caddycruiser

Great to hear from an actual owner! Yes, if it were my money, I'd be down there with the 'Burban tomorrow finalizing a trade deal and signing the papers, but I'm just the middle man of sorts. I think she would have jumped quicker, had my father not angrily said we still "needed" that big of a vehicle (she doesn't, and she's the one paying). Still, she likes Lucerne, and a lot more so after I showed her the pics & price and gave my driving report. Hopefully I can get her in the driver's seat by tomorrow night, and convince her that not only is it a big enough vehicle, but it's a definate upgrade over what she has now, AND it'll effectively double the highway mpg's she's been used to. I'm still shooting for the Platinum one, and envisioning it in the driveway... Oh, and as far as pics, go here and set up a free account, upload pics, and then just copy & paste the little links it gives you for each one in a post here. http://www.photobucket.com

Actually, I'm not a big "boulevard ride" fan--and that DEFINATELY is not what the Lucerne has. She first mentioned the Lacrosse, but they are SO cramped, I had to cross that one off the list immediately. Fairly typical (but still a little tight for my tall frame) up front, but next to useless back seat. The white CXS they have does look nice, with the 17" chromes, but I still think that car has some doofy proportions and really ugly (CXS excluded) wheels. And the interior is okay, but not at all on the same playing field as the Lucerne. The Lucerne really is not that big, and comes off as smaller than the LeSabre, even if it really isn't. I asked the salesman about the ones they have sold, and he said it was mostly to older people coming from LeSabres & Park Avenues, but that they all were thrilled to death with the Lucerne. I agreed completely when he said "Those were nice cars, but the Lucerne is in a whole different world." The LeSabre we had once had the solidity, refinement, and room thing down but looked like a frumpy old car with a rubbermaid interior--the Lucerne has the same good guts, but they've been refined INCREDIBLY, and the whole car comes off as almost import-like. I could definately see one as the new "family ride", and am disliking the Suburban more and more as I think about it. Going to have to pull some strings and make sure she gets to drive it, and will seriously think about signing papers...

Here's the actual pics (didn't get any of the white one). Great salesman, and he actually did know about the product. The front seat still felt a little strange to me, but that's only because I've gotten so used to flat benches with no support for so long, and I wasn't in it long enough to adjust it right. He told me to take it for the day too, just so she could see & drive it without having to come down, but I didn't. Should have, because now she isn't as gung-ho about ditching the Suburban right away. So now the real fun starts--trying to a) get her to actually drive one herself, and b) go through with buying one. I've done it with the past 3 vehicles, so I'll cross my fingers with this one. If I can't get her to go down tomorrow, I'll just take him up on the offer to take it home with me. It only had 18 miles on it, and was built in April. I didn't hear any odd sounds, everything was aligned, and it really for ONCE from GM, looks and feels like a car worth more than the pricetag. It passed my back seat test with flying colors too, and the trunk is definately large enough to fit our stuff. And FREAKISHLY quiet...it really is true!

Just got back from the test drive of the Platinum one (still at work, hence the short post). To make it short, I loved the car, and it even freaked me out going through the parking lot--by far, the QUIETEST vehicle I've ever been in. There was no noise whatsoever as I drove lightly. And, strangely enough, I was more than happy with the 3.8L. Actually was a little noisier than I expected, but that wasn't a bad thing--just a very nice growl. Definately more responsive than the '99 Intrigue 3.8L I'm used to, and sounded a lot nicer too. I had to floor it to merge on the highway, and it just took off and snapped off shifts perfectly. VERY nice, and the "old dinosaur" actually put a smile on my face. Coming from the 5.3L tank, I think she'd me MORE than happy with the power--and, more importantly, the much better gas mileage. Interior was awesome too, and the back seat terrific, but the fronts were a little odd for me--mainly because I've gotten so used to wider, flatter seats anymore. Perfect fit & finish too, and for having no options except for the chrome wheels, there was nothing lacking at all to me. He told me to come back later and take it home to show, but I'm not sure if I'll get a chance today--we'll see. Liking it LOTS And I still can't believe the pricetag of $28.5k, especially considering our Suburban was $41k and feels like a big box of crappy plastic in comparison. It'd be a real steal for $25k, which is I think the price they'd do.

I know, those were just some example pics I found on the net. The ones I'm really looking at are all V6 models. Yes, that's what I'm thinking. Same for the buckets/console, as both of the ones I picked out myself are that way--she's always wished her Suburban had a console shifter, so I think that answers that question. But a bench isn't TOTALLY out of scope, just depends.

Only thing I'm second guessing right now IS the fuel mileage. Granted, it should be terrific on the highway, but it doesn't sound like the 3.8L does much better than 20 around town. Still not bad, I guess, but we're looking for a significant boost in trading off the truck. That's where the thinking behind a diesel VW came in, and she does like Jettas, but that's quite a bit smaller than something like the Lucerne would be. And there's still the Lacrosse, but it has pretty much identical ratings to the Lucerne and isn't nearly as polished of a car. Still can't wait to drive one and actually talk to a salesperson, especially since the last one I was in was a pretty bare CX with the old lady cloth at the auto show. Not bad, but not great either. I sure hope the CXL seats aren't mushy...

Yep, that's actually how they got our current 2wd Suburban--a swap. It's just that these 2 already on the lot are pretty much carbon copies of what I think she'd want--and off the lot is always quicker & easier. Once I actually drive one and talk to her more, we can go from there as far as wanting another color or option combo and see what they can do. Just for a quick comparo, here's some twin pics:

Yeah, I like them too, and they even look like they might mask brake dust well too. Just like the chromes more, at least a little. I plan on taking LOTS of pics of both, and seeing what she thinks tomorrow evening. They also have a Sharkskin one too, with the chromes and a couple other little things that I REALLY, REALLY liked, but it had a bench, and I don't think she likes the darker gray. Need to find out what the actual rebates are too. Don't think it will be any problem at all getting them to do invoice or a little lower, either. Might try out the Lacrosse 3.6L too, just for the heck of it, if I have time.

Well, like I said, this dealer (the one we bought the 'Burb from and have all service done at) has about 8, all of which are CXL V6's. There's a lot of older people around here, so most of them have the front bench option too. Don't think--but haven't asked--that she'd want that, so there are 2 that have the standard buckets. The two I think would be the BEST match are: 1) White Opal/Cashmere CXL V6 with the 6-CD stereo. Standard graphite wheels, etc. 2) Platinum/Titanium CXL V6 with the Chrome Wheels. Nothing else. Basically just single optioned cars, both just a tad over $28k--awesome, because that's actually what the price was on the frumpy LeSabre's we were looking at buying 5 years ago, and these cars do NOT look like sub-$30k vehicles. I like the Cashmere interior more, myself, and the white is very nice and something we tend to like, but she did say she was bored with white and picked out the Platinum when I showed her the colors on the Buick website. That one is your typical silver/gray car, but it looks VERY nice and the chrome wheels definately make it ritzier than the white one. I'm on the fence about the graphite wheels, especially on a white car, but they still look pretty good. I went down again tonight with a camera (but, of course, took it without batteries ) to get some pics, but didn't. Looked them up and down, and like them both, but am leaning more towards the Platinum one myself. Still light and bright like the white, but doesn't show as much muck, looks like a piece of jewelry, and the chromes just make the car. Can't wait to get down there and drive one tomorrow! Looks like, right now, there's a $1500 regular rebate and then, at least according to Edmunds, there's an additional $1000 dealer cash if it was invoiced before 4/1/06. No idea how long either of these 2 have been sitting there, but I should be able to find it all out tomorrow. I've enjoyed the Suburban, as we all have, but a Lucerne would definately be a step up and wouldn't suck gas like it's going out of style...ancient 3.8L, regardless!

Yep, that time has come. The quick little mentionings of our '04 Suburban being too much of a gas hog than it's worth have gotten serious. It has trully done an awesome job of carting lots of people and lots of stuff when those times arose, but they too are getting few and far between anymore. And, let's face it, a Suburban is a little excessive for one person's daily commuting--and it's usually just that one person in there 90% of the time. But, I digress. Gas mileage, of course, is at the top of the requirements list for a prospective replacement. My mother has become a HUGE VW fan lately, especially because of the '05 Jetta TDI diesel a co-worker has that she thinks is beautiful and is amazed by the 40+ mpg. Has said for years her next car will be a "Bug" too, but that's still a bit too small for right now. So, despite the fact that I've not been the Lucerne's biggest fan for a while, it is now at t the top of the list. She had just recently mentioned a Lacrosse, as she actually does like the looks of them a lot, and everyone knows the 3.8L can be REALLY light on gas. Still, I thought the Lacrosse is too cramped and still not something I'm too found of, so I suggested the Lucerne. It really is a gorgeous car in person, especially in the right trim/color. Luckily, the local dealer still has about 8 or so CXL V6 models with only one or two options on each--the exact thing we'd want. The couple I went down and looked at today were nice colors as well, and stickered just a little over $28k--which is a steal, especially considering the "real" price would be closer to $25k. They have a new loaded Lacrosse CXS too, which looked very nice, but was $32k and just couldn't be had for as good of a price. But that's where we're at. Despite my criticisms, I'm VERY impressed with the Lucernes from finally looking at more of them up close, the dealer has a few that would be good matches, the price is nice, the gas mileage is great, etc. Nothing's at all for sure yet, and it didn't become a serious discussion until today, but I'm going over there again tomorrow at lunch to take one of the CXL V6's out for a spin and to take some pics for her.

Which should be perfect. No idea what's with all of the screwball responses here, but you clearly know all about them, and just for long trips is a good idea. We did the same thing when we had our 300M, and though not overly pretty, it fit well and protected the front end completely. Certainly didn't leave it on for extended periods or through washings, but it served it's purpose. The clear stick-ons are great long-term options, but for your uses, the regular old bra should be fine. The ones who have trouble with them are those who already abuse their car anyway...so that's not usually a big shock.

Too boring and simple...and not at all in a good (i.e. just inoffensive) way. First thing I thought--"Wow, people commented on how old the '99 looked inside and out when it was released...what till they see this, because with that nose alone, it looks like something that would have been out about 15 years ago." Dad agreed and had a few choice %^K%^ words, brother laughed at it, and my mom wouldn't believe it was a NEW truck--the last being a self professed lover of the new Tahoe/Yukon. Doesn't necessarily ugly, per say, but definately looks thin, weak, and O-L-D. Sorry, but when I want a big, strong truck, I want it to at least LOOK the part (i.e. at least a little bold or aggressive--they at least tried that with the last 2 front GMT-800 nose revisions). This looks like the weakling little odd duck out, back in the game, but emaciated after battling a very bad disease...

Looks quite good, but how D-U-M-B can you be to think that would be the new Impala (a car itself that was just fully redesigned last year). Even the slightest bit of common sense would say it's the Malibu. But then again, it seems like any "professional" car site gets a pic of a suspected GM car, they ALWAYS think it's a Zeta of some kind...obviously a bit over anxious for their arrival.

Yep, a LOT of dealers here do that all the time--mostly the larger used-only lots that have a lot of couple year old vehicles. One in particular currently has an HHR with around 1k miles on it. The new car ones have also done it, as one local chain that sells a few brands ALWAYS gets (1) of the hottest new cars, drives it around a little and puts it on the used car lot for show--they've had a couple GTO's with a few miles and now a Solstice, but are a Chevy-only dealer at this one location.

According to KBB, yes, it's still a separate trim level on the 'vert, on top of the GT...at least for '06s.

Well, can't say I didn't expect this exact review and to the T, but here's one of the first professional reviews of a real G6 convertible: http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...E/60511007/1006 GM has never done a trully strong FWD convertible, and this one is no different--still has shimmy-shake and squeak issues. The C6/XLR and the Kappa's are completely spectactular though... Oh well, at least it does start under $30k and the hard top does have a "wow" factor...just try not to drive on uneven pavement and crank up the radio to drown out the rattles and squeaks.

Good points, and the Chryslers have always been nice, but one big issue still--the usefulness of the Stow 'n Go is AMAZING, but the comfort of the seats is awful. They look fine, and I really wanted to try them out, and couldn't stand them--the 3rd is inclined too much, and feels small, and the middle seats are just tiny. It's very hard to make seats that can be both comfortable and able to fit into a floor hole, but they better be a lot nicer in the next gen. Same with the interior noise, which has always been a problem in the Chrysler vans. But, regardless, I'm VERY impressed by the Kia/Hyundai twins. The material and build quality puts every other van to shame, as do the combination of features and price.

Great car. The Impala SS is a little too mushy, but I love the sportier and more driver-oriented GXP FWD, yes, but at least it's done VERY well in this car.

The listing was now removed (for whatever reason), but here's all the pics because I saved them: http://s26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/cad...Package%20Hemi/

Yep, pretty much like it's always been then :AH-HA_wink:

It does look a little odd in the regard, but the Crown Vic interior is worse from an ergonomics perspective. The Charger's materials are cheap, no doubt, but still assembled well and very, very solid. But odd looking, yes. Still, as far as police vehicles go, there's NO other worthwhile choice anymore but this car. The Crown Vics are still cheap and solid oldster's, but slow and really inefficient space-wise. The Impala is efficient but that's about it...otherwise, it's a pathetic police car, particilarly in heavy duty cases. Around where we live, it's been nothing but new Crown Vics forever as well as some Durangos, so I'll be interested to see if they ever buy any Chargers. One interesting note...the 3.5L V6 Dodge's are faster AND more efficient than the doggish Ford V8's. And the Hemi, well, that's just one car you don't want to try and outrun...

Still a big Caprice 9C1 fan, this car REALLY gets me : http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2006-Dodge-...bayphotohosting Not a luxury model, for sure, but a lot of beefed up suspension and cooling bits, with a Hemi under the hood...mmm... It's a '96 Caprice LT1 9C1 brought 10 years into the future

I hated some of the last gen no-cladding ones, mainly when the side molding/wheel flare option wasn't ordered...those just REALLY look like some kind of a stripped model, and very cheap. Cleaner yes, but plain and very slab sided, yes too. The new '07+ models, though, look terrific since they were designed from the start devoid of cladding and stripping it away wasn't an afterthought. Actually, we all like the looks so much, a new Av has been added to the list of future vehicles that may replace the Suburban. To quote my mother exactly, a few weeks ago: "The Suburban is really nice, I know, and really roomy, but it can be a bit bulky too. And though I enjoy it, I still really LOVED the Avalanche. Some day I want another one--and those new ones are really beautiful." But back to the topic at hand, I'm interested to see what the Z71 trim (if and when it does arrive) brings to the party, especially since it was the most popular option/trim throughout the run of the last gen.

Well what front end were you thinking of? That's pretty much the only one they used on GMC's throughout the 90's...

As much as I too like the cladding, it's been said umpteen times that it will NOT EVER be coming back. So just forget it. But here's what was said about the Z71 Tahoe, which I assume would be very much like the Z71 Avalanche: With the Avalanche, the Z71 model (or dress up, if you want to think of it that way), was the most popular iteration, so I can't imagine it going away...but, there's always that possibility.