ocnblu

I would think a '17 Encore with the smart new look, in AWD a step up from base with the newer engine should MSRP around $30k. Of course, knowing GM's wont to charge crazy prices for some of their stuff, it could go too high for me.

Boxy. Modern. Volvo.

Meh. The new Volt blows this thing away in every aspect for those who think they need electrification, and I am normally a coupe lover. Would have been worlds better just as a 2.0t gasoline powered runabout priced in the low 30's.

Not wowed at all by the new Cruze's styling. Especially in the lower trims. Looks like it is riding on 12 inch rims. Like a parade float or something. The only one that looks good to me is the Premiere RS, and even then it needs moar WIDE TRACK. I really wanted to love the Cruze hatch that is finally coming to America, but I am afraid it will look dorky in anything other than top-line trim... and the Premiere comes only with an automatic. Gotta have a stick shift in a pedestrian car to liven up the driving experience. As far as styling goes, the outgoing Cruze has aged very well, imo. Definitely more macho in stance than the new one.

Yeah, Encore engines can be found under the Mechanical button over to the Order Guide. Between '17 Trax and '17 Encore, I think I would go with the Buick in a mid level trim. Before seeing either one in real life. I like the River Rock color on the Buick, too. The new LaCrosse is a nice car alright. No Avenir by any stretch though, shows that the old-school hierarchy can still hurt brands with artificial constraints.

P.S. it seems, looking at the order guide, that the 138 hp 1.4t is still standard on the Encore? I was hoping the 153-hp version would be standard across the board. Did I read it wrong? I drove a customer's 2015 Encore today for a short distance and I really like it.

I was over to the Buick site the other day looking at the 2017 Encore, and happened to click on the LaCrosse button. When I sawr dark green on the list of colors I went wild. Nice car.

I wish they would have kept and evolved this look through to today. It's drop dead sexy.

We have a guy, pretty much all he does is put engines in Hyundais. And he is busy.

Big truck payments, $335 That is a small auto payment compared to what we see advertised out there. I see coworkers who bitch about their truck payments in the mid 500 to 600 range. There is also the jones jones competitors who drive luxury auto's with $1K a month auto payment. Now if you are only making 35-45K a year, then I agree, that is a large chunk of your monthly take home and the gas mileage is not great if you have to drive a long distance. Hope you find the right solution Ocnblu as I know you love your truck. Wishing you all the best. Thanks, dfelt. I make more than 45k/year, but still, with my commute plus the payments... well ya know.

A Toyota Celica would sell much better than a Scion tC just on name alone.

Both of them already use crappy CVT automatics so it should be a match made in heaven. At least on their cars and CUVs.

Big truck payments, $335

Looking to live more modestly lately.

Seems totally legit.

Thanks man

They are a little bit taller and a little bit wider than the 17's that came on it, but they are the optional factory 18 inch size. No rubbing. I had my heart set on Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs because they are the GM OEM all-terrain tire, however, they were out of production at the time I needed them and I could not find them locally anywhere. These Duelers have good customer ratings as well. The truck rides and handles well with them on. I inquired about Coopers because I like the looks of them, but the distributor I got my Duelers from no longer deals with Cooper. My dad worked for them for a few years after he retired from his career and I got employee price, could not refuse it. Only thing... I've been cautioned that the Duelers are soft, and I should expect about 40k miles wear before they'll need replaced... if I keep this awesome truck that long. The BFG All-Terrains are fantastic tires, but I wanted an aggressive P tire, not a heavy LT tire. Truck tires would have ridden much harder and I do not need the sidewall strength/load capacity. If you want a good looking, aggressive tire, I would go with Duratracs (I saw a brand new Tahoe Special Service Fire Chief truck at the local dealer with Duratracs on it at the local dealer, it looked fantastic. Too bad that tire can only be ordered on Special Service Tahoes) or the Dueler Revo 2 like mine, unless you really want a stiff tire. I am satisfied with the look and performance of the Bridgestone Dueler Revo 2 tires.

Thanks man, I think it turned out pretty well.

Thanks for the nudge, Drew! You can keep the $15.00.

Thanks everyone for replying to my thread!

I don't understand the words that are coming out of your mouth, sir. Consumer Reports is warning ppl to stay away from unreliable electrics as used cars. The Volt and Prius are not on the warning list. I've been told over and over that "simple, superior" electrics are better vehicles. Clearly, that notion is dashed by this report. And not one of C&G's rabid supporters of electric propulsion has come in here to say a word.

Why is that ant eye person video on autoplay? Annoying. Plus it scares the crap out of me every time I come into this thread.

http://www.autoblog.com/2016/03/21/dont-buy-used-2014-bmw-i3-consumer-reports/