Car-spotting thread

[Steve Vai]

Coincidence?
View attachment 278645

It's called the 911 to make it easier to remember the number to call when it bursts into flames in the driveway 🤣

 

[iman29]

@iman29

Honda CRV Hybrid
Honda Passport
Acura RDX
Mazda CX-50

Thanks Dave.

Not sure most of those fit the budget for a CPO vehicle but I will have to go drive a few of those just to try on for size.

I've driven the 2025 passport when we were shopping for the wife's car got a Pilot) back in June I know I like them. I drove an RDX last summer too when I helped my friend as her car buyer agent (she got a brand new 25 RDX). I will have to check a CRV but they are a hot commodity now and hold value very well. We drove a CX-90 last summer too and it made the short list but the stupid center console impeded on my legroom so we went with the Pilot.

 

[iman29]

I dislike the entire car buying experience. I know for a fact I was fleeced buying cars when I was younger and single.

There are so many games and tactics that I’m turned off to the whole thing. Just advertise a price and let me buy it! When I buy a fridge or washer, it’s so easy. I’ve even bought those online. For people like me who honestly suck at negotiating, it means I’ll pay a premium over others with more knowledge and perhaps stomach for the gamesmanship.

I know it’s not something that can be fixed and is tolerated by the car makers since they don’t want to be in the car distribution and servicing side of the transaction. But it still sucks.

Anyway, good for you on walking out. That is the best piece of leverage you have over them.

Im pretty good at the game, I don't take their bullshit and made up fees as facts its all negotiable. I was only in any showroom because I am test driving things otherwise i do everything over the phone and email and then I just come in and sign paperwork.

Last summer I was the buyer agent for my friend she wanted a 2025 RDX with Tech package after she did all her test drives. I called 7 dealerships and eliminated all the ones that said you can only have our best price if you come in. That left 3 of the 7 who negotiated over the phone. then I put the last 2 in a bid war against each other and told the dealership that was closer to me of they can match the better deal I will take theirs to save me a 1.5 hour drive. We went to the dealership and from the time we arrived to the time we left with the new car it was 1.5 hours. I got her 7K off MSRP plus rebates.

 

[Steve Vai]

They aren't. I asked. 2+ year wait at MSRP.

Have you considered buying the bank they use or land the dealership is on?

 

[iman29]

@iman29 inhave a 2023 CX50. You are welcome to a test drive. I’m in Madison. I really like mine. Have 37k on it since new and its been trouble free other than occasional connectivity glitches with CarPlay (strangely only with Google Maps). Can carry a XXL FS bike in the back with seats folded down and with out having to move the drivers seat forward. Surprisingly roomy. And drives like a sporty wagon. No wallowing in the turns. Fun to drive.

i might actually take you up on that in the next week or so I work in Madison so that works out pretty good on days I go to office.

I will look at them online and let you know.

 

[icebiker]

Sounds good. FYI Mine is the Turbo Premium Plus. 256 hp. Plenty of oomph.

 

[iman29]

Sounds good. FYI Mine is the Turbo Premium Plus. 256 hp. Plenty of oomph.

My son has a 2021 Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus that he got CPO 2 years ago with like 6000 miles on it - has 40k now

i am familar with the interior layout which I am not sure I like the whole center knob non touch screen display but I heard they changed that a bit. and i know its apples/oranges between the two cars but any time I have to move his car i am afraid I will get stuck inside because I have to pry myself out - way too small for me at over 6ft tall LOL.

 

[icebiker]

My son has a 2021 Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus that he got CPO 2 years ago with like 6000 miles on it - has 40k now

i am familar with the interior layout which I am not sure I like the whole center knob non touch screen display but I heard they changed that a bit. and i know its apples/oranges between the two cars but any time I have to move his car i am afraid I will get stuck inside because I have to pry myself out - way too small for me at over 6ft tall LOL.

Re the CX50: I’m 6’3” and have plenty of headroom even with the moonroof. The screen is touchscreen once you’re in the apps. But i prefer the wheel as it’s right next to my right hand and avoids having to stretch to reach the screen. I bought mine as a dealer demo with 3k miles, CPO and they extended the drivetrain warranty to 7/100. Like you I treat car buying as a blood sport 😁. Unless it’s a high-demand low-supply vehicle buyers have the leverage.