Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options
Most popular vehicles
Popular New Cars
- New Acura MDX
- New Acura RDX
- New Audi Q5
- New BMW 3 Series
- New BMW X3
- New Buick Enclave
- New Cadillac Escalade
- New Chevrolet Equinox
- New Chrysler 300
- New Dodge Challenger
- New Ford Edge
- New Ford Escape
- New Ford Expedition
- New Ford Explorer
- New Ford F-150
- New Ford Focus
- New Ford Mustang
- New Honda Accord
- New Honda Civic
- New Honda CR-V
- New Honda Fit
- New Honda Odyssey
- New Honda Pilot
- New Hyundai Elantra
- New Hyundai Santa Fe
- New Hyundai Sonata
- New Hyundai Tucson
- New Jeep Compass
- New Jeep Grand Cherokee
- New Jeep Wrangler
- New Mazda 3
- New Mazda 6
- New Mazda CX-5
- New Nissan Altima
- New Nissan Maxima
- New Nissan Rogue
- New Porsche Cayenne
- New Ram 1500
- New Subaru Crosstrek
- New Subaru Forester
- New Subaru Impreza
- New Subaru Outback
- New Tesla Model S
- New Tesla Model X
- New Toyota 4Runner
- New Toyota Camry
- New Toyota Corolla
- New Toyota Highlander
- New Toyota Prius
- New Toyota RAV4
- New Toyota Sienna
- New Toyota Tacoma
- New Volkswagen Jetta
- New Volvo XC60
- New Volvo XC90
Popular Used Sedans
- Used BMW 5 Series
- Used Chevrolet Impala
- Used Chevrolet Malibu
- Used Chrysler 200
- Used Dodge Charger
- Used Ford Fusion
- Used Ford Taurus
- Used Honda Accord
- Used Honda Civic
- Used Hyundai Elantra
- Used Hyundai Sonata
- Used Tesla Model S
- Used Toyota Camry
- Used Toyota Corolla
- Used Volkswagen Jetta
Popular Used SUVs
- Used Acura MDX
- Used Acura RDX
- Used Ford Edge
- Used Ford Explorer
- Used Honda CR-V
- Used Honda Pilot
- Used Hyundai Santa Fe
- Used Jeep Compass
- Used Lincoln Navigator
- Used Mazda CX-5
- Used Nissan Rogue
- Used Subaru Crosstrek
- Used Subaru Forester
- Used Tesla Model X
- Used Volvo XC90
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
You know from years ago I have always praised the Lexus cars I have owned, and particularly the service.....No question it is not the agile car the Audi is, and each Lexus has had one major problem---usually in the first year of ownership////
I really didn`t mean the rx to be a girl car, and would be happy driving one...I meant I would spend more money on my daughter than I will spend on myself at this time in life, same for wife...I further think the H model would be fun to drive with an economy outlook.....I looked at a Prius today (parked ) and it certainly appeared to have alot of inside space....I can share your excitement anticipating using one..
There was a wildlife art show this weekend in Charleston, and there were many expensive cars driving around....I just don`t think they were recent purchases.
I can easily go without a few extra cars... at least for a little while.
TM
You and Charlie seem to be upbeat on the RX, and frankly, I don't get it. I'm open-minded, but you'd have to explain to me what the appeal is.
TM
I can't speak for Dewey, but here are my feelings about the new RX (especially the hybrid). The exterior look is nothing spectacular, but it is rather appealing to me and my wife. I am especially impressed with the interior layout. I am trying to recall everything I saw at the Detroit Auto Show, but first of all, it is quite modern looking. I love the positioning and size of the navigation screen compared to the present model. All the necessary controls are on the steering wheel. The instrument panel looks very nice. I am not sure how I will like the mouse/joy stick control, but I hear that it is very easy to use. This new model actually has more room inside even though the exterior dimensions are identical to the current model I believe. Also, the seats seemed to be very comfortable.
The system now recognizes voice commands much more easily. The high tech features now include, a camera on the drivers side that eliminates the blind spot, a lane departure warning system, radar cruise control, parking assist sensors, lots of safety features, and likely quite a few other neat toys that I cannot recall right now. Most importantly, the hybrid version gets considerably better gas mileage but it has more power than the previous model. I think we will very much enjoy taking trips with this vehicle.
I believe that several days ago I mistakenly indicated on a reply to Dewey that we will see the RX this Monday (tomorrow) when it is introduced by my dealer. However, the public showing is actually a week from tomorrow (the 23rd). We are looking forward to actually test drive it in the near future. The hybrid will be available some time this spring.
I guess I was always under the impression that the RX was over-priced. I'll look forward to your feedback when you test it.
I just finished reading quite a bit more about the 2010 Prius that Dewey is going to get, and I must say, it is indeed an amazing little car.
TM
Yes we are waiting for the RX450h.
You and Charlie seem to be upbeat on the RX, and frankly, I don't get it. I'm open-minded, but you'd have to explain to me what the appeal is.
I know what you mean. The original at least was pretty awful to drive. Mediocre seats, bad driving position thanks to tilt-only steering wheel and not enough seat travel, and it had the turning circle of an aircraft carrier. The RX330 was an improvement, but it still drove like a Camry on stilts. My wife decided it had gotten too big, and she wanted something more involving, so we got the X3 - from the year BMW forgot how to make transmissions.
Ford has genuinely earned major kudos for their terrific hybrid vehicles, especially the upcoming Fusion.
TM
I don't know if the S400 ever got discussed here but if the GL does well, this car will be at the top of my list in a few years. BTW- I also like the RX hybrid but not as a next car.
http://www.hybridcars.com/vehicle/mercedes-benz-s400-hybrid.html
I understand that your current experience will be a guide for you... but, unfortunately, your GL experience just can't be a barometer for the overall reliability of Mercedes Benz. I certainly hope you continue to have a good experience with it, and we all know that car shoppers are inclined to consider the same brand when their previous experience was a good one. But Dewey's situation with his BMW is a classic example of how previous good experiences can not predict the reliability of the next car... most particularly when the statistical data already points to potential reliability problems.
Frankly, Mercedes Benz reliability data isn't all that terrific. Even Consumer Reports, which otherwise praised the GL, noted that the predicted reliability isn't very good. It's a crap shoot. It's a gamble I admit I've been willing to take for years. And you know I don't pay much attention to Consumer Reports when I buy cars, anyway.
I've owned a number of Mercedes in the past, and in terms of reliability, they were some of the best and worst cars I've ever owned, but not so bad that I wouldn't buy another... although I did have an E-Class "sport" model years ago that was constantly giving me problems with the electrical and brakes... especially the electrical. It was probably the second worst vehicle I ever owned.
The worst vehicle I ever owned, however, was a GMC Yukon XL Denali. It was an incredibly versatile vehicle that had major ultra-expensive problems... all covered under warranty and an extended service contract that I was smart enough to have purchased. But... yikes... what a piece of sh-t.
I originally posted a link on the S400 before you rejoined this wonderful group, and it seems like a terrific car, IMO... with my only concern being the lithium ion battery pack that has the A/C pumping through it. I am probably being overly concerned, as the entire industry is leaning towards lithium in the near term.
But, in general, I do have serious reservations about the use of lithium ion batteries in vehicles, because of the significant heat that they generate and the important requirement to cool them off. I will not be surprised if there are issues associated with the use of lithium ion batteries in the future. I personally think that the industry should be more patient by sticking with the conventional batteries for now, and then leap forward to the nano-technology batteries, which are much, much better than the lithium ion.
Who knows... Dewey may end up being glad about getting his Prius before they change the batteries over to lithium ion.
With regards to the RX, it just doesn't work for me. I guess if I were in that market, I'd have to give consideration to my daughter's choice. I learned a lesson when I bought her that Ford Escape Limited hybrid. It's really a terrific little SUV and an incredible value. But, this may really surprise you... cause I haven't posted this before... but, if I needed a new family SUV right now... I'd actually be most inclined to consider a well-equipped Toyota Highlander hybrid, especially if I needed three rows.
TM
Regards,
OW
Lucky you... Add those drivetrain issues to the failing parts, and you've got the picture!
TM
Regards,
OW
IIRC, a 2002 or 2003.
Even with the tow package, the drivetrain clearly couldn't handle towing my MasterCraft ski boat. THREE front differential failures, among other major issues, and minor parts failures. Bulbs were constantly burned out, especially the DRLs, and interior parts breaking off and falling off. A/C problems. Electrical short circuits. Transmission problems. Leaky seals. Suspension issues.
Like I said... Total P.O.S.
TM
Though my children do prefer playing soccer. Oh well not all Canadians are alike.
Because its a new hybrid. The likelihood of me buying one is slight but I do like keeping an open mind before I buy my new vehicle.
As I previouslly mentioned my ideal vehicle would be a Toyota Highlander.3.5L hybrid (same drivetrain as a Lexus RX450h) Unfortuantely that does not exist. I can live without the Lexus luxuries. After being with spartan German cars I am used to that.
I feel the same way. After owning my highly frustrating dream car I have no desire whatsoever in owning another so called dream car. Buying a reliable Prius that is as exciting as a microwave is my way of expressing "BMW Buyers' Remorse"
Do you know how the saying goes?
"Soccer championships are played by a number of national teams to Germany winning in the end". :P
(The saying refers to the fact that German teams usually play a very boring but tenacious soccer. More muscle than head.)
Regards,
Jose
Regards,
OW
Eh, I am in a different financial boat then you (lol perhaps I am in a sinking one at that :P) but I advise against getting something dull and boring if you know you aren't going to like it. I have logged a lot of miles in an '06 Prius and have to say its one of the most boring miserable cars I have ever driven (an '87 Hyundai Excel is another car at one point I logged seat time in, for reference...).
Also, I did something similar with respect to not getting the car I should've because of perceived external constraints. In '07 should've bought a MazdaSpeed6, a fun sporty sedan that was going for about 23k. Instead I bought an Accord EX, a bland family sedan that cost about 19k at the time. Now the economy is tanked, I can't get out of the Accord, they don't make the Speed6 anymore and I am pretty much SOL for fun cars.
It will take me a long time to recover from that purchase and by the time I do, I am sure any car even remotely fun will be ruled illegal by the CARB or some other eco- organization.
Just for kicks, when the new RX is available in your area, go out and test drive it. We can then compare notes. Who knows? You may completely change your mind once you drive it and see all the features available on it.
TM
Did you notice there was no new car smell---just a fresh smell-- in the new car?...My car came like that , and I asked and was told that they had eliminated the materials that would possibly cause cancer in the Audi.....I am going to try and get the breaks re done with the pads by axx or something like that....Just not to have that problem is something I also suggest to you...It really takes away from the ownership experience over time....
Although both our cars are way different than the little `civic` that I borrow sometimes---must be at least ten years old---I enjoy it alot, and don`t understand how many of our posters don`t appreciate the dynamics of a small car like that....It is what it is, hand crank windown with just a radio and a/c and is a bit stiff, but I enjoy it....I superimpose this immage on the Prius, therefore am probably making a mistake...but the civic is alot of fun---no nothing like the higher priced cars we talk about, but just a light thrifty no nonsense car that is fun to drive... I`m just going to have to drive the Prius and see for myself If they`l let me Tony
My humble expectations is that my Prius will perform like the Japanese soccer team.
I
The internet is swamped with BMW blogs/forums and any visitor there can feel the love or sometimes hate .But what you will never find in these sites is indifference.
Do you have any alternative choices?
Regards,
OW
Its not a size thing, its driving dynamics. A BMW 135 actually weighs more than a Prius (by a few hundred pounds) and is much more engaging to drive. The Mini Cooper undercuts the Prius by several hundred pounds and is much more engaging to drive. A Mazda3 is about the same weight, and is much more engaging to drive. I think the Civic still has a light, purposeful feel about it, like our old 200k mile 1993 Civic DX.
I am not saying the Prius is a terrible vehicle by any means. My MIL has been very happy with hers and feels like she is supporting eco-political issues, but a car enthusiast she is not. And my FIL has an E46 3-series
I, personally, would rather have something fun to drive, drive less, and enjoy the ride.
Yes, the famous new car smell has gone the way of the dodo I believe. Something like 5 years ago or so, studies showed volatile organic compounds from the glues, plastics, etc., were causing headaches & nausea to some folks. Further studies showed prolonged exposure to some of these could cause cancer, but, if I remember correctly, cancer resulting from the levels in a new car were inconclusive. However, erring on the side of caution, automakers began to work hard to reduce these VOCs, since common sense meant less was healthier.
As far as the brakes go, dust build up hasn't been as bad as I originally feared. Only thing that I can think of that is different than the first week having the car was that the brakes were brand new, and there was a lot of standing water I had to drive through that week. I just went 2 weeks between cleaning the wheels, and they weren't nearly as filthy as the first week. At this point, I don't mind the upkeep, but maybe I'll make a change once the honeymoon is over.
From time to time, I do miss my old Civic. Son towed it to MO to use as a project car in my uncle's garage. 16 years old & still gets 35 mpg.
I'll have to wait & see what you & other's here find out about driving the new Prius. I have absolutely no desire to go check one out myself.
I did cheat a bit, Griot's Garage sells little spray bottles of new car smell, I bought one and a bottle of leather smell. Neither work great but it does give a fresh scent every few weeks when I remember to spray a few squirts.
Also Phil, break dust on Audi's is better than the other german makes, it is still prevelant as you know but not so bad. Sometimes I just wipe it off with a rag when the wheels are dry, it comes off pretty easy. If you wax your wheels it helps as well, use a synthetic or Wheel Wax rather than Carnuba.
I have held and posted that perspective here for years. But, one thing that certainly changes that is an individual's priorities. Many folks have no choice but to consider a car for its primary purpose, and they don't have the luxury of considering it for fun. And then, there are always those that just don't care... and I'm certainly not one of those. I like to enjoy driving as much as possible... but I am definately keeping my priorities more in mind than I have in a long time. And, frankly, I think many people are now doing the same thing.
TM
I do have the S5, meteor gray. If you see that, hopefully it's me or there's too many in our small town. ;-)
I will be posting pics soon before Tag yells at me again. :-)
Please do it, Phil.
Regards,
Jose
Gorgeous little coupe indeed.
TM
How goes it in Spain? Did the storm they were talking about `hit` up your way? Do you by chance get the tv shows that feature the `old` cars, like Bugatti etc. and the Pebble Beach car shows?? I hope you do as they are spectacular...Hopefully only a couple of weeks more `winter` then it starts to have a break, heading to Spring....Thank God for small things Tony
I'm going to put together another carspace album with new pics here shortly. Be warned that if I blow the site up again, it's completely incidental.
Interior:
I'm embarrassed to show how dirty she is, I have since vacuumed her.
I very much agree with that sentiment. I definitely see the primary purpose of a vehicle as transportation, but I think beyond that, as an enthusiast (and it sounds like everyone in here is in that category), the car needs to offer a connection and provide something extra, like the CTS commercial that inquired "when you turn your car on, does it return the favor?"
I thing there are ways of having one's cake and eating it too. If fuel economy is a primary measure, vehicles like the new Jetta TDI gets fantastic fuel economy, and drives like a German car should. The Fusion Hybrid offers more entertaining driving dynamics than the Prius or Camry Hybrid.
If its strictly a matter of budget, Audi/VW has the A3 and the GTI or for something a little less economical but considerably more powerful, there is the MazdaSpeed3.
I think buying the '07 Accord made me realize life is too short to drive something that lifeless (and the Accord is considered to be more spirited then most in its class).
I realize I am talking about 15-25k cars in a room of 35k+, but right now where I am at in my life, that is the only frame of reference I have. Thanks for humoring me and drawing the parallels where need be.
I now think it's actually possible to "enjoy" a car for reasons other than it's performance numbers. I used to not believe that... but I do now. I'm willing to bet the ranch that there are folks that truly enjoy driving their Prius, or their Lexus sedan, for example. They enjoy them for reasons that don't necessarily pertain to spirited driving, but rather for the luxury, or "green technology", among other valid reasons.
I would not have posted this years ago, but as I've said, I am Tag's evil twin, and I killed the original Tag.
TM
Fantastic automobile.
TM
Stupidly (in retrospect), I bought into the hype at the time, which resulted in my Lincoln LS ownership. It turned out to be a great car, but the "experience" left a lot to be desired. I will only drive a manual transmission, and the 5-series was considerably more money, besides which I hadn't yet come to grips with the fact that not all people who drive BMWs are yuppie scum. I've grown since then.
I'd have been much happier had I bought the 5 or, better yet, a 3. The car I bought turned out to be an orphan, & the '00 3-series was a definite winner. Oh well.
The car I bought (not leased -- I don't do leases, though I came close when the BMW subsidy became beyond amazing) after the Lincoln was an Acura TSX. Good fuel economy, nice manual transmission, several lux features & pretty damn good handling, for an FWD appliance. I used to be a RWD/manual snob but, once again, I've grown.
If Acura hadn't added the beak this year, I'd have already suggested it. They did, so I didn't.
However, anyone who could stomach a Pious might be able to deal with the TSX with the beak. The Honda (Acura) is at least fun to drive.
I think thats a great point. My MIL feels very good about her Prius, she feels she is making a contribution in reducing her fuel consumption, carbon footprint etc. She does have a sense of pride when she drives it. She also rides her bike to work most days anyway, so she definitely walks the walk in addition to talking the talk. To me, the car feels like purgatory and when I am home, I ride my bike a lot (or make a play for my FIL's 330 or my dad's G35).
I think the idea that performance might be defined by MPG, CO2 emissions, in addition to 0-60 times, slalom speeds liters per 100 miles, resale value, or any other measures is a good reason there are so many choices available to us.