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Comments
Were the coil issues on the 1.8T all sorted out?
But boy, did she have trouble with the electrical stuff. Mostly the power windows but there were some other niggling issues all too frequently. The dealer was awful too, but finally got a bit better and eventually fixed the windows right, out of warranty. She claims mentioning that her brother worked for Edmunds finally did the trick. :shades:
She's sworn off VWs, went to a boring (to her) Forester and now wants a Mini. Talk about going from the VW kettle into the fire. I don't think I can warn her off too many more years, and she attracts car trouble like fruit flies on old bananas. Keep trying to tell her that her Subie seems to be running good but she wants a go kart.
Saw this in my search this morning - obviously more money, but sure would be getting a lot more too.
Mazda 2
And it's a fun color that the wife would like.
2025 BMW i5 - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2025 MB GLE450e - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Supposedly fun cars, though.
Cute car but why the low miles, is it a demo? If not, I'd want to know what landed it back at the dealer so quick.
The Beetle is nice too. A woman at work had a 2000 that she sold privately last year for $5,500 with 50k miles. She didn't experience any electrical problems but I hear they were common.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Would be a shame to give up so soon. Put a better powertrain in there and sales will improve.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
+1 on that. Having owned a '99 Beetle for about 5 years, I can agree on the blind spot issue - with both the A and C pillars. Not something I would want a new drive to have to deal with.
We were lucky to have a GL, so no power window regulator issues to contend with. Also, as mentioned, coil packs were frequent trouble spots as well with the turbo engines.
I like the Mazda 2 .. nimble sized, not overpowered (100 HP!) and the manual will probably make it a fun runabout. Good visibility and practical, too.
If only they offered a version of the SkyActiv engine .. the 2 actually gets worse mileage than the 3, though not by much.
One more advantage to the 3 ... 6 speeds in the manual; only 5 for the 2.
'03 Mini Cooper S - Only 55k miles, listed at $10.5k. Drove fine, but required a bit of "effort" with a somewhat heavy clutch and tricky shifter.
'09 Mazda3s hatch (at the same dealer) - much more expensive at $17k, but obviously was reflected in the way it drove.
I then went over to the Mazda dealer next door and drove the only manual Mazda2 they had. I almost didn't bother, figuring "why wouldn't you just get a Mazda3," but I was surprised at how fun the character of the car is. It was a really "easy" manual to drive, with a nice clutch and short shifts. Definitely lacked a bit in power, but was nonetheless smooth, and certainly fine for the purpose.
I'd like that used green Mazda2 - for a touring model, seems like a good deal, assuming you could talk them down a bit. But I'm not sure the wife is too enthusiastic about it, particularly at the cost. She'd like to stay under $10k - as would I, but I think it's worth spending a bit more for something like the '12 Mazda2.
2025 BMW i5 - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2025 MB GLE450e - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
2025 BMW i5 - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2025 MB GLE450e - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
had a dealer pull the old "puppy dog close" on us tonight. Twist my arm!
for those not familiar with it, the PD close is when they put you in a car to take home overnight to try is out, see how it fits in the garage, etc. But mostly so that, like the puppy that follows you home, you fall in love and don't want to give it back!
oh, and so the neighbors all see your spiffy new car, and you are too embarrassed to give it back.
the car is a new Acura RDX AWD. My wife really likes it, so the debate about the Hyundai base engine being powerful enough may be irrelevant (to us at least!).
gotta admit, it is a nice driving car. Not quite as roomy as the hyundai, but probably big enough. But there is an abundance of power from the V6, and it is very smooth. worth trading a few MPG for that I think!
will be interesting to see what happens when I have to bring it back tomorrow (as to what my wife wants to do).
bigger dilemma might be the color. they only had a red with parchment interior, but it is not the color she wants. And the saleslady is real eager to move another unit in August. But, they have a FWD in the color SWMBO likes, and for the price differential, I am fine with that (we really don't need AWD with all the electronic stuff they have these days, and the AWD on this car is pretty basic anyway.)
so, the saga could be coming to an end by Friday! Almost definitely if the local guy will match price quoted by the one in central Jersey, that is about $800-1K less than the other local guys that internet quote (they are all about 2K of sticker, my other offer is 3K)
just might happen.
the other debate was Lease or Buy. Will probably just buy, though doing this with cash back to me (from selling the van and pocketing that $) is tempting...
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Congrats! (Oh wait, I guess you haven't actually purchased the car......yet
2025 BMW i5 - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2025 MB GLE450e - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
If you want support, I took my kid to a parade and a dealer brought a bunch of cars, Chevys, Jeeps, and Acuras. His favorite among the entire fleet was the RDX. It may have helped that the A/C was on and it was a hot day. :shades:
The SH-AWD is indeed gone (too bad), I think it gets the CR-V's AWD system now.
cheap bas(err, frugal guy) that I am, we may just get a FWD to be different. The dealer we are working with here (that gave us the loaner) actually sells quite a few FWD models, and we honestly have no need for AWD other than to say we have it. Cheaper, a little better MPG.but mostly, if we buy now! (they really want to deal to make #s for August), the one they have in the color she likes is a FWD. Though the red color of the one in the garage (the AWD) might be growing on her.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Here in Colorado, we like to say that there are about 10 days a year where you really need to have AWD. However, the wife refuses to have a DD without it. She's OK with the reduced MPGs.
What is the other (preferred) color?
Oh, and of course, my daughter (with us today) hated the amber that my wife liked. Shocker there!
Limited options if we decide to take advantage of the strong desire they have to move a unit this month (as in tomorrow). That would be the Red AWD we drove, or an Amber FWD.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Just peeked at the Acura website, and I like the Amber Brownstone color. The red isn't too bad, either.
Of course, my household has two silver and one grey vehicle, so anything beyond that is gonna look good to me.
Kinda surprised that there isn't any shade of blue offered for the RDX.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Plus, there are 2 other Acuras that color in the family (my sister, and our SIL) so it would look funny!
the 1st choice is graphite luster, which of course is the color that does not seem to be available right now!
really only an issue in trying to nail down a killer deal by tomorrow, but if it is not the right car, it won't matter.
If I have learned nothing else in my long, boring life, it is not to coerce my wife into getting something that is not what she really wants, just because I do (or it is cheap!).
worst case, she decides to wait for the 1st choice color, and I tell the central Jersey dealer to let us know when one shows up.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
I LOVE my BMW (& @ $572/ month for 30 months with 20K per year including tax w/ 0 down) it is a good deal.
I'm thinking purchase for my next vehicle. I'm also thinking about something that's a tad how shall we say, economically sensible? I'd like to keep it under $30K. Obviously everything I say is predicated on me liking the way the way the car drives. I could go mega cheap & get a Fit Sport. Or I could go a step above mega cheap & go for something like a Focus SE (hatch) or a Mazda 3i Grand Touring (sky active). That's this weeks next car thought. I'm open to suggestions;)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
speaking of the wife, she looked like she was going to cry after we got back from dropping off the RDX loaner. All mopey about never getting her car, etc. Poor girl, she does deserve it I guess!
we have decided that she did not like the red acura, and I think the amber is out. I did find a FWD Graphite FWD over in PA (about 25 miles away), but I would prefer to deal local (though for the right price, I am willing to go up to central Jersey!)
such problems. So, I did the only logical thing: Did a new spreadsheet!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
If I sell it, that will guarantee that we finally pick something!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
So looked at this low mileage example today, at a Lexus dealership:
'01 Beetle GLX
I thought it drove nicer than that orange one we drove a couple of days ago (suspension wasn't harsh, didn't have that annoying retracting spoiler thing), and looked to be in really nice condition, reflecting the low miles (apparently it was owned by some older couple who rarely drove it, and finally traded it on a Lexus). And while my wife liked that orange one, she is coming around toward this silver one, figuring she'd be more comfortable with it on a day-to-day basis.
Told them I'd have to get my wife by to see it before getting more serious, but they were real open to establishing a price, so I offered $6,500 - I thought they may have scoffed at it, but the manager came by and said we were close enough that maybe I should take it to show it to my wife. I took it as if we got serious they'd accept that offer, though I could be wrong. We're going to go take another look at it tomorrow.
For all the quirkiness (or character), and being fully aware of the potential issues with the VW, I still think that'd be a fun car for the money. We'll see.
Also looked at this today, and just thought it was a few thousand too high, and the dealership didn't seem willing to budge at all.
'03 325i
And may go look at this tomorrow - kinda just a more grown-up version of the Beetles we're looking at.
'02 TT hardtop
2025 BMW i5 - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2025 MB GLE450e - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Found a really really nice 2011 Toyota Yaris with 21k miles on it, automatic (mandatory), ex-rental car, great shape, no accidents. Drives really nice, should be able to talk them down to around $10k, book is $14k, they are asking $14.9k, but I bought my truck there and know the sales manager well. Hubby wants a car for her that will last 4-5 years, has stability control, side airbags, and a good safety rating. The Yaris seems to hit all those spots.
Daughter loves the car and wanted me to buy it on the spot. Hubby is out hunting for 2 weeks, so I told her she has to wait until her dad gets home.
So, what do you guys think? Too much car for a new driver? What are some other good options? She was really stuck on the Fiesta, thankfully the Yaris got her off that kick! Main things are automatic, safe, side airbags, stability control, and a good safety/reliability rating.
My lease termination is November next year.
And I have some similar goals – including a bit less $$s than I am paying for the 2011 BMW 335iS.
I am trying very hard not to look seriously right now,
but here are a couple of possibilities that occurred to me,
for when the time does come:
CPO Infiniti G37 [ off short term lease ]
Nissan Altima 3.5L V6
Chevy SS [ I had a Pontiac G8 GT ]
- Ray
We shall see . . .
Stick - would the PA dealer do a trade for the Graphite FWD RDX with your local dealer? That might be the best route. Not certain that the deals will get any better in September. I suspect that the supply of 2012's will decrease to the point where the killer deals aren't available.
akangl - is the Yaris a sedan or hatch? seems like a pretty good deal if you can get it for closer to $10K than $15K. Isn't this the daughter who wasn't gonna drive anything but a VW Beetle?
breld - that silver '01 Beetle looks to be a better deal than the orange one from yesterday. The TT is nice, too, but the big difference is that the back seat is almost useless. When we had our '99 Beetle, my wife's kids were 13 and 11 and they fit in the back seat pretty well.
ray / nyc - hard to believe the two of you are starting to look for your next car so early in your leases! Having said that, we live vicariously through you, so keep us posted on your thoughts and we will, as always, offer our opinions.
As for me, no changes on the horizon. I set up an appt to take the CX-7 into the dealer for service next weekend - lube, oil + filter, tire rotation and new cabin air filter are all on the agenda. 23K and running like a top - though it doesn't get driven much lately. My wife and daughter commute together in her MINI.
The ION crossed 76K miles recently and is running great - just wish I could get better mileage out of it. 23-25 in all city driving; EPA says 24, so I'm spot on. I wouldn't mind a Prius C (53/49) but no way I can justify another car payment just to deliver pizzas.
The RDX just came out in April, as a 2013, so there is no issue with running out of stock of them, since there are no changes now.
As my hunt continues, I discovered a N. Jersey dealer that has not 1, not 2, but 3 in the color combo we want (all of them AWD). since they are only 20 minutes from the dealer with the super good deals, more likely I can play them off each other. So just waiting to get back my special internet E Price from them.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
It's the graphite color you're looking for, right?
Best of luck with your negotiations. Perhaps you can punch your card by the end of the day!
But if you keep it a REALLY long time those quirky looks become attractive again. There were some styles from the early 90s that were slammed when new but I think look attractive today.
I bet in another 20 years the Aztek will be considered cool.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
My mom's on her 2nd Fit. They're great city cars if that's the environment you will drive them in, get it. On the highway they're a bit noisy and underpowered, so you may tire of it and be back on here in 2 weeks wondering what to replace it with.
Also, Honda Hopes and Dreams or whatever-they-call-that-tech is coming out and surely the next one will get better mpg.
Focus SE sounds good, just stick to a manual tranny.
Mazda3 SkyActiv is also interesting, and can be had for a bargain given the discounts. The next one will have the full SkyActiv tech, though, like headers, which didn't fit in the current model.
I think unless you're in the city I'd opt for one of the latter 2 choices.
A Yaris? Don't those have less power than a riding mower?
I don't like the center mounted gauges, for me those are a deal killer. Your daughter was OK with those?
I feel like you can get more car for similar money. Yaris resale is strong, which works against you buying used.
I would look domestic - a used Cruze depreciates more and is a more substantial car than a Yaris.
Wow, you can get them to come down $5,000? Will you come with me the next time I buy a car?
The Yaris is a nice little car, pretty reliable, good gas milage. Not a hot-rod so it would be suitable for a new driver. Or are you worried that the cost is too much to spend on a first car?
I always thought the Eccho, predecessor to the Yaris was a better car but prior to 2005 gas was cheap and it didn't sell well.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
That's the way I feel about the wife's PT Crusier. It's 4cyl. gets the same highway milage as my 6cyl. Eclipse and my 8cyl. DeVille. Go figure. :confuse:
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Oh, I diverted her attention onto the blow out lease offers on an XC60, but of course there are not reasonably priced 2012s left. So I digress...
managed to actually find the RDX in the color we want, at a good price (not quite as cheap as the super cheap guy, but close). Of course, it is 2 hours from here, but what the heck. At least their doc fee is $50 less to help pay for the gas!
And I think she decided to just go ahead with the AWD model, though I did find a FWD in her color only about 40 minutes away. But, would have to negotiate that price on down a bit to make it worth getting over an AWD.
anyway, if she finally tells me to just get her an RDX, I can find one. But she would feel guilty not getting it at the local place that loaned us one. My opinion, if they want to sell us a car, they should have what we want! She is still however hung up on the practical nature (Hyundai a little cheaper, better MPG, regular instead of premium, and roomier). But she really seems to love the Acura. And is smart enough to think about LT reliability and value holding.
at this point, and I never thought this could happen, I am tired of looking at cars and screwing around with this stuff. Just decide, and buy something, and get on with life!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
dropped the van off to get new brakes all around. FOr a total (after mail in rebate) of $270, it gives me peace of mind, and a nice think to put in the ad.
on the way home, I will swing into honda for an oil change (the MM wrench just came n), and they do a MPI so that will show green for brakes all around. Something else I plan to display as part of my sales pitch.
then this weekend, family "detail the crapmobile" day to get it looking all spiffy.
Because the van is going up on Craig's tomorrow. I figure that way, I can sell at my leisure, and if someone comes right away with the right offer, not having any car will galvanize us into buying something else!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I start shopping for a new car the day after I buy one.
Slacker.. I started shopping for my next car, two years before I bought the current one...
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I think we're taking off from work early today for a little car shopping. She wants to take a look at that TT, a Mini Cooper and the silver Beetle I drove yesterday. She wants to stay as inexpensive as possible, but I keep reminding her that she needs to be comfortable enough for the 60-mile roundtrip work commute so that she doesn't hate driving the car.
I've been pushing the Mazda2 or a maybe a Fiesta, but she is really against spending that much. But, there was a green Fiesta parked outside our office building that she admired. I just think it's be worth the extra money for a more longevity, but then again, that never has been an issue for us.
Michael - how has that Mini Cooper been treating you guys?
2025 BMW i5 - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2025 MB GLE450e - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Yes, it's about $5K less (depending on the Ford dealership's willingness to deal). Of course, timing is everything. The MSRP, plus standard winterization here in Fairbanks (which generally adds a little over $500), put the final tag over $5K more, so I figured I could have managed to get them to come down a little on the final price, making $5K a nice round number.
NADA value on my car was claiming $17.3. I paid $16 out the door.
Hah; yeah, that is generally my league too. I had decided a couple years ago to retire it at some point spring of 2013, so I'd been casually shopping for the last year or so to narrow down my replacements. After having the Escort, which came with many, many needs I didn't create, I decided to get something new or *much* newer in order to have more control over the maintenance history.
The Escort is sold now, though, so no going back. I recovered $1,200 from it. So, I bought it for $800, put $3,500 into it over 50 months, and sold it for $1,200. $62/month, plus another $40/mo for insurance. That was a pretty cheap (my kind of!) ride.
Now that I have the Fiesta and have exposure to all the gadgetry in it, I'm nervous about how well it will age. :surprise:
As of this morning, after about 175 miles of local driving since our weekend's Palmer trip, my fuel economy is at 40.1 mpg. That helps to ease my nerves a bit.