Car quest: Still Searching
Well, it's been awhile since I last posted but much has happened since then.... I moved into a new apt, my wife started a new job, and I've finally been able to go out and test-drive some cars. I appreciate the suggestions from those that have posted regarding their experiences with cars. To recap, my "short list" was: Camry, Accord, TL, Audi A4, BMW 3series, Infiniti G35, Lexus IS 250. In the interim, people have suggested other cars including a VW jetta, Acura TSX, and Honda Accord LX v-6.
I've tested the following: Camry SE v-6, Accord EX V-6, Infinit G35, Acura TL. I must say, I would be happy with any of these... I went from a Altima 1995 that some dumbass crashed into and so now have been relegated to an acura integra... 1991 that is. Old-school.
Of all the cars I've tested, I have been most impressed with the acura TL. Actually, the best car to drive was the infiniti G35... it drove like a real sports car; but the entire TL package is what impressed me. Everything was standard, there is more leg-room/truck space in the back; and the interior feels more luxurious. Of course, the ride is a little mushier which in my eyes, is more of a downside than an upside (I want stiff suspension).
I never got around to the german cars.... I walked into the BMW dealership and not one person seemed willing to show me a car. (Kearny Mesa BMW). Same for the Audi dealership..."um, someone will be with you in 15 minutes". Bullshit. Maybe I shouldn't wear birkenstocks when I go car-shopping but believe me, I'm not walking in there to fool around... I'm a serious buyer.
Lesson taken is that I presume you also have less negotiating leverage with cars that are more popular such as the BMW 3 series and the Audi. In fact, it seems like everyone and their mom has a BMW in san diego.
So, would still like to test drive those german cars but will go to another dealer in the meantime. Stuck-up A-holes.
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I've tested the following: Camry SE v-6, Accord EX V-6, Infinit G35, Acura TL. I must say, I would be happy with any of these... I went from a Altima 1995 that some dumbass crashed into and so now have been relegated to an acura integra... 1991 that is. Old-school.
Of all the cars I've tested, I have been most impressed with the acura TL. Actually, the best car to drive was the infiniti G35... it drove like a real sports car; but the entire TL package is what impressed me. Everything was standard, there is more leg-room/truck space in the back; and the interior feels more luxurious. Of course, the ride is a little mushier which in my eyes, is more of a downside than an upside (I want stiff suspension).
I never got around to the german cars.... I walked into the BMW dealership and not one person seemed willing to show me a car. (Kearny Mesa BMW). Same for the Audi dealership..."um, someone will be with you in 15 minutes". Bullshit. Maybe I shouldn't wear birkenstocks when I go car-shopping but believe me, I'm not walking in there to fool around... I'm a serious buyer.
Lesson taken is that I presume you also have less negotiating leverage with cars that are more popular such as the BMW 3 series and the Audi. In fact, it seems like everyone and their mom has a BMW in san diego.
So, would still like to test drive those german cars but will go to another dealer in the meantime. Stuck-up A-holes.
posted by D at 9:22 PM
2 Comments:
Go for a 2006 Honda Accord EX-L 4-cylinder. I bought one a couple of months ago for a little over $22k including tax, tag, license, etc...
It's Carbon Bronze Pearl with an "Ivory" (tan) leather interior. 6-disc changer with XM satellite radio. The 4-cylinder engine is very quick, and gets about 28-29 mpg. I spend 60 miles a day (2+ hours) in my car, and the Accord was the best buy for the money. Colleagues of mine who own Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, etc... and have the payments to go with those cars are envious of the fact that I bought a car with everything theirs has (with better reliability) for less than 2/3 what they paid!
Trust me on this one. You owe it to yourself to test drive the Accord EX-L. Don't waste your time or money on a BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, or even the Acura TSX. The Accord isn't a "driving machine" like the TSX, but it is pretty close and costs $8k less. Don't know about you, but $8k in my pocket making me money is more important than a car that can take a corner a little faster....
$22k is a good price for such a reliable car with good gas mileage. I must say, the "sweet spot" of cars where you get a good car for your money has to be either the camry or the accord. I guess that's why they are the most popular cars in this country.
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