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I was reading on the Sun Sentinel this morning in the business section which showed big increases in auto sales for Toyota, GM, Chrysler and Ford. Due to low interest loans and good leasing opportunities, 2013 is going to be one of the best years for auto sales and next year is expected to be even better.
I was surprised to see that Honda and VW were not showing gains over last month, but rather decreases in sales, especially VW.
However, I agree with you that inventories are increasing and the economic outlook for next year is not very rosy. The Affordable Health Care legislation is expected to cause a significant drain on spendable income on the US which will put a damper on big ticket items such as housing, autos, appliances, etc. retail sales for the holiday season are already 3+% below last year.
2021 Genesis G90
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I see what you did there... :P
We have a SIMPLE IRA at the office, which is like a traditional 401k, except there are no IRS filing requirements and the contribution limits are lower. Overall, it's more flexible than the SEP-IRA we had up until 2013.
Seems like most of my magic ball predictions have been off the rails lately (well, even longer, lol, but I tend to agree with that WSJ piece). Credit is cheap but it sort of seems like everyone is saturated with stuff. Living lean the last few years may have changed some people's buying habits and if we assume that all the Cash for Clunkers bubble has been absorbed - ah, I'm just coffeed up and rattling on.
Just seems like people don't feel the need to trade cars so much any more and it's hard to see 16 or 17 million new car sales being sustainable.
Volkswagen's have an accident awareness feature and I believe part of that is it cuts power after the impact to prevent things like that from happening.
The ride was typical Germanic. Solid and comfortable. Very high quality interior materials too.
Brakes concerned me. It seemed like there was quite a bit of pedal travel before the initial bite.
That's it! Carry on folks!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Funny you should mention "cheap gas"! There is a bill before the House of Representatives which would raise the Federal Gas Tax significantly (like 30 +/- cents a gallon) or something like that. The increase is intended to raise enough money to improve roads, bridges, transportation, etc. I would think that should put a damper on cheap gas. Remember, once the federal government gets it's hands on more money, it gets spent in ways that are strange and mysterious. The highway trust funds have been abused by previous congresses just as the social security trust funds have been abused.
The debate in congress should be interesting over the next several months.
2021 Genesis G90
Yet another aside that's a bit off-topic that I never would have guessed a decade ago - leasing keeps growing and now makes up 26% of the market.
Leasing Levels Believed to Have Hit 2013 High & Could Rise Even More (Auto Remarketing)
CCLA?
CCLA?
Well, 6 of the 29 punches this year are leases, so we're pretty close to the national average in this group.
Another 6 were used purchases, which leaves 17 punches as new cars.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2014 MINI Countryman S ALL4
Let people enjoy it while they can. I have a feeling the sh*t and the fan have not quite connected yet, but they're getting close. :P
Looks like the motors are the same except for this 2.3L turbo.
What's the opinion of this board on the style change? Too much? Not enough?
Will the independent suspension make it a BMW contender? You do know that one of the motor mags tracked an M3 against a current model GT and found their performance very close.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Remember, you can always manage to get yourself into a car like a Corvette, the new Mustang, a Ferrari, a Porsche, etc., but get yourself out of one of those cars at our age and numbers of "love handles" is quite another.
As for the new Mustang, which I saw introduced on FOX News this afternoon by the Ford President, I think it's a WINNER! Gorgeous looking exterior and the interior looks nicely refreshed. It is definitely a Millenium's car and should be a great seller. I understand that pricing will be a bit higher, but not enough to scare off the dedicated Mustang lover.
2021 Genesis G90
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport 2020 C43 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
The president of Ford Motor Company said, during the interview I saw on FNC, that the objective of the new design of the Mustang was to resemble the lines of the car when it was first introduced - as a kind of commemorative 50th anniversary edition. I noticed the lines of the roof from front to rear being somewhat similar to the original car, but the rest of the car has a more progressive look to it. Still a beautiful vehicle, and with the right engine, suspension, wheels/tires, and a great color, it will be a very successful offering.
I would love to see one in white with red leather and red pinstripe tires.
2021 Genesis G90
Akangl?
I'm still shopping, nothing has changed. Analysis paralysis...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
You still thinking of trading the Jag or just getting a winter beater.
Now that Sandy has bought, we need someone to share the intimate details of their shopping, thought processes, test drives, etc.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2014 MINI Countryman S ALL4
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport 2020 C43 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
:shades:
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
That's funny... those are the two things I don't WANT.. ;-)
(AWD might be okay in a WRX)
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That gave me a good laugh first thing in the morning!
Over this past weekend, the daughter informs me there was a problem with Westen, her prized MINI. The auto-down/auto-up feature of the window when you open/close the door stopped working on the passenger side. The switch still worked, so you could roll the window up all the way, but it was annoying.
I set up an appt with the dealer, which happened yesterday. Her MINI has just over 28K on it, and has been a pretty reliable vehicle in the 3 years, 8 months we've had it - other than having to replace a couple of tires due to punctures where they couldn't be repaired.
Anyway, the window gets fixed, but the service advisor tells me that all 4 tires are 'dangerously' low on tread - 2/32", she tells me. Gives me a quote of about $500 to replace them then and there, which I decline.
I'll get a second opinion tomorrow from my local tire shop, then talk to the daughter about what she wants to do.
A bit of searching on-line shows the OEM Contis available for $99 each, with a 40K treadwear warranty. Another alternative are the Bridgestone Ecopias for $90 each and a 65K treadwear warranty.
I'm pretty surprised the OEMs only lasted less than 30K, especially since two of them have far fewer miles than that.
Comments welcome .. her MINI has the base 175/65-15 tire on them.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2014 MINI Countryman S ALL4
going to look at the Tiguan for the wife and also a new store opened up and they are having a contest for a free 2014 Jetta, so I want to enter...might as well be me that wins...right? Will try the Tiguan again and see how it drives as I forgot. In all my looking, I never gave the Rogue SV a chance and want to go drive it again just to see that I did the right thing. Will also stop by Kia when I'm over there to try out the Sportage, which is basically the same as mine but cosmetically different. Wonder if they have the special SE version that I got on theirs to. Just curious really but am happy with mine and hopefully the mpg's will increase a bit after that 5k mark. Have to keep in mind that I've got a bigger, thirstier engine now and that I took a decrease in mileage penalty here by not going econobox again...I do love the seemless power I have now as I touch the accelerator and it just goes...before I would definitely feel the kickdown in gearing and it wasn't this smooth. Also there is the weight penalty here...just have to install a different mindset here, that's all. Once that kicks in, I'll be great.
Getting my mats this morning and doing the amp on Tuesday as the stereo is a bit weak sounding right now. Will do that first and then decide if replacing the 4 factory speakers is required here, something I did in the Civic after a few months...I like really crisp, clear sound and am willing to pay the price if it ain't too crazy.
Also, drove a Ford C Mac to Ft.M myers late last night and truthfully, I liked it...I really did! A bit too pricey but it was comfortable and accelerated at a nice clip...never felt out of power even when passing. It just did it's job quietly and efficiently, but they need to get that price down to the high teens for it to make a big splash. Not being a Ford person, I never really inquired about it, only the Escape which still is sitting there and they keep calling me. Finally texted my sales guy and said I bought already but thanks for the help. Even Buick won't stop calling and I finally got 1 bite on the Civic but a day too late...such is life! Deep down, I would've liked to have sold it first and rented for a week or two to have more time here but G-d had other plans and decided to end the search. Guess I have other more important things to move onto now in his eyes!
The Sandman
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)
That's funny... those are the two things I don't WANT..
(AWD might be okay in a WRX)
I'm with you on that one... don't want another automatic (but in the end may have no other choice) and don't want to mess with anyone's AWD other than Subaru, or maybe Toyota or Jeep.
Here's the thing .. we had about 6" of snow a couple days ago and the temps have barely gotten above 0 since then (it's -6 right now at 8:45). I drove her car about 20 miles to the dealership and didn't experience any terrifying moments due to lack of traction.
I'll see what the local tire guys have to say tomorrow .. will have her car out as I need to get new wiper blades for it.
sandy - why torture yourself by driving the Sportage and Rogue? You've made your decision and you seem happy with it (other than the stereo issues, that is). Now go and help the wife figure out her next ride then you can sit back and relax for the next 5-10 years!
Unlike nyc who is mulling over his next car 9 months before he has to pull the trigger! (BTW, I like the idea of the Subaru over the Honda - slightly better mileage)
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2014 MINI Countryman S ALL4
north of Atlanta to the Florida coast, near Apalachicola.
On the drive down, it was raining [ or ‘monsooning’ ]
nearly the whole way. Had the A/C on most of the time –
for defog.
Average MPG on that leg = approx. 30.
[ Overall \ Commuting average so far = 28.5. =
exactly half way between EPA city & highway. ]
much better weather on the drive home,
but traffic was worse approaching the Atlanta area -
averaged approx. 31.5.
Not bad, but not quite as good as I expected.
[ EPA says highway MPG = 33. ]
The MPG seems to drop off quite noticeably
above about 65 MPH.
Range [ on 14.5 gal. Tank ] shows approx. 465 mi.
- Ray
neither thrilled nor disenchanted . . .
The Sandman
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)
As I've metioned, the Jag is a major part of the problem. I am just so smitten with it, British electronics and all. It is a wonderful GT, so comfortable, smooth, powerful, practical (for one or two, at least!) and, imho, gorgeous. And, my first V8, what a sound! But, not a snow/go to the mountains of New England car. Or, not that this happens all that much, a carry more than two people car.
So, I've tested the Jag XF. I like it a lot, too. I think part of that is my predisposition to want to stay with Jaguar. You know, rooting for the pre-'69 NY Mets or pre-2004 Red Sox... Tested the SCV6 AWD: really well balanced, more than powerful enough for me. Nice ride/handling mix and immediate steering feedback/action. Headroom tight in the rear, but most folks I know are sub 6', so not a big deal. Very cool interior, mix of modern and traditional. Driver seat, for me, needs a bit more thigh support or the ability to adjust, which it does not have (unless you add expensive Portfolio pack, I believe). Very limited availability around these parts for '13 equipped the way I want, but I did negotiate what appears to be a very good price on a '13, over $9k off MSRP. And, while disappointed on the trade in on the XK, it does seem to be what the market is bearing. Wrong time of the season to be trading in such a car... But, I haven't pulled the trigger.
Audi A5: Could definately feel the lighter weight. More adjustable seat and more modern electronics. A handsome beast, inside and out. The turbo 4, while not underpowered, didn't overwhelm me. Steering didn't feel as immediate as the Jag, but no real issues. For a coupe, back seat isn't bad and the seats fold down (Jag has the optional ski sack, which I prefer). Also, a good ride/handling balance. Loaded the way I want, probably $3-4k less than the Jag, but would Mr. Audi offer me as much on trade as Mr. Jag? Mr. Audi said they would love to have my car on their lot, attract attention. Something about the Audi's cool, efficient, Teutonic-ness actually turned me off a bit, I didn't find myself emotionally connected.
I know there are plenty more fish under the sea dance cars I could/should be looking at (read: 3/4 series, A4 for practiaclity over A5, my Dad thinks a Volvo S60 is the answer. And, it is intersesting), but I appreciate the fact that I don't see XKs, XFs and even, to a lesser extent, A5s coming and going. Superficial, yes, but the ubiquity of E class, 5 series, A6 sends me in another direction.
Winter beater: Actually might make more financial and emotional sense (but not sure logistical). I've been eyeing Mitsu's and Subies for a time, found a couple of what appear to be very above board local used car outlets that have nice inventories. I'm really tempted to go this route... Of course, the two Mitsus (Outlander, Galant) I actually looked at/drove sold after I left the lot!
But, I'm heading out of town next week, so car shopping is on hold. The '13 XF inventory is fading away, and with it the $5k in customer cash. So, that may take care of that. Whereas A5s are somewhat abundant. And, I really should test drive a 3...
So, I apologise for continuing to tease. But, due to circumstances beyond my control, this (to me at least) is not the black/white decision it always has been. Oye.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
My '11 Fiesta SES is fun enough. The only thing I would get out of the ST is 60 HP, twice the debt, and a bigger smile. I can live without all of those things. :P
Slightly? I think he would find the difference to be a little more than slight. :P
Manual A5
Yes, I did indeed trade my previous A5 for the current 335xi, but this one has the sport package and a manual trannie.
It happens to be offered at the same Acura dealer where we just bought the A3.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2024 Corvette - 2024 BMW X5 - 2023 Tesla Model Y
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I looked at them when I was moving from my 328 Coupe to 335 Sedan. The lack of a sliding sunroof bothered me at the time.
I love the power of my 335 but find myself missing the look of the coupe. If I was going to do anything, I'd probably go A5 this time. A 428 is going to be a turbo 4 anyway and a similarly equiped 435 to my 335 is going to rapidly approach 60k, if not exceed it.
Year end with all the incentives and deals is not the time to begin to get a wandering eye!!!
2021 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4xe Granite Crystal over Saddle
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
The Impreza's 140 hp has been described as "decent" around town, but "plan your highway passing manuvers far in advance."
There's also Honda's tried and true 5 speed automatic vs. Subaru's relatively new CVT.
The Impreza is definitely a much less expensive car.
We shall see.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2024 Corvette - 2024 BMW X5 - 2023 Tesla Model Y