Car buying: new standard brand or used luxury brand

[Hawki97]

Ok, so another one I was thinking of was the new bronco but I want to take the top off during the summer. What do you think about that?

Aside from it being a Ford that comes with Ford’s illustrious history, I don’t really have a lot of negative things to say about it (yet). It needs a longer sample size, but I know a number of people with them and they love them and they’ve Bronco has treated them well. And these are outdoorsy people that aren’t pavement princesses. The only real complaint they’ve given is that some of the interior components are “cheap” and don’t hold up. That could be because they’re launching their ski boots in with reckless abandon though. Honestly, I think it would be a fun car. The aftermarket mods for them are blowing up like “Yota’s” and Jeeps which will pull more money from your wallet but in a fun way. I’d say definitely worth a look.

 

[Hawki97]

WOB?

Ha! Lame autocorrect. What would a pull barn be? Hmmmmm….sounds porny.

 

[alaskanseminole]

Nice, I like the setup. It’s amazing that Cerwin Vega is still churning out excellent subs. You go ESB for your speakers or something really niche? Did you replace the head unit too?

The speakers are Italian FaitalPro 3FE22 3-inch full-range. Just look at the difference. POS stock on the left.

Here's the center dash:

I like the Audi MMI with one exception, the controls for the garage door opener. I have to manually kill the reverse camera to put the garage door down. I'm impatient and like to hit it as I'm backing out. I wound up putting a remote on the visor. Coming home is nice, though, it automatically pops up when the GPS detects I'm close enough.

As for my Jeep, I replaced the head unit to "wake up" the premium Alpine system that's in it. Wowzers!

 

[Hawki97]

I've heard some people say that Toyotas have been living off their reputation for several years now. The new ones are good, but not as good. Whether that means it's smart to get an older one is beyond my pay grade.

Yeah, I’ve kind of read the same thing but don’t know. The new Tundra and Tacoma platforms are getting roasted right now on some production issues. Time will tell.

 

[Tenacious E]

Hoping to be in the market for a crossover in the $30-40k range this spring.

Had assumed I’d just shoot for a new generic model like RAV4 or CX5 but seeing some reasonably priced (comparatively) used Lexus, Audi, Volvo types.

What’s the play here? A new reliable but generic vehicle or luxury vehicle with ~20k miles but likely more features and smoother ride, etc.

My daily driver is a 2019 x3. Nothing but positive things to say about it other than the tires. I ended up ditching the run flats since they are only good for 24k miles. It is an amazing car and I have no itch for anything else 5 years in.

 

[alaskanseminole]

The speakers are Italian FaitalPro 3FE22 3-inch full-range. Just look at the difference. POS stock on the left.

Here's the center dash:

I like the Audi MMI with one exception, the controls for the garage door opener. I have to manually kill the reverse camera to put the garage door down. I'm impatient and like to hit it as I'm backing out. I wound up putting a remote on the visor. Coming home is nice, though, it automatically pops up when the GPS detects I'm close enough.

As for my Jeep, I replaced the head unit to "wake up" the premium Alpine system that's in it. Wowzers!

@Hawki97 The doors are now Audison Prima.

 

[alaskanseminole]

You made an excellent choice.

Now, I need to figure out tires. I'm so used to Coopers, I'm not sure what to go with on an Audi--the stock continentals must go! LOL

 

[Tenacious E]

WOB?

Yes

 

[Hawki97]

The speakers are Italian FaitalPro 3FE22 3-inch full-range. Just look at the difference. POS stock on the left.

Here's the center dash:

I like the Audi MMI with one exception, the controls for the garage door opener. I have to manually kill the reverse camera to put the garage door down. I'm impatient and like to hit it as I'm backing out. I wound up putting a remote on the visor. Coming home is nice, though, it automatically pops up when the GPS detects I'm close enough.

As for my Jeep, I replaced the head unit to "wake up" the premium Alpine system that's in it. Wowzers!

Very nice. Yeah, those speakers are atrocious. I don’t know if it was Bang or Olufsen that allowed their name to be put on tissue paper diaphragms but they should be shot (or dug up and shot).

Want to mess with your wife? Put your home location about two blocks down from your actual house. The GPS will kick on the garage door option early and auto shut off right when you get within range of your house. Then when she complains fix it and you’ll be the hero. Thankful bjs inbound!

 

[alaskanseminole]

Very nice. Yeah, those speakers are atrocious. I don’t know if it was Bang or Olufsen that allowed their name to be put on tissue paper diaphragms but they should be shot (or dug up and shot).

Want to mess with your wife? Put your home location about two blocks down from your actual house. The GPS will kick on the garage door option early and auto shut off right when you get within range of your house. Then when she complains fix it and you’ll be the hero. Thankful bjs inbound!

🤣🤣🤣

 

[Kelsers]

My daily driver is a 2019 x3. Nothing but positive things to say about it other than the tires. I ended up ditching the run flats since they are only good for 24k miles. It is an amazing car and I have no itch for anything else 5 years in.

Is there space for a spare? I currently have 30k miles on my run flats with half tread left.

 

[Hawki97]

Now, I need to figure out tires. I'm so used to Coopers, I'm not sure what to go with on an Audi--the stock continentals must go! LOL

Tires are like talking religion.

For performance tires, I bow to the alter of Pirelli. Peace be with you.

 

[Urohawk]

Used luxury will cost a ton in repair parts. Volvo repairs are 1K every time all the time. Parts are pricey.

 

[alaskanseminole]

Used luxury will cost a ton in repair parts. Volvo repairs are 1K every time all the time. Parts are pricey.

Exactly, which is why I bought a CPO 2024 Audi w/ only 6K miles on it. Came with a 5-year warranty, but I added another 3 years. Those 6k miles saved me over 10K.

 

[Hawki97]

The speakers are Italian FaitalPro 3FE22 3-inch full-range. Just look at the difference. POS stock on the left.

Here's the center dash:

I like the Audi MMI with one exception, the controls for the garage door opener. I have to manually kill the reverse camera to put the garage door down. I'm impatient and like to hit it as I'm backing out. I wound up putting a remote on the visor. Coming home is nice, though, it automatically pops up when the GPS detects I'm close enough.

As for my Jeep, I replaced the head unit to "wake up" the premium Alpine system that's in it. Wowzers!

What was your total bill if you don’t mind me asking?

 

[alaskanseminole]

What was your total bill if you don’t mind me asking?

I'll have to go back and total it up. Most everything came from this guy, Bruce Miranda, though:

Mironics

Products to retrofit after-market speakers to Audi cars

www.brucemiranda.com

I bought the wiring harness for the sub from a guy in CA and the sub itself off Amazon. I used Kicker for the wiring harness.

Sub: https://a.co/d/jfUHI3C
Wiring Kit: https://a.co/d/2R0vHHZ

I watched a lot of install videos over and over until it became muscle memory.

 

[Hawki97]

🤣🤣🤣

I don’t know if you’ve caught on…but I am a yyuuuuge asshole.

 

[alaskanseminole]

I'll have to go back and total it up. Most everything came from this guy, Bruce Miranda, though:

Mironics

Products to retrofit after-market speakers to Audi cars

www.brucemiranda.com

I bought the wiring harness for the sub from a guy in CA and the sub itself off Amazon. I used Kicker for the wiring harness.

Sub: https://a.co/d/jfUHI3C
Wiring Kit: https://a.co/d/2R0vHHZ

I watched a lot of install videos over and over until it became muscle memory.

@Hawki97 the only wire you have to cut, or tap into rather, is the 12V accessory socket in the trunk. It's for the remote on/off to the sub.

I don’t know if you’ve caught on…but I am a yyuuuuge asshole.

 

[Hawki97]

@Hawki97 the only wire you have to cut, or tap into rather, is the 12V accessory socket in the trunk. It's for the remote on/off to the sub.

Wow! That’s awesome for a new car and using the oem head unit.

 

[HawkeyeShawn]

Lexus seem to be scream luxury and also are good vehicles as the wife has been looking at cars lately.

She seems to like the Audi SUV’s but I like the Range Rover Velars.

In a year of so I’m thinking about a car for myself as all I’ve driven the past couple years is a company vehicle. BMW 5 series or 7 series (if I find a good deal).

We have a 2015 Lexus RX 350 that my no pic wife drives. It’s been a great car.

 

[Tenacious E]

Is there space for a spare? I currently have 30k miles on my run flats with half tread left.

No, but I bought one of those kits to blow up and temporarily seal the tire. I guess I’m rolling the dice that will work if I need it, or that otherwise I will rely on roadside assistance. I went with Michelin cross climate 2. Awesome in snow, and rated for 70k miles. They are a bit heavier though and mileage is not as good. I’m will to make that trade.

 

[Kelsers]

No, but I bought one of those kits to blow up and temporarily seal the tire. I guess I’m rolling the dice that will work if I need it, or that otherwise I will rely on roadside assistance. I went with Michelin cross climate 2. Awesome in snow, and rated for 70k miles. They are a bit heavier though and mileage is not as good. I’m will to make that trade.

I've decided that if I have a flat tire, I won't put on the spare anyway and call for roadside assistance. So, I've gotten used to having no spare tire. I have Pirellis on my X5.

 

[Tenacious E]

I've decided that if I have a flat tire, I won't put on the spare anyway and call for roadside assistance. So, I've gotten used to having no spare tire. I have Pirellis on my X5.

I bought this:

https://www.amazon.com/Slime-50122-Flat-Tire-Repair/dp/B0732BRRHZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_pp?crid=29GEW7XRED1M4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Toe8Tct15__-0U_UtvJwpZWjm8hJXfQC0YK39V8HAy2fuKqp9cl4w5TlmXATL_871pn15iJr8GE8aO6axqPuMvpnGhJRciAtiZSnfTSsaVMs8-CGZve_JSQF2gAVefv4EtjJqLyvTVbQobKLRMoKia7yw_ODYGbsZWLYPOXMDwuSCJsEFMhwxZnZJZ-LQ3CtjcApP1vt98o8Y7ifN7HB9Q.4vvIjdMipaBujNrS28Fc6L86PfNVA97VR6-9PqEyVcI&dib_tag=se&keywords=flat+tire+repair+kit&qid=1736706750&sprefix=flat+%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-3

 

[Kelsers]

I bought this:

https://www.amazon.com/Slime-50122-Flat-Tire-Repair/dp/B0732BRRHZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_pp?crid=29GEW7XRED1M4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Toe8Tct15__-0U_UtvJwpZWjm8hJXfQC0YK39V8HAy2fuKqp9cl4w5TlmXATL_871pn15iJr8GE8aO6axqPuMvpnGhJRciAtiZSnfTSsaVMs8-CGZve_JSQF2gAVefv4EtjJqLyvTVbQobKLRMoKia7yw_ODYGbsZWLYPOXMDwuSCJsEFMhwxZnZJZ-LQ3CtjcApP1vt98o8Y7ifN7HB9Q.4vvIjdMipaBujNrS28Fc6L86PfNVA97VR6-9PqEyVcI&dib_tag=se&keywords=flat+tire+repair+kit&qid=1736706750&sprefix=flat+%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-3

I'll be due for new tires before next winter, so I might not get run flats either. That kit might be the answer.

 

[Tenacious E]

I'll be due for new tires before next winter, so I might not get run flats either. That kit might be the answer.

Yeah, I abandoned run flats. Better ride and perform better. Mileage is a little worse. The thing which drove from the stock run flats is that they would wear out with 25k miles, or at least wear down enough to where performance in snow is severely compromised.

 

[ericram]

I have always loved the looks of audi's, shout-out Ronin, but damn if I wouldn't be worried buying a used one.

I'm a Toyota guy, the shit just works.

Ronin (film) - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

They are great. Just wish they would keep up the tech. Especially the infotainment.

 

[Formerly Rockymtnole]

I've heard some people say that Toyotas have been living off their reputation for several years now. The new ones are good, but not as good. Whether that means it's smart to get an older one is beyond my pay grade.

Everything but the pickups look like they are made of plastic. Ugly styling and interiors IMO.

 

[Gus is dead]

Be sure to have a spare car for when it is in the shop. Or, get it from a dealer that will deliver a loaner to your home. Range Rovers are freaking amazing to drive but holy moly do they generally have horrible reliability.

I owned an LR4 at one time and the cost for a brake job was 2k. Traded it not long after.

Have owned lots and lots of cars. Kinda of one a weakness you might say. Car ADHD.

Cheap? Go Mazda or Honda. Though Honda styling is not where it should be. VW is decent.

Luxury? Acura. AINEC.

 

[StormHawk42]

My daily driver is a 2019 x3. Nothing but positive things to say about it other than the tires. I ended up ditching the run flats since they are only good for 24k miles. It is an amazing car and I have no itch for anything else 5 years in.

There’s a 2023 X3 with 15k miles for $40k here in the DM metro. Thought about checking it out if it’s still available in spring.

 

[angusnole]

Bought the wife a used Lexus Rx 350 with 30k miles for 35k.... this was 5 years ago.
Now has 175k miles and still no problems.
I would look for something like this deal

 

[Tenacious E]

There’s a 2023 X3 with 15k miles for $40k here in the DM metro. Thought about checking it out if it’s still available in spring.

I love mine. I have a tech package with HUD and the better stereo that pleases me. Not too big not too small. Strong acceleration but not mind blowing. Seats are super comfortable. Would recommend at least a test drive.

 

[ericram]

Bought the wife a used Lexus Rx 350 with 30k miles for 35k.... this was 5 years ago.
Now has 175k miles and still no problems.
I would look for something like this deal

Last 4 vehicles have been the Lexus RX 350. Amazing low maintenance vehicles. The one prior to the last one had 273k.
Now drive a Rivian when home in Florida. Loving that so far.

 

[StormHawk42]

Bought the wife a used Lexus Rx 350 with 30k miles for 35k.... this was 5 years ago.
Now has 175k miles and still no problems.
I would look for something like this deal

Did you do anything with an extended warranty? A lot of those warranties expire at 36k miles.

 

[joelbc1]

Hoping to be in the market for a crossover in the $30-40k range this spring.

Had assumed I’d just shoot for a new generic model like RAV4 or CX5 but seeing some reasonably priced (comparatively) used Lexus, Audi, Volvo types.

What’s the play here? A new reliable but generic vehicle or luxury vehicle with ~20k miles but likely more features and smoother ride, etc.

Pros and cons…
Con: my bro buys “luxury used”..a couple of weeks ago his bride got rear-ended and the insurance company “totaled” tge car… gave him about half what he paid to find a replacement…
Pros: there are good values to be found out there, especially if you have someone “bird-dogging” these cars for you.
Buy from a reputable dealer. You might pay a bit more up front but there’s more security with the purchase.

 

[StormHawk42]

Pros and cons…
Con: my bro buys “luxury used”..a couple of weeks ago his bride got rear-ended and the insurance company “totaled” tge car… gave him about half what he paid to find a replacement…
Pros: there are good values to be found out there, especially if you have someone “bird-dogging” these cars for you.
Buy from a reputable dealer. You might pay a bit more up front but there’s more security with the purchase.

I hear this all the time but I’ve literally bought one car in my adult life and I was like 24. How does one go about finding said reputable dealer?

 

[ericram]

Pros and cons…
Con: my bro buys “luxury used”..a couple of weeks ago his bride got rear-ended and the insurance company “totaled” tge car… gave him about half what he paid to find a replacement…
Pros: there are good values to be found out there, especially if you have someone “bird-dogging” these cars for you.
Buy from a reputable dealer. You might pay a bit more up front but there’s more security with the purchase.

Someone did not pay for the gap insurance.

 

[Whiskeydeltadeltatango]

I hear this all the time but I’ve literally bought one car in my adult life and I was like 24. How does one go about finding said reputable dealer?

Think more "Stew Hansen" and less "car city".



( though car city isn't terrible, but you get the idea)


"Are these guys going to be here in 5 years"

 

[StormHawk42]

Think more "Stew hanson" and less "car city".



( though car city isn't terrible, but you get the idea)


"Are these guys going to be here in 5 years"

Oh well yeah definitely. Not going to Tom’s Auto or one of those.

 

[goldmom]

I owned an LR4 at one time and the cost for a brake job was 2k. Traded it not long after.

Have owned lots and lots of cars. Kinda of one a weakness you might say. Car ADHD.

Cheap? Go Mazda or Honda. Though Honda styling is not where it should be. VW is decent.

Luxury? Acura. AINEC.

I think the new Accords are great looking but it’s a matter of opinion.

 

[Whiskeydeltadeltatango]

Oh well yeah definitely. Not going to Tom’s Auto or one of those.

You will be ok Storm, if it doesn't feel right trust it. If you are looking at anything on Merle Hay, you will be ok.