Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
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Stories from the Sales Frontlines
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1. Satellite radio---I have AM,FM, and CD's. I should have enough listening pleasure. It's on my Explorer but I dropped the subscription.
2. Nav---I have Map Quest, road maps, and the guy at the 7-11. If those don't work, I don't need to go there.
3. Fog lights---a nice feature but I can't see much difference when I use them.
I wouldn't mind having the rear camera feature, especially in the convertible. It's difficult to see some things behind you---little children, pets, trash cans, etc. That would be a nice safety feature.
Richard
Doesn't a Genesis dealer carry tires for their own cars?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Are you sure the G37X uses the 7 speed autobox? I thought AWD Gs were relegated to using the old 5 speed automatic :confuse:
Like someone else mentioned, the 328i is a fantastic car. I'm a HUGE BMW fan, and readily admit that the price of entry can get way over $40K really quickly.
I know you like your Accord that you're giving to your son & you were impressed with the new TL, have you considered the TSX?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Got it! Yes, that is a problem. It does seem silly, that for the sake of a few pounds, and a bit of trunk space, they couldn't put a full size spare in every car. If you do get a flat tire, you have to put a donut on, then hope you can find a garage that sells your tires, has the time to mount it etc., and you have to hope it isn't Christmas Day or something.
I would take a full size spare anytime....if possible (I have to say if possible because my roof won't fit in the trunk if I had a spare tire in there ).
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Back in the early 80's I had a Mustang with one of those donut spares on it. I actually had to replace it and as it turned out the rim accepted a full sized tire and it fit perfectly in its space in the trunk. I don't think its about saving space and weight as much as penny pinching from the manufacturer.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
The Genesis has the battery in the trunk so the spare tire well won't fit a full size.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
I feel ya - we are possibly two of the most directionally-impaired people around. When I'm going somewhere I've never travelled, I always build in time for me to get lost at least once, even on a short trip.
We had the nav going once this past Summer, and took an exit to stop for a part for the camper. The nav lady said "recalculating" so many times that she seemed to finally get frustrated. Her final instruction included a path that would've run us through a fence and into a lake.
I prefer common sense & a map in most cases. However, I will say that when we go to other cities and rent a car, nav is WAY useful. If you come upon a street that mapquest tells you to take, and it happens to be closed for construction, the nav will instantly find an alternate route - something I'm not to hot on on the fly.
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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G37 is a heck of a car. And, you're right, I'm seeing pretty easy and exceptional deals on the '09s. Unless there's a misprint on the MSRP, the '09 G37x does indeed come with a 7 speed automatic (or a 6 speed manual, if that's your preference). My biggest "nit" with it is it hesitates just a bit off the line. I doubt this is an engine problem, given everything is computer controlled. Mashing the throttle from a stop, or when the tranny is shifting, it hesitates. The demo I drove had 5,000 miles on it. I'm not interested in the demo, but worry that a new one will have the same issue. It really blunted my enjoyment of test driving what is an excellent car. I'm thinking with these adaptive transmissions that they need to be reprogrammed in some way to alleviate that hesitation. Maybe a new one wouldn't have that issue.
After that little "hiccup", they do accelerate like a muscle car with a V8. For both the G, and the TL, I drove on snow packed streets, some twisties, some broken pavement, and some highway. Both handled all of those conditions extremely well. They both mimic the German driving/steering/ride experience almost to the letter.
I think the world of BMWs. Had a couple myself.....the last one a 330i, with Nav, comfort access, leather, auto, etc. In short, a top line 3 (at the time), all loaded up. I'm trying to remember what I paid for it, but I think it was in that $37K and change range, if memory serves. Granted, I'd be looking at a 335ix this go round. But still, equipped the same way, I'd be knocking on the door of $50K, even discounted.
BMW's bread and butter seems to be leasing, where they heavily subsidize their leases. I'm not a "lease" type person, for a variety of reasons. Purchasing ia BMW isn't nearly the deal a purchase is.
The Acura TSX is practically a clone of the Accord, with just a bit of fancier trim. I can see lots of similarities between the TSX and the Accord. I know the TL is based on the Accord platform. But, that's where the similarities begin and end. TL is faster, handles better, steers better, rides better, has much nicer materials. Build quality on any Honda product is stellar.
Tough decision. I wished it only came down to dollars and cents. If that were the case, I'd be signing papers for a G today. Could be because of my familiarity with Honda products, but the TL just feels right so that's my preference.
That being said, the G is an '09. The TL is a '10. So, part of the price differential can be attributed to that, which will help me down the road.
The G I'm looking at is still in plastic (black over tan....very sharp). So, the dealership must have received it recently. Not that it matters to me, but there doesn't seem to be any lack of '09s on dealers lots. Don't know if the economy hit them hard, and they have a lot of leftovers. Or, if Infiniti just over produced them.
My thinking on price is going in this direction......
-'09 G37x sedan w/premium and nav (no wood, so if I can find one without wood, that would save me about $500) offer would be $34K if they threw in the all season mats and mud guards. I'm OK with the $100 doc fee the local (and only local) Infiniti store showed me. I'm putting out feelers to some Infiniti dealers in the surrounding cities.
-'10 TL AWD w/tech, my offer would be $38.5K with all season mats, trunk tray, mud guards. They want a $250 doc fee. I'd strike that and replace it with the same $100 doc fee.
There are two Acura dealers around me. I like both of them. They're owned by different dealer groups. But, interestingly enough, both have associated Hyundai stores next store to them. That afforded me the opportunity to also drive the Genesis, back to back with the TL. Again, I think the Genesis is a great car. The driving experience reminds me a lot of driving a Lexus GS (not as cushy as the LS, but handles similarly to the GS). It comes mighty close to the times I've driven a BMW 5 series. Heresy for some, but in many ways, I would prefer the Genesis over a 5 series. I could probably buy one of those with a V8 and tech for about the same $38K. That's not what I'm looking for, though.
One nice thing about the Infiniti dealership, whenever I need service, they'll come pick up the car from me, leave me with a loaner, and bring my car back to me, washed. Acura would have me bring the car to them, then shuffle me to where I need to go. Doesn't sound like a biggie, but would be a great convenience (and also a way for the dealership to make good money on service). But, that's only if I buy from the local Infiniti dealer.
I think it is just a matter of a bit of redesigning. Move the gas tank over, make a well, put it under the back bumper etc.
Not enough will to do it. I think it is partly cost like snake suggested, but I am sure it is also a matter of weight and space. Cost is probably the biggest factor though. Maybe someone could sell more cars if they had big ads that said;
"Now featuring a full size spare with every new car"
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Richard
Only old men seem to care....wait....maybe I should care...but I don't!
I would imagine some of this interest is a knee jerk reaction to our recent snow. One person in particular is a photographer. He and his wife say it would be perfect for their business, hauling around camera gear and associated professional photography "stuff", in very different locales, in all sorts of weather.
That said, it's been an absolutely stellar vehicle for me. The real question is, how much will I use it since I don't tow or haul much these days? It's been my vehicle of choice during the recent snow. And, whenever I take a trip, I can't think of a vehicle I'd rather captain.
From strictly a financial perspective, about to become a true "empty nester", it makes no sense to keep it. Still, when I need it, it's very handy to have around.
That's a very round about way of saying...."I don't know what I'm going to do with it".
I won't be trading it, though. While I haven't taken it to any dealership, I'm of the mind the trade-in market for it would be tepid, given the huge discounts GM is giving on new ones. If anything, I'll be selling it outright, if I decide to do so.
I'm going to have to put new tires on it very soon (which I'd have to replace anyway before selling it....a visit to Costco is in order, me thinks). Aside from that, it needs nothing and still drives the same since I drove it off the dealer's lot.
Not to be sarcastic here.... but her driving must be all in neutral down hill with a tailwind. That car would have trouble getting an honest 30MPG all highway at 60.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
By the way, I have watched with interest the reporting on CNN that gas prices climbed 10 cents or so in the past two weeks in the U.S. ...... ours went up 60 cents per gallon in one day last week!
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
My options are to trade the Explorer for another SUV, or keep the Explorer and buy a sedan. My wife isn't interested in having three cars at our house. I have plenty of time to contemplate the options and have family discussions. One thing is for sure. It is nice to have choices.
Richard
Richard
Richard
Good grief! Oil companies up your way don't allow for any sort of psychological adjustment, do they?
Richard
The downside is that on snow or slick areas, if both rear wheels are light on traction and they both are trying to power, there's a slippage occuring with both. As a result, that means the rear wheels don't have lateral traction and the rear end of the car can be fishtailing. A limit slip is great for getting through snows and drifts as long as the driver remembers to let up briefly on the power to allow the wheels in the rear to catch for lateral control if the rear starts to feel light.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
link titleLocking rear Difflink">
You're probably thinking of the Infiniti M35 / M35x. For now, the RWD M35 gets the new 7-speed while the AWD M35x is equipped with the 5-speed. That will change this spring, when the next-gen M37 hits the showrooms. All versions of that car will come with the 7-speed.
The G37x is a newer car than the current M & gets the 7-speed.
But, Lord, it's a gruesomely homely vehicle, with a face that only a mother could love. I'm a big Honda fan from way back, but I couldn't make my peace with the TL's styling. When I see one - not often, because the latest TL isn't selling around here - I think of a kid in my 6th grade class with awful buck teeth whose parents couldn't afford (or didn't want to spend the money on) braces.
It's a point of pride with me that I don't allow a car's looks to unduly influence my buying decisions, but I just can't get past the TL's front end. (Even if I could, & I brought one home, my wife would leave me.)
Flats are rarer today, but they do happen. A few weeks ago, I was coming through upper boondocks PA. Night, and very cold. Tire blew on Rt. 81 (interstate). Thanfully was right by an exit. But, once the donut was on (and like 99%+ of them, low on air!), all tire stores were closed.
Being 200miles from home, I ended up having to get a hotel room, and thankfully found a matching tire in the morning. But, ended up getting home a day late, out the cost of a room.
If I had a full size spare (and I would , if it fit in the well!), it would have been a tire change and continue on my way.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Can't do anything about a blown tire. But, I carry a portable air compressor for tires in the trunk of my car. I've had to use it a couple times with flat tires from slow leak due to nail. Saves you from having to change the tire on a cold morning, or wait for AAA. Just fill it up and drive to the nearest tire store for a $15 patch job. Seems I'm picking up a nail in the the tire at least once every year or two. Probably another conspiracy. :sick:
btw the kids now refer to Oxford as Ox Vegas.
oh, and if you happen to see a black ford escape with ct plates doing anything out of the ordinary feel free to let me know.
#2 applied to Miami and should get accepted, although i think they are going to be a fighting irish(accepted). top choices are to be a blue devil(waiting) or a hoya(wait listed).
once that dust settles, we will figure out the wheels to make it work.
I agree. In Florida I've had a rental with NAV and it was too much hassle to program if my son wasn't there. This year we managed to make our way all around Orlando with only a tourist map we got at a toll booth.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I agree. In Florida I've had a rental with NAV and it was too much hassle to program if my son wasn't there. This year we managed to make our way all around Orlando with only a tourist map we got at a toll booth.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I agree. In Florida I've had a rental with NAV and it was too much hassle to program if my son wasn't there. This year we managed to make our way all around Orlando with only a tourist map we got at a toll booth.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
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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)
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What is a tourist map? I didn't think they still existed. Do you know how to fold it up? That's my problem, I can never fold them up again.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
3X, are you growing grapes on your farm?
Or
Is one your brother oldfarmer and the other one is your other brother oldfarmer?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
fold the map? You leave it open on the floor, and wad it up and toss it when you turn the rental car back in!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Richard
Richard
Unfortunately it isn't. It's either standard or an option on most performance cars and AWD/4X4 vehicles. I was able to order it on my 1995 3 Series, and I think it only cost $500. Sadly, BMW now only fits limited slips to their M cars.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Is Mrs. Farmer's name Sybil by any chance? It would seem to be an interesting match. :shades:
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
Tidester, you are giving out too much information. When I started working in publishing, 1976 Sybil was our #1 best seller.
I think she had more than 3 personalities. Of course, we don't know how many more Ms. Sybil Oldfarmer has.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
LOL That is so true. My wife can fold them up like new again, me....I like your method.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The G is on the opposite end of that spectrum. It's not hard edged, at all.....all flowing lines and rather "organic" looking. I like it, too.
They both perform about the same. It really will boil down to which one I feel more comfortable driving. That's my dilemma right now. I'm not a big guy, but I do appreciate the extra room in the TL over the G. Still, it's pricing right now (on the '09s) is quite appealing. I'm usually more decisive than this. I'm thinking I'm going to have to make one more test drive of both. As I said, I'm not in any hurry. I'll wake up one morning and decide to buy one or the other. Then, I'll put my numbers together (which I've really already done, at least in my noggin), finding a store who will accept my offer, and make a deal.
I'm thinking this go round, I'll just get a check at the bank, have it made out with my total offer, and see who'll accept it.
explorer.....Miami U is a good school. They keep academic standards high. I know the education I received there has served me well. Plus, Oxford is really an idyllic town. Aside from the normal collegiate mischief, it's hard to get into trouble there.
As with any school, some of their curriculum is better than others. The School of Education is world class. Matter of fact, McGuffey (of McGuffey reader fame) was a prof there. They've got a great business school, too. Natural sciences are probably their weakest area.
The liberal arts program is also world class on the Western Campus.
It's small enough to get a taste of more personal attention. Last I heard, they had 15,000 students. Depending on major, you can also study at their Luxembourg branch (which I highly recommend, as I did that for a year).
Nothing wrong with the other schools you mentioned. All of them are good. As you can tell, I'm quite proud and fond of my Alma Mater, and the years I lived in Oxford.