Took the wagon in for winter tire switchover today, was able to hang around the dealer a bit. A couple of new for me spots on the showroom floor - first, new style SL63 AMG, 178K MSRP I think:
And its engine, a village of plastic covers:
EQB MSRP 63K I think, with a newly arrived special order (sold) G550 in the background - G was a fairly non-bling spec around 155K, which I prefer:
Probably not the newest thing, but I had a new style WRX sedan beside me in traffic today. Maybe I have overlooked them before, as for a split second I thought it was some kind of souped up Corolla
parked next to a nice brighter medium blue 3 series today. only realized it was unique when I read the badging. It was an i4 edrive40 (quite the mouthful). Interesting to see in the Hanaford supermarket parking lot!
I followed a Lucid Air into the garage today. One this stood out - the rear wrap-around window is all window, not a big black border around the edge. Visibility should be pretty good!
Saw another Rivian today, a few around now - still kind of "new" here as this is not a cutting edge market.
That reminds me, around the Seatac car rental center, I saw a couple of new HRV a couple weeks ago - very basic spec and a very bland looking car, apparently in rental fleets now.
Sorry, but think the new HR-V is about as boring as a vehicle can get...looks like a big egg rolling down the road! The previous model at least had some lines that made it look very much like a small SUV. Really liked it except for it's lack of oommph going down the road. The few I drove were really "meh" to be honest, it did nothing really that good. The Toyota Rav4 is so much better in every respect to be honest. With the new 2023, looks like Honda decided to make a very bland vehicle and don't think it'll sell very well...the Rav4 will probably leave it in the dust! Speaking of a bland vehicle, Toyota needs to blow up the Corolla playbook and start with something fresh & new for the market place. Boring is the best I could say about the current Corolla which needs a total makeover inside & out. Even the Nissan Sentra blows the Corolla away in the looks department. Looks, feels & drives like an old mans vehicle and they really need to start from scratch going forward. Folks like me who really like & want a smaller vehicle need something with some style and good driving dynamics, something the current Corolla does not possess. I know Toyota can fix this issue and hope they do soon as I'm going to be in the market in a year or two. And now, after driving the 2022 Corolla Cross, the only one I'd even consider is the hybrid model coming out in 2023. It really needs some more power off the line & up through the power band, the current CVT transmission isn't helping much either. In my case, I'd rather spend the extra bucks and go with the Mini Cooper Countryman at this point. It looks so much better & I think, drives so much better also. Sitting a little higher up is perfect for someone like myself and have to believe there are more folks like me who want a stylish & fun smaller vehicle to drive. And right now, the M C Countryman is at the top of my short list and I'd buy one tomorrow in the right color combo with certain features I won't compromise on. Those days are over, settling because I'd rather save a few bucks, because in the long run, I feel like I cheated myself to be honest. Knowing that this next vehicle I purchase could very well be my last one makes me not want to f-ck it up honestly!
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Maybe I'm out of the loop, but I saw an extremely rare oddball Nissan today, appeared to be brand new with temp license plates.
It was a Nissan Altima.... SR model.... you might say nothing odd or rare about that, but it also had an AWD label on the trunk back. Since when did Altima's offer AWD?
I know Nissan made some oddball AWD SUV's but don't think I've seen it on the Altima before.
'21 BMW X3 M40i, '15 Audi S4, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Look at that snow! Haven't seen any since I was in Baltimore in 1977. Left New York when I was just about to turn 15 so had experience living in snow country but still miss it to this day. Don't miss the cold weather, I'm freezing when it sometime gets down to the 40's here in South Florida, but think I could live in an area that had colder winters as long as we had heat in the house!
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Look at that snow! Haven't seen any since I was in Baltimore in 1977. Left New York when I was just about to turn 15 so had experience living in snow country but still miss it to this day. Don't miss the cold weather, I'm freezing when it sometime gets down to the 40's here in South Florida, but think I could live in an area that had colder winters as long as we had heat in the house!
And that was just an inch or two. Roads are all bare and dry now. We had constant snow for awhile in December, it was piling up - then we had a warm few weeks and 80% of it melted. It's back now, going to be cold next week, single digit lows. I like the snow, although how dirty it makes my car due to the love of sand/grit here irks me.
Yesterday, a black Lucid Air. Imposing, impressive.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Agreed, I don't even buy first model year cars from established marques!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
An Audi etron with Alaska plates in SC! @xwesx did you sneak by with a new ride incognito?
Sadly, no. And, I doubt that person actually drove out of Alaska with that car! Maybe, but it takes the patient driver to brave the journey out (unless they cheated and took the ferry to Bellingham)!
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
It looks nice to me. It’s a compact family car. Not much you can do with that without compromising functionality. And at least the front end doesn’t look like a razor toothed bass.
Fair point, Honda is finally slowly moving away from the underbite front end, and it also lacks the weird trim flourish on the C-pillar rear quarter window area of the sedans. It's a fine transportation pod, just invisible - but that can be better than offensive.
I don't know, all of the pseudo-butch cladding on so many CUVs (which have replaced traditional cars for many) can't be coincidence - at least some focus groups said they thought it was cool. Same for leering eye front ends - either bad designers have been given free reign, or someone thinks there is demand.
Drove past a couple of new Corolla Cross's earlier and they aren't that small to be honest. Smaller than the Rav4 but still, not a small vehicle. Have it on my short list but now, not so sure. If I do get one, think it'll have to be the hybrid model as just not ready to do an EV vehicle yet. Just don't think the U S is ready for us all to have them. Infrastructure just isn't ready yet & that might take many years to make them a viable alternative. As much as my driving style being a perfect candidate for one, just not ready to jump quite yet.
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
While I've seen lots of the trucks, today marked my first sighting of the Rivian R1s SUV in person. Launch green color. I like it. I'm sure more are coming soon - my own reservation is slated for Q4 this year.
Speaking of EVs, I've spotted 2 Lucid Airs in the past week. One was being taken for a test drive (it was labeled as such on the doors), and the other may have been a personal vehicle.
local Ford dealer, a maverick out front that looked to be getting delivered. and shortly after, another just out driving. I actually see a fair number of them around here.
Took the wagon in for annual service early today, browsed the dealer's selection. Pretty high spec stuff for this little dealership. They had an EQS SUV, EQE, and I think an EQB, but they were all outside for some reason, and it was cold, so I didn't look at them as closely as I should. EQS did have some kind of wacky wheels. Showroom had a S580 - 147K IIRC, not blinged out G550 with no sticker, an AMG GT sedan (oh, 4 door coupe), something like 160K, I think a GLE63 coupe, and a couple other GLE that I didn't look at. All appeared open - I sat in the S and the G. S is a big boat but so comfortable. G shares a lot of switchgear with my E, and in its non bling trim, I liked it, but the gallons per mile economy and price like a house in many areas makes it unrealistic.
I noticed no new C or E sedans in inventory, several CUV things of course.
I saw a Cadillac Lyriq for the first time last week. Well, I actually saw 5 of them. They must have been 2023 production, since March 20 was first day of 2024 production.
Oh, they were all on a transport going north. I couldn't figure out heading north because I thought they were made in Hamtramck MI. But now I read they're assembled in Spring Hill TN.
I saw a Cadillac Lyriq for the first time last week. Well, I actually saw 5 of them. They must have been 2023 production, since March 20 was first day of 2024 production.
Oh, they were all on a transport going north. I couldn't figure out heading north because I thought they were made in Hamtramck MI. But now I read they're assembled in Spring Hill TN.
I'm waiting to see a Lyriq - I kind of like what I see so far, seems to be a decent value proposition, and the styling is unique, maybe a modern bustleback (I like bustlebacks) or an American Citroen.
New design Honda HRV. not bad looking. Much different though. more jelly bean. actually reminded me I think of one of the small Mercedes CUVs. From the rear at least.
New design Honda HRV. not bad looking. Much different though. more jelly bean. actually reminded me I think of one of the small Mercedes CUVs. From the rear at least.
I wonder if they have a new engine? The old HR-V is slloooooowwwww.
Ugly is the first word I thought of when I saw the new Honda HR-V...awful looking! Prefer the old style better. And will agree that the couple I've driven at work have been super slow, doubt I could live with one. And the new one is actually bigger now. This expression is what I thought of first time I saw the new one..."you can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig"!
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Comments
Then, about two hours later, saw a Rivian R1T in my town. Not many chargers here, so he is probably charging at home mostly.
And its engine, a village of plastic covers:
EQB MSRP 63K I think, with a newly arrived special order (sold) G550 in the background - G was a fairly non-bling spec around 155K, which I prefer:
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
That reminds me, around the Seatac car rental center, I saw a couple of new HRV a couple weeks ago - very basic spec and a very bland looking car, apparently in rental fleets now.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Speaking of a bland vehicle, Toyota needs to blow up the Corolla playbook and start with something fresh & new for the market place. Boring is the best I could say about the current Corolla which needs a total makeover inside & out. Even the Nissan Sentra blows the Corolla away in the looks department. Looks, feels & drives like an old mans vehicle and they really need to start from scratch going forward. Folks like me who really like & want a smaller vehicle need something with some style and good driving dynamics, something the current Corolla does not possess. I know Toyota can fix this issue and hope they do soon as I'm going to be in the market in a year or two. And now, after driving the 2022 Corolla Cross, the only one I'd even consider is the hybrid model coming out in 2023. It really needs some more power off the line & up through the power band, the current CVT transmission isn't helping much either. In my case, I'd rather spend the extra bucks and go with the Mini Cooper Countryman at this point. It looks so much better & I think, drives so much better also. Sitting a little higher up is perfect for someone like myself and have to believe there are more folks like me who want a stylish & fun smaller vehicle to drive. And right now, the M C Countryman is at the top of my short list and I'd buy one tomorrow in the right color combo with certain features I won't compromise on. Those days are over, settling because I'd rather save a few bucks, because in the long run, I feel like I cheated myself to be honest. Knowing that this next vehicle I purchase could very well be my last one makes me not want to f-ck it up honestly!
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
It was a Nissan Altima.... SR model.... you might say nothing odd or rare about that, but it also had an AWD label on the trunk back. Since when did Altima's offer AWD?
I know Nissan made some oddball AWD SUV's but don't think I've seen it on the Altima before.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Pic snapped at the last second, as I was a passenger in a car and we were turning immediately ahead:
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Silver id.buzz van in Oslo. Take the bright colors away and it looks like another anonymous van. But that can be a good thing I guess…
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 03 Montero Ltd
It looks nice to me. It’s a compact family car. Not much you can do with that without compromising functionality. And at least the front end doesn’t look like a razor toothed bass.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I do think the new one looks sharper. I’ll be getting more close up experience with one too since my son Has one now!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Next best CR-V
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
you need to stick with sub-compact.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 03 Montero Ltd
Large, imposing vehicles, for sure.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I noticed no new C or E sedans in inventory, several CUV things of course.
They must have been 2023 production, since March 20 was first day of 2024 production.
Oh, they were all on a transport going north. I couldn't figure out heading
north because I thought they were made in Hamtramck MI. But now I
read they're assembled in Spring Hill TN.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
It does have a bigger engine but probably still not fast.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.