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At least I got low rates and Honda money.
Gotta find someone to take over my lease.
I need an 06 Civic. I need an 06 Civic.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Oh and I got a new job, was hired today, so have to give my 2 weeks notice at my other job when I get off my week's vacation (will probably do it Friday). So now instead of driving 164 miles/day I'll only be driving 52 miles/day. Gas will go from $320/mo to $85/mo. However, I'm going from $11.35/hr to $8.00/hr, but I think that its worth it since I'll have more time for the kids and be driving a LOT less. Only going to work 4 days/week too.
First stop, impromptu visit to Mitsu dealer (in Matteson, IL auto mall with ~20 makes) to test drive an Eclipse (she thought it was 'cute'). She actually liked it (we tested a 4-cyl GS with sunroof and upgraded Fosgate stereo), so did I but I knew it never really was in the running, she's a Honda loyalist. Good stereo, but some strange ergonomics (climate and stereo readouts in the center of upper dash), one of the raspier-sounding fours I've heard in a while, and the body was a bit bulbous compared to a Civic or RSX. Also, it has a four-speed auto where the other two have five. That said, the sticker was a reasonable ~$22k, and I think we could have knocked a bit off that, given how Mitsus are selling now.
Second stop, closest Honda dealer, at the same auto mall. They had exactly ONE '06 Civic (a black with tan cloth LX coupe) in stock, already sold, so we couldn't even test drive. Our salesguy was a green pea (first week), nice guy, then we got a 'closer' who really tried to get us to put down a deposit ('but it's refundable', he says--on a car we hadn't even driven); we said no, at which point he basically implied that we were out of luck. We had already given the salesguy her info and what we'd like, so after that we were on our way.
Third, another Honda dealer. They had four '06 Civics (including a beautiful Atomic Blue EX sedan I loved), we test drove an EX coupe automatic; nice car, and I even fit OK in the back seat with the sunroof (I'm 6'0"). She seemed to like it quite a bit, but the coupe we drove was white/tan (I advised to never buy any car with light tan cloth), so they would have to locate what she wanted. I should note that neither dealer had a manual Civic, and I didn't see any manual Accords, though I didn't look thoroughly and both dealers had tons of them. Just an aside, am I the only one who thinks almost $20k ($19610 MSRP for an EX automatic, and nobody's discounting a cent) for a 140hp Civic is a bit crazy?
On to the Acura dealer, just down the street. We test drove a base, leather, automatic RSX in white, not her color choice. After I compared stats between it and the Integra, I figured (since I wasn't aware yet, the salesguy confirmed) that they were built off the same platform. Bottom line, she drove it (said it felt 'natural', can't imagine why!), loved it and put down a deposit on one in Jade Green metallic; salesguy claims they sell a lot in that color. Funny, I've never seen one, and the closest I could find on AutoTrader was in Kansas City (~400 miles away). I'm happy for her, though I probably would have chosen the Civic (though I'm a sedan guy, hands down), just for the $3k savings (she's also paying MSRP on the RSX), the fact that it's a 'newer' car and that the RSX is supposedly a lame duck; she keeps cars ten years, after all. But, in her defense, she felt better in the RSX, the dash is definitely less fussy, controls more user friendly (and she's 4'11", so reachability is an issue) and the RSX has leather (big mistake not offering it in upper Civics, IMO).
Oh yeah, both the Honda and Acura dealers offered her $3k in trade on her Integra. It's only got 35k but does have a couple issues (pretty seriously oxidized paint, a bit of the usual rust on both rear wheelwells, fussy driver's window switch, glitchy power locks), but the interior is decent, the stereo, antenna, windows and roof work fine and the air is ICE cold. Runs great, too (I drove all day); reminds me, especially on the interstate, why I'd never get a 4-cylinder automatic, though; had to plan those passing maneuvers, definitely. She doesn't want to sell it on her own (she's single, 4'11" and 62 years old, I don't blame her), she's got a friend interested in it for her teenager (perfect!), but if that doesn't work out, it will be traded. She'd also get the tax savings on the trade (~$200, big deal).
And that's if you drive 10-15,000 miles per year...
Wow, I don't think she is/was in the target market for the Civic, Eclipse, RSX or Integra--more power to her for buying and driving what she likes!
But 3K isn't bad for one with cosmetic issues...I am sure she could have bought a Lumina or Taurus back then for the same money, and it wouldn't bring the 3K she was offered for the Acura even if it was pristine.
*...budget $1K to $2K per year for maint. & repairs on a car like that.*
*And that's if you drive 10-15,000 miles per year...*
Fin, the condition, I guess, isn't as bad as I make it sound; it's a great '20 footer', as they say. The rust on the wheelwells is very minor, no holes and it's only visible up close; the oxidation is visible, kinda looks like frost, probably the result of the combination of extremes we get here in weather, and the fact that it's a dark color. Oh yeah, and no garage, no shade in the driveway.
As far as maint on the Bimmer...As long as the engine/tranny doesn't go south I feel I'd be okay. I have no problem getting salvage parts and as far as the exhaust...I'm already thinking Dinan for a lot of stuff. My budget was up to $37k for a G35 coupe. But a $16k 540 is an easy compromise. I figure if I keep it running 5 years I'd probably lose 16K in depreciation on anything new that compares. If I spend another $10K on this thing it better have a supercharger.
Which by the way would get me over 400hp.
Anony wouldn't let me.
The Honda place happened to have a couple of left over 2005 EX-L 5 speed Accords. Drove one, and it was very nice, and would probably be a great car to keep for the next 10 years. Not exciting, but comfortable and nice driving.
But, they seemed to think it should be priced like an '06 (I probably would have taken the offer if it was!), and had a much different opinion of the value of my current car than Terry did, so no deal.
The Accord was silver, probably not my first choice, so it would have to be a hell of an offer to make me pull the trigger (probably 4K less difference). But, at least we are moving closer to something!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
That being said, now watch something REALLY catch my eye and get me lusting!
In my local paper today... '02 530i with 39K... asking $21,900.. from a private seller...
I think I'd rather go that direction... though, I didn't see an option list with that ad...
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*But a $16k 540 is an easy compromise*
Uh oh. Here I go again, after I thought I swore this off!
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
How far apart were you and the dealer?
Snow car. You live in the bay area don't you.
Any car with 4 wheels is the perfect snow car in the bay area.
Did I ever post my theory on the 1996-generation Explorer rollovers? This may have no scientific basis, but here goes: I noticed a ton of Explorers that, when traveling at interstate speed, would "lean" backwards--the rear end of the truck would squat down close to the ground. Perhaps they were carrying a lot of cargo, but it doesn't make sense, given the number of these that I saw. I suspect that some combination of bad aerodynamics pushed the rear of the car down too hard at high speed, placing more weight than was intended on the rear axle. Carrying rear passengers or cargo would only compound this effect. Perhaps this was intended to provide additional rear traction and stability to prevent oversteer, but became dangerous when the car was loaded down. With the rear axle loaded down in this manner, the tires are probably above their weight limits at the recommended pressure (26 psi?), and are being subjected to more impact harshness and stress when driving over pockmarked pavement due to the reduced suspension travel caused by the loading of the live rear axle. This is the perfect recipe for overloading and blowing out a rear tire, which is very likely to result in a loss of control. Also, the lack of downward force on the front end of the car would make it much harder to steer, making it easier to lose control...
So, did I earn my pseudo-expert witness badge with that? :P
I DID see that the next RAV will have an optional V-6 and lots of other "improvements". With the extension of the platform to allow for a third row seat it will have (optional), I figure it will be about as big as the current Highlander, which is bigger than I would like. The thing is, the current model is so maneuverable because it has such a short wheelbase, which is why I like it. Plus half my aim here is to get a four-door for carrying kids in the back, which the back seat of the current RAV is certainly big enough to do. Wouldn't put two adult friends back there for more than an hour though.
zodiac: I appreciate your perspective, but the reason I want 4WD for snow trips is that CHP generally lets 4WDs go by without installing chains, except in blizzard conditions. It is also a good dirt road car, which I do plenty of when I camp.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
So you drive to Reno a lot .... you a skier or a gambler.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
The current Highlander is a big vehicle for my tastes. I don't need the back seat every day, just a couple times a week. The AWD I need 15 long weekends a year. :-)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
But doesn't the RAV4 have a Camry engine in it? Seems to me that should be enough to power something like a RAV. And incidentally, another vehicle on his list is the Element. But since that one has an Accord engine, which is about the same size/power as the Camry, it seems to me that theoretically it would have the same problem with a/c!
Anyway, I told him that he should at least try the RAV out, but he won't listen. Still, even if the a/c does kill the car's power, I'm sure it's still gotta perform better than his Tracker would!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
When I test drive, I make a practice of leaving the A/C on the entire time, even if it is chilly out. Gives you an idea of how much the power suffers with it on. The RAV is plenty spritely enough with it running, I wouldn't call it slow. It is geared about the same as my RSX, and has about the same torque-to-weight ratio (is there such a thing?!), so it feels peppy on the street and has decent passing power at highway speeds.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
And it has a 3rd row seat you can actually fit an adult up to about 6' for short trips, maybe up to an hour. These manufacturers that are clamoring to stuff a 3rd row seat into a small SUV are idiots- most won't even fit a child (ie, Pathfinder and Highlander).
Anyhow, I ramble- my post was to say I now have 1 brand-new and 1 nearly-new vehicles and now I am looking to find a used Miata for warm-weather fun. I know I am sick but judging by the other posts here, apparently not alone! :shades:
The Matrix has the Corolla engine in it.
Went car shopping with my roommate this afternoon. She was considering trading her 1999 Tahoe for a Malibu Maxx or a Vibe, but realized she would miss all the "toys" on the Tahoe. Her comments were that the Malibu Maxx was very plain up close, and the interior was cheap (and the Tahoe interior isn't?). She liked the Vibe interior a lot. All of the cars we looked at appeared to be ex-rentals, but the worst one of all was the Malibu with only 5,000 miles on it!
I was hoping I would get to do my CCBA thing vicariously... Still working on my dad, asking him if he wouldn't rather have something more reliable and cheaper to operate, like a Saab or Land Rover...
-Jason
Head Room Row:
1 41.0, 39.8, 39.4
2 41.1, 38.7, 39.8
3 38.2, 37.4, 38.6
Leg Room Row:
1 41, 42.4, 41.1
2 40.8, 36.9, 40.4
3 39, 34.9, 33.3
To get some perspective, here are the length, width, height:
Excursion 226.4 x 79.9 x 77.4
Explorer 193.4 x 73.7 x 72.8
Freestyle 200.1 x 74.9 x 68.2
Sometimes a taller seat will give you more legroom in the way they measure it, but you still might end up being closer to the seatback in front of you. Plus, as you sit higher, your legs will extend outward more horizontally, instead of upward, requiring more room behind the front seatback for your legs.
Is that 39" measurement for front seat legroom correct for the Freestyle?! I don't think I've seen a measurement that small since your typical early 70's Japanese subcompact! :surprise:
And, now that I think about it, I don't think I've tried out all the seating positions of the Explorer. The previous generation used to seem cramped to me, but the new one seems okay up front. I haven't tried out the 3rd row seat though, and can't remember how the middle row was.
Head Room Row:
1 41.0, 39.8, 39.4
2 41.1, 38.7, 39.8
3 38.2, 37.4, 38.6
Leg Room Row:
1 41, 42.4, 41.1
2 40.8, 36.9, 40.4
3 39, 34.9, 33.3
Took our kids on a trip from Denver to Vegas in it .. at the time, my stepson was 15 and stepdaughter was 13. He occupied the second row, she took the back row and had one seat folded down in the second row so she could stretch out. Neither kid really complained about space (or the lack thereof) for the 1500 mile round trip.
In fact, when we first looked at the Explorer, we had both our daughter and her best friend sit in the third row and comment on its comfort. At the time, we were driving the previous generation Expedition, and both of them thought it compared well.
The nice thing about the Explorer was that the third row folded into the floor (with the Expedition, you had to physically remove the third row), and the mileage was a bit better (Expedition got about 13-14MPG, while the Explorer got 17-18).
That said, I'm really glad we don't own either of those vehicles anymore .. the kids drive themselves and the wife now drives her VUE AWD V6, which got just over 26MPG on its last tank --- better than the EPA highway number of 25.
XL = Expedition
L = Explorer
M = Windstyle? Freestar? Fivehundredstyle? Don't know what they're called, but they have a van, big sedan, and a crossover thingy in this segment.
S = Escape
XS = Focus Wagon
SUVs:
XXL = Excursion
XL = Expedition
L = Explorer
S = Escape
Station Wagons
Freestyle (500 wagon)
Soon to come (Fusion wagon)
Focus Wagon
Then you have minivans.
XXL - Suburban, Yukon XL, H1
XL - Tahoe, Yukon, H2
L - Trailblazer, Envoy, H3
M - Torrent, Equinox
S - VUE, HHR (even though it doesn't come with AWD/4WD)
DC:
XXL - None
XL - Jeep Commander
L - Grand Cherokee, Durango
M - Liberty
S - new Jeeps (Compass?)
Toyota:
XXL - none
XL - Sequoia, Land Cruiser, LX470
L - 4Runner, GX470
M - Highlander, RX330, RX400h
S - RAV4
Nissan:
XXL - none
XL - Pathfinder Armada, QX56
L - Pathfinder
M - Murano, FX35, FX45
S - none
L = Windstyle
M = MPV
S = Mazda5
I went with the Ford Freestyle because I don't need the offroad capability of an SUV and I didn't like the handling of a minivan. So now I have a 7pass vehicle (with real space behind row 3 and real row 3 adult seating) that gets 25mpg and drives like a car (okay, big wagon!) all for $23K.
The other crossovers or mid-sized SUVs didn't have the interior space (real 7 pass seating) and anything bigger was either too expensive for me and had lousy mpg.
2004 Nissan Titan CC LE 4x4 (need a bigger truck)
2004 Ford Focus ZX3
1999 Dodge Ram 3500 V10 4x4