Midsize Sedans 2.0

andres3

stickguy said:

that seems to be in the range. I just checked by me in NJ, and one place is more than that ($62/$167)/ I thought it was less, but that was only one place. so your rates look good.

Yes, I'm guessing the place I used in the past was recommended based on their lower prices. Certainly not for ambiance or "State of the Art" Security. I'm sure pretty much every other place is probably higher in my area.

sda

Those storage facilities seem to be sprouting up everywhere around Charlotte. I hate to think of what all is being kept there. Unless I'm needing storage because of a pending move I subscribe to if it doesn't fit at the house, give it or throw it away.

andres3

sda said:

Those storage facilities seem to be sprouting up everywhere around Charlotte. I hate to think of what all is being kept there. Unless I'm needing storage because of a pending move I subscribe to if it doesn't fit at the house, give it or throw it away.

Someone told me there is an unwritten rule that if you haven't used something in the last 3 years you don't need it.

I rented my 5x5 storage space for exactly the reason you describe, a move! I don't have it anymore, as I moved in about 11 months ago, and yes, there are still some boxes that are not emptied. Works great to de-clutter the old property and "stage" it for photos to sell.

My first home was a condo, and it somehow managed to lose value just like a car even though we owned it for over a decade. Car depreciation doesn't bother me after realizing real estate can do the same.

Mr_Shiftright

berri said:

Well, it is cheaper and safer than those storage rental places!

I didn't realize that storage places weren't safe. Don't they have fences and cameras and all of that?

berri

Seems to me that wherever I'm watching or reading news, it is not uncommon to hear/read about a storage site break-in. Honestly, I don't think cameras stop crooks anymore. They know it will just be a slap on the wrist from the judge. Gov doesn't want to populate their jails because it costs too much.

stickguy

the ones near me are gated, and you need a card or key code to even get in. But, I am sure if someone wants to bad enough, they can.

berri

Doesn't stop inside jobs by employees or other renters. Also, those gates can sometimes be defeated. If judges don't strongly enforce the laws, they become rather worthless.

explorerx4

My Fusion has some features new to me.
Shift is a dial instead of a stick. Got used to it very quickly.
It has a 'Sport' button in the center of the dial. It's very useful for forcing a downshift on a hill I go up just after I leave my house. Keeps the engine from lugging up the hill.
Also, it has Stop/Start, which engages more often that I thought it would.
They is a noticeable vibration for a second of so when the engine restarts.
I will have to see how I like it or if I will disengage it.
The cheap part of me likes the fact that I know I am saving fuel when the engine shuts off.

roadburner

explorerx4 said:

My Fusion has some features new to me.
Shift is a dial instead of a stick. Got used to it very quickly.
It has a 'Sport' button in the center of the dial. It's very useful for forcing a downshift on a hill I go up just after I leave my house. Keeps the engine from lugging up the hill.
Also, it has Stop/Start, which engages more often that I thought it would.
They is a noticeable vibration for a second of so when the engine restarts.
I will have to see how I like it or if I will disengage it.
The cheap part of me likes the fact that I know I am saving fuel when the engine shuts off.

Sounds like a great car. I use the Stop/Start on my 2 Series. It can be annoying at times, but I got used to how it works and adjusted to it pretty quickly.

berri

My question is - why doesn't the owner have the option of turning this function off? I rented a Malibu that had this feature and it was annoying. The stumble and vibration was very noticeable and irritating enough that I don't want a vehicle with it.

explorerx4

You can turn it off. The Fusion has a button on the center console to disable it. It does default to stop/start mode when you start the car. There may be a setting to just shut it off on one of the menu's.
Another feature is it can display the air pressure in all four tires. I really like that one.

iluvmysephia1

The one that displays the tire pressure in all four tires sounds great.

brian125

explorerx4 said:

You can turn it off. The Fusion has a button on the center console to disable it. It does default to stop/start mode when you start the car. There may be a setting to just shut it off on one of the menu's.
Another feature is it can display the air pressure in all four tires. I really like that one.</blockquot






Have you driven or know anybody that has a 2016 / 2017 Ford Edge ?

Sandman6472

Sure hope Ford fixed the cutting out of the engine when driving on the Fusions. Would never ever buy one after going through that wonderful experience in three different Fusions on a major highway here in South Florida...scared the crap out of me! Seems to be a software issue from info we've received but is something that should never ever happen in a passenger vehicle. Shame on Ford for this!!

The Sandman

explorerx4

My daughter and I both bought new Fusions. The engine in mine has stopped at least 30 times in 3 days. Of course that was due to the stop/start system.
I'm guessing those cars you drove were still in transport mode, so it's shame on whomever prepped them.

akirby

Sandman was referring to the throttle body problems. Those seem to have been fixed and even recalled on some Ford vehicles.

akirby

brian125 said:

Have you driven or know anybody that has a 2016 / 2017 Ford Edge ?

I've driven a 2016 Edge and own a 2016 MKX.

andres3

iluvmysephia1 said:

The one that displays the tire pressure in all four tires sounds great.

It's a nice feature to be able to read your tire pressures from within the vehicle, but I'm sure it's a terrible feature if you have to pay extra for new sensors every time you change out your tires.

stickguy

The sensors should stay in place

brian125

akirby said:

brian125 said:

Have you driven or know anybody that has a 2016 / 2017 Ford Edge ?

I've driven a 2016 Edge and own a 2016 MKX.

Thoughts on both and why you went with the Lincoln? Both 16 / 17 models are unchanged except for a few upgrades in lower models.

akirby

andres3 said:

It's a nice feature to be able to read your tire pressures from within the vehicle, but I'm sure it's a terrible feature if you have to pay extra for new sensors every time you change out your tires.

It's a federal law requirement - the sensors aren't optional. And they're attached to the wheel, not the tire so you don't have to change them.

akirby

brian125 said:

Thoughts on both and why you went with the Lincoln? Both 16 / 17 models are unchanged except for a few upgrades in lower models.

Edge is a great vehicle. The 2.0L turbo is a great base engine - lots of torque. We had planned to buy an Edge (we had a 2008) because of the cost and the wife wasn't crazy about the MKX grille. But I got her to sit in a MKX at the auto show and the standard seats were so much more comfortable than the Edge and she liked the interior with the push button gears. So we did a test drive. The MKX was so much quieter (bank vault quiet) and the seats were so much more comfortable than the Edge. Also the Revel audio system was fantastic and well worth the upgrade. Throw in the longer warranty, different colors (we went with Luxe Metallic not available on the Edge) and free service including pickup/delivery (even on a 2016) and we upgraded to the MKX.

The only complaint is that the standard seat cushions are a bit smaller than we would like but once situated they're fine. The 22-way seats are supposed to be awesome. There were some early problems on both but those seem to be worked out now. I would highly recommend either one.

berri

I had a rental Malibu recently that had the indicator that popped up for low pressure and points out which tire. Only problem was that it was backwards. But I appreciated the heads up and a little air fixed it all.

explorerx4

@akirby,
I looked up stalling and couldn't really find anything.

akirby

It's been reported on Fusion and Edge forums. Seems to have been a bad batch of new TBs.

iluvmysephia1

I had a rental Malibu recently that had the indicator that popped up for low pressure and points out which tire. Only problem was that it was backwards. But I appreciated the heads up and a little air fixed it all.

berry - what do you mean it was backwards? Did it report the pressure on a tire incorrectly somehow?

stickguy

that can happen. Sensors have to be "trained" to the car, so if you rotate the tires, I think you need to reset the sensors so the car knows which one is on which corner.

iluvmysephia1

that can happen. Sensors have to be "trained" to the car, so if you rotate the tires, I think you need to reset the sensors so the car knows which one is on which corner.

I wonder if a dealer's service department with a new car Warranty that comes with one's vehicle could keep up with this for a nominal charge or under Warranty. Say a 2017 Nissan Versa or 2018 Kia Rio under Warranty. Doubt whether either one of those cars would have a display readout that would tell you what tire pressure is what on each corner. Would be cool, though.

But just as long as it told you if you have a low tire pressure problem "somewhere", that will work. Yeah, they do have to be checked for fitness after a rotate. I am going to research for new car sensor's available in the coming months.

berri

It showed low right front. After that didn't solve the problem I tried right rear and the right front light went out. So I decided I'd better ad a bit of air to the left side as well. Rode a little stiffer after that, but gas mileage also improved, so It's all good

brian125

akirby said:

brian125 said:

Thoughts on both and why you went with the Lincoln? Both 16 / 17 models are unchanged except for a few upgrades in lower models.

Edge is a great vehicle. The 2.0L turbo is a great base engine - lots of torque. We had planned to buy an Edge (we had a 2008) because of the cost and the wife wasn't crazy about the MKX grille. But I got her to sit in a MKX at the auto show and the standard seats were so much more comfortable than the Edge and she liked the interior with the push button gears. So we did a test drive. The MKX was so much quieter (bank vault quiet) and the seats were so much more comfortable than the Edge. Also the Revel audio system was fantastic and well worth the upgrade. Throw in the longer warranty, different colors (we went with Luxe Metallic not available on the Edge) and free service including pickup/delivery (even on a 2016) and we upgraded to the MKX.

The only complaint is that the standard seat cushions are a bit smaller than we would like but once situated they're fine. The 22-way seats are supposed to be awesome. There were some early problems on both but those seem to be worked out now. I would highly recommend either one.

Tks............. Going to look at both models this week.

backy

I got to take a trial run in the car I hope to drive on a 3,000 mile trip at the end of the year: a 2016 Sonata SE. I rented one while on business this week in Milwaukee. Even though it was the base model, I was impressed by the smoothness, quiet ride, seat comfort, and controls. Also the FE! In around-town driving including some urban freeways during rush hours over 2 days I averaged 37 mpg, which I think is excellent for such a big car. I can't wait to see what it can do on a trip with a lot of highway miles. My kids will like the back seat--leg room is great, enough for me to fully stretch out my legs with the driver's seat adjusted for me (I'm 5'9"). I don't recall ever being able to do that in a family sedan--usually there isn't enough foot clearance under the seat to do that. Big trunk also. I think it will make a great vacation cruiser--now I just hope I get one. Like most rental car companies, the Hertz place I'm using won't guarantee that I'll get a Sonata. I could end up in an Altima, Malibu, Optima. Wouldn't mind the Optima, but the Sonata's cabin seems less claustrophobic to me.

brian125

My wife friend has the 13 Sonata limited bought in Sept, 2012. 45k and not one problem yet . She is looking to trade up to the 17 model next month. Reliability on the Sonata is excellent. In time resale value will climb if reliability remains intact with the newer models.

iluvmysephia1

You guys have me liking the midsize Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima both. Would love for one a you midsize enthusiasts ta tell which one of these offers a model with a 5 or 6-speed stick. Then we'd be playing like the Seattle Seahawk's with Thomas Rawls and Russell Wilson and Kam Chancellor all healthy and hittin' on all 8 1969 Dodge Superbee cylinders.

stickguy

sounds like way too big for your taste.

but to answer the question, no stick on the Sonata or Optima. Or camry. Accord, not sure if they still have one, but they were one of the last holdouts.

so IOW, if you want a mid size car with a stick, you are largely out of luck. Not even sure the Passat can be had that way either.

brian125

iluvmysephia1 said:

You guys have me liking the midsize Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima both. Would love for one a you midsize enthusiasts ta tell which one of these offers a model with a 5 or 6-speed stick. Then we'd be playing like the Seattle Seahawk's with Thomas Rawls and Russell Wilson and Kam Chancellor all healthy and hittin' on all 8 1969 Dodge Superbee cylinders.

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/every-manual-transmission-available-today-2016-edition-1754041601

iluvmysephia1

Oh, stick, your post above brought back the memory from back in April 2010 when I picked up our son from his friend's house in PHX and decided ta go try a stab at buying a 2010 Suzuki Kizashi 6-speed stick. I said to him "Ya wanna go see Vegas?"

He was totally down wid it. So we cruised up to Vegas (I was doing a hospital gig then where I'd work 7 days on and 7 days off at the small hospital in Willcox, AZ, where Nicholas Cage and Dennis Hopper starred in the 1992 flick called 'Red Rock West'. Bought the DVD and still watch it from time ta time - not bad for suspense-mystery-action and drama.

Anyhow - our boy was all right with his goofy Dad's little last minute excursion ta Vegas. Off we drove. Test drove an automatic Suzuki Kizashi and made an offer on the red 6-speed stick. $2,000 short of a full deck, they told me. All-right-tee-then. Off I drove. I realized about 5 miles away that my driver's license was missing from my wallet. Turned around, went back and retrieved my AZ driver's license from the Henderson, NV, Suzuki dealer. Off ta Vegas, baby.

On the Strip we cruised along playing tunes loud, digging it nicely. Pulled eventually into the motel, turned the Lancer's engine off, and BAM! The Lancer's alarm decided not to turn off! Eventually got it shut off. Got some sleep and headed out the next morning for home in SE Arizona.

So I came within $2,000 of owning our first midsizer in April of 2010. It wasn't ta be, but I think that I would've loved driving and owning that car. I look at the Kizashi's I see on the street now with admiration. Drove like a highway star.

stickguy

thanks for the list. I completely forgot the Mazda 6. Even worse, I almost bought one last year!

so for mid size cars (at least that class, some people consider an Elantra or Jetta midsize), you got the Accord (don't expect much in the way of goodies) and the Mazda 6 (can actually get it well equipped too).

Michaell

stickguy said:

thanks for the list. I completely forgot the Mazda 6. Even worse, I almost bought one last year!

so for mid size cars (at least that class, some people consider an Elantra or Jetta midsize), you got the Accord (don't expect much in the way of goodies) and the Mazda 6 (can actually get it well equipped too).

The 6 Touring with the Tech package is very well equipped. I think $25-26K sticker but should be able to get it for probably $20-22K before TTL

stickguy

that big a discount? If I was shopping right now and got offered that deal I would buy it on the spot, Love the car, and has all the goodies I require.

andres3

You can get an A4 with a stick I imagine, I know the S4 was available with a manual, though the new model is yet to be announced.

stickguy

I heard that they were bringing it back on the A4. Wasn't initially available on the new model, but they are adding it in the 2nd year.

pretty sure though, Driver isn't getting another A4 stick. Plus, kind of expensive to leave in Fla and drive 1,500 miles a year.

explorerx4

Filled up my Fusion for the first time. 385 miles, 13.8 gallons = 27.9 MPG.
Still had 42 miles until empty according to the display.
I'm very happy with that. I still have to get used to the FWD and soft suspension.

brian125

explorerx4 said:

Filled up my Fusion for the first time. 385 miles, 13.8 gallons = 27.9 MPG.
Still had 42 miles until empty according to the display.
I'm very happy with that. I still have to get used to the FWD and soft suspension.

Just got my friends son a great deal on the table for a 2016 Ford Explorer

$2500 below invoice price plus $4750 in Incentive money. The Explorer and Grand Cherokee are 2 of the nicer Suv's on the road today

explorerx4

@brian125,
Not sure if I like the 'Range Rover' Explorer restyle. I had a 2011 and it had really comfortable seats.
I'll never forget it getting us through he worst driving conditions we have ever seen.
In 2012, on the interstate due to the snow, I couldn't see anything for 45 minutes.
I was afraid to stop because I knew there were 18 wheelers behind me.
Good thing there were those rumble strips on each side of the highway, once I went over on the left and another time on the right.
Totally forgot it had Winter mode, but it never once slipped.
Helped me check off one of my few bucket list items.
ND vs USC football game. A friend got us tickets.
First row end zone between goal post and sideline.
I'll never forget that either.
When we got back we didn't have power for another 9 days.
I did trade the Explorer for a mid size sedan.

brian125

A ND game is a awesome experience . I enjoy games at West point .
My brother played football for Penn State back in the early 70's. Brad Benson who played 10 yrs. for the Giants was a freshman my brothers senior year. My Brother still keeps in contact with him after all these years. He may still have a partnership stake in the Brad Benson Hyundai in NJ.

http://www.autonews.com/article/20101108/OEM02/311089968/the-wacky-world-of-brad-benson

sda

stickguy said:

sounds like way too big for your taste.

but to answer the question, no stick on the Sonata or Optima. Or camry. Accord, not sure if they still have one, but they were one of the last holdouts.

so IOW, if you want a mid size car with a stick, you are largely out of luck. Not even sure the Passat can be had that way either.

You can get a manual transmission in the Accord LX, Sport and EX (4dr, 4cyl). Good luck finding one, they are scarce.

akirby

brian125 said:

Just got my friends son a great deal on the table for a 2016 Ford Explorer

$2500 below invoice price plus $4750 in Incentive money. The Explorer and Grand Cherokee are 2 of the nicer Suv's on the road today

$2500 below invoice or below MSRP? $2500 below invoice is less than dealer cost unless there were some additional dealer rebates or they played games with the trade-in.

brian125

akirby

Below Invoice price no trade in . Don't forget Jan, 1 2017 this model is a 1yr old model and has depreciated about 5k..............once driven off lot.

The big Ford dealer by me Dana Lincoln Ford would of sold a 17 Explorer excluding rebates of $3750 @invoice price . Most 2016 car brands R 1 to 3k below invoice right now

nyccarguy

sda said:

stickguy said:

sounds like way too big for your taste.

but to answer the question, no stick on the Sonata or Optima. Or camry. Accord, not sure if they still have one, but they were one of the last holdouts.

so IOW, if you want a mid size car with a stick, you are largely out of luck. Not even sure the Passat can be had that way either.

You can get a manual transmission in the Accord LX, Sport and EX (4dr, 4cyl). Good luck finding one, they are scarce.

Go for the Accord Coupe and you can pair the corporate V6 with a slick shifting 6 speed manual transmission!

brian125

The dealer hold back on all Fords is 3% of total msrp . A 2017 Explorer that msrp's for 45k nets each dealer a $1350 check plus there dealers doc fee charge plus, any hidden cash incentives we don't no about from there manufacturer

.Example Any dealer in NJ that sells the average Joe a 2017 explorer for 500 above invoice price has pocketed @$2250 for that vehicle . If doc fee's are higher than 400 dollars add to my number.

IF I was buying a 17 explorer today I'm trying to take back most of any dealers Holdback plus if there doc fee's are high I'm looking to take back a lot of that fee to. .