Local FB ad for a 2001 Lexus LX. 299K miles. Same owner since 2003. Appears to be overdue for a timing belt/water pump. Looks really good in pictures. $5500.
I low-key want this
One too many zeros in that price.😢
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Passport, another Outback. Not hybrids but fit the bill. Not sure where a 4xe Grand Cherokee would come in price wise but with your trade it might get close.
I do like the Passport a whole lot, and the Ridgeline for that matter, and I like that they both come with a good old fashioned V6 in them. The Ridgeline can be had for $40K-ish, but the Passport is creeping up to the $50K level in the trim I like (Trailsport). Perhaps another look at other trim levels - and interior colors - is warranted.
Not certain I'd want another Outback. Been there, done that with Subaru - and, I've read that the latest iteration of their infotainment system is a bit buggy.
Last year Lexus ES. Hybrid or V6, the choice is yours.
I have always had a soft spot for the ES. I'll have to do some research on pricing for some that are a few years old with 25-40K on the odometer.
My first suggestion would be to try to sell your spouse on an AWD Camry hybrid in the luxury XLE level. Your Colorado climate, and the fact that you're both used to AWD, makes that $1500 AWD option on the Camry a good idea from my pov. If you skip the other options that would mean an msrp of about $37k
My second suggestion, if you can't sell your wife on a fun-to-drive sedan, would be a Subaru Forester Hybrid Premium, which has an msrp of $38k
I do like the fact that the Camry is available with AWD - it seems like my plan to move somewhere warmer is a non-starter with the wife. Of the cars I've mentioned, I'm looking at the top trim level - spoil myself. For the Camry, that would be the XSE trim, which stickers at about $42K equipped the way I want.
I've looked briefly at the Forester hybrid, and am intrigued by it - Sarah 'n' Tuned had a review of one recently, and she really liked it, because it's the rare hybrid that isn't paired with a CVT. Not sure about the size, compared to the other SUVs I'm considering.
We were at a Ford deal today and they had a Maverick on the floor for $37k. If you can get a Ridgeline for $40k I’d jump on it. Nice combination of size and reliability.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Passport, another Outback. Not hybrids but fit the bill. Not sure where a 4xe Grand Cherokee would come in price wise but with your trade it might get close.
I do like the Passport a whole lot, and the Ridgeline for that matter, and I like that they both come with a good old fashioned V6 in them. The Ridgeline can be had for $40K-ish, but the Passport is creeping up to the $50K level in the trim I like (Trailsport). Perhaps another look at other trim levels - and interior colors - is warranted.
Not certain I'd want another Outback. Been there, done that with Subaru - and, I've read that the latest iteration of their infotainment system is a bit buggy.
Last year Lexus ES. Hybrid or V6, the choice is yours.
I have always had a soft spot for the ES. I'll have to do some research on pricing for some that are a few years old with 25-40K on the odometer.
My first suggestion would be to try to sell your spouse on an AWD Camry hybrid in the luxury XLE level. Your Colorado climate, and the fact that you're both used to AWD, makes that $1500 AWD option on the Camry a good idea from my pov. If you skip the other options that would mean an msrp of about $37k
My second suggestion, if you can't sell your wife on a fun-to-drive sedan, would be a Subaru Forester Hybrid Premium, which has an msrp of $38k
I do like the fact that the Camry is available with AWD - it seems like my plan to move somewhere warmer is a non-starter with the wife. Of the cars I've mentioned, I'm looking at the top trim level - spoil myself. For the Camry, that would be the XSE trim, which stickers at about $42K equipped the way I want.
I've looked briefly at the Forester hybrid, and am intrigued by it - Sarah 'n' Tuned had a review of one recently, and she really liked it, because it's the rare hybrid that isn't paired with a CVT. Not sure about the size, compared to the other SUVs I'm considering.
We were at a Ford deal today and they had a Maverick on the floor for $37k. If you can get a Ridgeline for $40k I’d jump on it. Nice combination of size and reliability.
Sadly, my memory is failing me. Took another look and the trim I want (RTL) is $46-47k
@tifighter, Back from the pool with the grandkids. Getting toward last half hour unless there is overtime, which I'm sure you are hoping for. I noticed that about the bidders, only 1 has ever won an auction. Things are looking pretty good.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
Mavericks and Ridgelines can get close on MSRP but as is often the case between size classes, that would be a base Ridgeline vs. a loaded Maverick. Same way a loaded Ranger probably stickers for what a bare bones F150 goes for.
and not everyone buys by the sq.ft. Bigger is not always better!
Thanks. I put some money into it, of course. But I got 3 years of use out of it, and did a PNW trail with it that I always wanted to do. So I feel pretty good about the result.
I haven't watched Hoovie in a long while either (but I did catch DeMuro's recent take on a W123 300D, the commentary had as many quirks and features as the car if not more).
I might be scared of the EQS unless it had a really good warranty, pretty complex and they are known to be expensive to insure and eat tires.
Bravo @tifighter ! Well done! I left work and it was still at $9,400. I open it up later in the evening and it shot up to $16,750! Great job!
Were you watching the whole time watching it unfold in real time?
The last hour and ten minutes I was watching pretty consistently. It was feeling a little slow to that point, but the last hour got it done. I did try to work up the group with comments and photos.
@tifighter said:
The last hour and ten minutes I was watching pretty consistently. It was feeling a little slow to that point, but the last hour got it done. I did try to work up the group with comments and photos.
I watched the last 15 or so minutes live and loved the pictures you dropped into the comments. Loved the outcome!
At first this thing felt like (and looks like) an absolute boat. But I gotta say, it’s absolutely delightful to drive around and live with day-to-day. The seats are incredible, it’s quick, handles reasonably well, and the tech is fantastic. I’ve been using DA Pro on my commute and it is darn impressive, particularly the lane change. Build quality is also very very good and I love the high quality feel.
On the downside, it’s SO big. Like, so big it’s longer than the Jeep and won’t fit in our garage. It also is not helped being in white - makes look even more standout.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
Bravo @tifighter ! Well done! I left work and it was still at $9,400. I open it up later in the evening and it shot up to $16,750! Great job!
Were you watching the whole time watching it unfold in real time?
The last hour and ten minutes I was watching pretty consistently. It was feeling a little slow to that point, but the last hour got it done. I did try to work up the group with comments and photos.
A fully loaded Camry XSE with AWD has a list price of $42k. Theoretically for just $1300 more you can get a similarly equipped LEXUS ES 250 with AWD. The interior of the Lexus is nicer, the exterior styling is better, it comes with a longer warranty, etc. But the reality is that It doesn't seem like there are any Lexus dealers in the US that stock the base model ES, and so the real price difference in going up to a Lexus is more like 5k-7k. But perhaps there's a small chance the base model Lexus could be special ordered? An all-new 2026 ES is about to be introduced, but the styling is not my cup of tea.
@tifighter said:
Today is the two month anniversary for the Lexus. We still have over half of the original tank of gas over about 1100 miles. On pace for about three to four tanks per year, I guess.
We finally dropped one bar below a half tank today. At 2000 miles.
A fully loaded Camry XSE with AWD has a list price of $42k. Theoretically for just $1300 more you can get a similarly equipped LEXUS ES 250 with AWD. The interior of the Lexus is nicer, the exterior styling is better, it comes with a longer warranty, etc. But the reality is that It doesn't seem like there are any Lexus dealers in the US that stock the base model ES, and so the real price difference in going up to a Lexus is more like 5k-7k. But perhaps there's a small chance the base model Lexus could be special ordered? An all-new 2026 ES is about to be introduced, but the styling is not my cup of tea.
Sorry but this is is a not attractive. Too much black plastic which looks cheap and the side pieces look awkward and out of place in a way that it it detracts from the side profile which otherwise might look good. Take out the side black plastic and leave the creases and add a metallic piece on the horizontal part and it would look much better IMO. I think the previous generation is very nice looking despite the gaping grill.
2024 Toyota Crown Platinum, 2006 Chevy Silverado work truck Wife: 2020 Cadillac XT5 Premium Luxury
From my pov the tires on the Camry XSE aren't ideal: 235/40/19. The 40mm or 4 centimeters of sidewall will result in a stiff ride lacking comfort I'm guessing. 4 Michelin CC2 tires at this size are $1140 at Costco with installation, which is getting somewhat expensive I feel.
The tire size for my 2018 TLX 4-cylinder is 225/55/17. 5.5 cm of sidewall gives a cushier ride while still being sporty, if you have good Michelin tires or similar. 4 CC2 tires are $912.
The Camry's LE size is 205/65/16. Hmmm. That 6.5 cm sidewall will certainly give a comfortable ride, and the narrow tire improves mpg to over 50, but at the sacrifice of some handling and grip. 4 CC2s $824.
The Camry's XLE's size is 235/45/18. Still a rather thin sidewall, and so not exactly a comfortable tire, but better than the XSE from my pov. $972 for CC2s at Costco.
If I were getting a Camry I might be tempted by the LE to get the mpg and comfort. But in the end I'd probably want the XLE to get the near-Lexus levels of luxury. But I'd probably skip the pano sunroof etc. to keep the msrp at $35k.
The C43 came with the optional 225/40-19 front and 255/35-19 rear tires. The standard were 225/45-18 front and 245/40-18 rear. I would have been okay with 18" tires (my M235i and MS3 both came with 18" tires) but for reasons only known to AMG cars with the 18" set had a top speed of only 131 mph (1 mph faster than my 149 hp Club Sport!); to get the car derestricted to a much more reasonable 155 mph you had to take 19" wheels.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
< Sorry but this is is a not attractive. Too much black plastic which looks cheap and the side pieces look awkward and out of place in a way that it it detracts from the side profile which otherwise might look good. Take out the side black plastic and leave the creases and add a metallic piece on the horizontal part and it would look much better IMO. I think the previous generation is very nice looking despite the gaping grill.
Yes, I have to agree. Though the new Camry is only slightly better in the frontal view. Just a little while ago I was out and came upon a slower car which I did not recognize from the rear. As I got closer and moved left to pass I could see they were visitors from Quebec, and that this car had a very good-looking design in the rear perspective, looking very modern and upscale. It was a 2025 Camry, a big improvement in that view over the previous version. The fact that I hadn’t seen one until now tells me they probably aren’t selling like they used to.
Sorry but this is is a not attractive. Too much black plastic which looks cheap and the side pieces look awkward and out of place in a way that it it detracts from the side profile which otherwise might look good. Take out the side black plastic and leave the creases and add a metallic piece on the horizontal part and it would look much better IMO. I think the previous generation is very nice looking despite the gaping grill.
Agreed! They really only needed to redesign that front fascia to have a really nice look on a modern car. I feel like they're trying to bring about the future imagined thirty years ago in "Demolition Man" or something.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
A fully loaded Camry XSE with AWD has a list price of $42k. Theoretically for just $1300 more you can get a similarly equipped LEXUS ES 250 with AWD. The interior of the Lexus is nicer, the exterior styling is better, it comes with a longer warranty, etc. But the reality is that It doesn't seem like there are any Lexus dealers in the US that stock the base model ES, and so the real price difference in going up to a Lexus is more like 5k-7k. But perhaps there's a small chance the base model Lexus could be special ordered? An all-new 2026 ES is about to be introduced, but the styling is not my cup of tea.
Sorry but this is is a not attractive. Too much black plastic which looks cheap and the side pieces look awkward and out of place in a way that it it detracts from the side profile which otherwise might look good. Take out the side black plastic and leave the creases and add a metallic piece on the horizontal part and it would look much better IMO. I think the previous generation is very nice looking despite the gaping grill.
Sometimes less is more. This is a case of more is more, or more is less depending on your viewpoint.
I did a quick photoshop job to show what I think would improve the side profile of the new ES. The rearward slant down at the back of the rear door I think looks bad. Keeping the black plastic without that section would also look better. Otherwise the profile is nice.
2024 Toyota Crown Platinum, 2006 Chevy Silverado work truck Wife: 2020 Cadillac XT5 Premium Luxury
I did a quick photoshop job to show what I think would improve the side profile of the new ES. The rearward slant down at the back of the rear door I think looks bad. Keeping the black plastic without that section would also look better. Otherwise the profile is nice.
———————————————— Now we know why you were fired as a car designer.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
A couple of other vehicles have popped up into my mental radar as potential replacements for the Outback:
Acura TLX Volvo S60 PHEV
All just speculative at the moment, but it's fun to think about...
What about the Lexus ES 250, 350, or 300h?
There are rumors on the TLX forums that the TLX is apparently in its last year, and is seemingly is going to be discontinued in a few months.
The current TLX also has some issues from my pov. The stylists wanted a big hood to give it presence, but as result given the large exterior dimensions the back seat is rather snug, and I think has less leg room than a Civic. That's true for my TLX too, although it does work if the person sitting in front moves their seat up a little. The second TLX issue is the trackpad for the infotainment screen. Things like that can be learned, but for most it's not intuitive. Finally, there's the mpg, which for the TLX AWD is rated 24 combined, but according to some that's optimistic. My 2018 TLX with the souped up 4-cylinder and 8-speed DCT usually gets about 38-40 mpg on the highway with the AC on going 72 mph or so, which is 5-7 more than the epa rating. Owners of the current TLX say that it's difficult to get the 29 highway on the epa sticker. The Type S TLX is awesome, but costs 60k or so, and really guzzles gas.
I did a quick photoshop job to show what I think would improve the side profile of the new ES. The rearward slant down at the back of the rear door I think looks bad. Keeping the black plastic without that section would also look better. Otherwise the profile is nice.
———————————————— Now we know why you were fired as a car designer.
jmonroe
But I never got paid so it doesn't matter. Those Toyota stylists do.
2024 Toyota Crown Platinum, 2006 Chevy Silverado work truck Wife: 2020 Cadillac XT5 Premium Luxury
@Michaell said:
A couple of other vehicles have popped up into my mental radar as potential replacements for the Outback:
Acura TLX
Volvo S60 PHEV
All just speculative at the moment, but it's fun to think about...
I really disliked the s60 PHEV we had as a loaner for a couple of weeks. It didn’t feel any faster than the t6 and yet I could feel the extra weight and the trans didn’t seem well coupled with the drivetrain.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Comments
It would be nice if they resign a few models. They are all pretty old designs at this point. I had a 2020 XC90 and it’s still the same design.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
Back from the pool with the grandkids.
Getting toward last half hour unless there is overtime, which I'm sure you are hoping for.
I noticed that about the bidders, only 1 has ever won an auction.
Things are looking pretty good.
I think my father got his current car when he was 91.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
and not everyone buys by the sq.ft. Bigger is not always better!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
That was fun to watch. You did well considering you bought in 2022, which was a high market.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
Shoot, why didn’t you say $19K???
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
What was the final price?
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
What was the final price?
$16,750
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
Bravo @tifighter ! Well done! I left work and it was still at $9,400. I open it up later in the evening and it shot up to $16,750! Great job!
Were you watching the whole time watching it unfold in real time?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I might be scared of the EQS unless it had a really good warranty, pretty complex and they are known to be expensive to insure and eat tires.
Bravo @tifighter ! Well done! I left work and it was still at $9,400. I open it up later in the evening and it shot up to $16,750! Great job!
Were you watching the whole time watching it unfold in real time?
The last hour and ten minutes I was watching pretty consistently. It was feeling a little slow to that point, but the last hour got it done. I did try to work up the group with comments and photos.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
I watched the last 15 or so minutes live and loved the pictures you dropped into the comments. Loved the outcome!
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
The Porsche has been back at the dealer getting the convertible top repaired under the we-owe, so I’ve been driving an i5 eDrive40 all week out of their loaner fleet. This one, actually: https://www.bmwlynnwood.com/new-Lynnwood-2024-BMW-i5-eDrive40-WBY33FK08RCS02227
At first this thing felt like (and looks like) an absolute boat. But I gotta say, it’s absolutely delightful to drive around and live with day-to-day. The seats are incredible, it’s quick, handles reasonably well, and the tech is fantastic. I’ve been using DA Pro on my commute and it is darn impressive, particularly the lane change. Build quality is also very very good and I love the high quality feel.
On the downside, it’s SO big. Like, so big it’s longer than the Jeep and won’t fit in our garage. It also is not helped being in white - makes look even more standout.
You did a nice job..
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
https://pressroom.lexus.com/reimagining-the-luxury-sedan-the-all-new-2026-lexus-es/
After my current dealer experience helping my FIL get a Lexus, I think I’ll go with a Toyota any day. Goodness.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
Correct - just the regular 2.5 NA 4-cylinder.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Was that the first time? About cars, I mean.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
We finally dropped one bar below a half tank today. At 2000 miles.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
Wife: 2020 Cadillac XT5 Premium Luxury
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Keeping the black plastic without that section would also look better.
Otherwise the profile is nice.
Wife: 2020 Cadillac XT5 Premium Luxury
Now we know why you were fired as a car designer.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Acura TLX
Volvo S60 PHEV
All just speculative at the moment, but it's fun to think about...
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
There are rumors on the TLX forums that the TLX is apparently in its last year, and is seemingly is going to be discontinued in a few months.
The current TLX also has some issues from my pov. The stylists wanted a big hood to give it presence, but as result given the large exterior dimensions the back seat is rather snug, and I think has less leg room than a Civic. That's true for my TLX too, although it does work if the person sitting in front moves their seat up a little. The second TLX issue is the trackpad for the infotainment screen. Things like that can be learned, but for most it's not intuitive. Finally, there's the mpg, which for the TLX AWD is rated 24 combined, but according to some that's optimistic. My 2018 TLX with the souped up 4-cylinder and 8-speed DCT usually gets about 38-40 mpg on the highway with the AC on going 72 mph or so, which is 5-7 more than the epa rating. Owners of the current TLX say that it's difficult to get the 29 highway on the epa sticker. The Type S TLX is awesome, but costs 60k or so, and really guzzles gas.
What about....
Wife: 2020 Cadillac XT5 Premium Luxury
I really disliked the s60 PHEV we had as a loaner for a couple of weeks. It didn’t feel any faster than the t6 and yet I could feel the extra weight and the trans didn’t seem well coupled with the drivetrain.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S