry, Lexus and Mustang, Pontiac or Sebring (lol for these people).
Guess they should hire you to help them look......
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
He must have run a hedge firm.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
As for the MB saga, here's a little story for you. As I approached a traffic signal today, I noticed a new looking C-Series pulled to the side of the road with the hood up. The driver was standing there as if waiting for a tow truck. As the light was red, I rolled down my window and said, "But it's an MB!" The driver, without hesitation, exclaimed, "Yea, it stands for major bullsh--!" I wished him good luck and drove on my way. You may be thinking that I should have offered to help. Fat chance. If I looked under the hood, I MIGHT recognize the battery.
As for your alternate suggestions, you forgot to recommend the Sebring Touring Convertible---my personal favorite.
Richard
Metals recycling and reclamation. Also recycles high end exotic alloys.
Watch it! :P
Richard
I have known people like that. When I mentioned that they could have any car they want they said that that was the car they want. Also many of these types of people have no issue spending that kind of money, just not on that particular thing.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
a few weeks ago, i commented that i read your best post ever.
as far as i am concerned, this one was the worst.
as much as we banter back and forth, i don't think any of the regular posters really judge anyone by what they drive, or what new vehicle they can afford to buy.
to quote a Hyundai commercial, 'Just think about it'.
Some millionaires will blow crazy dough on fine art, whereas I'd be satidfied with a $50 print that looks half decent and matches the decor.
Others would spend $1000 on some brand name shoes, whereas I'm happy wearing $30 brand name runners on sale from Ross.
And others are happy with driving a $5000 used car, whereas I'd blow my money on a $300k Lambo. :shades:
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
You're absolutely correct. I live in a town that is considered to be the golf capital of the world. Homes here start at $300k and go upwards of $7 million---more for the horse farms. Many of the wealthiest owners don't drive new cars. One of my neighbors owns a home here, one in Aspen, and one in London. He drives a '95 Caddy. One of my other neighbors owns a small plane and a large boat. He drives a 2000 Buick. I'm the only one on my street who doesn't own a golf cart. These people buy expensive antiques, go to Europe two or three times a year, and keep a ton of boutiques in business. Still, many do not spend money on cars. Neither do they service or take care of their cars. They just drive them until they won't go any longer. I chalk this up to the fact that money does not necessarily breed responsibility or common sense.
Richard
Sorry ex about making you pace around getting upset. I am the last person to judge anyone by what they drive. Although my last 2 cars have been very nice (do to luck and hard work getting a business going), my previous cars in reverse order were 2 Jeep Cherokees, a Cavalier, a Corsica, Celebrity...so, I would never judge somebody by what they drive.
I was describing the mindset of the people GG was describing, looking at a $100,000 MB, but nothing else would be good enough for them. To explain let me relate this story;
A little while ago I went to a high school reunion. I hadn't seen most of the people there for over 40 years. We had a table with about 10 to 12 people and everyone had their spouse at the table. One guy, who I remember from high school must have married a lady who had a lot of money behind her. All they talked about was their huge mansion in the most expensive part of a large city...huge windows overlooking a valley. And, all their trips to Europe etc and how they stay at the best hotels and only eat at the finest restaurants. Then he had to mention he has a new BMW and how he couldn't drive anything else. She talked about how she couldn't wait to go home because any other city than where she lived was beneath her. I get along with 95% of the people I meet, but I don't have the time or patience for these phonies. And, that is what I detected in the people looking at a SLK MB, and nothing else is good enough.
By the way, my two best friends, one has a 2005 Acura, the other a 1972 Malibu, he refuses to buy a new car because he hates all car companies...and he could afford a pretty good new car.
I hope that is clear...I think snake and Richard got what I was saying, and I hope you move my post up from worst to at least ok, don't want my posting to be stuck at average
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
driver.....you're right about those who put emphasis on different things with disposable income. For those who put value on a $100K vehicle, and they have the means (and sometimes when they don't), an SL550 is a priority.
Interesting, as the years have passed, I can remember telling myself...."no way I'll spend $25K for a car". Then it became "no way I'll spend $30K...then $35K, then $40K. Past that, I don't think I could make a case (nor sleep well at night) if I went too much beyond that $40K number for a car.
Make no mistake, if I felt more comfortable about my economic future, that number would probably go up. Right now? My attitude is pretty jittery.
Then again, there are people who thought I was a bit loopy when I spent crazy money (and I do mean CRAZY money) on a boat. I could justify it. Don't ask me how or why. I just could. For the years I had the boat, I thought the money was well spent.....(especially by those who were at my dock every weekend...but magically disappeared when I was cleaning/maintaining it).
Don't get me wrong....if our country gets its economic footing back, I'd feel a lot better and could very well walk into madmanmoo's showroom.
As far as a $100K SL is concerned......even at $50K, I didn't think it was worth the money.....not even close. I guess if a spouse, or significant other, bases the amount of love they give on the fact that I'd buy them a Benz....well, there's good reason I'm no longer married.
I'm sure you can get that print of the dogs playing poker for less than that :P
I agree, it's all about priorities. To each their own. I wouldn't spend money on a cruise, but I will spend the same amount on a hiking trip to Machu Pichu in Peru. Some people think that is crazy, but it's my money.
Set your sights (and price) lower, Boom. Now that you have a child, you'll be getting all sort of redecorating - for FREE. No guarantee it'll contribute to the feng shui you're trying to achieve with the home decor, though.
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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When he begins crawling it might be a different story though as my DVDs, CDs, Wii, 1:18 scale cars are within a baby's reach off the floor :surprise:
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
We have bad news for you... :P
Just kidding. You post good stuff.
Hey! Hey! Don't knock the dogs playing poker - 'Dogs Playing Poker' sell for $590K.
Of course this was before the recession...
As for your not being married now, it won't last long. A nice guy like you who helps these ladies buy cars is bound to get caught sooner or later.
Richard
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Richard
Richard
We have bad news for you...
ROFL
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Thank goodness for that! I would be shunned. :sick:
I like to buy junkers because they're cheap and certain "dogs" that others look down upon because they suit my contrarian personality. :shades:
Anyone who would like me based only on my cars is probably someone I'd avoid. :lemon:
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
My wife was totally blown away by the PT Cruiser I bought for her. I guess that's why we've made it almost 34 years.
As to the snob factor of the Benz, one of my son's female friends comes over in her father's S class. A whole bunch of them drive it into my back field and drink beer in it. What's the snob value of a Benz that has a trunk full of beer cans?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Besides, a Vandura can hold way more of those beer cans!
You have the ultimate status vehicle.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I have a 2006 Land Rover HSE, black/alpaca. It has 30,500 miles on it now and will have about 32,500 miles in December when I would be trading for a 2010 something (that's when I'm thinking of trading).
It's getting close to needing new tires. Should I spring for the new tires? Would I get more for the trade with having new tires when I drive up or would it make all that much difference?
Thanks,
Mark
PS, when I bought the 2007 Honda CR-V to pull behind the motorhome, I did pay MSRP for it as they were selling like sugar coated hot cakes. It's a great lil' car.
For awhile, I used to use my AMEX for all of my travel expenses (as I was traveling a lot at the time). I don't know if AMEX still does it, but you could accumulate points for each dollar charged. I used to turn those points into gift cards that I'd hand to my then spouse as a gift. Most times I used the points to get a $1,000 gift certificate to Saks 5th Ave, or some other place designated by AMEX as a participating establishment. At Christmas, I would give her the gift certificate along with something much less expensive for her to open on Christmas morning. She was happy, until she learned that I got the gift certificates essentially for free. That happiness turned to nonchalance and apathy at that point.
To me, I didn't see the difference between laying out $1,000, or using points for a $1,000 gift certificate.
Same way with giving a new vehicle as a gift. Does it really matter whether you spent $20,000 for a PT Cruiser or $100,000 for a MB? Both are still generous gifts, regardless.
Richard.....around these parts, Northern KY is known as part of the Greater Cincinnati area. Some Kentuckians don't like that designation. Truth told, if I ever buy another home, I'd consider moving to the other side of the river. The northern part of KY is much more progressive than southwest Ohio is, and they don't have nearly as many "hang ups" either.
Most of the pictures you see broadcast during sporting events of Cincinnati are usually taken from the northern Kentucky area.
NEVER! It's bad enough when I get up at 4:30 to go to work and find some girl sleeping on my couch. If I find them sleeping in my hooptie I'll have a fit. :mad:
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Neither do I, but then again, we are both men. To a woman it would make a huge difference if you had cashed in the $1000 in points and then taken the money and bought the Sak's gift card instead of getting it directly with the points. I don't know exactly why, it just would. Maybe your ex would have liked it better if you told her you had to wrestle a bear on the way to the store but you did it for her. Women eat that heroic stuff right up.
As to cars as gifts I find women tend to value "cute" over "cost". :shades:
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
One lady wanted to replace her small Seville with a little Lexus SUV because it would "make me look cute." Last I saw her 3 years later she's still driving the white Seville; calmer minds must have prevailed.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
If "cute over cost" is a generalization based on the women you know, OF, you need to broaden your circle of friends!!
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
How did I know I would be hearing from you kirstie h. :sick:
Before you get your hackles up let me assure you that I didn't mean that as a dig at women. I was merely trying to explain to GG that men and women have different perspectives on gifts and cars. Can you honestly tell me that you don't understand why GG's ex was less thrilled when she learned how her Sak's card was purchased?
As to the "cute or cost" comment I ment that MOST women see beyond the cost of a car and if they received one as a gift the cost might not be THE most important factor.
Now please tell those women picketing my house to go away.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Can't the driver get in and pull the door handle from the inside(not the lock, the handle to actually open the door). Usually this will push up the lock mechanism at the same time as popping the door open.