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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

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Comments

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Perhaps the problem is competitors have cheaper models to lure customers in.

    BMW has a 1 series.

    Lexus has the CT200h.

    I think Infiniti dropped the G25, so the G37 is entry level for them, while competitors are usually the 2nd model in a hierarchy.

    To be honest I see leases in the $300-350 range for just about anything, though it might take a bigger down payment.
  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,255
    edited April 2013
    I think for FL rental cars, the tolls are based on the plate, and the rental car company deals with them.

    Yes, there are two ways you can pay tolls here on the toll roads here in Florida:

    *A transponder (there are several kinds)
    *License Plate (or tag as we call them)

    There is a flat fee charge, per month, if you go through a toll booth area and don't have a transponder. The camera takes a picture of the rear plate, checks the owner, then bills the owner once each month. They charge $2.50 a month, I believe, for the cost of handling and postage.

    I was a Sales Manager at a large Infiniti Store here in Florida about 6 years ago. The hottest selling cars were the G35/37 coupes, sedans, and the new convertible. They are high horsepower engines, but their fuel economy is horrendous, considering what is out there in 6 cylinder engines with 300+ horsepower. Most of those 6 cylinder engines are getting 22/33 (city/highway) mpg.

    As I remember, they did not lease as well as the M35/37's. The M held it's value and therefore had higher residuals. The G sedans did not have good residuals, but the coupes did.

    2021 Genesis G90

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    Hey Mike! Welcome here. I'm glad to see you didn't quit edmunds for good. You are an awesome guy with some fantastic stories (as well as a chronic car buyer).

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,255
    edited April 2013
    Hey Mike! Welcome here. I'm glad to see you didn't quit edmunds for good. You are an awesome guy with some fantastic stories (as well as a chronic car buyer).

    No, I did not quit Edmunds, just SFTSFL forum - had to get away from one of the posters there who has, on several occasions, attacked my verosity. Very uncouth individual.

    Yes, I am certainly a chronic car buyer - at least one new car a year, and often 2 a year.

    But thanks nyccarguy for the kind words. Yes, I monitor 3 other forums now that I do not monitor Sales Stories.

    2021 Genesis G90

  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,255
    You are an awesome guy with some fantastic stories (as well as a chronic car buyer)...

    Speaking of "chronic car buyer", I just found out that the new 2014 Mercedes E350 Sport Sedan I ordered in February is scheduled to arrive at the port on April 19th, next Friday. That should put it at the dealership by April 26th. But I am seriously considering waiting until May 3rd with hopes of some special incentives for loyalty.

    Getting antsy about its arrival - can't wait to see it.

    2021 Genesis G90

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,952
    You are correct...we just go through the sunpass lanes and the rental company's pay the tolls. The job is absolutely awesome and I enjoy it more every day! Hoping to get into a C Class very soon!

    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,952
    I pass by your place every night as I take Lyons Rd. from Atlantic up to Wiles and west on Wiles over past 441. We live two lights west of Wiles and across from the Super Target there on the corner. We have a meeting place down by the Fort Lauderdale airport where the chase vehicle picks us all up. That G37 I had to drive last week was an awesome vehicle but you are right, the mileage was pretty lame but it had gobs of power when I pressed the accelerator...just pulled so strongly! Figured you worked at the Infiniti dealer on Sample Rd. there. See you are going to get the new E Class, sounds really nice! Am keeping my Civic for another few years but almost traded for a Nissan Rogue on Monday at Autonation Ford in Margate but the price was a bit too high and the color wasn't exactly great, it was that awful red Nissan has. I do like the Rogue and the Hyundai Tuscon and will probably purchase one of those in 2016 as I plan to keep my '06 Civic for 10 years as it is driving so flawlessly...but I do maintain it very well. And like you, we purchase our rides for cash unless there is o% financing or a very low rate...we hate any kind of payments truth be told...and we own no one right now, a great feeling! :)

    The Coral Springs Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    So you do realize now Mike that you have to properly introduce yourself to the forum members who don't know you.

    "Hi, my name is Mike, & I'm a chronic car buyer."

    Then you will get immediate CCBA "cred" by telling everyone about the years of E350s of recent vintage you've owned (with the GS 350 sprinkled in).

    Also, every time someone on the CCBA board buys a car, we "punch their card." We've got detailed notes on how many cards were "punched" last year, a pool on how many cards will be "punched" this year, and of course detailed notes on 2013 "punches."

    So like I said before, welcome here! This is a very laid back & awesome group. There is some overlap from "Frontlines," but only the cool kids;)

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,952
    Yes, this group of folks is more laid back than others on Edmunds and we love to hear stories of what folks are buying. No crazy folks here either and a pretty close knit group...think you'll fit in nicely!

    Your neighbor,
    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,255
    edited April 2013
    So you do realize now Mike that you have to properly introduce yourself to the forum members who don't know you.

    OK, here goes nothing.

    "Hi, I'm Mike, and i am certainly a chronic car buyer!"

    I am a retired school principal and private school headmaster. When I moved to Florida to care for my aging Dad, I went to work as a car salesman and sold over 1000 Lexus vehicles. I then became a sales manager at an Infiniti dealership and finally retired in 2008.

    I do not lease cars, I buy them. I've purchased, on average, 2 new cars a year since 1965. I've owned Corvettes, BMW's, Fords, Mercury's, Lincoln's, Oldsmobiles, Buick's, Cadillac's, Pontiac's, and 2 GTO's, a Triumph TR6, a Lancia Beta, a 300ZX, a Charger R/T, an MGBGT, and have bought several Lexus's. In the past several years. I bought a 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2-2008 BMW's, and a 2008, 2009, 2010, 2-2011, a 2012 and a 2013 E Class Mercedes with a 2013 Lexus GS350 in between.

    So I guess you could consider me a chronic car buyer. It doesn't take much to get me to sign on the bottom line for a new car. As mentioned in my previous post, I have a new 2014 E Class Mercedes Sport Sedan on its way from Germany. As we speak.

    There you have it - and hi to everyone!

    2021 Genesis G90

  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,255
    I pass by your place every night as I take Lyons Rd. from Atlantic up to Wiles and west on Wiles over past 441. We live two lights west of Wiles and across from the...

    Yes, that is correct. Before you buy a new car, let me know as I have an "in" in many, many dealership organizations down here. I can save you a great deal on a new car - especially AutoNation.

    Just let me know and we'll meet somewhere close.

    2021 Genesis G90

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Wow Mike, where have you been? You should have been a founding member in here. :shades: Welcome.
  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,255
    Wow Mike, where have you been? You should have been a founding member in here. Welcome.

    Thanks, Steve. I was spending most of my posting time over on "Stories From The Sales Frontlines" because I was in the business. But it just got out of hand over there with a specific poster - so I left.

    I know a little about a lot of things, but when it comes to new cars, I know a lot about a lot!

    2021 Genesis G90

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,095
    Oh, a facelift - you should post pics when it arrives. About 2 months ago, I picked up a 2013 model - there are deals aplenty right now.

    Found this online, these are pretty crazy prices.

    image
  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,255
    Oh, a facelift - you should post pics when it arrives. About 2 months ago, I picked up a 2013 model - there are deals aplenty right now.

    There were deals, but there are fewer than 5 or 6 left on most dealership lots. My dealer has 2 left - luxury models.

    I have seen the car at the auto show - and in the sport package model, it is significantly different than 2013's. That's why I ordered one. They pushed back the major changes to 2016/2017. I expect to hold on to the 2014 until the major change - but history shows that would be hard for me to do. I would really like to hold on to a car for more than 6-10 months - it remains to be seen.

    As for posting pictures, I have not acquired the skills necessary to do that here on Edmunds. I can take pictures on my iPhone and transfer them to my PC, but that's all.

    The car they had at the auto show was almost exactly like what I ordered. Can't wait for its arrival at the dealership.

    2021 Genesis G90

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,095
    edited April 2013
    What colors and options? I have seen the new cars have more of an ala carte option selection. I will admit I don't like the lack of a hood ornament on the sport, but I suppose a lux grille could be swapped in. Pics would have to be uploaded to a hosting site, and linked here.

    My dealer was running low on 13s, but then got in a handful again. The one I chose was what I wanted, other than interior color and a couple extra options on the car. But, the price was ok, so I went for it.

    I wouldn't expect a new model until 2016 at the earliest, yes. I am kind of puzzled about this heavy facelift, seems expensive for a short termer - but the margins on the E have to be huge. I know the facelift has been spotted in Europe for a couple months now.
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,281
    Let me know if I've missed anything.

    I'm not on the list and there's no bets on me, this has got to be a first! :P
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,281
    interesting that after all the quite new and brand new vehicles that you end up back in an older pick up truck, haha. Of course the Sierra is bound to get way better mileage than your old F250...which I assume is finally history now..The 1/2 ton must ride a lot better too..

    The last I had read couple years ago was a bit after you got that great deal on the Escort. Did it end up being a good car for your son? How many miles did he end up putting on it?


    The Sierra is a 3/4 ton diesel, but does ride a bit better than the F-250. The F-250 left a while ago although now hubby wishes it was still here, I tried to tell him to keep it, but he didn't like the truck. Now he's on the hunt for an old pick up truck to call his own.

    The Escort left in August, sold it to a friend of mine. Was a great car, wish I had kept it since it would be cheaper to drive to school than the Sierra. Son put around 9k miles on it and it was a very reliable little bugger, still is.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Try tinypic.com. Upload the pic there and then copy one of the links you'll get . Then paste the link here. Semi-easy.

    Akangl, I smell a trade along about August 25, just in time for the fall semester.
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,952
    I will absolutely do this but the wife is going first, probably in December, and she has her heart set on a Hyundai Accent though I prefer the Kia Rio as I think it looks better inside and out. But her car and her cash so her choice! It's that simple. Unlike you, I plan on keeping my current '06 Civic at least for 10 years if my son doesn't take it before then...it runs well and is cheap to keep so why cut it from the herd. As much as I love cars, I just am not in a position to swap them out very frequently. But it is really cool that you can do that and with such stellar vehicles...very cool!

    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    Welcome, Mike! Glad you're bringing your stories over here to CCBA.

    I'm the unofficial "ops manager" and maintain the punch list, plus the guesses of how many punches we'll have in 2013. Here is the full 2012 list as well as the 2013 punches to date (notice that we count both new and used, lease and purchase):

    2012 Punch List (total 22):
    01/12/12 corvette 2003 BMW 540i 85K
    01/29/12 anon 2007 Toyota RAV4 72K
    02/12/12 tifighter 2007 Mazda Miata PRHT 14K
    02/15/12 breld 2012 BMW X3
    02/15/12 stickguy 2007 Volvo S40 91K
    02/28/12 breld 2009 Honda Odyssey 45K
    03/22/12 nyccarguy 2011 BMW 328xi (lease)
    05/02/12 anon 2012 Toyota Prius
    07/22/12 roadburner 2009 BMW 328i
    07/31/12 breld 2011 Audi A5 17K
    08/05/12 qbrozen 1998 Volvo S70
    08/20/12 breld 2007 VW Beetle 56K
    08/23/12 xwesx 2011 Ford Fiesta 14K
    08/31/12 stickguy 2013 Acura RDX AWD
    09/14/12 steine13 1995 Toyota Camry 123K
    09/23/12 andre1969 2012 Dodge Ram
    09/25/12 anon 2008 Honda Odyssey 57K
    10/30/12 jpp5862 2002 Nissan Pathfinder SE 135K
    11/xx/12 jayrider 2012 Buick LaCrosse AWD
    12/17/12 mark156 2013 Honda CR-V EXL w/ nav
    12/21/12 stickguy 2000 Acura Integra LS 166K
    12/23/12 anon 2013 Honda Accord

    2013 Punch List (total 11):
    01/08/13 breld 2011 BMW 335xi 27K
    01/11/13 steine13 2013 Chevrolet Cruze LT (lease)
    01/15/13 breld 2010 BMW 328xi wagon 21K
    01/18/13 qbrozen 2013 Nissan Leaf (lease)
    01/19/13 anon 2013 Toyota Sienna (lease)
    02/13/13 corvette 2013 VW Jetta GLI
    02/16/13 fezo 2004 Mazda6 wagon 77k
    02/17/13 fintail 2013 Mercedes E350 Bluetec (lease)
    03/22/13 js06gv 2013 Ford F150 King Ranch 2WD
    04/04/13 kyfdx 2011 BMW X3
    04/09/13 au1994 2013 BMW 335i (lease)

    Hey, ky, how many miles were on your X3? Need to document that.

    And, finally, the guesses on the number of total punches for calendar year 2013:

    Punch guesses for 2013:
    Michaell 15-17
    Xwesx 22
    Stickguy 25
    Qbrozen 28
    Au1994 30
    Anon 31
    Tifighter 34
    Jpp5862 35
    Steve 36
    Roadburner 37
    Nyccarguy 38
    Rayainsw 39
    Ateixeira 40
    Kyfdx 45
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,435
    I still can't believe my 3 punches in 2012 was only good for the bronze medal.

    Though looking at the list, Anony, Breld and I accounted for exactly 1/2 of the total.

    You bunch of slackers.

    Though Mike gets the lifetime achievement award. Not only does he have frequency, he gets bonus points for buying hi end cars.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    I still can't believe my 3 punches in 2012 was only good for the bronze medal.

    Yeah, and I'm surprised I'm still allowed to post here. My last punch was February 2011.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,435
    It's OK. You are always out there looking!

    before 2012 for me, it was 2008! And that was my sons car.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    I live vicariously through you guys.

    And, the folks I work with at the pizza place. Last week a guy traded in a Civic SI for an S2000 - spot delivery. He was driving the Civic again within a week. Guess the financing didn't go through.

    Another person traded in a Hyundai Tuscon for a Nissan Versa sedan.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,435
    I have to live vicariously through my BILs now. Saw a picture of the ones new Cobra kit car (550 HP 427 - what could possibly go wrong?). Can't wait to get up to NY and see it in person. Hope he lets me drive it.

    the other BIL bought his OCD perfect S2000. Though given he is 6'1" and at least 250 at this point, no idea how he fits. That car I should have gone after...

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,255
    edited April 2013
    Though Mike gets the lifetime achievement award. Not only does he have frequency, he gets bonus points for buying hi end cars.

    In 2012, I bought a new 2012 Mercedes E 350 Sport, a Lexus GS 350, and a 2013 Mercedes E 350 Sport. I had the Lexus for less than 5 months, car was awful and Lexus was not responsive to my complaints, so I got out of it and back into a Mercedes again.

    This year, just one - the 2014 Mercedes E 350 Sport Sedan - on or about may 1st.

    It is coming in with the following:

    Metallic Silver w/gray perforated leatherinterior (dark gray headliner and dashboard)
    Light Burl Walnut Trim
    Rear Spoiler
    Lane Tracking Package (includes blind spot monitors)
    Premium Package (only one premium pkg. available for 2014)
    Lighting Package (full LED lighting - they discontinued Xenons) w/curve illumination and adaptive headlights w/high beam assist)
    Sport Package
    Wheel Package w/AMG rims
    Heated/cooled ventilated seats
    Comfort Box in trunk
    Wheel locks
    Keyless Go Package w/electronically operated trunk
    Wood/leather Steering wheel for sport

    MSRP - $64,500 + transportation charges of $940.

    That's it.

    2021 Genesis G90

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,952
    edited April 2013
    Damn, my last punch was in June of 2006 as I don't think I can count my daughters '08 Accent or the other girl's '09 Versa SL as punches since they are in our family stable but not the wife's and mine. So I think I've gone the longest in here without purchasing anything. And if the Mazda continues to behave, that time frame is going to be pushed out well into 2014!

    I have decided and after much thought, I think there will be 43 purchases this calendar year. And none will be mine unless my Milwaukee son decides he really wants/needs a vehicle, then we'll let him take/purchase the Civic and I can finally scratch my itch. But don't see that scenario really happening any time soon. But it would be really cool to get something in this decade...and something totally out of character!

    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • sb55sb55 Member Posts: 616
    I found this forum a couple of months ago and have been lurking here for a while. I decided to chime in, as I am a chronic car buyer. I bought my 1st vehicle when I was 14 years old. I am now over 58, semi retired and live on an island on Lake Champlain in Vermont. I did a count last year and have owned over 60 cars. The “worst” year I bought 4 cars. I have driven to Florida to trade cars and bought a Porsche on Ebay and had it shipped. I have owned many brands including BMW, Mercedes, Acura, VW, Porsche, Honda, Fiat, Ford, GM, Opel and probably a few more that escape me right now. I used to club race and taught driving at one point.

    So, I guess that I qualify for CCBA. My wife and I currently own 4 vehicles, a 2010 BMW 535 xiT, a 2010 GMC Sierra, a 2007 Mazda Miata PRHT, and a 2006 Subaru Legacy wagon that my 24 y.o. son mostly drives. I used to drive over 35K miles/year, but since moving to Vermont 3 years ago, I doubt that I drive 10K miles anymore. My truck is 3 years old and has only 14K on it and the Mazda (toy) is 6 years old and has only 20K on it. I still love to drive, but don’t seem to do it as much anymore. I did drive over 3000 miles in 2 weeks in Namibia last year while visiting my Peace Corps daughter. I am trying to get my wife to agree to a cross country trip in the Miata, but since we own a tourist based summer visit we can only get away in the colder months.

    Anyway, that’s my story in nutshell.

    2021 Toyota Venza Limited Hybrid, 2022 Ram 2500 Laramie 6.4 Hemi, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,952
    Welcome here...and I love your Miata, a perfect ride for me here in South Florida...a friend bought one that year and loves it! You've owned almost all brands so your perspective will be very interesting to say the least. You'll find some of the others are car nuts also who purchase at the drop of a hat. We tend to have fun here and get really excited when anyone purchases a different vehicle. I'm The Sandman and welcome aboard!

    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,312
    I have to live vicariously through my BILs now. Saw a picture of the ones new Cobra kit car (550 HP 427 - what could possibly go wrong?). Can't wait to get up to NY and see it in person. Hope he lets me drive it.

    If I was building a Cobra replica it would be a Superformance Daytona Coupe:

    image

    That said, I've actually talked to the guys at GKD Sports Cars. They make the Legend- a Lotus 7 kit that takes BMW running gear- anything from a 140 bhp M42 four to a 333 bhp S54 M3 engine:

    image

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive

  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    As a first class car swapper, what do you do with the old rides -- trade or sell ?
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    CCBA rules and regs stipulates that cars purchased for immediate family members count. So, sandy, that means the cars you've gotten for the kids helps keep your membership active.

    sb55 - greetings and welcome aboard. We here like to encourage frequent car buying, even though some of us are better at it than others. Keep posting and offering your opinions.

    Updated punch list (I've added Mike's MB, even though he hasn't taken delivery yet), and added sandy's guess of 43 punches for 2013:

    2013 Punch List (total 12):
    01/08/13 breld 2011 BMW 335xi 27K
    01/11/13 steine13 2013 Chevrolet Cruze LT (lease)
    01/15/13 breld 2010 BMW 328xi wagon 21K
    01/18/13 qbrozen 2013 Nissan Leaf (lease)
    01/19/13 anon 2013 Toyota Sienna (lease)
    02/13/13 corvette 2013 VW Jetta GLI
    02/16/13 fezo 2004 Mazda6 wagon 77k
    02/17/13 fintail 2013 Mercedes E350 Bluetec (lease)
    03/22/13 js06gv 2013 Ford F150 King Ranch 2WD
    04/04/13 kyfdx 2011 BMW X3
    04/09/13 au1994 2013 BMW 335i (lease)
    05/01/13 abacomike 2014 MB E350 Sport

    Punch guesses for 2013:
    Michaell 15-17
    Xwesx 22
    Stickguy 25
    Qbrozen 28
    Au1994 30
    Anon 31
    Tifighter 34
    Jpp5862 35
    Steve 36
    Roadburner 37
    Nyccarguy 38
    Rayainsw 39
    Ateixeira 40
    sandman 43
    Kyfdx 45
  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,255
    Updated punch list (I've added Mike's MB, even though he hasn't taken delivery yet), and added sandy's guess of 43 punches for 2013:

    My guess is 25

    2021 Genesis G90

  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    Punch guesses for 2013:
    Michaell 15-17
    Xwesx 22
    Stickguy 25
    abacomike 25
    Qbrozen 28
    Au1994 30
    Anon 31
    Tifighter 34
    Jpp5862 35
    Steve 36
    Roadburner 37
    Nyccarguy 38
    Rayainsw 39
    Ateixeira 40
    sandman 43
    Kyfdx 45
  • crkyolfrtcrkyolfrt Member Posts: 2,345
    and I love your Miata, a perfect ride for me here in South Florida

    Ya better rethink that one sandman..given your bad back etc and your regular comment about "sliding in behind the wheel", the only way you could consider getting in behind the wheel of a Miata, as sliding..is if you were only about 3'10" tall.

    Last year I got down into a friend's 03 and as I got to a certain point, it was down down down into the abyss.. getting out required temporarily swinging a leg out and have it then engage in an outta/offa body experience.. propping it against the car and sorta climbing up it to get back outta the hole..

    This car is sooo low, you think you're gonna get butt burn as soon as you let the clutch out to back outta the driveway..
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,952
    Would never even consider one...just love the look and enjoyed the ride I went in...fun!

    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • crkyolfrtcrkyolfrt Member Posts: 2,345
    Michael, do bikes count?
    My guess for 2013, given the strong start and it's only early stages April, and especially since abacomike is contributing again..I'll go with a fairly conservative estimate of 33.
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,952
    Just called the place I was recommended to and am going in at 1 to talk with their installer about what I really want. Am a bit unsure still and not sure the wife is gonna approve but if things work out later, I might just go for it since the Civic is staying in the fleet. Think once it's installed, I'll be a very happy camper and since I can't/won't go out and purchase a new vehicle right now, this is the next best move. Someone please give me some positive feedback on this idea...PLEASE!!!

    Will go talk numbers and see if it will give me what I want, an aux and usb input plus using my android phone through the unit so I can talk without the unit in my ear. Hopefully the sound goes through the car speakers but not really sure how it works. I'm a bit unsure as to what I should do as I'm not very impulsive when it comes to this kinda stuff...it's that logical side of the brain kicking in folks!

    The Logical Sandman :) :confuse: :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • crkyolfrtcrkyolfrt Member Posts: 2,345
    Oh, that's good..we'd have to pry you out like trying to dig a walnut out of its shell.. :)
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,952
    I know...no my next ride's gonna be a small ute I think as I really want/need to be able to just slide over. If for nothing else, my job is showing me what vehicles I can actually do and not so it's really a great opportunity to try almost everything on the market. That Sorrento yesterday was nice but too large for my needs...goes the ute the next size down would be perfect, the Sportage I think it's called, the Hyundai Tuscon's cousin. A co-worker has the Tuscon, a 2011 I think, and he loves it, says it's a perfect vehicle! We shall see!

    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    Welcome to the club sb55!

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • sb55sb55 Member Posts: 616
    edited April 2013
    Thanks. Since is sleeting here in Northern VT, I guess the Miata stays in today. :cry:

    2021 Toyota Venza Limited Hybrid, 2022 Ram 2500 Laramie 6.4 Hemi, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,095
    Some good choices. If I was building a new one, I would want premium, lighting, pano, and keyless go for sure. My 13 has those, and some things I don't really use - like parktronic and lane tracking - which I guess are cool if they can be had for the right price. I am still kind of miffed that they discontinued the color I liked (quartz blue), so I was wanting either diamond silver, or white, with almond interior. Couldn't find the interior color with those exterior colors in a BT, but got close with the options anyway.
  • rayainswrayainsw Member Posts: 3,191
    It is 'pollen season' here in the Atlanta area.
    Drove into my garage last night & noticed:

    http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/rayainsw/mybmw335isreartireat24000miles2p- hotocroptopost_zps76947468.jpg

    [ Pollen everywhere.... ]
    Yuk.
    - Ray
    Tread not down to the wear bars @ 24,000 miles!
    2022 X3 M40i
  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,255
    Some good choices. If I was building a new one, I would want premium, lighting, pano, and keyless go for sure.

    I originally ordered Diamond White with Natural Beige Leather (saddle color, much darker than the almond), which is what I have now, but they discontinued natural beige leather in the 2014 models. So I had to change my order to the Iridium Silver with Gray Leather interior. They also did away with the Premium 2 (which I have) and made everything that was in the Premium 2 an a la carte series of options.

    As for lane tracking, I never use it - however you can't get blind spot monitors as a stand alone option, so you have to get the lane tracking option with both lane tracking and blind spot monitors. I would never own a car in today's market without blind spot monitors. I can't tell you how many times it has prevented me from either being involved in an accident or causing one. Definitely worth the $850. The lane tracking monitor is a great technology if you do lots of highway driving for long hauls. If you leave the lane without your directional lights on, the steering wheel begins to vibrate. I keep that feature turned off in the settings.

    If you are enjoying your Mercedes as much as I enjoy mine, and every one I've purchased over the years, then you must be very, very pleased and happy.

    2021 Genesis G90

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 15,852
    Someone please give me some positive feedback on this idea...PLEASE!!!

    If you are keeping the car it's a no brainer. Most definately get a unit that has a USB input (for a flash drive) as well as being able to control your Ipod. Bluetooth for calls AND the ability to stream music wirelessly from your phone.

    Get a unit that has an external microphone, your callers will thank you. Yes, the sound will come through the speakers in the car.

    I can't see this costing more than a few hundred. The head unit should easily be under $200 and install accessories shouldn't be any more than $150ish.

    Any questions, ask away. I'm an enthusiast and actually just ordered some parts to do a system in my 04 Merc. Navigation head unit, backup cam etc. I'm trying to choose speakers now.

    2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited April 2013
    My brother in Chattanooga told me to send my shovel down so he could get rid of the pollen, but we have 4" of new wet snow here (still coming down) so no dice.

    And welcome to you to Sb55. I'll take the snow over your sleet (I'm in the UP).
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    edited April 2013
    $249 for a C class is just wrong.

    I guess if you can't afford that loaded Elantra... :D

    Having the CLA will allow them to get away from the incentives war. No profit at those prices. Though they do get new, young buyers in to the M-B family.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    When you do burnouts do they leave a yellow stripe? :D

    We will get that here in the next month or so. The heavy stuff hasn't quite started.

    My dark blue Miata turns greenish, then just plain yellow when it's real heavy.
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