Comment on a potential next car ( and make recommendations)

"MUSASHI66" (musashi66) 04/22/2020 at 12:31 • Filed to: None

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We decided to return the our WRX leases on Saturday (although we could have extended them for 6 months) , we are getting a 2007 Honda Fit base with 5sp manual and 44000 miles for $2000 from my wife’s uncle. T hen, we are actively looking for a car for mostly my wife, but for me as well to drive to Denver once per week . I am guessing circa 10000 miles per year will be added to the car, because we will have the Fit and the 2000 Tundra for other duties.

So what car are we getting? My plan is entry-level luxury, sedan/wagon/CUV, AWD, 2016+, under 40000 miles, $17000-$25000, automatic,   and something with enough pep to at least be fun. Something CPO, or maybe something where we can buy extended warranty.

We haven’t decided on a car yet - wife really wants a CUV, and this will be her car once I get my Abarth again , but I asked her to be open minded and to consider sedans as well. My three top contenders are:

1. Acura TLX, 2016+, V6 SH- AWD, with 290hp. Wife would rather have #2 because it is CUV though, but I think she might be enticed with the speed of the TLX. Crazy good specs for low $20-ish grand.

2. Acura RDX, 2016+, V6 AWD, with 279hp. This seems to be her number one option. Probably similar to the TLX in many aspects. I wish we could get a newer, beak- less model, but we want to be fiscally responsible.

3. Lexus GS350 F Sport AWD, but I would have to get 2013+ to stay in the budget and miles. B ecause it is Lexus and I trust that a low-mile 7 year Lexus won’t break, and because I want those red leather seats, and I think this might be the most comfortable option, I might be willing to overlook the model year. I could get 2015 in my budget as well, but probably not F Sport.

You’d be surprised what else can be had in this range. BMW 328xi, BMW 528Xi, BMW X1, BMW X3, Audi A3/A4/Q3/Q5, Volvo S60, MB C300, Lexus NX, Lexus IS (even 3.5L v6 models), Lincols, Land Rovers, Jags.. I think I even saw a Volvo S90 right at the limit of my budget.

Oppo, considering this is mainly a car for my wife for next 6-10 years, we have no kids and our giant dogs are transported in our Tundra anyway, considering we’ll also have the Fit for running around town until I trade it for an Abarth as soon as we can, what would you get that is automatic/2016+/$17 -25k/reliable/AWD??

facw > MUSASHI66 04/22/2020 at 13:01

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Note that you can get new Golf Sportwagen 4Motions and Buick TourXs in that price range. Not quite as flashy or luxurious as some of the cars on your list, but they are new, with full warranties.

gin-san - shitpost specialist > MUSASHI66 04/22/2020 at 13:03

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IMO that TLX sounds perfect.

It sounds like this’ll be a long distance driver, so unless the Lexus seats or ride comfort are noticeably better, I’d go with the TLX.

I can't say much about the RDX since I haven't liked the look of Acura crossovers in a long time. 

412GTI > MUSASHI66 04/22/2020 at 13:10

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How about Volvo V60? Kinda a compromise between a sedan and CUV and should be able to find a good amount in your budget. 

Jim Spanfeller > MUSASHI66 04/22/2020 at 13:12

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CORVAIR LAKEWOOD, BABY!

It’s a wagon with an   air-cooled flat six nestled snugly under the floor in the back, leaving not only a large cargo area in the back, but a nice, big frunk as well! And if that’s not enough for you, there’s a roof rack as well. They’re not known for unreliabilty, they’re easy to fix, and plenty of parts are available for these things. Better yet, your budget is more than enough to get a really  nice one. Only downsides? No airbags, and it’s only got like 80 hp...

MUSASHI66 > Jim Spanfeller 04/22/2020 at 13:41

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This is like FP recommendation... :)

MUSASHI66 > facw 04/22/2020 at 13:43

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Golf is too slow. Buick TourX is amazing. I recently test drove one and negotiated $10000 discount from msrp, but new doesn’t make sense. I will keep looking at used ones as it checks most boxes, but I am not a fan of GM long term reliability. 

MUSASHI66 > 412GTI 04/22/2020 at 13:44

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V60 would be awesome. Anything from Volvo would be great, but I do have some reservations about their new engines and long term reliability. 

facw > MUSASHI66 04/22/2020 at 13:48

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I tend to agree on the Golf. I mean, it’s not as bad as it looks, because it’s relatively light, especially for an AWD wagon, but man it would be good stuff with the GTI/GLI engine, or anything else VAG had lying around to give it another 30-50 HP or so .

MUSASHI66 > facw 04/22/2020 at 13:49

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I guess they knew that market for a potent engine+wagon would be limited to three people on oppo looking to buy a new car. 

facw > MUSASHI66 04/22/2020 at 13:53

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Eh, I think it should be assumed that anyone looking to buy your Sportwagen is looking for it to be sporty. If you are only going to bring one wagon, make it your best one. Seems VW was looking at “people too poor to buy a crossover ” as the target market though.

Mid Engine > MUSASHI66 04/22/2020 at 13:59

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I had nightmarish problems with an Acura quite a while back, transmission shit the bed three times. Maybe they’re better now? In any event I’d lean towards a CPO Outback, however the CVT’s are brutal so maybe convince her to get a manuel?

E90M3 > MUSASHI66 04/22/2020 at 14:01

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My mom has a 2014 RDX with the V6 and it’s been flawless. Then again, they bought it new and maintain it to a high level. 

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > MUSASHI66 04/22/2020 at 14:15

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I love the Lexus and the reliability should be fine. That said, the tech will be outdated (if you care about that) if you go back to 2013.

There cuv’s seem to be a nice place to spend time, but they won't be sporty.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > MUSASHI66 04/22/2020 at 14:15

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I was going to chime in with some GM suggestions, but a couple questions first. Why does new not make sense if you can essentially get new for used car prices? If you’re financing you’ll get a lower interest rate (my credit union is 2.19% on 48 mo. new car loans and 3.89% on 48 mo. used car loans). Y ou also get a full warranty, and it’s your car, you know everything that’s been done to it.

What are your experiences with GM long term reliability? This seems to come up a lot and I don’t entirely understand it. I grew up with GMs and have owned several myself and every single one has been a workhorse except my current Cruze. (T he Cruze’s faults are all related to it’s engine, an Opel engine it only shares with a few GM compacts, which has since been discontinued in favor of a new, clean sheet design).

But, the TourX uses the LTG 2.0L engine which is part of the Ecotec line of engines that has been in production since 2000. It’s a mature, well developed product that, as far as I know, is regarded as rather reliable. It also used the ZF 8 speed auto which is being used by a ton of manufacturers, and again, as far as I know is a good transmission.

The other suggestion I was going to make is a 2018 or newer GMC Terrain CUV. You could probably get a low trim one in your price range new, or an upscale one, maybe even a Denali, used. We have a 2018 Denali and love it. It’s got the same Ecotec 2.0L turbo as the TourX, but mated to GM’s new 9 speed auto box, which I think is one of the best automatics I have driven. It also has the same power to weight ratio as a base model Macan. It’s available with AWD and a factory trailering package which adds a heavy duty radiator, transmission cooler, and 3500 lb. rated hitch. Sounds like you already have the truck if you need to tow, but I like the idea of the added cooling. If I’m 100% honest it’s not quite as nice inside as the Acura, but it’s certainly not bad by any means, and has a lot of capability. I think it’s at least worth a look. 

412GTI > MUSASHI66 04/22/2020 at 14:28

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I know what you mean. The last generation with the I5 or I6 motor should be pretty good from what I hear. 

MUSASHI66 > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/22/2020 at 14:34

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I hate the Terrain look. GM discounts on the TourX are huge only if you go with GM financing which is frankly pathetic. I haven’t seen really good options for refinancing loans and I don’t want to deplete savings by paying it off right away.

I don’t know if I can pinpoint GM flaws, just a general impression I  have of their vehicles. TourX is an Opel, and Opel was never on my radar as a most reliable vehicle ever. 

MUSASHI66 > 412GTI 04/22/2020 at 14:35

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Aren’t all the newer ones 4 cylinder turbo or turbo+supercharger? 

MUSASHI66 > Mid Engine 04/22/2020 at 14:37

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We had Forester XTs with a CVT. We test drove the new Outback XT and absolutely hated it. It can’t hold a candle to how good a TourX feels. I have no idea why they are popular.

I think Acura transmission problems are like decade+ old and far behind the current models. 

MUSASHI66 > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 04/22/2020 at 14:38

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I love the idea of a GS, we might skip the F Sport and just test drive a 2016 model which about fits in the budget.

I am not crazy about the NX, and RX is out of budget. IS350 might be a sweet spot, I know wife will love the speed. 

MUSASHI66 > E90M3 04/22/2020 at 14:42

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RDX is her #1 choice right now. And, Acura has 1.49% interest for 60 months on RDX and TLC CPO models.

I will have her test drive a TLX, RDX, IS350, GS350, NX, Volvo S60 and V60, maybe the Cross Country V60 as well if I can find any, BMW 328xi, 528xi, X1 and X3. We have 6 months or so before we buy, and from what I’m hearing, used car market will be definitely buyers market soon. Auction sales fell 83%, leases are being returned, people obviously aren’t buying cars, next few months will be good time to buy if you can.

MUSASHI66 > facw 04/22/2020 at 14:44

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I think new one is sporty enough, but I’d prefer it with a GTI engine. Aren’t they killing it soon?

412GTI > MUSASHI66 04/22/2020 at 15:04

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Yes the newer ones are. This era was still available with the i5 when equipped with AWD or also the T6 i6. 

facw > MUSASHI66 04/22/2020 at 15:04

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Yep :(

Snuze: Needs another Swede > MUSASHI66 04/22/2020 at 15:05

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W e’ve been really happy with our 2018 Terrain , which is why I suggested it. But if you don’t like it, that’s fine.

Probably fair about the Opel thing. My Cruze has been the only unreliable GM car I’ve had, and it uses an Opel Family 0 engine, the source of all my discontent with it. The TourX gets a completely different GM engine that was designed by GM Powertrain with input from Saab and Lotus. So if anything I’d be more worried about chassis, electrical issues, etc. But all my previous GMs have been great, and in my experience most of the people who complain about them are people who treat their cars like crap. 

I understand the hangup on the financing - we bought our Terrain with GM financing to get the good deal, and then refinanced, but were able to get a refi rate around 3 %. I don’t know if you’re going to find a deal like that right now. 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > MUSASHI66 04/22/2020 at 15:06

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Make sure to test drive a Mazda CX-5.

Discerning > MUSASHI66 04/22/2020 at 15:08

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You really can’t go wrong with the RDX. And if it’ s going to be her car in the long run , I would defer to her favorite. Doesn’t hurt to show her the other ones, but you should take her favorite into strong consideration if its hers in the end.

The RDX is a nice vehicle though. You would probably like the TLX more, but the RDX is perfect for someone who wants a crossover.

MUSASHI66 > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/22/2020 at 15:09

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We’re buying anywhere between now and November. I have a feeling some good deals will be available soon. 

MUSASHI66 > 412GTI 04/22/2020 at 15:10

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What years are those? 2016 models are 4 cylinder already, I am not sure I want to go much older than that.

MUSASHI66 > gin-san - shitpost specialist 04/22/2020 at 15:11

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I’ll have to have my wife test drive them and make a decision. 

MUSASHI66 > Discerning 04/22/2020 at 15:11

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She is a speed addict. I hope TLX might sway her, but in reality it is only .3 seconds faster 0-60 than the RDX.

MUSASHI66 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 04/22/2020 at 15:13

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I want better NVH, and that is why I am looking at entry level luxury. Only CX-5 we’d be interested in are the new Turbo models and they haven’t depreciated enough. 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > MUSASHI66 04/22/2020 at 15:14

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Gotcha - how quickly are the new CX-9s depreciating? Too big? 

Snuze: Needs another Swede > MUSASHI66 04/22/2020 at 15:16

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I think you’re right.  I’m looking to replace the Cruze soon but I’m trying to hold out for another month or two to see how things go.  

412GTI > MUSASHI66 04/22/2020 at 15:22

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I believe 2017 was the first year of the switch over - although this was to just a 4 cylinder turbo not the SC/TC 4 cylinder. 

Mid Engine > MUSASHI66 04/22/2020 at 15:29

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I test drove an Outback, probably ten years ago now. It was god awful, however if it can be had with three pedals it might be a more enjoyable DD. They’re super popular in the PNW.. I’m not a good example of what you want; I have a Taco, Cayman, and the wife has a MX-5 RF :)

MUSASHI66 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 04/22/2020 at 15:56

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Not really on my radar. I’ve only concentrated on premium brands. But it is huge. It’s only two of us. 

MUSASHI66 > Mid Engine 04/22/2020 at 15:58

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We have a Tundra, Fit will become an Abarth 500 in 18-24 months, but we are after one comfortable highway cruiser. Macan is on the radar, but they are at $30-33k for what we want and I just want to pay off the house before we start going crazy with toys. 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > MUSASHI66 04/22/2020 at 16:00

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Yeah, TLX probably makes more sense then (but it may still be worth a drive) . Mrs. addiction wanted captain’s chairs, so unfortunately it was off the list, quickly (we got a Telluride).

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a21525002/2016-mazda-cx-9-long-term-test-wrap-up-review/

Jim Spanfeller > MUSASHI66 04/22/2020 at 16:09

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I firmly believe the Corvair is the answer to everyone’s problems ;)

MUSASHI66 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 04/22/2020 at 16:22

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It’s too slow as well

Model 0-60 HP Type ACURA TLX 5.9 290 Sedan ACURA RDX 6.2 279 CUV BMW 328Xi 5.3 240 Sedan BMW 528xi 6.3 240 Sedan BMW X1 Xdrive281 6.2 228 CUV BMW X3 xDrive28i 6.8 240 CUV Lexus IS350 5.7 306 Sedan Lexus GS350 5.8 306 Sedan Lexus NX200T 7.1 235 CUV Volvo S60 T5 AWD 6.6 250 Sedan Volvo S60 T6 AWD 5.6 302 Sedan Volvo V60 T5 AWD 6.6 250 Wagon Volvo V60 T6 AWD 5.6 302 Wagon

I’m too lazy to format this, but I think we’ll end up with an under 6 sec 0-60, and CX-9 is 7.1. 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > MUSASHI66 04/22/2020 at 16:30

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Yes - POWA! is nice. =)

MUSASHI66 > Jim Spanfeller 04/22/2020 at 16:33

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Just imagine how that would fold in a head on collision with a modern SUV or a pickup. Accident in that at 60mph, they’d have to vacuum you out of the leftovers of a car.

Jim Spanfeller > MUSASHI66 04/22/2020 at 16:35

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It’s actually safer than most cars of the 60's, since the lack of an engine up front means there’s no engine to punch a hole in the firewall and join the occupants of the cabin. Not modern car safe, but relatively safer. Also, 60 mph in one of these things is quite the achievement. Not saying it can’t be done, but...