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I'm not exactly sure people who take out 8 year loans on cars have the foresight to think about running costs.
When you drive it and you visit your local gas pump frequently you realize that very quickly.
By the way, reading your signature you are confirmation of what I said before, it is hard to put people inside specific "boxes"...you almost pulled the trigger on a Scat Pack but you owned Porsche and BMW in the past and they were not basic models either.....
At my SRT Driving Experience event, couple of guys owned quite few exotics....
A word about dealer experience.....the only real good ones above the crowd in my personal case are Lexus and Audi, very well trained personnel, very knowledgeable and professional.
My Cadillac experience has not been any better than FCA/Stellantis, the only difference was fancier buildings and decor and free soda drinks and cookies vs. just water and coffee. Same for Acura, the guy that sold me the 4G did not know absolutely nothing about the cars he was selling, his co-workers no much better. I have to say that actually Infiniti offered finger foods and wrap at lunch time. BMW and Mercedes nothing to write home about it either.
Obviously the premium brands offer free loaners but in my case, as SRT/Hellcat owner, I'm entitled to a loaner compared the the regular models. Actually I believe that now every Jeep owner is entitled to a loaner, part of the strategy to "premiumize" the Jeep brand
A word about dealer experience.....the only real good ones above the crowd in my personal case are Lexus and Audi, very well trained personnel, very knowledgeable and professional.
I have to agree.
We don't buy a lot of cars, but we do like to use and support the local dealers. Both have free coffee, bottle-water, and snacks.
Unlike Acura, most new cars are stored in multi-level covered parking garage.
Our Acura sales-people knew an acceptable amount about the (all new models) 2014-MDX and 2021-TLX ... but there was a few things I showed him (because I had been reading-up the models and researching).
The whole Audi sales/delivery experience is definitely a step above Acura. At our Audi dealer, they work in sales-teams of two. A Model Specialist helps you pick the right vehicle (they have many) and options. This guy was impressive. We even asked for him and bought the A5 from him also. He even bought us some nice/genuine Audi hats from Parts/Accessories dept. The other guy really just does "the money part" (before going to Finance Offices to finish-up). He was nice too, didn't mind haggling a bit, and final price was acceptable/fair. Nothing bad happened in Finance Office on final-close.
Audi has a 3rd guy ... a Audi Technologist. If you need help with setting-up and using any Tech or advanced options in your new Audi Vehicle, he helps you. They will setup an appointment and come to your house if you want (they were doing this before COVID also). He said he's just there to help, and takes my emails/calls months after purchase.
We don't buy a lot of cars, but we do like to use and support the local dealers. Both have free coffee, bottle-water, and snacks.
Unlike Acura, most new cars are stored in multi-level covered parking garage.
Our Acura sales-people knew an acceptable amount about the (all new models) 2014-MDX and 2021-TLX ... but there was a few things I showed him (because I had been reading-up the models and researching).
The whole Audi sales/delivery experience is definitely a step above Acura. At our Audi dealer, they work in sales-teams of two. A Model Specialist helps you pick the right vehicle (they have many) and options. This guy was impressive. We even asked for him and bought the A5 from him also. He even bought us some nice/genuine Audi hats from Parts/Accessories dept. The other guy really just does "the money part" (before going to Finance Offices to finish-up). He was nice too, didn't mind haggling a bit, and final price was acceptable/fair. Nothing bad happened in Finance Office on final-close.
Audi has a 3rd guy ... a Audi Technologist. If you need help with setting-up and using any Tech or advanced options in your new Audi Vehicle, he helps you. They will setup an appointment and come to your house if you want (they were doing this before COVID also). He said he's just there to help, and takes my emails/calls months after purchase.
Yep.....Audi and Lexus are definitely one step (maybe even 2 or 3) above the rest.
With no previous relationship, the (extremely knowledgeable) Audi salesman gave me the key of an RS7 we were considering for my wife and said "have fun, just bring it back with the same level of fuel". They had sales staff specific for S and RS models, and the dealer showrooms are impressive.
Obviously I do not have any experience with Bentley, Rolls and the like......
I did with Maserati...pretty bad too like the rest of them.
I negotiated a Macan Turbo on behalf of my wife's friend and they were on par with Audi.
While the Genesis dealer network is spotty, I heard of test drives where the salesman come to your house and home pick up and delivery of loaners for service.
I heard of test drives where the salesman come to your house and home pick up and delivery of loaners for service.
Soon after COVID19 started, Audi started doing the same.
They offered it to us, but I declined. I was looking forward to "checking out" the (new to us) Audi dealer.
We are probably in the minority, but we actually LIKE going to the car dealers (once every few years). See what it's like there, the employees, and of course ... all the latest-model new cars to choose from (or decide to order one instead).
A word about dealer experience.....the only real good ones above the crowd in my personal case are Lexus and Audi, very well trained personnel, very knowledgeable and professional.
My Cadillac experience has not been any better than FCA/Stellantis, the only difference was fancier buildings and decor and free soda drinks and cookies vs. just water and coffee. Same for Acura, the guy that sold me the 4G did not know absolutely nothing about the cars he was selling, his co-workers no much better. I have to say that actually Infiniti offered finger foods and wrap at lunch time. BMW and Mercedes nothing to write home about it either.
Obviously the premium brands offer free loaners but in my case, as SRT/Hellcat owner, I'm entitled to a loaner compared the the regular models. Actually I believe that now every Jeep owner is entitled to a loaner, part of the strategy to "premiumize" the Jeep brand
I can write a book about how terrible my Acura dealership experiences have been and at multiple ones. And I can't say "all" because I haven't looked that far into yet but a few around me don't even offer loaners anymore, it's silly.
My Acura dealership has been exemplary….probably not as exceedingly concierge as the Audi stores referenced earlier. But, far better than what one can expect from Honda stores in the area. Granted, my dealer is a relatively ‘small’ operation in an affluent area (Hunterdon County, NJ).
My Acura dealership has been exemplary….probably not as exceedingly concierge as the Audi stores referenced earlier. But, far better than what one can expect from Honda stores in the area. Granted, my dealer is a relatively ‘small’ operation in an affluent area (Hunterdon County, NJ).
For me it's the opposite. My wife's Honda dealer is a first class operation in everyway. Perhaps because they are in an autopark with Jaguar, Porsche and several other makes, and right at the border between the two wealthiest counties in the US. My local BMW dealer is also first class and has Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati as neighbors.
The Acura dealer is short on knowledge, quality service and amenities. It's collocated with a Chevy dealer and under the same ownership and management.
I can write a book about how terrible my Acura dealership experiences have been and at multiple ones. And I can't say "all" because I haven't looked that far into yet but a few around me don't even offer loaners anymore, it's silly.
Ditto here, there's hardly anything premium about the Acura experience compared to Honda in my area too. I guess at least mine offers loaners, but they charge $35 for it.
Ditto here, there's hardly anything premium about the Acura experience compared to Honda in my area too. I guess at least mine offers loaners, but they charge $35 for it.
We liked both our Honda dealer and Acura dealer (down the street ... same owner).
Maybe since Honda dealer was so good, their Acura store was only a little better. Snacks were better, service a little more personalized, and we really liked the (new or late model) FREE Loaners at Acura.
Like the jump to Audi, we really only switched dealers back then because that's where the (next level up for us) vehicles were.
For me it's the opposite. My wife's Honda dealer is a first class operation in everyway. Perhaps because they are in an autopark with Jaguar, Porsche and several other makes, and right at the border between the two wealthiest counties in the US. My local BMW dealer is also first class and has Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati as neighbors.
The Acura dealer is short on knowledge, quality service and amenities. It's collocated with a Chevy dealer and under the same ownership and management.
You can always find a dealer from any brand that is very good.....the last FCA dealer I interacted with in the Seattle area (I went for service, I did not buy the car there) has been excellent...knowledgeable people, very nice waiting area, free soda drinks, bottled water, coffee and cookies, loaners for everybody even non SRT/Hellcat owners. Others have been terrible.
My experience at my Acura Dealer in VA is exceptional from sales to service, great customer service overall. Always willing and ready to help and work with me, and answer any questions I have. I will always prefer to buy any Acuras from that dealer.
My experience at my Acura Dealer in VA is exceptional from sales to service, great customer service overall. Always willing and ready to help and work with me, and answer any questions I have. I will always prefer to buy any Acuras from that dealer.
Same here, totally agree. I’m on my 8th and 9th Acura from my dealership so, I know how you feel.
Will be interesting to see how that new 9-speed Jatco will do for RWD duties. At least Nissan is trying, that 3.0 V6T is pretty good. At least from what I remember when I tested the Q50 Red Sport. https://www.jatco.co.jp/english/rele...0330_1138.html
Saw a white late-model Infiniti Q50-S - AWD on the road the other day.
Infiniti does have some "nice lookin" cars. Our old V6-RWD Maxima was fairly trouble-free.
Last edited by Tesla1856; 09-20-2021 at 01:34 PM.
Reason: typo
I like the new Infiniti lineup, but they need to ditch the CVT, old auto, and catch up with the interior.
Exactly; the Q50S’s interior and transmission are two of its biggest downfalls. The engine is great and there’s plenty of aftermarket support but the transmission is what’s holding it back. Infiniti has really pushed the limits on not redesigning a redesign of this vehicle; they keep pushing the limits by refreshing a thing or two but it’s ultimately the same platform with the same engine.
I like the new Infiniti lineup, but they need to ditch the CVT, old auto, and catch up with the interior.
Oh really?
I guess I saw the AWD badge and got over impressed.
Yeah, we passed on the 7-passenger Infiniti SUV back in 2012-2013 due to the Nissan CVT. That thing was boat-like and slow. MDX was like a race-car compared.
They have already announced the Q60 getting killed off. I am guessing they will do the same with the Q50 pretty soon.
That’s a damn shame, the Q60 makes sense with the new Z dropping but I’m very disappointed how they handled the Q50. That could have been a major competitor. Offer a ZF 8 speed and a 6 speed limited option and update the interior and you’d have a winner. But no. They are run so poorly it’s sickening.
That’s a damn shame, the Q60 makes sense with the new Z dropping but I’m very disappointed how they handled the Q50. That could have been a major competitor. Offer a ZF 8 speed and a 6 speed limited option and update the interior and you’d have a winner. But no. They are run so poorly it’s sickening.
I agree, Im kinda a Nissan guy having owned a Z32 Twin Turbo and 350z for over ten years.
I agree, Im kinda a Nissan guy having owned a Z32 Twin Turbo and 350z for over ten years.
Me too that was my Japanese car of choice growing up. I always wanted an S14 Silvia. My first car I bought myself was an Altima. Then I moved up to an Altima SER, then a G35 Sedan and Two Q50’s , one a Hybrid the other a Red Sport 400.
Was a long tern Datsun/Nissan owner. 1982 till 2013 or so. Bought a 1981 280ZX out of a corporate bankruptcy. Since it was very cheap became an experiential car for my brothers in law & myself. The 280 was an N/A I6 with MT & "T" top. We took off the roof at the door level belt line, filled in the hatch with sheet metal for a trunk lid & modified a set of Triumph TR8 bows to support the folding top.
Car served as a daily driver along with the StingRay & was the girls high school & college transportation. Youngest daughter took it for a commuter car for her first job before it came back to me. Needed the garage space to build a car & gave it to make a wish with the original engine & transmission still going strong.
For an unremembered reason still have the original factory mags in the garage.
Last edited by BEAR-AvHistory; 09-20-2021 at 07:06 PM.
That’s a damn shame, the Q60 makes sense with the new Z dropping but I’m very disappointed how they handled the Q50. That could have been a major competitor. Offer a ZF 8 speed and a 6 speed limited option and update the interior and you’d have a winner. But no. They are run so poorly it’s sickening.
I’m not so sure that indicates they are poorly run. Sedan sales have absolutely collapsed, at least in the US. US car makers have abandoned the market almost altogether. I lost my ass on the 2017 BMW 540 I traded six months ago. The only way I’ll buy a sedan any more is a really good lease deal.
Sedan sales are dropping but theres still a market for them for sure. I traded a 2014 Q50S in for the Type S and would have considered whatever infiniti had comparable if that was an option, but id never consider buying the same car just updated a bit a decade later. They are losing a lot of their resale customers by not having a FMC in the q50 in what is going on 10 years. Thats just unacceptable.
...Nissan probably will scrap the entire Infiniti brand for good.....LOL
They run it into the ground...I remember when during the heydays of the G, the FX and the M sedan, they were considered a threat to the Germans....long long time ago....
Look at the new Nissans coming out. They are ditching the CVT.
Yes, sir, I was about to mention the Nissan side with their reintroducing the traditional auto. I hope they do well and carry that to Infiniti. Back in the day when they introduced the CVT and I had high hope for that and even made a statement "it's here to stay", little that I know they mated them to SUVs and big sedans.
I’m not so sure that indicates they are poorly run. Sedan sales have absolutely collapsed, at least in the US. US car makers have abandoned the market almost altogether. I lost my ass on the 2017 BMW 540 I traded six months ago. The only way I’ll buy a sedan any more is a really good lease deal.
They are definitly run poorly, that whole disaster with Carlos Ghosn was ridiculous. The constant hype of building high performance variants (Eau Rouge, Black S) putting out concepts and even track testing them. Only to scrap them both, the trash infotainment system. I don't even care about Infotainment but my screen kept going black and restarting randomly like a computer with a virus. When they released the first G cars they had the Germans scrambling. That's when they were a very good brand. The G35 Coupe was wanted by tons of people. They converted many German owners over to Infiniti, there was nothing comparable at the time. Sent everybody back to the drawing board. Sedans are selling still, it's just Nissan isn't making any sedans worth a damn. Their reliability has also gotten substantially worse. My Q50 Hybrid was one of the most unreliable cars i've ever owned.
Bought a 1981 280ZX out of a corporate bankruptcy.
The 280 was an N/A I6 with MT & "T" top.
We took off the roof at the door level belt line ... to support the folding top.
Dude, that's some extreme modding.
Not sure I've ever even seen a retro 280zx convertible. The used one I almost bought when I was younger had the T-tops. I ended-up with a used Camaro instead.
Look at the new Nissans coming out. They are ditching the CVT.
They aren't ditching the CVT. They got feedback about certain vehicles and are adjusting those specifically, Pathfinder anyone. Had tons of CVT failures and it until last generation was still a real truck. This new model is putting it back into a real truck rather than a tall car.
All those hybrid utility whatever vehicles(Muranos and Rogues etc) will keep running that CVT because it gets good mileage.
Not sure I've ever even seen a retro 280zx convertible. The used one I almost bought when I was younger had the T-tops. I ended-up with a used Camaro instead.
Car started out as a T top with no T tops. They had been sold. So it was source some tops or do something else. We were looking at wrecking yard inventories when my wifes younger brother came up with a "hold my beer" moment to do a convertible. Most difficult part was making the roof header. The TR-8 frame had to be stretched & a header built at the top of the windshield.
Some of the T-Top front roof section was used & various Triumph parts. With the roof down you could still see the curved sections where the T to fit in. Some TR-3 hood locking units that were used to secure the roof to the front header when the roof was up. Had this big T shaped handle that fit into the locks & was used to turn the locking fittings open & closed. Part came with the Triumph sports cars back in the '50 & '60
Little more off topic. Took the younger grandson out fishing for the first time last week. This was his first catch.
He asked what it was - told him it was a StingRay - response "Gramps a StingRay is a fast car, what kind of fish is this?" Strange things that happen. My oldest grandson caught a 4ft Shark as his first fish about 15 years ago. All the grown-ups caught regular non interesting fish in both cases.
Last edited by BEAR-AvHistory; 09-22-2021 at 01:31 AM.
09-10-2021, 05:49 PM
LOL
