The torture is not form the Dealers, it's from Mrs. Chief38!! Buying my wife a new car is more painful than a tooth extraction- LOL!! She won't buy even the best car in its class if she doesn't love the grill. CRAZY! She always wants what is offered on another model not in the one she is looking at. The Dealers just roll their eyes - LOL!

We have started the search looking at mid size SUV's in Toyota, Honda, Lexus & Toyota and Buick brands. Some of our friends said we should also look at the Genesis and Hundai brands as well.

My wife is now pestering me to get into the shower and get dressed so she can start the torture!! Wish me luck fellas, this is gonna be a tough day - and it's only the first of many I fear. I see a big glass of Bourbon on this evenings menu HA HA HA !

She currently drives a Buick LaCrosse which has been one of the best cars ever! She has had mostly Cadillac's in the past but this Buick has blown all of them away and has been an absolutely delightful, comfortable and reliable car to drive - can't rave enough about it! At close to 100K on the clock, it's time to update. She also has warmed up to owning an SUV now which probably suits her better as her hobby is shopping and returning - HA!

Ha hah hahhhh... I sympathize with you, chief38! Ya know, the grille is the face of a car; in some ways it defines personality. It can make a high performing car unpalatable. I don't know why ugly guns that shoot well aren't in the same boat, but it is what it is.

Best course of action is to buy her what she wants. Happy wife, happy life! Or more correctly, unhappy wife=unhappy life.

I drive for the local GMC dealer and the Buick SUV's are nice.

With today's cars, 100K miles is just getting broken in.

Six months ago we sold my Mom's 2014 LaCrosse. Only 6000 miles, racked up three blocks at a time. Seemed to be a pretty good car.

From what I have seen of Buicks a 100k on the odometer would not scare me if nothing major hadn't already showed up.
What year is it and where do you live?

My sentiment exactly. Go through the car, change all the belts, hoses and fluids. New plugs an filters, tires if needed and get it aligned.

Next have it detailed by a top notch guy.

Your car will appear new, and you can keep 45K in your pocket. Furthermore, the grille is already approved

__________________
Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

Keep it!

No one makes a more handsome waterfall grill than Buick.

100K miles ain't nuttin.

Attached Images

IMG_0163.jpg (73.1 KB, 384 views)

__________________
Death? Smile back...

I'm thinking Ford Mustang GT. I don't know if it's true or not but I heard Chevy is coming back out with a '69-looking Chevelle

I think the '39 Ford, I think it was that year, that Ford had one of the most distinctive grills you will never find.

I have a Buick Enclave, (the full size one), they make 3 sizes. I had previously a Toyota Highlander, it was a great car, but the Buick is the most comfortable and reliable car I have owned probably ever. Since I don't drive all that many miles a year any longer, it may be the last car I ever own. The Enclave is a big SUV, 3 row seating. The mid size one is nearly as big as my previous Highlander.

__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I always thought Mazda blew it with this grille. It needs a couple buck teeth to "enhance" the toothless grin.

SWMBO is driving a 2007 Ford Escape.
Like most of us, it has seen better days.

Local dealer had a 2008 Ford Expedition online that we wanted to look at.
Arrived apx 3:15
Dealer had closed at 3 PM - Que Sera, Sera

Went to the dealer next door.

2016 Grand Caravan SE with 66k miles in Exceptional Condition

SWMBO drove and LOVED it!

Less than an hour later we had made the deal.

Bekeart



.

I think that title belongs to the Ford Edsel.

As we are at the stage of our lives where most of our driving is within 20 miles of home, any car that runs is adequate for our needs, no matter its age or appearance. Our last new car purchase was 12 years ago (a Mazda 5 which has never given us any trouble). There probably will never be another. Especially at today's new car prices.

I’ve owned two vehicles since 2000: a 1990 Toyota 4runner and a 2000 4runner.

The first was totaled when a yahoo made an illegal left hand turn into me. It had 250,000 miles on it. The 2000 4runner now has 224,000 miles on it and I have no intention of replacing it.

The only non maintenance mechanical expense I had with the 1990 4 runner was for a water pump and alternator. The only issue I’ve had with the current 4runner is also replacing the water pump and alternator.

To summarize:I’ve driven Toyota 4 Runners for the last 490,000 miles or 33 years spending less than $1,500 in repair costs.

I can’t imagined thinking that a suv with 100,000 miles is time to replace that with vehicle (of course, you’re talking about domestic vehicles).

The time I imagined that a new car would get me the girls is long gone! I’d rather spend the money on guns, hunting and fountain pens.

I would love to know what the OP's definition of "the best car in its class" might be.

I can sympathize with Mrs Chief to a degree. There are some seriously ugly SUVs out there these days. Yes, I get that you cannot see the grille when you're sitting in the vehicle, but there's that time you look back in the car park or go into the garage and say "Why the heck did I that ugly thing?"

Then there is the features not being in the model you do like, or worse, the model that looks great having a "no sale" feature. In my case that's adaptive cruise that cannot be switched to regular cruise.

It's the same with many consumer items. Digital cameras are among the worst for this. My Panasonic FZ Lumix series cameras have fantastic lenses and great manual controls, but an accursed "constant filesize" JPG algorithm. It's maddening.

__________________
Release the Kraken

Good luck, Chief! Remember what they say..."If it doesn't kill you it makes you stronger".
As for vehicles, your list is full of winners. Of course, I can't speak to the attractiveness of the grills. However, the Genesis 80 is stunning, IMHO.

__________________
paws for friendship

We had been a Ford Family for a long time…FIL had retired from a Ford plant in New Jersey….After serious Safety issue recalls with my 2015 Lariat, I bought another brand…Our Daughter was finishing up her second year of Med School and 3rd and 4th Year consists of going to satellite campuses and working at different Hospitals and Dr.’s Offices….I needed to replace her 09 Fusion..with something more reliable. Stopped at an Audi Dealer and they had their Service Loaners for sale…These Cars are loaned to New Car Customers who bring their Cars in for Warranty/Service….When they get close to 5 thousand miles on them ,they’re pulled for extensive service and sold with an extended warranty and Service plan…. They showed me an A4 S line that had 4 thousand and change on it….

It’s now due for 60k service (2018) and other than a set of Michelins and a Battery, it’s been good to go…30 plus mpg and accelerates like a Jet on Takeoff with the Turbo..I have no doubt it’ll get her thru Residency….Starting 5th Year in July….puts a smile on Her face every time She drives it.

We were so happy with the difference in reference to Quality and Reliability, we got a a Q5 SUV for the Wife…Had gone thru the Exhaust debacle with the 2013 Explorer….It too has been flawless and gets close to 30 mpg.

In snow country we took the the Subaru Forester(no TV screen dash yet!) >$40K, Subaru Outback >$45K. we also have a 16 outback now but the 23's and on have touch screen dash controls so we took the Premium Forester. (didnt want to use touch screen to operate heater etc,)
Easy in/out, can shut off the auto start/stop mandated "feature". Visability is great. We are older and these features were important to us.
Mrs Chief will get what she wants-Smiles, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder"
Happy hunting, Mike

Might end up looking like this.

Attached Images

D19094FC-B96B-4283-873C-A378E6E6D283.jpeg (18.7 KB, 8 views)

A note from the female side..... I drive a 10year old Lexus RX350. It is the 3rd one I've owned. I should/could be trading up but I don't want one of the newer ones cuz I think the front end is scary butt ugly.
So, yes, I understand Mrs. Chief38!

__________________
_______________
Super Snooper

Buddy just test drove a new RX. When they got back to the dealership he asked the salesperson how the heck Lexus had managed to make a regular auto transmission feel like the worst CVT he'd ever driven. He said the whole driving experience was like the car was on tranquilizers.

__________________
Release the Kraken

Or overdue for a recall

__________________
"I drank WHAT?" (Socrates)

If she's happy with the Buick, how about another new one?

Back in the 1950s, at least where I came from, by 100K miles, most cars had turned into a heap of rust.

I think this is a really good idea. My brother does this, gets it detailed, every coupla years with his 2011 Lexus Land Cruiser. He thinks about upgrading to a new model but likes the 2011 just fine.

Subaru Forester. Excellent vehicle.
[IMG]IMG_2415 by kanewpadle,

__________________
Life Is A Gift. Defend it!

I started looking to replace our ‘13 Toyota Avalon w/100K+ but couldn’t get motivated. There’s nothing wrong w/the Avalon, we both like it so after visiting the local Toyota dealer we decided to keep our car a couple of more years. We’re older and don’t drive much anyhow.

__________________
Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Hmmm, the older ones are quite peppy and fun to drive

__________________
_______________
Super Snooper

We visited the Buick Dealer today and they have zero of the model we were hoping to look at. It is their mid sized SUV and they said the next shipment is due in August - not waiting that long!

Yea, we actually went to the Buick Dealer first and their mid sized SUV were all sold out! No new ones coming in 'till the end of August and we are not willing to wait 4 months.

Her car is a 2010 and has close to 100K on it. Time for a new car BEFORE something goes wrong. Never had any issues with it and my feeling is that's the time to sell it! It is in pristine shape and I am hoping to get top dollar for it - will find out soon. She is also wanting to move up to an SUV instead of a sedan now.

Attached Images

IMG_4885.jpg (73.0 KB, 16 views)

The Enclave is a great, comfortable car but for a 5'3" 114 lb woman a bit too much. When I let her drive my GMC Yukon and it's about the same size, she looks like a kid in it - LOL! The dealer's are sold out of the mid sized models - none available 'till the end of the summer.

It's a 2010 - almost 15 years old now. Other than brakes and tires, no other major repairs over the years. Just a few minor things like wheel sensors, gas cap and a module. All tolled - probably the least troublesome car we have ever owned - but again, it will need a major tune up at 100K, soon brakes, tires, and other maintenance and while I can still get some descent bucks for it, I will sell it. It looks like it was built last year - detailing cars is just another one of my hobbies.

I have heard that the tranny's in these Buicks get real tired at just about the milage we have and a factory new one is just about what the car is worth. Rebuilt's - forget about them! So to err on the safe side, we are getting a new car. Again, she now wants an SUV.

I hear Carvana, Carmax and Auto Nation pay way more than the Dealers do. I would never sell a used car to someone I know. No matter how great the car has been and no matter how good it is today, I wold never let a car get in between a friendship, neighbor or relative. I have already had two offers from neighbors and told them the same thing - they understood. A 15 year old car with 100K could stop being a great car at any time.

They no longer make the LaCrosse and aside from which the model she wanted to look at today (mid sized SUV) are all sold out 'till August.

THIS is a great waterfall grill!

1948 Buick Roadmaster

Attached Images

1948-buick-roadmaster.jpg (107.0 KB, 19 views)

__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

I wouldn't bet on that. I got a VERY lowball offer from Carvana about four years ago when trying to sell my deceased B-I-Ls beautiful Mercedes. Put an ad in Craigslist and sold it immediately for triple Carvana's offer. Same story with Carmax. I have always made only private sales on my cars. Never did a trade-in.

Best grill evah!

__________________
Music/Sports/Beer fan

My first advice you already know, and that is get her what makes her happy!

My second advice is Mercedes S class.......

__________________
Even older, even crankier....

Ah yes, the dreaded six year car payment. I have a 2015 VW Jetta turbo sport with 96000 miles. A fun car to drive, but getting in and out is not as easy as it once was. Still, I have no plans to replace it. I changed every belt, hose, and fluid at 75K. Brakes too. It gets 32 mpg around town and 41 on the highway at 80 mph. It is more or less a poor man's Porsche.

I want another truck, but I will not pay the stupid prices car manufacturers want, not will I pay 4.00 a gallon for gas to get 17mpg

__________________
Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

We owned a Mercedes a while back. While they are great luxury cars for 3-4 years, as soon as the car starts aging and needs repair work & major maintenance work, start writing checks for BIG bucks! Even the simplest items cost a small fortune. Since we tend to keep a car for at least a decade and I like performing all my own maintenance and repairs, the over complication and extremely costly parts turned me off enough that I will never buy another Mercedes, BMW, Volvo or Jaguar again. Been there - done that. That said, if one was to lease it for 3 years - YES..... great luxurious & fun car!!

We have two Acura RDX’s and are happy. Good looking, sporty, excellent interior appointments, great handling, reliable.
Only negative is the quirky touch pad on the center console.

Hers



His

__________________
Sure you did

We had a 2008 Buick LaCrosse purchased new with every available option and it was a great car and very smooth, quiet, powerful, and got good gas mileage. My wife babied the car and always had it dealer serviced and park at the far end of shopping center parking lot so it wouldn't get a ding. It was immaculate but after about 75K miles little things started going out left and right! Power locks, power windows, cruise control, both seat heaters, about every part in front end, trans axel leaks, etc. All the GMs I have owned have been very average reliability wise and I know other people who have great luck with GMs but unfortunately not me.

Just went through this recently.
Wifes 2007 BMW 328 wagon was starting to show its age.
When they reach 100 k they get very expensive to maintain and repair.
Was the least reliable auto we ever owned.
Looking at new autos was very frustrating
She wanted a small pickup.
Why is Everything a four door now ?
Test drove a 2023 Mazda CX 30 and bought it.
Of course there are no longer CD players in cars.
New infotainment systems are designed to see how much the manufacturers can piss you off.
Worst electronic device ever invented.

Don’t poo poo Mazda, they are a very good value. I had a CX5 for 6 years, just wanted to try something different.
Take a look.

__________________
Sure you did

HIGH PRESSURE SALES JOB for Extended Warranty.

I said NO! at the beginning and nearly a dozen times more.

eg. About $2400 for EXTENDED POWER TRAIN WARRANTY
Salesman showed that POWER TRAIN replacement could cost over $4600.

Again NO! I will self insure.

Very few percentage will have total Power Train Failure.

If I do my only cost will be the over $2000 that I did not give the salesman.

Intend to talk with Manager when we pick up vehicle.

Bekeart

The car that I call Batmobile #2 is a 2008 black Mercury Grand Marquis with just under 157,000 miles on it. It's one of those big, comfortable land cruisers that came with a lot of bells and whistles that still got 20 mpg when I was commuting. It's still running great. Sometimes I have to put a little money in it but it represents only a couple car payments on a new car.

I still like to peruse the internet for cars similar to Batmobile #1 just to keep a leg up in the event something happens to the Mercury. I came across a late model Ford Taurus that had about 125,000 miles on it. The advertisement for it set out the prospective payments. The Mercury is paid for. It struck me, why do I want to take on 5 years of payments in order to gain only 30,000 miles?

These days the cost of new cars is such that repairs to an older BMW or M-B are looking cheap compared to some of the monthly payments out there.

__________________
Release the Kraken

The dealers make more profit from financing and those extended warranties and other things they try to sell you (prepaid maintenance, paint sealant, VIN etching, gap insurance, etc.) than they do selling the vehicles. That extended warranty is over 50% profit for the dealer. The others are even higher profit items.

__________________
Or something like that . . .

Yep, they hate cash. Rumor control says the dealers in this town won't negotiate from sticker for cash. Fortunately, here in NV, you can get the loan for the under sticker price and pay the loan immediately. Oh, and just try and get them to drop the $495 "document fee". It's like you just asked to feed their first born to wolves.

__________________
Release the Kraken