I considered, and still do consider the unreliability of my '95 Neon to have been criminal fraud by the designers, engineers, assemblers, management/ownership, and builders of the car.
Where have I heard this before - sounds familiar! 😩
Not enough times I'm sure
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
I still find lease prices fascinating, how wildly different cars (and stickers) can end up costing the same, and sometimes the much nicer unit is real dollar cheaper. And since you are just "renting" it, only the payment matters.
I still browse Honcker just to see what is being pushed. Right now on deals of the day, there is a Compass Lattitude and Forester sport. Almost the exact same MSRP, but the Sube is $386 and the Jeep $191. Though $700 more up front so effectively about $170 less per month. Or a CRV EX-L in the middle at $273, so still $100 less per month (and that stickers for a couple grand more).
I was surprised to see a CRV that (relatively) cheap on Honcker. When I shopped them last December, lease prices were decidedly mediocre. Guess they have units to move! I mentioned it to the wife, and she asked "isn't that the one with the bad engine?" Which I finally figured out meant the CVT that she did not care for. So I think a CRV is not on her list.
I do have people take me up on offer to help. Sometimes they even listen and end up with deals I sketch out (rough parameters). I helped (with lots of trade value input from QB) my SIL get an RDX 3 years ago. that lease is up in October/November, and she is bugging me to come up and help play the bad cop in her shopping (she needs no help grinding on her own!). I think I will stay home and just supply suggested pricing on whatever she is interested in. Likely a new RDX to fit what she wants, even though she will have to accept a much, much higher payment. So we shall see. Saw her at the beach in July and gave her a short shopping list to look at.
I was OK with how it drove, and it was very functional and practical, but I could not overcome the gas in the oil issue. Even though I would have leased it, still bugged me.
there is not much in that class now that I am really interested in. Did like the CX5. Rav 4, looks good, but from what I have read, not for us. Wife won't like the Forester. Nix to the Rogue. The Santa Fe could work (though I think of it as a size up) but gets pricey to get a nice one with the turbo motor. Not doing Kia version.. Not a Jeep fan. She won't consider a Ford, and I don't like the Equinox. And I think that is about it.
Wife somehow became a badge snob anyway. Never should have bought her an Acura!
Actually though, even for the "mainstream" brands, by the time you upgrade to the trim level and option packages to get all the goodies you want, MSRP is approaching the near luxury level anyway. And sometimes leasing, the fancier car can cost less per month.
It has a Hagerty agreed value policy for $7500. Realistically, I should take such a price, as I have seen nicer ones bring less, but at the same time, mine is a great color, is roadworthy, and is a desirable model (fuel injected). But would I sell for that? Likely not - the car has far too much sentimental value now, and I'd be stricken with seller's remorse until the end. The car was my everyday car when I was a student, and it holds a lot of memories of people and events long in the past. I've also "known" the car since I was maybe 14, as I lived in a small town, and would see it out on the road now and then. The car is also immense fun for the money it takes to keep it on the road, driving it is a very content experience, and it gets positive attention like few other cars.
I was OK with how it drove, and it was very functional and practical, but I could not overcome the gas in the oil issue. Even though I would have leased it, still bugged me.
there is not much in that class now that I am really interested in. Did like the CX5. Rav 4, looks good, but from what I have read, not for us. Wife won't like the Forester. Nix to the Rogue. The Santa Fe could work (though I think of it as a size up) but gets pricey to get a nice one with the turbo motor. Not doing Kia version.. Not a Jeep fan. She won't consider a Ford, and I don't like the Equinox. And I think that is about it.
Wife somehow became a badge snob anyway. Never should have bought her an Acura!
Actually though, even for the "mainstream" brands, by the time you upgrade to the trim level and option packages to get all the goodies you want, MSRP is approaching the near luxury level anyway. And sometimes leasing, the fancier car can cost less per month.
You could always get the 2.4L motor. I hear the oil/gas problem was only on the 1.5L turbo.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
The current Hyundai Santa Fe is actually decent. Ironically, some reviewers preferred its non turbo 4 stating the turbo was too punchy (or something like that). The Santa Fe is nice inside, so maybe your wife would like it.
The current Hyundai Santa Fe is actually decent. Ironically, some reviewers preferred its non turbo 4 stating the turbo was too punchy (or something like that). The Santa Fe is nice inside, so maybe your wife would like it.
Is that the engine jointly developed with Chrysler and Mitsu?
176hp seems a bit weak for a car that can weight over 3700 pounds.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
It has a Hagerty agreed value policy for $7500. Realistically, I should take such a price, as I have seen nicer ones bring less, but at the same time, mine is a great color, is roadworthy, and is a desirable model (fuel injected). But would I sell for that? Likely not - the car has far too much sentimental value now, and I'd be stricken with seller's remorse until the end. The car was my everyday car when I was a student, and it holds a lot of memories of people and events long in the past. I've also "known" the car since I was maybe 14, as I lived in a small town, and would see it out on the road now and then. The car is also immense fun for the money it takes to keep it on the road, driving it is a very content experience, and it gets positive attention like few other cars.
Saw her at the beach in July and gave her a short shopping list to look at.
When will she have time to test drive 17 mid size SUVs?
short list for her, not me!
after talking to her, and knowing her opinions and predjudices, it really is a short list. Pretty much get a new RDX to eat the beaten up over miles on her current RDX. there isn't much else that would fit her criteria really, even without factoring in having an Acura lease turn in. Now, if she was willing to drive a Murano or something like that, different story!
Basically a brand snob that won't buy German. Really cuts down the options.
I was OK with how it drove, and it was very functional and practical, but I could not overcome the gas in the oil issue. Even though I would have leased it, still bugged me.
there is not much in that class now that I am really interested in. Did like the CX5. Rav 4, looks good, but from what I have read, not for us. Wife won't like the Forester. Nix to the Rogue. The Santa Fe could work (though I think of it as a size up) but gets pricey to get a nice one with the turbo motor. Not doing Kia version.. Not a Jeep fan. She won't consider a Ford, and I don't like the Equinox. And I think that is about it.
Wife somehow became a badge snob anyway. Never should have bought her an Acura!
Actually though, even for the "mainstream" brands, by the time you upgrade to the trim level and option packages to get all the goodies you want, MSRP is approaching the near luxury level anyway. And sometimes leasing, the fancier car can cost less per month.
You could always get the 2.4L motor. I hear the oil/gas problem was only on the 1.5L turbo.
no way we are buying a base model (LX) CRV. that is a non starter!
The current Hyundai Santa Fe is actually decent. Ironically, some reviewers preferred its non turbo 4 stating the turbo was too punchy (or something like that). The Santa Fe is nice inside, so maybe your wife would like it.
it is a nice car. I think I would take the punchy engine to get a lot more power.
we definitely will take a look at one. Could be an RDX replacement for 10k less money.
Saw her at the beach in July and gave her a short shopping list to look at.
When will she have time to test drive 17 mid size SUVs?
short list for her, not me!
after talking to her, and knowing her opinions and predjudices, it really is a short list. Pretty much get a new RDX to eat the beaten up over miles on her current RDX. there isn't much else that would fit her criteria really, even without factoring in having an Acura lease turn in. Now, if she was willing to drive a Murano or something like that, different story!
Basically a brand snob that won't buy German. Really cuts down the options.
I should suggest an NX. forgot all about those. Odd, since that was my 2nd choice if I did not get the TLX!
Infiniti could work. One of her favorite previous leases was the pouncing panther Infiniti (the midsized one, which I can't recall the model name),
one issue is she will be over miles, and have a big of "patina" on it, so likely has to eat a fair bit of cash to just give it back and walk away. At least getting another Acura, that should all get swept under the rug.
The current Hyundai Santa Fe is actually decent. Ironically, some reviewers preferred its non turbo 4 stating the turbo was too punchy (or something like that). The Santa Fe is nice inside, so maybe your wife would like it.
it is a nice car. I think I would take the punchy engine to get a lot more power.
we definitely will take a look at one. Could be an RDX replacement for 10k less money.
They have been getting some bad press up here. Fires and engine failures across the lineup for Hyundai, along with lots of exploding glass sunroofs on the Santa Fe.
interesting. early on I just worry about what we like and fits requirements. then take a drive. If it makes the short, short list, I do a deeper dive looking for any potential problem areas. That is where I stumbled on the CRV engine issue.
Current CRV has had several recalls while improved competition has come out, so maybe it makes some sense.
We have a 2018 CR-V EX AWD that we bought new. No recalls for our CR-V. No problems with it either. Engine works well with good acceleration, but the engine noise is somewhat raw when flooring it. No oil problems that we are aware of. Honda has voluntarily extended the engine warranty, which we found out about in a letter we got a week or so ago.
Saw her at the beach in July and gave her a short shopping list to look at.
When will she have time to test drive 17 mid size SUVs?
short list for her, not me!
after talking to her, and knowing her opinions and predjudices, it really is a short list. Pretty much get a new RDX to eat the beaten up over miles on her current RDX. there isn't much else that would fit her criteria really, even without factoring in having an Acura lease turn in. Now, if she was willing to drive a Murano or something like that, different story!
Basically a brand snob that won't buy German. Really cuts down the options.
What do the numbers look like for an RDX lease? What model is the minimum that works for you? I think there's an Acura "loyalty" incentive going on right now that you'd qualify for.
My wife found another 1 class convertible in a color she liked, white with a light interior. we went to see it and it looked near perfect, just like it got off the showroom floor. The body had no imperfections and the interior was clean with no signs of much wear and tear. The car was comfortable and drove well with no undue noises from the engine. This car seemed perfect and at a decent price. At the end of the test drive we put the top up and that's where things began to fall apart, literally. As the top goes up and the frame starts to unfold there is this one piece of trim on top of the rear window trim that's supposed to retract a bit to allow for the tops frame to flex, well it didn't and that whole piece of trim along the rear window popped out. Getting out of the car and looking at the top you could see that the rear window was coming apart from the top. I was a bit amazed that it was still attached as it looked like it would fall out at any time.
They told us that they would get it all fixed and I pretty much said ok then we can discuss a sale, until then we can wait. I mean really such an obvious issue and they didn't fix it before putting it out for sale?
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Not sure if it changed, but you could get an MDX for a cheaper payment
That was true for a bit. Might not be now but they are close.
We would want a tech model. That’s the minimum level I would take. No need for aa spec this time (wife would prefer leather interior anyway I think). Ultimate is overkill mostly and I wouldn’t spend extra on it.
For a $43-44k tech, looking at the mid-$500s I think with just tax/dmv kinda stuff up front. Close to $600 sign and drive.
Snake, sometimes they just didn’t notice (and depends on who and when the top got used). And it is possible that you had the bad (or here, good) luck to have it break during your test drive.
Positive note, once fixed, you shouldn’t have to worry about it!
Snake, sometimes they just didn’t notice (and depends on who and when the top got used). And it is possible that you had the bad (or here, good) luck to have it break during your test drive.
Positive note, once fixed, you shouldn’t have to worry about it!
I may believe that the trim popping out is a brand new issue but that back window was so far gone that it wasn't a new issue and was very noticeable.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
For a $43-44k tech, looking at the mid-$500s I think with just tax/dmv kinda stuff up front. Close to $600 sign and drive.
To me that's just too high and brings up too many other really nice SUVs. You could probably get an X3 40i or full boat XC60 for that monthly.
Yup. Though an XC60 is even higher, though if I troll the loaner row (maybe a broker) might get something to work. And maybe a 30i loaner for less, but I doubt a40i.
I mostly have just been cruising Honcker as my baseline comparison tool.
I’ve never talked to a broker. Probably makes it hard to trade in too! Or do they just set up the deal, and you go in to sign and take delivery like any other purchase? So could throw a trade in at the end?
Honcker has a T6 r for $530/month but that’s $58.5 sticker, and $4,000 DAS.
interesting. early on I just worry about what we like and fits requirements. then take a drive. If it makes the short, short list, I do a deeper dive looking for any potential problem areas. That is where I stumbled on the CRV engine issue.
I'm glad this isn't on a GM car. The posts about it would be continual. But Honda--no problem. Minor.LOL
And Hyundai too?
Actually, as I've said before, cars are going to have problems. Some get hidden. Some get emphasized for automobile-political reasons.
Reminds me of morning talk guy on radio in Cincy. He bragged about his Japanese cars and even advertised for one "premium" brand of same. He occasionally mentions their CRV and how it's got over 100K miles (my Cobalt has 142,000 mi). But now he has European cars. His Honda has had the AC grenade and the door handle break off. But no problem in his mind.
His Honda has had the AC grenade and the door handle break off. But no problem in his mind.
I know someone who has an Odyssey minivan. I'm thinking it's mid 2000s. It is certainly during the "fragile" transmission era.
He was bragging about how it has nearly 250K and is a great beater vehicle. I said, wow 250K. Original trans? Oh no, it's on it's third but its so reliable and just keeps going. I was really was speechless.
If it was a domestic it would have been labeled a total POS.
Makes no sense to trade on a lease in most cases. Sell your car to carvana and keep the lease deal clean.
In NJ you get the same sales tax credit on a trade that you do on a purchase. So on a $400/month lease it’s potentially $1,000-1,200 savings. Definitely worth trying. If the trade offer is less than carvana-savings, no reason to do it. On a purchase you can transfer your plates, but not if getting a lease. Those have to be new.
Comments
Wife wants Seapointe Village ... nearly 400K with $500 month association fees. Um, no.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
That math is hard to believe!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
I still browse Honcker just to see what is being pushed. Right now on deals of the day, there is a Compass Lattitude and Forester sport. Almost the exact same MSRP, but the Sube is $386 and the Jeep $191. Though $700 more up front so effectively about $170 less per month. Or a CRV EX-L in the middle at $273, so still $100 less per month (and that stickers for a couple grand more).
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I told him he needs to shop elsewhere if that’s his payment budget.
He just got her a CRV, I would hate to see that lease. I didn’t ask!
I’m done offering help...
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
I do have people take me up on offer to help. Sometimes they even listen and end up with deals I sketch out (rough parameters). I helped (with lots of trade value input from QB) my SIL get an RDX 3 years ago. that lease is up in October/November, and she is bugging me to come up and help play the bad cop in her shopping (she needs no help grinding on her own!). I think I will stay home and just supply suggested pricing on whatever she is interested in. Likely a new RDX to fit what she wants, even though she will have to accept a much, much higher payment. So we shall see. Saw her at the beach in July and gave her a short shopping list to look at.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
there is not much in that class now that I am really interested in. Did like the CX5. Rav 4, looks good, but from what I have read, not for us. Wife won't like the Forester. Nix to the Rogue. The Santa Fe could work (though I think of it as a size up) but gets pricey to get a nice one with the turbo motor. Not doing Kia version.. Not a Jeep fan. She won't consider a Ford, and I don't like the Equinox. And I think that is about it.
Wife somehow became a badge snob anyway. Never should have bought her an Acura!
Actually though, even for the "mainstream" brands, by the time you upgrade to the trim level and option packages to get all the goodies you want, MSRP is approaching the near luxury level anyway. And sometimes leasing, the fancier car can cost less per month.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
When will she have time to test drive 17 mid size SUVs?
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
176hp seems a bit weak for a car that can weight over 3700 pounds.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
after talking to her, and knowing her opinions and predjudices, it really is a short list. Pretty much get a new RDX to eat the beaten up over miles on her current RDX. there isn't much else that would fit her criteria really, even without factoring in having an Acura lease turn in. Now, if she was willing to drive a Murano or something like that, different story!
Basically a brand snob that won't buy German. Really cuts down the options.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
we definitely will take a look at one. Could be an RDX replacement for 10k less money.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Lexus NX300?
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Infiniti could work. One of her favorite previous leases was the pouncing panther Infiniti (the midsized one, which I can't recall the model name),
one issue is she will be over miles, and have a big of "patina" on it, so likely has to eat a fair bit of cash to just give it back and walk away. At least getting another Acura, that should all get swept under the rug.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Not sure if it changed, but you could get an MDX for a cheaper payment
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
They told us that they would get it all fixed and I pretty much said ok then we can discuss a sale, until then we can wait. I mean really such an obvious issue and they didn't fix it before putting it out for sale?
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
We would want a tech model. That’s the minimum level I would take. No need for aa spec this time (wife would prefer leather interior anyway I think). Ultimate is overkill mostly and I wouldn’t spend extra on it.
For a $43-44k tech, looking at the mid-$500s I think with just tax/dmv kinda stuff up front. Close to $600 sign and drive.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Positive note, once fixed, you shouldn’t have to worry about it!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
To me that's just too high and brings up too many other really nice SUVs. You could probably get an X3 40i or full boat XC60 for that monthly.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I mostly have just been cruising Honcker as my baseline comparison tool.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
$56k T6 R-design broker deal roughly $542 with just first payment
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Honcker has a T6 r for $530/month but that’s $58.5 sticker, and $4,000 DAS.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
I never have either, but from what I've read this is how it is done.
The guy I spoke to from Boston was awesome and I could certainly see why many people choose to deal with them.
In the end I was able to get virtually the same deal w/o one, but it took a decent amount of leg work (well, email and phone work)
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
And Hyundai too?
Actually, as I've said before, cars are going to have problems. Some get hidden. Some get emphasized for automobile-political reasons.
Reminds me of morning talk guy on radio in Cincy. He bragged about his Japanese cars and even advertised for one "premium" brand of same. He occasionally mentions their CRV and how it's got over 100K miles (my Cobalt has 142,000 mi). But now he has European cars. His Honda has had the AC grenade and the door handle break off. But no problem in his mind.
https://www.consumerreports.org/car-repair-maintenance/honda-cr-v-affected-by-engine-trouble/
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I know someone who has an Odyssey minivan. I'm thinking it's mid 2000s. It is certainly during the "fragile" transmission era.
He was bragging about how it has nearly 250K and is a great beater vehicle. I said, wow 250K. Original trans? Oh no, it's on it's third but its so reliable and just keeps going. I was really was speechless.
If it was a domestic it would have been labeled a total POS.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.