@explorerx4 said: @qbrozen,
Just make sure your insurance company knows the Escape will spend most of it's time in SC, if that turns out ot be the case.
Posted about that previously. It took some discussion with them but they did it.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I am having a second guess regarding leasing the Tesla vs. financing it. There is talk of any new EV tax credits being retroactive to 5/24/2021, if the bill passes, which is why I'm debating. Here is the breakdown in my head.
Lease: Minimal upfront, only paying part of the sales tax, pretty easy flip to a dealer assuming values stay up. If the tax credits pass retroactively, could depress values and make it harder to sell.
Buy: Large downpayment upfront, full sales tax (add $2500 over lease cost), lower interest rate vs. the lease. I'm left holding the bag on values, but potential $7500 windfall if the EV tax credits go retroactive.
Need to decide quite soon....like this morning...
In other news, value of the Outback from Carmax is up to $37,000...
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
I am having a second guess regarding leasing the Tesla vs. financing it. There is talk of any new EV tax credits being retroactive to 5/24/2021, if the bill passes, which is why I'm debating. Here is the breakdown in my head.
Lease: Minimal upfront, only paying part of the sales tax, pretty easy flip to a dealer assuming values stay up. If the tax credits pass retroactively, could depress values and make it harder to sell.
Buy: Large downpayment upfront, full sales tax (add $2500 over lease cost), lower interest rate vs. the lease. I'm left holding the bag on values, but potential $7500 windfall if the EV tax credits go retroactive.
Need to decide quite soon....like this morning...
In other news, value of the Outback from Carmax is up to $37,000...
I'd run the total cost on each assuming 75% RV after 2 yrs. I know right now it is more like 99%, lol. But I wouldn't count on it. You'll probably find buying to be better given the lower interest. It would be even better if, like you said, the $7500 falls your way. Granted, though, the $7500 would hurt the value since buyers would turn back to new Teslas rather than used. But once the new incentive is used up (again), that will change.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I am having a second guess regarding leasing the Tesla vs. financing it. There is talk of any new EV tax credits being retroactive to 5/24/2021, if the bill passes, which is why I'm debating. Here is the breakdown in my head.
Lease: Minimal upfront, only paying part of the sales tax, pretty easy flip to a dealer assuming values stay up. If the tax credits pass retroactively, could depress values and make it harder to sell.
Buy: Large downpayment upfront, full sales tax (add $2500 over lease cost), lower interest rate vs. the lease. I'm left holding the bag on values, but potential $7500 windfall if the EV tax credits go retroactive.
Need to decide quite soon....like this morning...
In other news, value of the Outback from Carmax is up to $37,000...
If this bill passes, what does that mean for those of us waiting to take delivery of a 4xE Wrangler? Asking for a friend:)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
I am having a second guess regarding leasing the Tesla vs. financing it. There is talk of any new EV tax credits being retroactive to 5/24/2021, if the bill passes, which is why I'm debating. Here is the breakdown in my head.
Lease: Minimal upfront, only paying part of the sales tax, pretty easy flip to a dealer assuming values stay up. If the tax credits pass retroactively, could depress values and make it harder to sell.
Buy: Large downpayment upfront, full sales tax (add $2500 over lease cost), lower interest rate vs. the lease. I'm left holding the bag on values, but potential $7500 windfall if the EV tax credits go retroactive.
Need to decide quite soon....like this morning...
In other news, value of the Outback from Carmax is up to $37,000...
If this bill passes, what does that mean for those of us waiting to take delivery of a 4xE Wrangler? Asking for a friend:)
You already get the $7500 being passed on via CCAP through the existing tax credits. If for some reason your delivery pushed into 2022, you might end up eligible for an additional $4k if CCAP tried to pass it on. Unclear whether that will happen.
All of this is hypothetical, of course...
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
Got distracted again. Really need to somehow find a respectable used truck for not too much money to go along with a used car. But they are so hard to find.
A benefit though, no issues getting a full sized beast, if you only use it when you need that!
I still think Model 3 values will hold for awhile regardless of the credit situation. An SR+ ordered today already has an estimated May delivery time, and would go way further out with an additional credit available. There are plenty of people that won't be able to wait that long.
I'm still impressed you were able to get one, period.
Assuming a 75% residual in 24 months, it's almost a dead heat for TCO ($18,418 for leasing, $18, 268 for purchase with 72 month financing @ 2.49%). But that almost makes the decision even more clear cut, IMO, since owning offers more flexibility AND there is a potential of a $7500 windfall...
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
So, I'm on an Audi TT kick right now. Does anyone know what a fair deal on this would be? The closest 2008 V6 convertible comp I can find is $19K, but other sources like KBB say $17K max.
In this market if you find exactly what you want it's worth a premium. VW dealership had 1 Jetta, 1 GLI, 1 Taos.
The 1.4T in the Jetta impressed me as it simulated the feel of a 1.8T nicely, but without the extra size/weight up front.
Only car I drove was the Jetta SEL, but I looked at the Taos. It appears to be the upgrade at VW as compared to economy Jetta, in fact, it's the Alltrack replacement (has 4-Motion AWD), just more SUV and higher roof like, and without the more premium Golf interior. It now has a "tall" Jetta interior, which was fine, but not quite premium like. It has a 7-speed DSG and a 1.5T instead of a 1.4 (curious if anyone here has driven a 1.5T at VW?)?
The Jetta has the solid but slushy 8-speed auto similar to the Tiguan.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
I am having a second guess regarding leasing the Tesla vs. financing it. There is talk of any new EV tax credits being retroactive to 5/24/2021, if the bill passes, which is why I'm debating. Here is the breakdown in my head.
Lease: Minimal upfront, only paying part of the sales tax, pretty easy flip to a dealer assuming values stay up. If the tax credits pass retroactively, could depress values and make it harder to sell.
Buy: Large downpayment upfront, full sales tax (add $2500 over lease cost), lower interest rate vs. the lease. I'm left holding the bag on values, but potential $7500 windfall if the EV tax credits go retroactive.
Need to decide quite soon....like this morning...
In other news, value of the Outback from Carmax is up to $37,000...
If this bill passes, what does that mean for those of us waiting to take delivery of a 4xE Wrangler? Asking for a friend:)
You already get the $7500 being passed on via CCAP through the existing tax credits. If for some reason your delivery pushed into 2022, you might end up eligible for an additional $4k if CCAP tried to pass it on. Unclear whether that will happen.
All of this is hypothetical, of course...
Gotcha. Hypothetically my wife's Jeep should be here in the next 2ish weeks. Last I heard it was in Final Inspection Stage.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
I am having a second guess regarding leasing the Tesla vs. financing it. There is talk of any new EV tax credits being retroactive to 5/24/2021, if the bill passes, which is why I'm debating. Here is the breakdown in my head.
Lease: Minimal upfront, only paying part of the sales tax, pretty easy flip to a dealer assuming values stay up. If the tax credits pass retroactively, could depress values and make it harder to sell.
Buy: Large downpayment upfront, full sales tax (add $2500 over lease cost), lower interest rate vs. the lease. I'm left holding the bag on values, but potential $7500 windfall if the EV tax credits go retroactive.
Need to decide quite soon....like this morning...
In other news, value of the Outback from Carmax is up to $37,000...
If this bill passes, what does that mean for those of us waiting to take delivery of a 4xE Wrangler? Asking for a friend:)
You already get the $7500 being passed on via CCAP through the existing tax credits. If for some reason your delivery pushed into 2022, you might end up eligible for an additional $4k if CCAP tried to pass it on. Unclear whether that will happen.
All of this is hypothetical, of course...
Gotcha. Hypothetically my wife's Jeep should be here in the next 2ish weeks. Last I heard it was in Final Inspection Stage.
Then you're good - I think Mike's dealer locks in the rates and everything, so you'll still get the $7500 rebate. Wildcard would be if someone got one next year, assuming these rebates pass (no guarantees), whether CCAP would pass along up to the full $12,500 they're talking about. That'd be some wild leasing...
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
I am having a second guess regarding leasing the Tesla vs. financing it. There is talk of any new EV tax credits being retroactive to 5/24/2021, if the bill passes, which is why I'm debating. Here is the breakdown in my head.
Lease: Minimal upfront, only paying part of the sales tax, pretty easy flip to a dealer assuming values stay up. If the tax credits pass retroactively, could depress values and make it harder to sell.
Buy: Large downpayment upfront, full sales tax (add $2500 over lease cost), lower interest rate vs. the lease. I'm left holding the bag on values, but potential $7500 windfall if the EV tax credits go retroactive.
Need to decide quite soon....like this morning...
In other news, value of the Outback from Carmax is up to $37,000...
If this bill passes, what does that mean for those of us waiting to take delivery of a 4xE Wrangler? Asking for a friend:)
You already get the $7500 being passed on via CCAP through the existing tax credits. If for some reason your delivery pushed into 2022, you might end up eligible for an additional $4k if CCAP tried to pass it on. Unclear whether that will happen.
All of this is hypothetical, of course...
Gotcha. Hypothetically my wife's Jeep should be here in the next 2ish weeks. Last I heard it was in Final Inspection Stage.
Then you're good - I think Mike's dealer locks in the rates and everything, so you'll still get the $7500 rebate. Wildcard would be if someone got one next year, assuming these rebates pass (no guarantees), whether CCAP would pass along up to the full $12,500 they're talking about. That'd be some wild leasing...
Can you imagine? Yes there has been a few price increases but with $12,500 down we’d be looking at what? $250/mo give or take depending on your taxes?
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
I am having a second guess regarding leasing the Tesla vs. financing it. There is talk of any new EV tax credits being retroactive to 5/24/2021, if the bill passes, which is why I'm debating. Here is the breakdown in my head.
Lease: Minimal upfront, only paying part of the sales tax, pretty easy flip to a dealer assuming values stay up. If the tax credits pass retroactively, could depress values and make it harder to sell.
Buy: Large downpayment upfront, full sales tax (add $2500 over lease cost), lower interest rate vs. the lease. I'm left holding the bag on values, but potential $7500 windfall if the EV tax credits go retroactive.
Need to decide quite soon....like this morning...
In other news, value of the Outback from Carmax is up to $37,000...
If this bill passes, what does that mean for those of us waiting to take delivery of a 4xE Wrangler? Asking for a friend:)
You already get the $7500 being passed on via CCAP through the existing tax credits. If for some reason your delivery pushed into 2022, you might end up eligible for an additional $4k if CCAP tried to pass it on. Unclear whether that will happen.
All of this is hypothetical, of course...
Gotcha. Hypothetically my wife's Jeep should be here in the next 2ish weeks. Last I heard it was in Final Inspection Stage.
Then you're good - I think Mike's dealer locks in the rates and everything, so you'll still get the $7500 rebate. Wildcard would be if someone got one next year, assuming these rebates pass (no guarantees), whether CCAP would pass along up to the full $12,500 they're talking about. That'd be some wild leasing...
Can you imagine? Yes there has been a few price increases but with $12,500 down we’d be looking at what? $250/mo give or take depending on your taxes?
I think one of three scenarios occurs: (1) The bill passes, the credit applies to leases, but CCAP chooses to hold some of it. (2) The bill passes, but the credit doesn't not apply entirely to leases. (3) The bill doesn't ever actually pass as written.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
Would the 4xe qualify for $12.5k? Does the proposed bill allow for PHEVs with only 22 miles of range to get the full amount?
Good question - I actually don't know; but I don't see anything about the union bonuses having a caveat like that...the only thing I saw was for the $7500 requiring a 15kwh battery, minimum. The 4xE has a 17.3.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
Speakers are a great starting point to upgrade audio. Typically they are the weak link.
Makes you wonder why a car manufacturer cheaps out so much on speakers but they have the best bean counters on earth so they must know what works and what doesn’t. Although it does make you scratch your head. Sometimes to balding.
jmonroe
I think the price pressures are sometimes huge. Long ago I read a book about the second generation Ford Taurus, the oval one that came out in 1996. Ford and the Taurus designers and engineers had thought that the car could sell at a premium price over other midsize cars, and they engineered some nice things into it assuming that. But when the car didn't perform that way in the market, they had to almost brutally go back and make the car cheaper by "value-engineering" lots of parts, trying to cut a couple of thousand dollars out of each car. For the standard stereo of a car I could see how in that situation they could switch from forty dollars worth of speakers (or whatever) to twenty dollars.
That actually also seemed to happen with my 2016 Honda Accord EX. That car had a rotten sound system, worse somehow than was found on my 2002 Accord LX. The bean counters had gotten to it, figuring I guess that those that cared about good sound would get the deluxe stereo on the EXL and above. That almost painful sounding stereo was one of the main reasons I traded that Accord in for my TLX, although in retrospect just putting in some better speakers might have fixed that issue. But there were other reasons I wanted to Acura....
Interesting is that my wife's EX CR-V has a good stereo. Sounds nice. Why would an EX CR-V sound good, while an EX Accord sounds bad? My guess is that it's because the CR-V is now Honda's best selling and most profitable vehicle. The CR-V is making more money for Honda, and so that team of engineers and bean counters are, I'm guessing, allowed to put in that extra $30 or whatever into the speakers.
I was not completely satisfied with the base sound system on the wife's 20018 Lacrosse so I decided to upgrade the 4 front and rear door speakers. I left the rear subwoofers and A-pillar tweeters. There was plenty of bass so I decided to leave those.
I Had a local auto body friend replace them with some high quality JBL speakers from Crutchfield and the results were much better but I still noticed some "tinniness". Upon investigation I found that the offending sounds were coming from the A-pillar tweeters. Deciding not to replace them I simply covered the grills with transparent self adhesive vinyl. The results were very satisfsfying with the highs coming from the front door speakers instead of the tweeters.
The overall sound is at least as good if not better than the Bose system in the wife's previous Chevy. I am especially impressed with bass produced from the original rear subwoofers.
I highly recommend upgrading base speakers in any vehicle without (or possibly even with) the premium sound upgrade. The original somewhat muddy sound with a lot of bass is now much clearer with a lot of bass.
Popped over to look at used BMW. Super clean, in and out. Belied the Carmax that had a couple of bumps on it. Nice car though, but it was in service 8/13, so already over 8 years old. Still hard to accept paying $19,500 for a nice but mainstream sedan that old. Local car, dealer maintained, but still getting to an age where will have some needs. But should be a nice car. Only 44k miles. Just missing sports seats, but we are generally fine with the base thrones, and my wife even prefers them.
Problem is, the same basic car but 2018 MY is probably $10k more with similar mileage. So maybe super low miles 14 is smarter, but it’s already close to 10 YO and at some point it’s considered an “old” car, and value could easily take a nose dive.
I'd worry about the service needs of a 2013 BMW. And some BMW 3-series cars of that era don't even have a back-up camera iirc. Plus no CarPlay/AA. 19.5k kinda makes sense in this soufflé market. The options currently are few and far between, both new and used. Vehicles are thin on the ground and overpriced.
I don’t actually need it either so browsing is low stress!
Always have the Maverick option which should eventually get produced. And a Honda dealer waiting on pricing and availability on a civic Si. Just in case I go a different direction.
I'd worry about the service needs of a 2013 BMW. And some BMW 3-series cars of that era don't even have a back-up camera iirc. Plus no CarPlay/AA. 19.5k kinda makes sense in this soufflé market. The options currently are few and far between, both new and used. Vehicles are thin on the ground and overpriced.
As I posted in RWTIV: If you know a good indie shop or dealer and have a CCA membership it's not bad at all. The running costs for my wife's X1 with the same engine have averaged $312/year. It would be even less if I didn't get the coolant and brake fluid changed more often than BMW recommends. There was a TSB for the early N20 timing chains. It might well have already been replaced on that car. BMW also extended the timing chain warranty to 7-year 70K miles.
As long as it has three mirrors I can do without a rear view camera. CarPlay is a non-issue for me, and FWIW, the vast majority of BMW buyers I dealt with preferred the OEM navigation over CarPlay- including acolytes of the Blessed Church of St. Jobs.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Somewhere in Acura's promo ads they said the Integra was "coming soon," and to me that would seem to mean a few months? I think the Civic Si is coming in December, and maybe the Integra will be three months after that? In one of the articles on the Integra it said Acura's already been working on it for more than four years, and so it should pretty much be done.
I wonder if you could drive the Maverick for some months, and then sell it to Carvana for the same money you paid for it, or maybe even pocket a small profit? And there might be a chance that you'll like it enough to keep it.
I don’t actually need it either so browsing is low stress!
Always have the Maverick option which should eventually get produced. And a Honda dealer waiting on pricing and availability on a civic Si. Just in case I go a different direction.
I may have missed it, do you have a delivery date for the Maverick?
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
last email I had from Ford bumped the build date back a week, to 11/1. so delivery would be, maybe end of November? That assumes no more delays.
the 2014 328 happened to have a BU camera, but true, a lot of expensive Euro cars even at that point still did not have a camera. No way I am buying something like that without one. Gotta draw a line someplace!
The Integra, I thought that was some non-committal "2022" so I assume maybe 4/1? But these days, who the heck knows when something will actually arrive.
Road & Track was less than enthused with the Mk8 GTI; it's a great track toy but irritating as a street car due to the obtuse touchscreen infotainment system and the capacitive touchpads on the wheel. I've read similar complaints in the European automotive press. I think a system that has only a touchscreen interface is at least as dangerous as those mouth breathers who drive using handheld phones.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Drove past a transporter filled with Mavericks on the freeway today. Just in case anyone in this group has had any interest in them, not sure, haven't seen many posts about it...
Popped over to look at used BMW. Super clean, in and out. Belied the Carmax that had a couple of bumps on it. Nice car though, but it was in service 8/13, so already over 8 years old. Still hard to accept paying $19,500 for a nice but mainstream sedan that old. Local car, dealer maintained, but still getting to an age where will have some needs. But should be a nice car. Only 44k miles. Just missing sports seats, but we are generally fine with the base thrones, and my wife even prefers them.
Problem is, the same basic car but 2018 MY is probably $10k more with similar mileage. So maybe super low miles 14 is smarter, but it’s already close to 10 YO and at some point it’s considered an “old” car, and value could easily take a nose dive.
I threw an offer at the 2008 Audi TT. They had a $695 "Dealer Prep Fee" plus a $300 "Dealer Doc Fee," so I put an offer of $19.5K all in, but they flat out said no. Oh well - they've had it for over two months, so we'll see if it sits.
Long story short, I may be interested in having you look at that 3 series @stickguy . Gonna take a look at one locally this weekend to make sure the 328i has enough pep for me.
It's the Oxmorons Dealer Group- what did you expect?
That reminds me, I'm going to have to ask Dad whether his Ranger that he bought there has that stupid, annoying, blinking third brake light, and whether he wants to remove the blinking function... He's already bought some sort of rear suspension upgrade to try to deal with what I'm assuming is some sort of axle hop on rough roads.
Drove the A3 after work today, new sneakers do make a big difference. Car tracked straight & true down the roads around our house, so think we're good for awhile now. Hopefully, both vehicles will behave going forward with no lights coming on in the dash. I do maybe 40 miles/week now and she's lucky if she gets up to 60, so think we're good for a long while here. Both vehicles could use a good detail as it's been about a year now, a friend gave me a guys number who does a good job at one's house. Think I'll give him a call & see what his prices are like to get them both done. The Golf's blue paint still looks good so won't take much to get it looking like new. Our rainy season is coming to an end so think the time has come to finally do both.
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Changed brake pads at all 4 corners on the van this morn. 2 hrs total, without a lift, jacking up one wheel at a time. Pads were $80. This is a job the dealer wanted $800 for.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Pirelli tires which came OEM on the vehicle from Audi. She had one tire get replaced in ear one due to it being unrepairable so we've been out of sync ever since. I'd have gone for a different brand and just of gotten all four but she wanted to keep what came on the vehicle, which I had no problem with. I's her d d and she needs to feel comfortable with everything about it, so I do what she wants. Now, she's happy again so I can be happy. And to be honest, the A3 is a nice little driver and meets all or needs. I'd have one myself but I want a hatch for those times I need to pick up mulch, lava rocks...whatever, and she likes a trunk. Also, don't really want two of the same vehicles in the garage but if it ever did happen, no prob really. But I will say this, doubt we'll buy/lease German next time around. Still waiting to try the new 2022 Corolla Cross but since it's a 5-door Corolla, think I'll feel right at home. The CH-R is also a strong contender if I can get a light interior to help down play that rear blind spot where the rear door handle is. With the black interior, it's a real issue for me but less so with a lighter interior. And I do prefer the white pearl paint. So, we shall see what the future brings. I'm finally ready to let go of the Golf, a long time coming as I truly have liked it overall. I just want something simple going forward, easy to drive and easy to maintain.
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Pirelli tires which came OEM on the vehicle from Audi. She had one tire get replaced in ear one due to it being unrepairable so we've been out of sync ever since. I'd have gone for a different brand and just of gotten all four but she wanted to keep what came on the vehicle, which I had no problem with. I's her d d and she needs to feel comfortable with everything about it, so I do what she wants. Now, she's happy again so I can be happy. And to be honest, the A3 is a nice little driver and meets all or needs. I'd have one myself but I want a hatch for those times I need to pick up mulch, lava rocks...whatever, and she likes a trunk. Also, don't really want two of the same vehicles in the garage but if it ever did happen, no prob really. But I will say this, doubt we'll buy/lease German next time around. Still waiting to try the new 2022 Corolla Cross but since it's a 5-door Corolla, think I'll feel right at home. The CH-R is also a strong contender if I can get a light interior to help down play that rear blind spot where the rear door handle is. With the black interior, it's a real issue for me but less so with a lighter interior. And I do prefer the white pearl paint. So, we shall see what the future brings. I'm finally ready to let go of the Golf, a long time coming as I truly have liked it overall. I just want something simple going forward, easy to drive and easy to maintain.
Get a vehicle that has good outward visibility. I had a car with huge blindspots and even with decent exterior mirrors I hated changing lanes, merging three lanes over, etc. Even with blind spot monitoring and other safety nannies there is no substitute for being able to see what’s around you.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Comments
Just make sure your insurance company knows the Escape will spend most of it's time in SC, if that turns out ot be the case.
Posted about that previously. It took some discussion with them but they did it.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Well the problem there was that it was an Equinox.
All this time and I never knew you were a hooptie collector like me.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Lease: Minimal upfront, only paying part of the sales tax, pretty easy flip to a dealer assuming values stay up. If the tax credits pass retroactively, could depress values and make it harder to sell.
Buy: Large downpayment upfront, full sales tax (add $2500 over lease cost), lower interest rate vs. the lease. I'm left holding the bag on values, but potential $7500 windfall if the EV tax credits go retroactive.
Need to decide quite soon....like this morning...
In other news, value of the Outback from Carmax is up to $37,000...
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
All of this is hypothetical, of course...
A benefit though, no issues getting a full sized beast, if you only use it when you need that!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I'm still impressed you were able to get one, period.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
The 1.4T in the Jetta impressed me as it simulated the feel of a 1.8T nicely, but without the extra size/weight up front.
Only car I drove was the Jetta SEL, but I looked at the Taos. It appears to be the upgrade at VW as compared to economy Jetta, in fact, it's the Alltrack replacement (has 4-Motion AWD), just more SUV and higher roof like, and without the more premium Golf interior. It now has a "tall" Jetta interior, which was fine, but not quite premium like. It has a 7-speed DSG and a 1.5T instead of a 1.4 (curious if anyone here has driven a 1.5T at VW?)?
The Jetta has the solid but slushy 8-speed auto similar to the Tiguan.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
(1) The bill passes, the credit applies to leases, but CCAP chooses to hold some of it.
(2) The bill passes, but the credit doesn't not apply entirely to leases.
(3) The bill doesn't ever actually pass as written.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I was not completely satisfied with the base sound system on the wife's 20018 Lacrosse so I decided to upgrade the 4 front and rear door speakers. I left the rear subwoofers and A-pillar tweeters. There was plenty of bass so I decided to leave those.
I Had a local auto body friend replace them with some high quality JBL speakers from Crutchfield and the results were much better but I still noticed some "tinniness". Upon investigation I found that the offending sounds were coming from the A-pillar tweeters. Deciding not to replace them I simply covered the grills with transparent self adhesive vinyl. The results were very satisfsfying with the highs coming from the front door speakers instead of the tweeters.
The overall sound is at least as good if not better than the Bose system in the wife's previous Chevy. I am especially impressed with bass produced from the original rear subwoofers.
I highly recommend upgrading base speakers in any vehicle without (or possibly even with) the premium sound upgrade. The original somewhat muddy sound with a lot of bass is now much clearer with a lot of bass.
How were you able to listen to a 20018 vehicle’s sound system? Time travel? Is this a DeLorean rather than a Buick?
Problem is, the same basic car but 2018 MY is probably $10k more with similar mileage. So maybe super low miles 14 is smarter, but it’s already close to 10 YO and at some point it’s considered an “old” car, and value could easily take a nose dive.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Values are so far out of whack, I'm glad I don't need a car.
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Always have the Maverick option which should eventually get produced. And a Honda dealer waiting on pricing and availability on a civic Si. Just in case I go a different direction.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
If you know a good indie shop or dealer and have a CCA membership it's not bad at all. The running costs for my wife's X1 with the same engine have averaged $312/year. It would be even less if I didn't get the coolant and brake fluid changed more often than BMW recommends. There was a TSB for the early N20 timing chains. It might well have already been replaced on that car. BMW also extended the timing chain warranty to 7-year 70K miles.
As long as it has three mirrors I can do without a rear view camera. CarPlay is a non-issue for me, and FWIW, the vast majority of BMW buyers I dealt with preferred the OEM navigation over CarPlay- including acolytes of the Blessed Church of St. Jobs.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I wonder if you could drive the Maverick for some months, and then sell it to Carvana for the same money you paid for it, or maybe even pocket a small profit? And there might be a chance that you'll like it enough to keep it.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
the 2014 328 happened to have a BU camera, but true, a lot of expensive Euro cars even at that point still did not have a camera. No way I am buying something like that without one. Gotta draw a line someplace!
The Integra, I thought that was some non-committal "2022" so I assume maybe 4/1? But these days, who the heck knows when something will actually arrive.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I always suggest low miles and older for those who drive a lot but newer with high miles of it will be driven little.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I threw an offer at the 2008 Audi TT. They had a $695 "Dealer Prep Fee" plus a $300 "Dealer Doc Fee," so I put an offer of $19.5K all in, but they flat out said no. Oh well - they've had it for over two months, so we'll see if it sits.
Long story short, I may be interested in having you look at that 3 series @stickguy . Gonna take a look at one locally this weekend to make sure the 328i has enough pep for me.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
and I have no problem skating you on it if I fall in love.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
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2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Changed brake pads at all 4 corners on the van this morn. 2 hrs total, without a lift, jacking up one wheel at a time. Pads were $80. This is a job the dealer wanted $800 for.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Now, she's happy again so I can be happy. And to be honest, the A3 is a nice little driver and meets all or needs. I'd have one myself but I want a hatch for those times I need to pick up mulch, lava rocks...whatever, and she likes a trunk. Also, don't really want two of the same vehicles in the garage but if it ever did happen, no prob really. But I will say this, doubt we'll buy/lease German next time around. Still waiting to try the new 2022 Corolla Cross but since it's a 5-door Corolla, think I'll feel right at home. The CH-R is also a strong contender if I can get a light interior to help down play that rear blind spot where the rear door handle is. With the black interior, it's a real issue for me but less so with a lighter interior. And I do prefer the white pearl paint. So, we shall see what the future brings. I'm finally ready to let go of the Golf, a long time coming as I truly have liked it overall. I just want something simple going forward, easy to drive and easy to maintain.
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech