Looks like I'm helping my grandmother buy a new car

"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/22/2015 at 22:50 • Filed to: None

Remember the low-mileage !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! I borrowed from my grandma a few weeks back? Well, it was in a minor fender-bender to the tune of $2500. Considering that this is nearly 50% of the value of the car, and she’s wanted new wheels for quite a while, it would seem the time is nigh to replace it. She originally wanted to buy new (every car my grandparents have bought since the mid-60’s has been new and paid for in cash), but we managed to convince her that CPO is a much better value. So now I’m going to take her car shopping. Here are the cars we’re looking at, over a long period of time:

2013-15 Cadillac ATS Sedan

2014-15 Cadillac CTS

2014-16 Buick Regal

2012-15 Lexus ES

2014-16 Lexus CT

2013-16 Volvo S60

2013-16 Volvo S80

2013-16 Lincoln MKZ

2014-16 Infinti Q50

2013-16 Infiniti G37/Q40

2015 Honda Accord

2013-16 Hyundai Azera

2014-16 Kia Cadenza

Obviously I’m not going to tell you that you can’t make suggestions, but do keep in mind that this is a 78 y/o woman who cares about literally nothing that we care about in a car (safety and reliability may be the only two overlaps). Seemingly viable cars can be eliminated as choices for her for any reason ranging from “This seems like a terrible car” to “this doesn’t have a nice armrest” to “I had a teacher in high school who I hated, and his wife had a car from this company.” If you try to figure out why some cars were included in this list and others weren’t, you’ll get very confused. Trust me, I did.

DISCUSSION (66)

Nibby > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/22/2015 at 22:53

The current gen Avalons are surprisingly nice inside and out.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Nibby
10/22/2015 at 22:54

I know they are, and she may get one, but I’m 99% sure she’d just go for the ES instead, if for no other reason than the dealership experience.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/22/2015 at 22:56

Kinja'd!!!

The deals on these in CPO is unbelievable

http://www.volvocarsoffortmyers.com/certified/Volv…

This one is a 2013 with less than 20,000 miles for under $25K

Honestly they are super quiet, big and spacious (which at least in my case my grandma has as a requirement) stupidly safe, reliable, and that warranty

CPO is amazing. Its 7 year 100K mile coverage. Bumper to bumper covering everything. You also get a free year of Sirius. It was at 1.9% financing for 72 months. Free roadside assistance.

I know I seem biased here but... its a perfect grandma car

Amoore100 > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/22/2015 at 22:56

How is this a question? S60 for nimbleness and maneuverability. and S80 if you want flat out comfort. As long as she isn’t opposed to a non-American badge, CPO examples should be perfect. Of course, there’s always the NG Saab 9-5, but since it’s a dead brand she’d probably be a bit less drawn to that. Oh, and how is this compared to the ancient grey interior of the Regal?

Kinja'd!!!

TheHondaBro > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/22/2015 at 22:57

I’m currently thinking the ES might be the safest option. It’s a Camry built to Lexus standards.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/22/2015 at 22:58

She could get a 4C. They’re super easy to get in and out of (not actually). But all the cars on this list look pretty solid.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
10/22/2015 at 23:01

super quiet, big and spacious (which at least in my case my grandma has as a requirement) stupidly safe, reliable, and that warranty

CPO is amazing. Its 7 year 100K mile coverage. Bumper to bumper covering everything. You also get a free year of Sirius. It was at 1.9% financing for 72 months. Free roadside assistance.

These are, in fact, the big things she cares about. There are stupid little things too, but these are big ones.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Amoore100
10/22/2015 at 23:02

I’m thinking she’d prefer the size of the S60, but everything else about the S80. Saab is out of the question. And yeah, a dairy barn has a more appealing interior than that regal.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > TheHondaBro
10/22/2015 at 23:02

It’s my first choice for her, not that that matters.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/22/2015 at 23:03

When my dad was getting some maintenance on the S60 they gave us an S80 loaner. And it was weird. Damn thing was really quick (just as fast as the S60) but made no noise doing so. It just got up to speed and never broke 3k RPM. The doors weigh so much. Everything on it felt alarmingly solid. When my grandma gives up on her Genesis (she likes bouncing from car to car) Im going to steer her this direction

Nibby > TheHondaBro
10/22/2015 at 23:04

*Avalon now :P

The current ES is Avalon based

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap
10/22/2015 at 23:04

If I had said “budget of 40 grand” there are plenty of people that would literally not read a single other word of the post before suggesting an E92 M3 or five Miatas.

Nibby > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/22/2015 at 23:04

Yeah, they’re essentially the same thing now. Current gen ES is now Avalon based

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/22/2015 at 23:06

An older family friend of ours got an ES to replace her 1993 cadillac. She absolutely hates it, she thinks its too numb. It may tick all the boxes, but have her really test drive it, she may hate driving it

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
10/22/2015 at 23:07

Anything she buys will be thoroughly tested first. “Sight unseen” isn’t even a thing they’ve heard of.

Wobbles the Mind > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/22/2015 at 23:08

Honestly the Lexus ownership experience is worth more than their vehicles, especially as you age. Any Lexus will be nothing but praise, and she’ll actually look forward to taking it in for oil changes and such.

I will say that the MKZ hybrid is a phenomenal all around vehicle as well. One of the best vehicles Ford has made in decades.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/22/2015 at 23:08

Good, but Id still warn her that she may not like the driving dynamics. Also, who caused the bend in the fender?

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Wobbles the Mind
10/22/2015 at 23:09

This is 100% true. They place nearly as much value in the dealership experience as they do in the car, so I think an ES would be a match made in heaven for her.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
10/22/2015 at 23:10

Her.

She pulled one of these:

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/well-i-just-go…

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/22/2015 at 23:11

In all actuality, I’d take anything on this list If I was old. Hell. I’d take any of them now.

Amoore100 > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/22/2015 at 23:13

Volvos also at least reinforce the durable and safe reputation and as long as there’s a nice one in the price range, both an S60 or an S80 would be a solid choice.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/22/2015 at 23:18

Kinja'd!!!

This because the wheels are great!

(CTS)

Your boy, BJR > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/22/2015 at 23:29

CTSSSSSS

Bandit > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/22/2015 at 23:32

I’m pro Volvo

not for canada - australian in disguise > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/22/2015 at 23:34

I really like the Cadenza, and CPO ones are getting pretty cheap already. It’s too bad more people aren’t buying them, although I can see why.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Your boy, BJR
10/22/2015 at 23:38

We’ll ssssssssssee.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > not for canada - australian in disguise
10/22/2015 at 23:39

Looked at one at one point, and I actually liked it. Not enough to have my dad get one, but certainly enough to have my grandma get one.

shop-teacher > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/23/2015 at 00:02

Kinja'd!!!

Lotta good choices on this list, but this one is my favorite.

Sneaky Pete > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/23/2015 at 00:12

Either one of the Caddys.

boxrocket > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/23/2015 at 00:13

In all honesty, you may have better results having her try out a crossover or minivan, based on her age and ease of overall use, accessibility, visibility, and safety (plus running costs). From your list, I’d say the Volvos, Lincoln, Hyundai, and Kia are the best, though the ES isn’t bad either (I just think it’s awkward-looking). So instead consider the Lincoln MKX and MKC, Lexus RX, Volvo XC60 and XC90 (and perhaps the S/V60 Cross Country), Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring, Kia Sorento Limited, and so on.

The caddies and buicks are fairly cramped, don’t hold up well over time (and value), and aren’t the most comfortable. The ergonomics are particularly awful, and the infotainment systems are a nightmare (though I’d put CUE at slightly worse than MyLink, but about equal to the Volt’s), and there’s a very steep learning curve. I still don’t fully understand some of the stuff, and I work in the industry.

The Lexus CT200h (and its replacement, the HS250h) is a compact, and rides fairly stiffly (though with smaller wheels it’s not as bad), and I like the functionality of the “mouse”- controlled infotainment system. In contrast to, say, a Prius hatch or Prius V Five (trim level), they’re not a great value and arguably difficult to justify. A Camry/Avalon/ES Hybrid, Fusion/MKZ Hybrid (especially the plug-in Fusion Energi), or Sonata Hybrid could be a better choice in that vehicle type.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > boxrocket
10/23/2015 at 00:32

Thanks for all of the excellent advice. You’d think a crossover would be easier for her, but she doesn’t like how high up our X3 is so I’m not so sure.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/23/2015 at 00:38

All fine choices.

Tohru > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/23/2015 at 00:54

So what’s happening to the Regal?

Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/23/2015 at 02:19

I’m just going to say that the CTS has a REALLY low roof. Like I’m 5’ 6, I sat in one and it felt tiny.

AMC/Renauledge > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/23/2015 at 02:25

Regal. It’s reasonably priced, quiet, comfortable, economical, big enough, and reliable. CR considers it the best sport sedan you can buy. And they’re doing good deals on them.

Do it.

911e46z06 > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/23/2015 at 02:29

Hellcat

Alex B > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
10/23/2015 at 06:14

Where have I seen those rims before...

Kinja'd!!!

Oh yeah, Mercedes had them first.

jkm7680 > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/23/2015 at 07:23

ATS, the other choices aren’t nearly American enough or fitting enough.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/23/2015 at 07:33

I’d say for an elderly lady go Lexus ES. The epitome of old folk’s car.

You can give me the CTS though.

Roundbadge > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/23/2015 at 07:59

Just a guess here, but I bet she hates the Regal. My mom is 72 and loves her Lacrosse. At one point she took it in for service and the dealership loaned her a Regal until it was done. That was 3 years ago and she still complains about that car that she had to drive for one day.

JR1 > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/23/2015 at 08:34

Totally against crossovers? The ingress and egress of a crossover is much better than a car. You can get the same level of luxury and refinement as well. If she hasn't tried it at least encourage her to sit in one. The extra height might make life a little easier for her.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Tohru
10/23/2015 at 09:10

It will either get written off or sold.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna
10/23/2015 at 09:10

We’ll have to check that out. Thanks for the heads-up.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > AMC/Renauledge
10/23/2015 at 09:12

She was originally partial to the Regal for obvious reasons, but she went and looked at that and the ATS without me, and said it was just “okay”. I want her to look at a loaded one, not a base model.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > jkm7680
10/23/2015 at 09:13

Unlike my grandfather, she doesn’t give two hoots if it’s American. Also...fitting?

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
10/23/2015 at 09:13

And she is the epitome of an old folk. Kind of.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Roundbadge
10/23/2015 at 09:14

She looked at it a few days ago (along with an ATS) and said it was just “okay”.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > JR1
10/23/2015 at 09:15

That’s what I thought, and I may still encourage her, but my dad and I were quite surprised that she disliked the tallness of the X3, so I’m not sure.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
10/23/2015 at 09:15

I only wish she cared.

boxrocket > Nibby
10/23/2015 at 13:35

Agreed, though the radio interface isn't great, and is easily washed out by glare.

Tohru > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/23/2015 at 13:46

Aw, that’s a shame. I’d sell the Bonnie and the Century and buy it.

jkm7680 > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/23/2015 at 15:43

A fitting predecessor to the Regal.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Alex B
10/23/2015 at 16:48

Guess how many shits I give?

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Alex B
10/23/2015 at 16:58

A lot of companies have split 5-spoke wheels, Mercedes isn’t special for putting them on their dated as shit SUV.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > jkm7680
10/23/2015 at 17:04

*successor

jkm7680 > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/23/2015 at 17:12

I’m slightly intoxicated at the moment. Don’t mind me.

Alex B > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
10/23/2015 at 18:04

A lot of companies may have split five-spoke rims, but these two look similar.

Kinja'd!!!

And them being on “their dated as shit SUV” proves that they had the design out first. That is the first gen GL which came out 2007. The current gen CTS debuted 2014.

Kinja'd!!!

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Alex B
10/23/2015 at 18:15

Dude, who gives a shit who had them first, they’re fucking wheels. BMW has something similar and they debuted on the E90 in 2006.

Kinja'd!!!

I’m sure if you dig back further you can find even more wheels that look similar from many different makes. So like I was saying, Mercedes isn’t special for putting them on their dated as shit GL.

spanfucker retire bitch > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/23/2015 at 20:54

Kinja'd!!!

Save some money and have her look at a loaded Toyota Avalon. They and the Lexus ES share the same body, and the Avalon will basically 90% of the luxury of the ES at a reduced cost. Plus, I personally think the Avalon looks better than the ES.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > spanfucker retire bitch
10/23/2015 at 21:56

I might, but for her, the dealership experience alone is worth the added cost of the Lexus.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
10/31/2015 at 13:35

That one is dated b/c it’s the old model.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > jkm7680
10/31/2015 at 13:36

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/one-of-us-one-…

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Your boy, BJR
10/31/2015 at 13:37

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/one-of-us-one-…

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Sneaky Pete
10/31/2015 at 13:37

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/one-of-us-one-…

Sneaky Pete > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/31/2015 at 13:51

Excellent choice!

jkm7680 > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/31/2015 at 15:08

Gooooooooood