So last week, my parents got into what I'd call a moderate accident. Long story short; a Mazda MPV ran a red light across a 6-lane intersection, a late-model Corolla broad-sides it, and spins right into the front corner of my dad's Mitsubishi.
Here are some pics my mom took with her camera phone.
(http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/2422/10010806381nd7.jpg)
Mazda MPV toppled onto its side
(http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/702/10010806391ag5.jpg)
The two cars affected by the red light bandit.
Thankfully, my parents are ok, since the impact wasn't that hard (not hard enough to deploy the airbags). But surprisingly it still caused enough damage to total the car. Apparently, Mitsubishi Diamante parts are in short supply. Maybe platform sharing isn't all bad. Anyways, at least they're fine, and they get a cool little Mazda 3 rental to zip around in. Nonetheless, they want to stick with the plus-size midsizer segment. Here are the ones in the top running:
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2008/8/28/250/647/8395678367.250647712.IM1.04.565x421_A.562x421.jpg) (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=250647712)
$14,000 / 15k miles
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2008/9/9/250/222/8534718244.250222058.IM1.MAIN.565x421_A.562x421.jpg) (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=250222058)
$16,000 / 22k miles
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2008/8/22/249/611/8319534124.249611581.IM1.MAIN.565x421_A.562x421.jpg) (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=249611581)
$14,300 / 56k miles
Obvious choice would be an Avalon, but the deals aren't quite as compelling. Any other suggestions?
Please tell me that isn't the specific Sonata they're looking at.
Why, what's wrong with it? Is the price too high?
I object to the Kia on principle because it has no resale value. Don't let them unless they are Buick people.
I like that Volvo, but I hear parts are expensive.
Quote from: TBR on October 08, 2008, 10:45:35 PM
Please tell me that isn't the specific Sonata they're looking at.
LOL maybe they can ask the dealer to swap out the stunna rimz for regular wheels. Might even be cheaper that way. If not, then my parents won't care either way, anyways. They had 3 wheel covers missing from the Mitsu, for God's sake.
btw, it's an Azera.
Quote from: Vinsanity on October 08, 2008, 10:54:58 PM
LOL maybe they can ask the dealer to swap out the stunna rimz for regular wheels. Might even be cheaper that way. If not, then my parents won't care either way, anyways. They had 3 wheel covers missing from the Mitsu, for God's sake.
btw, it's an Azera.
I couldn't stand to look at it long enough to actually identify what car it was.
Quote from: the Teuton on October 08, 2008, 10:48:07 PM
I object to the Kia on principle because it has no resale value. Don't let them unless they are Buick people.
I like that Volvo, but I hear parts are expensive.
Buick...interesting idea.
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2008/10/1/252/552/8787295623.252552363.IM1.MAIN.565x421_A.562x421.jpg) (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=252552363)
$14,000 / 28k miles
I don't know why, but my dad's more interested in the Hyundai and Kia. Which is weird, because by definition, their preference would make them Buick people :huh:
Azeras and Lucernes both rock, imo.
Quote from: the Teuton on October 08, 2008, 10:48:07 PM
I object to the Kia on principle because it has no resale value.
When you're buying used, low resale value is a positive, not a negative.
The Amanti and Azera are strong comfort-focused large sedans at good prices; they might also want to look at the Ford Five Hundred / 2008 Taurus.
On Styling, I'd take the Azera. The S80 you can find as a Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego (which should also be in the running)
The Lucerne and The Amanti are good cars. Would an Oldsmobile Aurora be too old?
Quote from: ifcar on October 09, 2008, 05:50:14 AM
When you're buying used, low resale value is a positive, not a negative.
Not when you're paying $15,000 for the car.
Quote from: the Teuton on October 09, 2008, 08:01:45 AM
Not when you're paying $15,000 for the car.
$15K isn't a lot. Unless you're buying and selling your car every year, then who cares about resale value.
Quote from: 2o6 on October 09, 2008, 08:02:41 AM
$15K isn't a lot. Unless you're buying and selling your car every year, then who cares about resale value.
Here's a really quick search, but assuming the car was $27,000 in 2004, then there is one on here that has lost 67% of its value in 4 years. I have seen some selling for $5-6k or so. The car is a financial Exxon Valdez.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?num_records=25&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=both&distance=25&address=15213&marketZipError=false&style_flag=1&make=KIA&model=AMANTI&make2=&start_year=1981&end_year=2009&min_price=&max_price=&seller_type=b&transmission=&engine=&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=&color=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywords_display=&sort_type=priceDESC&body_code=0&certified=&advanced=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&showZipError=n&default_sort=priceDESC&awsp=false&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&systime=
Quote from: the Teuton on October 09, 2008, 08:07:19 AM
Here's a really quick search, but assuming the car was $27,000 in 2004, then there is one on here that has lost 67% of its value in 4 years. I have seen some selling for $5-6k or so. The car is a financial Exxon Valdez.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?num_records=25&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=both&distance=25&address=15213&marketZipError=false&style_flag=1&make=KIA&model=AMANTI&make2=&start_year=1981&end_year=2009&min_price=&max_price=&seller_type=b&transmission=&engine=&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=&color=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywords_display=&sort_type=priceDESC&body_code=0&certified=&advanced=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&showZipError=n&default_sort=priceDESC&awsp=false&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&systime=
On an unrelated note......my parents are looking for another Car to replace their Grand Voyager......I'll tell them to keep the Amanti in their mind.
Quote from: 2o6 on October 09, 2008, 08:13:42 AM
On an unrelated note......my parents are looking for another Car to replace their Grand Voyager......I'll tell them to keep the Amanti in their mind.
It's not a bad choice after all of the value has been sucked out of it, but buying one that is a year or two old is a disaster.
Volvo S80.
/thread
Azera. Volvos are expensive to repair once the warranty is done.
Quote from: R-inge on October 09, 2008, 08:58:32 AM
Volvo S80.
/thread
The Five Hundred is on the same platform and is generally easier/cheaper to fix.
Is a Deville or DTS too floaty? Maybe an Older FWD STS/Seville?
Then why is it on your fucking list? Don't you research that shit before looking for a car?
Get the Sonata then, it's got decent quality and looks. The Kia looks like a POS.
Quote from: R-inge on October 09, 2008, 10:04:19 AM
Then why is it on your fucking list? Don't you research that shit before looking for a car?
Get the Sonata then, it's got decent quality and looks. The Kia looks like a POS.
That's an AZERA. Besides, Vinsanity still has the Kia Amanti on it's list. People rather like the Amanti.....it's just a bit of a copy cat as far as styling is concerned. If you were looking for a car to keep for awhile (I.E not concerned with resale value) the Amanti would be a good choice.
Quote from: R-inge on October 09, 2008, 10:04:19 AM
Then why is it on your fucking list? Don't you research that shit before looking for a car?
Get the Sonata then, it's got decent quality and looks. The Kia looks like a POS.
I didn't mention anything regarding the Ford vs. Volvo. My parents are indifferent to the Taurus/500 but I have yet to tell them its engineering is sourced from the S80. Maybe that would open them up to it.
Quote from: 2o6 on October 09, 2008, 07:56:49 AM
Would an Oldsmobile Aurora be too old?
Yes. At that age, they'd be looking at a Lexus ES.
Quote from: 2o6 on October 09, 2008, 09:58:51 AM
Is a Deville or DTS too floaty? Maybe an Older FWD STS/Seville?
Maybe. (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=244658912) I'll give that a shot too.
Quote from: the Teuton on October 09, 2008, 08:07:19 AM
Here's a really quick search, but assuming the car was $27,000 in 2004, then there is one on here that has lost 67% of its value in 4 years. I have seen some selling for $5-6k or so. The car is a financial Exxon Valdez.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?num_records=25&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=both&distance=25&address=15213&marketZipError=false&style_flag=1&make=KIA&model=AMANTI&make2=&start_year=1981&end_year=2009&min_price=&max_price=&seller_type=b&transmission=&engine=&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=&color=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywords_display=&sort_type=priceDESC&body_code=0&certified=&advanced=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&showZipError=n&default_sort=priceDESC&awsp=false&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&systime=
But it was never $27,000, except maybe at sticker. Loaded Amantis were out the door in the low $20ks. It's not a loss of resale value if the first buyer pocketed the savings himself.
Quote from: 2o6 on October 09, 2008, 10:09:39 AM
That's an AZERA. Besides, Vinsanity still has the Kia Amanti on it's list. People rather like the Amanti.....it's just a bit of a copy cat as far as styling is concerned. If you were looking for a car to keep for awhile (I.E not concerned with resale value) the Amanti would be a good choice.
I see a Kia Amanti, a Sonata, and a S80 in the OP, not an Azera. Not sure why you're bringing it up.
Quote from: R-inge on October 09, 2008, 11:10:58 AM
I see a Kia Amanti, a Sonata, and a S80 in the OP, not an Azera. Not sure why you're bringing it up.
The blue stunna ride is an Azera.
(hint: the pics link to autotrader listings)
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2008/9/9/250/222/8534718247.250222058.IM1.04.565x421_A.562x421.jpg) (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=250222058)
I rode in an Amanti once. It was super quiet. I thought it was eerie but if that's what your parents are looking for then it'd be a good car for them.
The quality inside looked good too, but the dashboard was pretty fugly.
Quote from: R-inge on October 09, 2008, 11:10:58 AM
I see a Kia Amanti, a Sonata, and a S80 in the OP, not an Azera. Not sure why you're bringing it up.
IT'S AN AZERA.
Quote from: 2o6 on October 09, 2008, 01:52:17 PM
IT'S AN AZERA.
Well, I confused you with the OP, and I just realized my mistake about the Sonata, my bad.
Maybe a Subaru Outback? I also like the idea of Montego/500, or maybe even a Lincoln LS.
S80
Quote from: 68_427 on October 09, 2008, 04:33:31 PM
Maybe a Subaru Outback? I also like the idea of Montego/500, or maybe even a Lincoln LS.
I love Lincoln LS's.
Subarus ride too stiffly but then don't dampen enough for aggressive driving. I wasn't going to recommend one for a boulevard cruiser in a place of the country where it doesn't snow that much.
I like the Azera, of the choices listed
'06 Amanti, 31,000 miles, $14,000.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=251622550&dealer_id=54222147&car_year=2006&model=AZERA&num_records=25&systime=&make3=VOLVO&make2=KIA&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=25&marketZipError=false&model3=S80&model2=AMANTI&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=HYUND&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=91750&advanced=&end_year=2009&doors=&transmission=&max_price=17000&cardist=22
2004 S80 2.5T, 39,000 miles, $16,000.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=250136629&dealer_id=56666698&car_year=2004&model=AZERA&num_records=25&systime=&make3=VOLVO&make2=KIA&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=25&marketZipError=false&model3=S80&model2=AMANTI&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=HYUND&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=91750&advanced=&end_year=2009&doors=&transmission=&max_price=17000&cardist=29
'06 Sonata V6, 33,000 miles, leather, $16,000
http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/dda/detail.jsp?ct=u&result_car_id=250222058&dealership_view_name=foothillhyundai&car_id=251368989&dealer_id=100029032
What about this?
(http://i15.ebayimg.com/05/i/001/0a/10/3cea_1.JPG)
2004 G35X
48,000 miles
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Infiniti-G35-X-2004-Infiniti-G35X-Factory-Warranty-Remaining_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ39Q3a1Q7c66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a3Q7c240Q3a1318QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem320309284982QQitemZ320309284982
15,999 buy it now price.
Would the Infiniti name and the sportier driving dynamics be worth the extra age/price over a newer, roomier car? If so, yes. If not, no.
Thanks for the suggestions.
There's been a twist in the plot, however. They went and tried out the Amanti, and actually found it too soft and floaty (I know, who'd have thought...). It could potentially disqualify the Buick, the Azera, and maybe even the Ford. Another twist is that they were able to upgrade their rental to a 2008 Altima, and now of course they're looking at late-model Altimas. I'm trying to steer them more in the Accord direction, but used Accords don't present as good a value as used Altimas. Maybe I could get them to try a Mazda 6 or a Sonata...
The search continues
Legacy. I know they don't need the AWD, but for the sake of all that is right, they need to have some semblance of fun. Introduce your father to the local rallycross/Subaru club.
Quote from: the Teuton on October 12, 2008, 11:15:32 PM
Legacy. I know they don't need the AWD, but for the sake of all that is right, they need to have some semblance of fun. Introduce your father to the local rallycross/Subaru club.
I've rallycrossed more times than you can count on your little hand, and I never ever needed a Subaru, nor AWD to do it.
Quote from: Vinsanity on October 12, 2008, 11:13:11 PM
Thanks for the suggestions.
There's been a twist in the plot, however. They went and tried out the Amanti, and actually found it too soft and floaty (I know, who'd have thought...). It could potentially disqualify the Buick, the Azera, and maybe even the Ford. Another twist is that they were able to upgrade their rental to a 2008 Altima, and now of course they're looking at late-model Altimas. I'm trying to steer them more in the Accord direction, but used Accords don't present as good a value as used Altimas. Maybe I could get them to try a Mazda 6 or a Sonata...
The search continues
The 2004-2006 Amanti competes with the Town Car as the softest, floatiest car to come to the market in recent years. None of the others mentioned in this thread are at its level.
ha, just read that on your lil website just now. Shame about the fuel economy, too. It would otherwise seem like the perfect car for them.
Your choices are a Volvo S80 versus a couple of comedy Koreans? Do you even have to ask? Volvo S80 wins hands down.
Now go buy it, already!
Cheers,
Madman of the People
Still without a car...I'm going to take them to see a few tomorrow
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2008/10/2/251/780/8808417185.251780117.IM1.MAIN.565x421_A.562x421.jpg) (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=251780117)
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2008/10/17/250/731/8985462352.250731860.IM1.MAIN.565x421_A.562x421.jpg) (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=250731860)
Problem is, they're 100 miles apart. Not sure how that's going to work out.
btw, the S80's sold.
Quote from: Vinsanity on October 18, 2008, 12:28:51 AM
btw, the S80's sold.
Of course it has. S80s are brilliant cars. No wonder it sold so quickly. I bet those other two pitiful appliances are still languishing unsold on the dealer's forecourt, aren't they?
I'd check out the Chrysler, but make sure it has the right engine. The base 2.7 litre V6 isn't strong enough to pull the skin off a custard and should be avoided at all costs. Likewise, the 5.7 litre V8 is much too thirsty. Unless your name begins with "Sheikh" and you happen to own your very own oil field, stay away from this one, too. No, the 3.5 litre V6 is the one you want. It has decent grunt and it won't drink you into the poor house. It's no Volvo, but the 300 is a lot of bang for the buck.
As for that other piece of rolling mediocrity you pictured: NO!!! Seriously. No, no, a thousand times NO!!!!!!
Cheers,
Madman of the People
actually, I believe the blue blingy Hyundai is sold, too.
I hate the 300. It has an interior that is good...for a Chrysler, which is quite nasty. The Azera, Madman, is a very nice car. Sure, it's no Volvo, but it's much better than the 300 with richer interior materials and much better build quality. Just because the badge doesn't say Volvo doesn't mean it isn't a good car. Sure, it might not be terribly fun to drive, but these people are elderly and are obviously looking for something nice, plush, but not too soft. Azera's are just properly good cars.
The Azera is a substantially better car than the old S80.
Aurora!
Quote from: Madman on October 18, 2008, 07:49:01 AM
Of course it has. S80s are brilliant cars. No wonder it sold so quickly. I bet those other two pitiful appliances are still languishing unsold on the dealer's forecourt, aren't they?
I'd check out the Chrysler, but make sure it has the right engine. The base 2.7 litre V6 isn't strong enough to pull the skin off a custard and should be avoided at all costs. Likewise, the 5.7 litre V8 is much too thirsty. Unless your name begins with "Sheikh" and you happen to own your very own oil field, stay away from this one, too. No, the 3.5 litre V6 is the one you want. It has decent grunt and it won't drink you into the poor house. It's no Volvo, but the 300 is a lot of bang for the buck.
As for that other piece of rolling mediocrity you pictured: NO!!! Seriously. No, no, a thousand times NO!!!!!!
Cheers,
Madman of the People
The Hyundai Azera is a better car than the old S80. More Room, better MPG's, much more reliable, Better ride.........shall I go on? If you're intent on getting a S80, get a Five Hundred or Montego.
Madman is a badge snob.
Ok so the Azera turned out to be pretty much the perfect car for them, and the 300, not so perfect. (I believe the first word my dad used was "unwieldy")
But it's not quite that simple. Earlier, my dad found an ad for a neat little VW (http://www.ocpabi.com/index.asp?ViewType=LARGE&CarID=3111) that appears to be quite a deal. We took a look at it, and it's everything we hoped it would be (I might do a short write-up later). However, he's wary of piling the miles on it, so my mom came up with the idea of taking over the Cadillac payments and driving it, while I buy the VW for myself.
Interesting proposal...
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2008/9/2/245/725/8456544668.245725387.IM1.09.565x421_A.565x377.jpg)
Quote from: Vinsanity on October 18, 2008, 11:02:28 PM
Ok so the Azera turned out to be pretty much the perfect car for them, and the 300, not so perfect. (I believe the fist word my dad used was "unwieldy")
But it's not quite that simple. Earlier, my dad found an ad for a neat little VW (http://www.ocpabi.com/index.asp?ViewType=LARGE&CarID=3111) that appears to be quite a deal. However, he's wary of piling the miles on it, so my mom came up with the idea of taking over the Cadillac payments and driving it, while I buy the VW for myself.
Interesting proposal...
(http://www.ocpabi.com/main/images/backgrounds/shim.gif)
Whoa, what? Iz that a twin terbow?
Quote from: NACar on October 18, 2008, 11:08:14 PM
Whoa, what? Iz that a twin terbow?
Indeed.
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2008/9/2/245/725/8456544677.245725387.IM1.17.565x421_A.565x377.jpg)
Yeah, so if you're going to sell the Caddy to ur mum, why don't you just pick out any car that you want... unless that VW is what you really want. :huh:
S2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2k
Quote from: NACar on October 18, 2008, 11:13:47 PM
Yeah, so if you're going to sell the Caddy to ur mum, why don't you just pick out any car that you want... unless that VW is what you really want. :huh:
S2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2kS2k
Ehh...you know me and how I absolutely must have four doors (http://www.ocpabi.com/index.asp?ViewType=LARGE&CarID=3183") :tounge:
I dunno. I'm still so confused. The VW looks to be an awesome deal. I could certainly get used to it.
I'm confused, you saidyou would by the VW but then you picture an audi? :wtf:
BUY IT!!!!!!
My dad owns the lame ass 1,8Turbo A6 and it's a BLAST and a great car for my old folks. Your parents will love it!! :rockon:
Quote from: Vinsanity on October 19, 2008, 12:18:44 AM
Ehh...you know me and how I absolutely must have four doors (http://www.ocpabi.com/index.asp?ViewType=LARGE&CarID=3183") :tounge:
I dunno. I'm still so confused. The VW looks to be an awesome deal. I could certainly get used to it.
The two side doors plus the bonnet and boot = four doors.
Quote from: 2o6 on October 18, 2008, 01:51:19 PM
The Hyundai Azera is a better car than the old S80. More Room, better MPG's, much more reliable, Better ride.........shall I go on? If you're intent on getting a S80, get a Five Hundred or Montego.
The Five Hundred/Montego has about as much in common with the S80 as Rosie O'Donnell has with Cindy Crawford.
Quote from: thecarnut on October 18, 2008, 01:54:33 PM
Madman is a badge snob.
The badge has nothing to do with it. It's all about the car it's stuck to.
There is a vast difference between a car that's built up to a standard and one that's made down to a price. How exactly does the wallowing HyunKia offerings better the first generation Volvo S80? I've driven plenty of S80s and I can honestly say there isn't a more comfortable car to be had in it's price range. The HyunKia pair strike me as little more than glorified Korean Buicks.
Also consider resale value. A big, expensive Hyundai/Kia makes Lehman Brothers stock look like a good investment.
Quote from: Vinsanity on October 18, 2008, 11:02:28 PM
Ok so the Azera turned out to be pretty much the perfect car for them, and the 300, not so perfect. (I believe the first word my dad used was "unwieldy")
But it's not quite that simple. Earlier, my dad found an ad for a neat little VW (http://www.ocpabi.com/index.asp?ViewType=LARGE&CarID=3111) that appears to be quite a deal. We took a look at it, and it's everything we hoped it would be (I might do a short write-up later). However, he's wary of piling the miles on it, so my mom came up with the idea of taking over the Cadillac payments and driving it, while I buy the VW for myself.
Interesting proposal...
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2008/9/2/245/725/8456544668.245725387.IM1.09.565x421_A.565x377.jpg)
Now you're finally talking some sense! That 2.7 Turbo is more addictive than sugar-coated crack! They MUST buy this car!!! If they don't, then they are damn fools and you can tell them I said so!
Cheers,
Madman of the People
"Also consider resale value. A big, expensive Hyundai/Kia makes Lehman Brothers stock look like a good investment."
As opposed to the S80 the OP posted that lost more than two thirds of its value in four years?
I haven't driven the cars in question, so I can't really say too much, but the Azera has been highly praised by most magazines, the S80 hasn't and never was.
Quote from: TBR on October 20, 2008, 09:36:46 PM
"Also consider resale value. A big, expensive Hyundai/Kia makes Lehman Brothers stock look like a good investment."
As opposed to the S80 the OP posted that lost more than two thirds of its value in four years?
I haven't driven the cars in question, so I can't really say too much, but the Azera has been highly praised by most magazines, the S80 hasn't and never was.
There were several glowing reviews of the S80 when it first came out. I sold a loaded S80 T6 to a customer who bought it based solely on a review he had read. I think it may have been in Car and Driver? Anyway, there were plenty of rave reviews at the time.
Cheers,
Madman of the People
Well I never read one of those.
Quote from: Madman on October 20, 2008, 09:53:23 PM
There were several glowing reviews of the S80 when it first came out. I sold a loaded S80 T6 to a customer who bought it based solely on a review he had read. I think it may have been in Car and Driver? Anyway, there were plenty of rave reviews at the time.
Cheers,
Madman of the People
That was in 1998. The Hyundai received its praises in 2006. That's a lot of time for a car to catch up and move on. I'm not saying that's what the Hyundai did with the Volvo, but when I test drove an S80, my impression was that it felt exactly like a turbocharged version of my dad's old Mitsubishi; nice, but nothing too special.
In any case, I'm thinking I'll pass on the Audi. It's a swell ride, no doubt, but I've come to realize that I'm as attached to my Caddy as one can be to an inanimate object :wub:
My dad seemed to favor the Hyundai over the Audi as well. He doesn't like the idea of making payments on a car out of warranty and about to turn six years old.
Quote from: Madman on October 20, 2008, 09:30:31 PM
The Five Hundred/Montego has about as much in common with the S80 as Rosie O'Donnell has with Cindy Crawford.
They have a lot to do with each other. The Five Hundred uses an updated version of the Platform found on the 1st gen S80. Face it, the Azera is a newer, better car.
Quote from: 2o6 on October 21, 2008, 06:19:39 AM
They have a lot to do with each other. The Five Hundred uses an updated version of the Platform found on the 1st gen S80. Face it, the Azera is a newer, better car.
Not so much an "updated" version of the Volvo P2 platform, more like a "dumbed down" derivation of it. Ford had a difficult time in de-contenting the P2 in order to get the Five Hundred/Montego down to a low enough price point. This was why Ford decided to stretch it and position the car in a higher size/price class than they had originally intended. Instead, Ford filled the gap in their product range with the Fusion/Milan, a re-skinned Mazda 6. This was a much cheaper platform and was able to better serve as Ford's volume-seller. Building it in Mexico helped drive down costs even further.
Ford salesmen are telling potential Taurus/Sable buyers they are getting a Volvo at half the price, but that's stretching the truth waaaaaay too far. Ford's version of the P2 has been so debased that it is barely recognisable as a Volvo-derived product.
Cheers,
Madman of the People
Quote from: Vinsanity on October 20, 2008, 10:41:47 PM
That was in 1998. The Hyundai received its praises in 2006. That's a lot of time for a car to catch up and move on. I'm not saying that's what the Hyundai did with the Volvo, but when I test drove an S80, my impression was that it felt exactly like a turbocharged version of my dad's old Mitsubishi; nice, but nothing too special.
In any case, I'm thinking I'll pass on the Audi. It's a swell ride, no doubt, but I've come to realize that I'm as attached to my Caddy as one can be to an inanimate object :wub:
My dad seemed to favor the Hyundai over the Audi as well. He doesn't like the idea of making payments on a car out of warranty and about to turn six years old.
That's too bad. The Audi is gorgeous.
Quote from: Submariner on October 21, 2008, 10:13:03 AM
That's too bad. The Audi is gorgeous.
It's a shame, I admit; the Audi is a lovely car, but unfortunately, it brings with it a sense of apprehension:
http://www.edmunds.com/used/2003/audi/a6/100180799/cto.html?setzip=92782&vdp=off (http://www.edmunds.com/used/2003/audi/a6/100180799/cto.html?setzip=92782&vdp=off)
vs.
http://www.edmunds.com/used/2006/hyundai/azera/100673112/cto.html?setzip=92782&vdp=off (http://www.edmunds.com/used/2006/hyundai/azera/100673112/cto.html?setzip=92782&vdp=off)
I helped them take home the Hyundai today. Here are a few quick pics:
(http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/7177/1000313ay2.jpg)
My dad taking in his latest acquisition
(http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/7929/1000314kq3.jpg)
the n00b kissing my car's butt
I took it for a quick spin around town, and it reminds me a lot of the old Q45, but with a much more cooperative transmission and surprisingly with better steering feel (the Q45 always felt lighter than it should have; this feels a bit like the CTS). It floats over crests, but that shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. It actually corners flatter than one might expect.
Quote from: Vinsanity on October 20, 2008, 10:41:47 PM
He doesn't like the idea of making payments on an Audi out of warranty and about to turn six years old.
Me neither.
Quote from: Vinsanity on October 22, 2008, 12:47:15 AM
I helped them take home the Hyundai today. Here are a few quick pics:
(http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/7177/1000313ay2.jpg)
My dad taking in his latest acquisition
(http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/7929/1000314kq3.jpg)
the n00b kissing my car's butt
I took it for a quick spin around town, and it reminds me a lot of the old Q45, but with a much more cooperative transmission and surprisingly with better steering feel (the Q45 always felt lighter than it should have; this feels a bit like the CTS). It floats over crests, but that shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. It actually corners flatter than one might expect.
Really cool. I've always liked the Azera.
Congratulations! I love the Azera. I tried so hard to get my mom into one before we got the Accord. The response was much like Madman's. "It's a Hyundai." And you guys got it in the white, which is a rather nice color...and rare-ish. Not too many were ordered in that color.
Thanks. To be honest, my mom had some apprehension about the brand as well, but my dad was actually pretty set on getting an Azera that he did a good job convincing my mom that the Audi would be too high-maintenance and the Chrysler too nautical.
The car is very Toyota-like in its transparency/operation, but its handling is not nearly as fumbly as the Camry.
What kind of fuel economy have your parents observed?
And what was the out-the-door price?
I believe the mpg readout reported 25.x mpg on the 60-mile trip to their house in light-medium highway traffic through the hills.
OTD price was $15,1xx including taxes and fees.