By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
Craig - I like this liberated, retired, & fiesty you!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD, 2025 Integra
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
For weeks now, I have researched cars, driven cars, and had many opinions offered---many from this site. I have considered performance, gas mileage, handling, ride, comfort, interior and exterior options, safety features, design, and personal likes and dislikes. We've done the short list three times. The decision has been complicated by the fact that two people must like the choice. I firmly believe that the average person would never spend this much time deciding what car to buy. Still, it's a big decision---expensive and long lasting. I have also discovered that there is no perfect vehicle. There are pros and cons with each.
There is one thing that has recently helped in making our decision. We have both agreed that we don't want a small car. That has taken the list down to four choices at this point.
Though you didn't mention the Flex, what are your thoughts? As fezo says, it's a love or hate relationship. I love it, but my wife isn't sure. Like you, I want a good look at the new Explorer. Life is funny. When I was growing up, there were probably a dozen choices in cars---sedan, station wagon, or convertible---made by 3 to 5 automobile companies. Now there are 179 SUV/Crossovers alone! While it is nice to have choices, it can certainly make the decision a tough one.
Thanks for posting.
Richard
Richard
And this is the funk that Honda is in right now. Pretty much without exception I prefer the previous generation to the current one. I'll be the previous Pilot would have suited her fine.
I know, it's a truck. But it's a Honda, so it won't break. It drives like a car. And don't you antique? So you just load them in the back. Put a cover on the back and you can keep the rain off stuff.
They have never sold well. You can get it at or below invoice.
And, it's big.
Good heavens, don't. You'll screw up the question with good intent, and he'll knock your lights out.
LOL.....Yes, I could see that happening......like "I hope you don't mind me asking, but, if insecure guys need a big monster truck to feel good about themselves, how come you feel fine in a Smart Car?"
"Oh, I see Sir, yes, now I understand".
It's like a single friend of mine. When he goes to a bar he tells the ladies he has been taking steroids. That way, if he gets them to go home with him....they won't be disappointed.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Watch out. I think that you are going to make a fine candidate for a Town Car.
There is a limit too, as in having too much of a good thing. The Town Car is probably a good example of that.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Way to go murphydog! Here is a guy with an open mind. Looks at a wide variety of cars and can see good in them all. What a refreshing post.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Richard....seems I did miss a few posts. You know how I feel about the Tahoe. It's probably the best vehicle in its class as far as my singular opinion.
The Ford Flex I have no experience with so I can't comment. The Explorer....I know quite a few people who own them, of various years and configurations. All love them.
The Mercedes SUV....again, don't know much about them. I've seen them at auto shows. They didn't strike me as....well.....having enough of anything to garner a more careful look by me. So, no comment there either.
Mystery vehicle? We await the "reveal"...... :P
Craig....while I understand that the online resources really cut into profit margins for car dealerships, that was probably something that needed to be done. In the only industry I'm aware of (at least in the U.S.), buying a car had so much fudge factor built in, and so much "huckersterism" to deal with. At least on line resources gave the consumer a basis (reliable information) to do business. Before those resources, next to no information existed. You took what the dealer said you should take for your trade, not knowing if it was a reasonable number or not. And, although you knew there was "play" in the MSRP to negotiate, you had no idea how much. You would walk away from a dealership, perhaps spending an entire day (or more) and have no idea whether you had been fleeced, or not (most times, we were fleeced).
Don't take offense. I'm fairly certain you and I would have been able to do a quick and easy deal. But, when I was young and dumb, I was the victim of a fleecing (probably more than once) by a dealership. So, I had some experience there.
Regarding airlines, they screwed themselves. Not that it matters other than the fact that I've got quite a bit of consumer experience, but I'm a multi-million miler flier with Delta airlines. In essence, that nets me little more than a few trinkets from them, and some watered down drinks in their Crown Rooms.
But, all the airlines are/were the same. They held their respective geographic areas hostage (with their hubs in major cities) and charged exorbitant prices on air fares even when times were good. What was the business flier (guys like me) going to do? We had a meeting in Boise. No one else flew there except the major airline serving our area. We bit the bullet and paid the price.
They were pretty short sighted. Instead of being reasonable in their fare structure, they fleeced the consumer. When things went sideways, and they received no loyal customer support, they blamed everything and everyone but themselves.
These checked bag fees are here now. But, the smaller airlines are chipping away at that non sense. Southwest started it. It's a matter of time before it will go away.
Heck, there's opportunity locally at the expense of Delta's woes. A small beginning, but I've used a service. Before our international airport was built, there was a regional airport that was utilized. Long forgotten, it's now getting busier as a local commercial startup is offering jets from Cincinnati to New York and Chicago. Fares are good....$600 for round trip, but about $400 if you buy more than one tick at a time....last minute fares (and at least 40% less than Delta). Not as many flights (one/day). But, no airport security hassles. You park close to the plane. No "heard of cattle" experience.
Sorry....got off on a tangent. Carry On!
Well, I have to get serious here, before I make an idiot of myself going for a test drive in a Town Car. That is very difficult for me to do, as isell said, it isn't fair to the salesman. I have a fairly good story, but I am not good at being untruthful, I am sure he will see through it. If there was a luxury rental place that had a LTC, I would take it out for 30 minutes and try it.
The fact of the matter is...I think Richard's wife would really like the Mercedes (or a Q5) because she will recognize the quality craftsmanship. It will be made right, with seats that are as comfortable as can be, the instrument panel and interior are not flashy, but exudes old fashion attention to detail...it will always look good years from now. The steering will be precise and the car will hug the road. The suspension system will be engineered so that it will glide over bumps better than the other SUVs mentioned......the Jeep Cherokee was eliminated because it was more flash than substance. The Acadia had a tacky interior (Richard is too kind to actually say it). The GLK will be all substance, it will be engineered to the highest standards.
However, you eliminated the Pilot because it is too small. Therefore, I think the GLK won't be suitable, it is probably smaller. It is too bad, because part of the charm is that you would have a car that has the ultimate in comfort, handling, and ride, in a compact package that will be easy to manouever, and will hold most of what you will want to carry.
I would try to fulfill my end of the challenge, but since the GLK won't work, even before it is given a try, I think I have to step down from the challenge....there won't be much point in doing it. I suppose the best part would be if I told the salesman to write up the experience and send it to this sight.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Other than that, I feel for you man.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Very nicely said dino. You can't possibly win this argument, even though you are basically right. No use escalating the argument, as it will just go back and forth and get worse each time. In fact, he might back off, if you show you tried, but you are sorry if he feels slighted or ignored...that wasn't your intention.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The Flex does not do much for me - at the end of the day the utility does not overcome the styling, from my point of view.
The Ridgeline and Avalanche are kind of interesting, I like the looks of the Avalanche. Not sure if I have enough of a "truck" need to justify either of them.
They currently have a Ford Flex in the fleet with over 65K on the clock. Generally, the feedback is quite positive, especially as a road trip vehicle.
They also have a Chevrolet Traverse, which is a clone of the GMC Acadia.
I, too, am looking forward to the reveal of the "mystery" vehicle.
It's hard and usually unprofessional to try and fight back even when the website allows a rebuttal.
One day one of our salespeople proudly pointed out to a customer that, unlike every other Honda store in the area, we didn't have even one BBB complaint.
Well, guess what? When the nasty customer couldn't get the price he wanted and when we discovered his trade in car had a bad transmission and non working air conditioning, he threw a fit and left only to file a complaint with the BBB.
Lucky for us, they realized what they were dealing with and they rejected his complaint.
And some customers wonder why the sales people scatter when they walk in?
One of the great downsides of the internet is this ability to post virtually anything anonymously. It brings out all sorts that wouldn't do a thing in the real world. It's just a way for them to feel powerful for a second.
I suspect shills and the competition in the area have a lot to do with certain ratings.
Richard
Richard
Wife was like..."really?" as in over my dead body...
They have their plusses but if a person wants a TRUCK they should buy a truck with a full size bed.
No other Honda drives as well as a Ridgeline and they are unbeatable in the snow.
Have you considered just having your lovely bride take a checkbook and go out and buy a vehicle on her own?
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Richard
Thanks. I will try it if I get a chance to at all. I think I could justify taking one out for a test drive if I was honestly in the market for a new car. I don't think I would be taking advantage of a poor salesman, because, if I was impressed the salesman would make a sale...it's a long shot, but I know I could be a potential buyer (just like the people with the Suburu)..
If you get the chance it just would be an interesting exercise, to try a car that really will be different. You may be unimpressed. But, as I have said before, I loved my Jeep, and I was skeptical the X3 could be that big of a deal.....but, one test drive and all my previous thoughts about cars being about the same went out the window.
Maybe I should check Craigslist and see if I could start bidding for a chance to buy a test drive in a Town Car.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Don't be silly. Women can't buy cars. We're too busy concentrating on things like kittens & knitting. :P
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
As you say, the Flex did receive many positive comments. It remains on our short list. Thanks again.
Richard
So, how many socks have you knitted for your kittens while waiting for a busy sales person to help you? :shades:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Why does it have to “fit our new age”? As long as it fits you and of course Mrs. Richard, that’s all that matters. I think you can schmooze her into seeing your side of it. When I was done with Mrs. jmonroe, I had her thinking it was her idea to buy the Genny and in her favorite color too.
Personally, I think you gave up too soon.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Richard
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I could probably have talked her into it, but I want her to enjoy the purchase. To tell you the truth, I was surprised that she didn't want one. She loved the old '89 as much as I did. Go figure.
Richard
Richard
Richard
A couple times I have been to Costco and I can't fit the plant/desk/TV into the back of the SUV, and had to borrow a truck
or
spring/fall at the lawn and garden shop, getting bark/mulch etc, a small bed is nice
or
taking the lawn mower in for some work
All of these are edge cases at best I know, and really none of them warrant a real truck...and I did try to use them to "justify" the Avalanche...
It's always fun when people start talking to themselves!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
My first choice for just about any vehicle would be RWD based.
So, my Explorer is basically RWD with the 4WD added up front.
I also prefer a V8 engine.
Other than the traditional Tahoe, Expedition, up to 2010 Explorer, Armada, Sequoia, and a few others, the newer ones are all FWD based with AWD added out back.
You may not even be looking at a 4WD/AWD vehicle. I think a lot of posters are making the assumption that you are looking at 4WD/AWD.
I like it because many of our roads were originally designed by the Pilgrim's cows, so the are not best design. Also I have to drive uphill to leave work, and the city is not too prompt about plowing when it snows.
A couple of other things:
Is step in height a big consideration? My FIL won't even attempt to get in my Explorer anymore. He says he can still manage my wife's Escape, but prefers the Fusion because the seat is lower, although it has a very wide door sill.
Is load height in the back of the vehicle an issue for you? Could make a difference unloading your antiques or some luggage.
thought I was replying to Isell. That is what I get for posting at work...
:shades:
There seems to be a problem with server coordination. Usually doing a page refresh brings the emotorcons back.
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
I once tried to trade in a car and the dealership said that they couldn't give us much for our car as the transmission was about to go. I decided not to buy a car at that time and drove that car about another 100K miles with no transmission issues.
As soon as they said the tranny was about to go they lost the sale. All they did was drive the car around the lot and that tranny was acting perfectly since the day I bought that car to the day I traded it in.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Nope, that doesn't seem to help.
It really cramps my writing style not to have the emotorcons.
I should get a pro-rated refund. :sick:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I guess those guys have esp! I think if they can tell you that you need a new transmission just from a test drive then you know it is time to look for another dealership.
That dealership deserved a nasty posting at Yelp!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
But, of course, it "onlyu needs a charge"
He's mentioned before that he doesn't care about 4X4/AWD.
After trying unsuccessfully to trade in (for a fair dollar value) my Z-28 Pro Street I listed it on ebay. 166 hits and not one phone call the first 4 days. Then a call.
Guy was 60 miles away and wanted to see it that day. All it takes is 1.
He offered 500 less to which I said No.
As if it was meant to be he said OK, your price is fine and it really is nice.
I guess it was a good deal for both of us because as I was driving to meet him halfway for delivery I had the stereo cranked and sort of was thinking if he was a no show I wouldn't be all that disappointed. The $500 deposit was nothing to me, and I would have returned it no questions asked if he wanted to back out. He was there waiting for me with the rest of the cash (and I'm always early). I went over stereo controls, convertible top function, etc. He drove off happy as could be with the top down (as expected).Tomorrow I turn off insurance and return plates to DMV. Empty place in garage looks sad, but my key fob is smaller.
To be continued...
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali