My Recent Car Search for a New Daily Driver….
08-14-2013, 01:47 AM
#1
AZ O.G NoOldManVetteOwner
Thread Starter
My Recent Car Search for a New Daily Driver….
So after 4+ years of daily driving my Corvette, I came to the conclusion this is not a smart idea anymore. As you guys know, I love my car and there is not much out there that could make someone happy after daily driving a full-bolt on C6 unless big $$$ is involved. I had no intention on getting rid of my C6 going in; was just going to keep her for those nice days instead. I have to say all dealers I visited treated me with equal respect and let me take out all cars for test drives without even looking at my license (which was pretty cool).
1st up:
Lincoln MKZ. I am one of those that like the look of this car so I thought I would check it out. I didn’t talk price, I just met a salesman in the lot, introduced myself, he asked me which one I liked (for which he would get the keys, and I was on my way). The coolest feature that I LOVED was the panoramic roof option. I like how it lifted off the body when open and flowed over the bodylines of the rear window. Nice touch. Inside, I found the seats decent and the driving view good for a uniquely styled car. This one had the 2.0 Ecoboost. Seemed like it was pulling a little too much car through the front wheels, IMO. I spun the front wheels off a light without meaning too, but was not overly impressed with the overall power level that resulted after doing such an evil deed. The touch button console was not exactly my thing, but I figured I could get used to it. Overall, the car was smooth and seemed “livable” for a daily commuter if I could lease it for a decent price and turn it in in 3 years. I was WRONG about that. Sticker on the car I looked at 46K. I got it down to a selling price of 44K but still could only work a lease of 3000 down $588 a month or 0 down and $670/month. This was on a 39 month deal/12K miles a year. Nothing that excited me too much here, so I let it sit for a bit.
2nd up:
Caddy ATS. I’m a little surprised no one on AZ has one of these. This car is AWESOME. I went into the dealer a little before closing. A salesman in a shirt and tie came up to me and was very pleasant. Asked me which cars I’d like to drive and we were also out on our way. This particular ATS was a 2.0T fully loaded “luxury collection” model (this model scheme is really confusing and it took me a bit of research to figure out all the little details between models at home---glad I went back and researched it—as I’ll get to). Anyway, I LOVED the red/maroon interior scheme on this car (if anyone picks up an ATS, this is the interior scheme to get without a doubt). The genuine red carbon fiber accents are BEAUTIFUL on this interior. Build quality was solid and 200% better than the 80K escalade parked nearby. The CUE system seemed like it would take some getting used to (also touch sensitive like the MKZ) but had all the bells and whistles one would want. Gauges were ok (Caddy could have put more into them considering the XTS I also drove had a kick ass gauge cluster ala C7 Corvette). The ride was perfect; sporty but not sacrificing luxury. Steering felt great as well and was very precise (much more so than the MKZ). There was little/no body roll in this sedan going hard into turns. I liked this ATS 2.0T motor more so than the MKZ 2.0T ecoboost motor. The Caddy 2.0T definitely had more mid/high end power. Engine note was a bit “crude” for such an expensive/sporty sedan, but that was its only fault IMO. The “shaken seat” feature that alerts you of near-buy objects by shaking your hinny was pretty cool, but probably could be an annoyance to some. Overall, I loved this car. Anyway, went back and talked numbers. Now is a good time to purchase one of these cars as Cadillac is offering 0% financing and a “Cadillac” Ipad with any ‘13 purchase. The manager really pushed this car on me and somehow got me financed by closing. He was like “sign it now and I will let you take it home now.” 0 down, 790/month for 60 months. I honestly almost gave him that handshake. BUT, something held me back. I wanted to learn more about what luxury vs. performance vs. premium models meant. I noticed mine didn’t have the LED fogs and I wondered why. Also wasnt sure if I wanted another rear-wheel drive car; awd or fwd is certainly more preferable for inclement weather. After going home and researching more, I learned that the “Luxury Collection” cars do NOT have LSD. I would have been kicking myself in the butt if I shook his hand and took the ATS that night. In the end, I told him I wanted him to allocate an awd model with the red interior (with any exterior black, white, red).
3rd up:
While waiting for an AWD ATS, I also checked out another AWD machine, this RX350 F-Sport. This is certainly a great small sports utility truck. Drove great, with excellent visibility, and had excellent V6 power. I liked the little F-sport touches like the revised front bumper and steering wheel. However, at 51K, I wasn’t too excited about it and really wanted an AWD ATS with the maroon interior for that kind of money.
Well, after weeks of waiting, it turned out that finding an AWD ATS was more trouble than I expected. At this point, I just wanted to find something reliable and comfortable for a daily commute that I could pick up for a good price. I pondered and pondered and eventually headed……
to the Toyota dealer. I went right to old reliable: The 2013 Camry. I ended up picking up a Super White SE with two tone leather. Came with factory/dealer installed 3M window tint all around and a 3M clear bra. Pretty much, anything I would have added on my own to it. I’ve put 350 miles on it thus far, and this thing is just a great car. It doesn’t offend you in anyway and just does everything well. Build quality is solid. The ride and steering are neither floaty nor super sporty (love the feel of the thick leather on the steering wheel, btw). Power is decent, MPG’s are decent. It has excellent room, good seats, a great driver’s view of the road and an awesome turning circle for its size. The Bluetooth system on it is also very well executed compared to other vehicles I’ve tested. Most importantly, I got a great lease deal on it. 3000 down, 216/month with gap coverage, 12K miles/year for 36 months. You just can’t go wrong with this car. I guess that’s why Toyota still has market share in this segment. Some pics with my phone of her:
The story is not over. So while I was waiting to finalize the deal on my Camry, I notice a guy in his 20s with a shirt/tie on checking my Vette out. I guess he spoke to my salesman as he ended up coming up to me and telling me “I hear that’s your Vette out there.” After a little back and forth, I find out his family owns the dealer chain. He eventually went on to ask me everything I had done to it, and asked if I wanted to trade my Vette in for this in the showroom (that he saw me checking out):
2009 SL63 AMG. 29,000 miles on it. I told him I wasn’t really interested in getting rid of my car, but he kept pushing. Told me he could take 10K off the Benz and give me retail on my Vette. When I came into the dealer, there was a sign on the door that said, “it is illegal to make sale of a vehicle in which the header system has been modified and/or the catalytic converters have been removed or relocated from original factory specifications.” I brought that up and he said “not to worry about that.” At this point, it hit me that this kid wanted my Vette for himself. While I really saw myself in that Benz and I would have got a great deal here, I couldn’t do it. He really kept pushing, but I didn’t give in. In the end, I love this thing too much (and I would die if I saw this kid driving around in my Vette).
Anyway, stay tuned. A “special” vehicle is in the works to sleep next to my new Camry and C6…………….
1st up:
Lincoln MKZ. I am one of those that like the look of this car so I thought I would check it out. I didn’t talk price, I just met a salesman in the lot, introduced myself, he asked me which one I liked (for which he would get the keys, and I was on my way). The coolest feature that I LOVED was the panoramic roof option. I like how it lifted off the body when open and flowed over the bodylines of the rear window. Nice touch. Inside, I found the seats decent and the driving view good for a uniquely styled car. This one had the 2.0 Ecoboost. Seemed like it was pulling a little too much car through the front wheels, IMO. I spun the front wheels off a light without meaning too, but was not overly impressed with the overall power level that resulted after doing such an evil deed. The touch button console was not exactly my thing, but I figured I could get used to it. Overall, the car was smooth and seemed “livable” for a daily commuter if I could lease it for a decent price and turn it in in 3 years. I was WRONG about that. Sticker on the car I looked at 46K. I got it down to a selling price of 44K but still could only work a lease of 3000 down $588 a month or 0 down and $670/month. This was on a 39 month deal/12K miles a year. Nothing that excited me too much here, so I let it sit for a bit.
2nd up:
Caddy ATS. I’m a little surprised no one on AZ has one of these. This car is AWESOME. I went into the dealer a little before closing. A salesman in a shirt and tie came up to me and was very pleasant. Asked me which cars I’d like to drive and we were also out on our way. This particular ATS was a 2.0T fully loaded “luxury collection” model (this model scheme is really confusing and it took me a bit of research to figure out all the little details between models at home---glad I went back and researched it—as I’ll get to). Anyway, I LOVED the red/maroon interior scheme on this car (if anyone picks up an ATS, this is the interior scheme to get without a doubt). The genuine red carbon fiber accents are BEAUTIFUL on this interior. Build quality was solid and 200% better than the 80K escalade parked nearby. The CUE system seemed like it would take some getting used to (also touch sensitive like the MKZ) but had all the bells and whistles one would want. Gauges were ok (Caddy could have put more into them considering the XTS I also drove had a kick ass gauge cluster ala C7 Corvette). The ride was perfect; sporty but not sacrificing luxury. Steering felt great as well and was very precise (much more so than the MKZ). There was little/no body roll in this sedan going hard into turns. I liked this ATS 2.0T motor more so than the MKZ 2.0T ecoboost motor. The Caddy 2.0T definitely had more mid/high end power. Engine note was a bit “crude” for such an expensive/sporty sedan, but that was its only fault IMO. The “shaken seat” feature that alerts you of near-buy objects by shaking your hinny was pretty cool, but probably could be an annoyance to some. Overall, I loved this car. Anyway, went back and talked numbers. Now is a good time to purchase one of these cars as Cadillac is offering 0% financing and a “Cadillac” Ipad with any ‘13 purchase. The manager really pushed this car on me and somehow got me financed by closing. He was like “sign it now and I will let you take it home now.” 0 down, 790/month for 60 months. I honestly almost gave him that handshake. BUT, something held me back. I wanted to learn more about what luxury vs. performance vs. premium models meant. I noticed mine didn’t have the LED fogs and I wondered why. Also wasnt sure if I wanted another rear-wheel drive car; awd or fwd is certainly more preferable for inclement weather. After going home and researching more, I learned that the “Luxury Collection” cars do NOT have LSD. I would have been kicking myself in the butt if I shook his hand and took the ATS that night. In the end, I told him I wanted him to allocate an awd model with the red interior (with any exterior black, white, red).
3rd up:
While waiting for an AWD ATS, I also checked out another AWD machine, this RX350 F-Sport. This is certainly a great small sports utility truck. Drove great, with excellent visibility, and had excellent V6 power. I liked the little F-sport touches like the revised front bumper and steering wheel. However, at 51K, I wasn’t too excited about it and really wanted an AWD ATS with the maroon interior for that kind of money.
Well, after weeks of waiting, it turned out that finding an AWD ATS was more trouble than I expected. At this point, I just wanted to find something reliable and comfortable for a daily commute that I could pick up for a good price. I pondered and pondered and eventually headed……
to the Toyota dealer. I went right to old reliable: The 2013 Camry. I ended up picking up a Super White SE with two tone leather. Came with factory/dealer installed 3M window tint all around and a 3M clear bra. Pretty much, anything I would have added on my own to it. I’ve put 350 miles on it thus far, and this thing is just a great car. It doesn’t offend you in anyway and just does everything well. Build quality is solid. The ride and steering are neither floaty nor super sporty (love the feel of the thick leather on the steering wheel, btw). Power is decent, MPG’s are decent. It has excellent room, good seats, a great driver’s view of the road and an awesome turning circle for its size. The Bluetooth system on it is also very well executed compared to other vehicles I’ve tested. Most importantly, I got a great lease deal on it. 3000 down, 216/month with gap coverage, 12K miles/year for 36 months. You just can’t go wrong with this car. I guess that’s why Toyota still has market share in this segment. Some pics with my phone of her:
The story is not over. So while I was waiting to finalize the deal on my Camry, I notice a guy in his 20s with a shirt/tie on checking my Vette out. I guess he spoke to my salesman as he ended up coming up to me and telling me “I hear that’s your Vette out there.” After a little back and forth, I find out his family owns the dealer chain. He eventually went on to ask me everything I had done to it, and asked if I wanted to trade my Vette in for this in the showroom (that he saw me checking out):
2009 SL63 AMG. 29,000 miles on it. I told him I wasn’t really interested in getting rid of my car, but he kept pushing. Told me he could take 10K off the Benz and give me retail on my Vette. When I came into the dealer, there was a sign on the door that said, “it is illegal to make sale of a vehicle in which the header system has been modified and/or the catalytic converters have been removed or relocated from original factory specifications.” I brought that up and he said “not to worry about that.” At this point, it hit me that this kid wanted my Vette for himself. While I really saw myself in that Benz and I would have got a great deal here, I couldn’t do it. He really kept pushing, but I didn’t give in. In the end, I love this thing too much (and I would die if I saw this kid driving around in my Vette).
Anyway, stay tuned. A “special” vehicle is in the works to sleep next to my new Camry and C6…………….
Last edited by 2K2SilverTL-S; 08-14-2013 at 01:52 AM.
08-14-2013, 04:54 AM
#2
Senior Moderator
Ok, that was all over the place, then ended in a cliffhanger. Having done that once or twice in my car-buying past, I cannot hate.
From the story, it seems you still haven't finalized the deal on the Camry even though you said you picked it up. Soooooo.....fess up man! What did you buy? And are you keeping the 'vette?
You could order an ATS 2.0T AWD you know, it's only a six week wait from the factory.....
From the story, it seems you still haven't finalized the deal on the Camry even though you said you picked it up. Soooooo.....fess up man! What did you buy? And are you keeping the 'vette?
You could order an ATS 2.0T AWD you know, it's only a six week wait from the factory.....
08-14-2013, 12:06 PM
#6
The Third Ball
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Just when you think this guy might actually be able to talk about something else...and actually have something interesting to read it all ends with:
"my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette my vette...oh and did I mention I drive a vette"
Its non-stop comedy
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MeehowsBRZ (09-18-2013)
Trending Topics
08-14-2013, 01:37 PM
#8
Lol ^
ATS FTW
ATS FTW
08-14-2013, 01:39 PM
#9
Senior Moderator
4 cars, 4 classes, 1 strange story... 
08-14-2013, 02:42 PM
#11
The sizzle in the Steak
...but will this car attract Cougars too?
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Majofo (09-18-2013)
08-14-2013, 05:49 PM
#12
Team Owner
BS.
you went to see Camry and you didn't go see Accord?
and how can you be willing to pay $790/month for RWD ATS and settled for a $216 FWD boat?
You got a CTS-V?
you went to see Camry and you didn't go see Accord?
and how can you be willing to pay $790/month for RWD ATS and settled for a $216 FWD boat?
You got a CTS-V?
08-14-2013, 05:54 PM
#13
Drifting
08-14-2013, 06:00 PM
#14
The Third Ball
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08-14-2013, 06:54 PM
#15
I say do it. That way you can post on luxury4play and people will actually pay attention to you, instead of you having to go to AZ.
also, TL;DR
also, TL;DR
08-14-2013, 06:54 PM
#16
Team Owner
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08-15-2013, 07:21 AM
#19
Stage 1 Audi S5
Weird final choice but I think when you start to see the numbers, you see it really doesn't make since to blow that kind of money on a daily driver.
I personally had a rental Camry SE for a month waiting for my new fleet vehicle and I have to say, I really liked the thing. Yes, it had the basic interior but was very well done. The seats had a nice vinyl on the tops and bolsters that made them look 'sporty' and very comfortable. Power wasn't incredible but more then adequate for the car. I liked the front, not so much the goofy looking back but def. a car I would consider if I wanted something reliable for a family.
Congrats
I personally had a rental Camry SE for a month waiting for my new fleet vehicle and I have to say, I really liked the thing. Yes, it had the basic interior but was very well done. The seats had a nice vinyl on the tops and bolsters that made them look 'sporty' and very comfortable. Power wasn't incredible but more then adequate for the car. I liked the front, not so much the goofy looking back but def. a car I would consider if I wanted something reliable for a family.
Congrats
08-15-2013, 12:23 PM
#20
The sizzle in the Steak
09-11-2013, 01:46 PM
#23
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
09-11-2013, 02:20 PM
#24
Senior Moderator
Sorry, I had a 
...Carry on. 
...Carry on.
09-11-2013, 02:35 PM
#25
takin care of Business in
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Funny Sarlacc and Moog get butt hurt when someone posts an opinion in an Iphone thread and they go trolling all over the website....
Doc....eager to see what you got coming....
Doc....eager to see what you got coming....
09-11-2013, 02:45 PM
#26
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
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Sarlacc (09-11-2013)
09-11-2013, 04:17 PM
#27
The Third Ball
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09-17-2013, 07:04 PM
#28
registered pw
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Great reliable car, but it seems like you originally had your mind set on a camry but tested the others first and couldn't justify the extra expense of those cars and went with old reliable. Did the others disappoint that much
:ibnewfuncar:
:ibnewfuncar:
09-18-2013, 03:29 PM
#29
Some dude
So a sales person tried to get you to trade in your car for another car?! *mind blown*
Last edited by MeehowsBRZ; 09-18-2013 at 03:32 PM.
09-18-2013, 06:29 PM
#30
The sizzle in the Steak
Questions about asking if this car will attract Cougars are valid.
09-18-2013, 08:30 PM
#31
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
at some of the responses..
09-18-2013, 08:49 PM
#32
Senior Moderator
09-19-2013, 03:02 PM
#33
takin care of Business in
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and i hope you didnt ask Siri what troll means, since ya'll iphone owners definitely have a different meaning of troll....
besides, how come you replied after 8 days....I guess it took that long for the ios 7 update
09-19-2013, 03:07 PM
#34
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
Seriously Anil, put some prep H on your Anus and move along. 
You're obviously fucking trolling since you were the only dumbass to positively reply to OP.
You're obviously fucking trolling since you were the only dumbass to positively reply to OP.
09-19-2013, 03:09 PM
#35
takin care of Business in
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Maj in all honesty, I think you need to move the fuck on....
I did not even reply to Sarlacc and let it go...and after 8 days moogs decides to start it up again....
since you are not involved in it, stay out....
I did not even reply to Sarlacc and let it go...and after 8 days moogs decides to start it up again....
since you are not involved in it, stay out....
09-19-2013, 03:17 PM
#36
Turd Polisher
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:gheyhug:
09-19-2013, 03:17 PM
#37
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
I'm going to rape you with a cactus.
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swoosh (09-19-2013)
09-19-2013, 03:18 PM
#38
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^^^ might actually enjoy that 
09-19-2013, 03:19 PM
#39
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
This one 
09-19-2013, 03:20 PM
#40
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bring it