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Drew Dowdell

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Everything posted by Drew Dowdell

  1. Drew Dowdell
    I don't think a Verano Turbo would out scoot a 200 V6 by much, if at all.
  2. Drew Dowdell
    The E350 Bluetech is currently running incentives close to $10k off sticker!? What is going on there?
  3. Drew Dowdell
    Yes. I prefer bigger cars to smaller, so if you want to break it down to the most basic selection criteria, I'm looking for the best combination of size + mpg + price.... and if I can get some luxury in there too, that would be good. As I mentioned in another thread, if I could get a Chrysler 300-D at a reasonable price, we'd not even be having this discussion. Yeah, I gotta get on the list for that press car... after I finish all the reviews that have been piling up on my desk. I'm not sure I agree with that reviewer that the Jetta has a more stylish and better quality cabin than the Cruze... The Jetta, while not bad, is just all flat with really chinzy materials around. The Cruze uses better materials on average, there is more styling, and the size of the screen + MyLink is vastly superior to what VW uses.
  4. Drew Dowdell
    While I like that car, it wouldn't work for what I'm going to using it for.
  5. Drew Dowdell
    Interesting and noted.... just concerned about the mileage and how much that will hurt the residual.
  6. Drew Dowdell
    Why didn't the ATS get this first... at least as a rolling upgrade... and then the Impala?
  7. Drew Dowdell
    I've not had a problem with the UConnect in the 300c... is it that different in the 200? The S-Trim starts becoming a requirement when you start adding other options (at least according to the Chrysler website)... not something that I am actively seeking though. But I'm looking at it this way... $21k for more options than I could get in a base Verano and in a Verano similarly equipped it is about a $7k - $8k difference.... plus... Pentastar.
  8. Drew Dowdell
    Cruze Eco was left off for a couple reasons, not the least of which is that I can't equip it the way I want. Power train definitely works for me though, but if I could equip it the way I want, it is almost Cruze diesel or Buick Verano territory anyway, so might as well get that.
  9. Drew Dowdell
    I've just soured on the Malibu too much and I've already had a 2.5 on one of my Pittsburgh-Columbus-Pittsburgh runs and only pulled 30mpg. I can and have done that in a Hemi 300c. No way on the Impala. Albert likes the Regal, but even CPO with low miles, they still pull $23k - $25k. If I'm spending that, I'll get a new Passat TDI and get the EmPeeGees also. The local Suzuki dealer somehow has 160 Kasashi's left (unless that is a misprint) at $9600 off. An interesting proposition and I do like the car. The only hit against it that I can see is that it would only be a MPG bonus locally... the TDIs are on the list for long distance cruise needs. Leasing preferable for what I'm looking to do anyway (tax reasons) Honestly, the 300 V6 + 8-speed is pretty close to the top of my list anyway. I keep going back to the Passat TDI for the mileage, though I do like them too... just not as much as the Chrysler. UConnect alone is a major selling point because it feels almost like a PDA that helps me get business done.
  10. Drew Dowdell
    So, with some life changes coming up, I am car shopping. I'm looking in the $25k range +/- a grand. Since the number of miles could potentially swing wildly opposite of what I do now (Less than 5k a year on my own car), I'm looking at high(er) mpg options, but a lower priced car that doesn't get the best mpg but has other convincing options is on the table too. I don't really want to go any smaller than Cruze/Verano Here's what I'm looking at so far: Passat TDI/DSG/Sunroof - about $25k after current incentives Cruze Diesel - $26k Verano Leather Group + sunroof - $26k 200 V6 + sunroof and upper UConnect - $20k after current incentives (Used) 300 V6 + 8speed + UConnect - Typically around the low $20ks off the Enterprise lot (really not a fan of the Charger except in the absolutely loaded trims which won't come from Enterprise) Fusion SE 1.6T with 205b and Sunroof - $24,600 after incentives. What am I overlooking.. what else should I consider... which would you pick?
  11. Drew Dowdell
    BTW... as I've been price shopping high mpg cars recently, the Impala should really get the 2 liter diesel from the Cruze. Jetta TDI and Cruze diesel pricing is remarkably similar when both are automatic (which is how most are bought anyway). Impala would be at a price disadvantage to the base Passat TDI... but that will be true on any trim/engine combo between those two cars.
  12. Drew Dowdell
    Sure, it may not be best in class, but the 200 Sedan is a LOT of car for the money. V6 Pentastar, 18" wheels, Leather, heated seats, remote start, S-Trim, Uconnect with 6.5" screen/Nav/20Gig HD MSRP - $26,470 After Incentives, $21,333
  13. Drew Dowdell
    I have a few issues with the 300, but the interior room and MPG are not it. The 300 regularly gets me over 32mpg on my Pittsburgh-Columbus-Pittsburgh runs while the Taurus just barely squeaks by with 27 (and a 2.5 Malibu with 30). I am very careful about the speed limit on this route because it is generally loaded with cops. I set it at 65mph and forget it... so my runs are very consistent. Everyone I talk to who has sat in the new Impala hates the steering wheel... it is such a huge and instant sticking point for people that I hope GM swaps it out with a corporate unit pronto.
  14. Drew Dowdell
    A fairly simple replacement.
  15. Drew Dowdell
    Is it not firmer than an old Solara?
  16. Drew Dowdell
    Think of it as Hyundai's stimulus plan for the country.
  17. Drew Dowdell
    Really folks... we need order here... line forms to the left, single file, to wait to hear the announcement of a Kia Mini-van..... NO SHOVING! What? No, this isn't the line for the iPhone 6.... wait... where are you going?.... I said form a line.... ... ... please?
  18. Drew Dowdell
    Why does that make you LOL? It's a very good handling car and has the firmness to go with it. The Regal is even firmer. The Solara, especially an old one with worn shocks/struts, is a soft cruiser.
  19. Drew Dowdell
    A Diesel Chrysler 300? I doubt they would sell it here. Maybe GM and Chrysler should sell all their diesel cars in Europe (once the car market actually recovers) and seed them a little more here. The problem with diesel around here (SW FL) is that diesel often costs as much as premium and only one of every five gas stations NOT on the interstate have diesel pumps. It's already being talked about at Chrysler apparently. They already build it as a Lancia in Europe and uses the same engine the Diesel Grand Cherokee is getting so it's not like it needs any design work to be completed. It just needs to be certified for the US. Who cares if the cost per gallon of diesel is the same as premium? I can go 50% further per gallon and still have Hemi like torque. Also, who cares about how often you find stations that sell diesel? I could drive from Pittsburgh to Philly and back on a single tank (about 600 miles). If you're in your own area, you quickly learn all the stations that have diesel. If you're in an unfamiliar area, never let the tank go below 1/2 before you fill it and download a NAV app that locates diesel stations for you. Those are just excuses for refusing change.
  20. Drew Dowdell
    That was a rumor.
  21. Drew Dowdell
    Thinking about this more. I think it is more likely we would see the 2 liter diesel from the Chevrolet Cruze. It would make the most sense from a financial standpoint at GM. Furthermore, 256 lb-ft standard with 280 lb-ft in "overboost mode" would still offer a decent amount of scoot.
  22. Drew Dowdell
    I understand that. I'm just pointing out that a number of the memory foam mattress manufacturers are having problems with the foam breaking down much faster than expected.
  23. Drew Dowdell
    If she likes her Solara, the ILX / Verano / Mazda will be too firm. Probably would like something softer like a Benz
  24. Drew Dowdell
    With some life changes coming up, the diesel Cruze has crept onto my list of potential vehicles... unless Chrysler wants to try and take a swing with a 300D.
  25. Drew Dowdell
    I can say from very recent experience... it's pretty darn good.
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