caddycruiser

Take a look at this pic and see if you can figure out my answer... and... Actually, we haven't had a non-V8, non-RWD, non-GM car for several years now...

Couldn't help myself. After my dad so graciously bought the '93 Fleetwood Brougham for my brother and I to use as a "school car" ( ), I fell madly in love with that car and knew I would one day have one of my own. Well, as luck would have it, I stumbled upon a Medium Marblehead Metallic/Light Neutral '95 with 117k on it at a used car lot not far from our house via Autotrader (it was finals week...what else was I supposed to be looking at!?), and went to look at it. In a lot of aspects, it was even nicer than our primo '93, plus had all the best improvements they ever got (LT1 Vette engine, larger mirrors, etc.). Took me a couple weeks to really think it over, but I eventually made them an offer of $4500 for it last Tuesday (they wanted $4995 cash) and they accepted. I was thrilled, because being a semi-expert on these cars, this one is easily worth a bare minimum of a little over $5k. Here's a couple VERY cool pics (nice driveway, huh?): And the rest: At the dealer At home Love it too pieces, but I only got to drive it a couple of times so far, since I didn't buy it until a few days before my Christmas break was over....so, for now, it is in the watchful hands of my brother at home.

I'd like to make a short comment/selection too, but whoever posted the blog must have not set it up fully...

Coming from someone who had a first model year 2002 Avalanche for over 2 years, we never had a single leak either. It's a VERY well engineered system, especially for GM, and one thing that always amazed me at how well it worked and how well it was thought out. That said, besides a few better features like dual-zone HVAC and steering wheel audio controls, the '02 Av was easily a better vehicle than our '04 Suburban we traded it for. Both clearly have virtually identical bones, but the Av's added structural rigidity due to the extra reinforcements around the Midgate is actually pretty noticeable, and I preferred the ride/handling of our Z66 suspension on that to the cheapo "Premium Ride" on the Suburban. Both are really close in SO many aspects, but I still like the Av more after having both. The Mexican-built Av also didn't have to go in for various build quality and mechanical bugs like the Wisconsin-built 'Burban has, either. Then again, having the 3rd seat and a full-length interior has worked out a lot better for us than the 5 seater/truck bed layout, so the Suburban is still the better fit.

That's what I'd say--there'd be no place to jam anything in the first place. Other cars with similar tops can pull it off, because the sections are cut smaller and can stack more compactly, but if you look at the G6's, the main roof section is about 2 or 3 times as large as some others--that easily will cover/close off any trunk space. Being able to get a hard top convertible for $30k would be a great thing, but this engineering "bug" could really make it a lot less attractive in the eyes of a lot of convertible buyers. Buyers that would be more than willing to give up the added "cool" factor and buy a softtop Sebring or Mustang that they can still get into the trunk on.

I agree, and don't mean to keep harping on it, but most buyers actually do want/need the 3rd row and want the real truck platform/style. There's no excuse for it still not to even come close to the Expedition/Armada, etc., in terms of rear packaging. You can have BOTH, and trucks like those show that. We are a current GMT-800 owner, so that does say something... I love a lot about the new trucks, but a 6-speed and better 3rd row from day one would have really put me over the "GOTTA HAVE IT NOW" fence. Personal preference only, but we have to switch between seat and extra space so much, I'd probably go for an Expedition if shopping today just because of that, even with the cheaper interior and less settled ride than a new GM truck. Okay, I swear, I'll never mention the 3rd rows again. I promise! :AH-HA_wink:

Hmm...the 50's is expected, but it really should have stuff like a Nav and Keyless go standard at $57k. Oh well, I guess it isn't like the too Chevy current one that costs just about as much--has a lot more specific Caddy to it this time around, and is a lot nicer in general. Still think the '07 Tahoe/Yukon are overpriced though...

A point I continue to make, especially since it's the closest competitor to the Tahoe/Yukon in size. Well, except for the fact that it actually has a human-accepting 3rd row and a little more cargo room too... B) Just over $34k isn't outrageous, but you have to remember that's for a base with nothing extra--not the typical ones people buy. Add on a few typical options, and you're back at the high 40's, low 50's that made the current gen ones need such large cash pots on the hood.

Compare it to the competition. Yes, the new one is MASSIVELY improved over the current/old gen, but the old gen was always quite a bit behind where it needed to be in a lot of regards--but was still priced higher. That being said, when you can, for example, get a FULLY loaded Durango Limited AWD Hemi (the Tahoe's closest competitor in size) with every option including Nav, chrome wheels, power liftgate, etc., and still be only around $43,610...the very similar Tahoe LTZ with everything at over $50k is overpriced. The base LS 2wd is pretty close to everyone else, at a few bucks under $34k, but even it could stand a couple grand being knocked off--an Expedition or Armada, with much better packaging, is right about the same pricewise. It'd just be nice if it was "Honda priced", with a start of $29,995 or even $30,995 with NO options, and just max out at $45k. Well, either that, or they're definately going to need incentives after the buzz wears off, because people who buy Tahoes tend to have been past/current Tahoe owners, and they'll never sign the check for anything that isn't in the $30k's or even below...something that has been all too easy to do for many years now with the typical $9-12k discount.

Well, I'd never expect a brand new '07 to have a discount like that available already, but after seeing how overtly high they kept the pricing of the Tahoe, once the initial buzz and near MSRP sales falls off, it'll probably be back to like today--the largest rebates of any GM vehicles. I really expected to go "Wow, they actually priced it right" for once when they announced the '07 Tahoe MSRP's, but instead it was just... ...okay... That being said, they've done this GM card bump up off and on a few times now. Too bad we didn't get the flyer in the mail announcing it one of the last times until a few days after signing the papers on our Suburban. B)

Well, I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Right now, I'm anxious to see how the new Chrysler ones turn out: http://www.allpar.com/model/m/2008-minivans.html Styling wise, it doesn't look like they've done anything that rad, but if they get things like making the Stow N' Go seats actually be comfortable, and actually use some nice interior materials and design, not to mention upgraded mechanicals, they could be VERY good.

It's also the silver they've been painting a TON of '04 and newer full-size trucks and SUV's...again, nothing new, and VERY common. Only color that really hasn't been seen much yet is the new Bronze.

Bermuda Blue became available in mid '04 on the '05 and newer models....you HAVE seen it already on the road a lot, haven't you? None are really that different, and we've already seen the gold EVERYWHERE, since GM seems to like showing the Tahoe in that color only. Only different one will be the Bronze, but it's pretty standard fare too.

True, but as a Suburban owner, I can say the 3rd row in this biggest of all truck is VERY comfortable, but even harder to get out than the Tahoe's 2 pieces, because it's just one big solid log, of sorts. I've never understood anyone who bought a "shortie" Tahoe or Yukon with a 3rd row, as it just eliminates all cargo room and is too cramped and uncomfortable for anything human to occupy. I think if they had figured out a way to emulate something like the Ford's AWESOME power folding flat third row that is both comfortable and has room behind it, these trucks would really be right out of the ball park. Trucks or not, when it comes to what 98% of the buyers use them for, things like 3rd row seats are REALLY important issues.

Fully agreed. SOME people in the dark still seem to have the perception that just because the front end is suspended by a big, heavy, clunky solid axle up front...that that is more durable and stronger than well-designed IFS. Coming from an engineering perspective, it's certainly cheaper but no WAY is it better for 98% of the buyers and users. Most often, rides terrible, handles awful, and is just too damn clunky and antique to be worth anything. And like you just said here, who's ever compained about failures GM has had with IFS on their trucks? Going back to a solid axle would just be a huge step back...PERIOD.

That's what I was just thinking after I first thougt "Wow, good." As long as the transaction prices are the same in the end, having to cut off an even smaller piece of sticker to get to that point should help regardless, especially when it comes to things like overall value and resale perception. Guess we'll just have to wait and see the effect. B)

You don't really have to WONDER...there's a reason why I stopped being able to even remotely tolerate the CNN/MSNBC/ABC/NBC/CBS bull $h! years ago :AH-HA_wink: That being said, what annoyed me more than anything so far with the news coverage of NAIAS is how they're completely brushing over showing any of the cars themselves in detail, in favor of the "Domestic automakers going down the tubes?" line. Yeah, I saw the Camaro, Enclave, and even the Edge for a second, but the ONLY car I ever heard any of them give more than 5 secs was the new Chinese MB-Xerox...a.k.a. Geely..

Just a bit too much of a badge job (not as much as the interior of a new '07 Tahoe vs. Yukon, though...), but overall I REALLY like it. Just give me any other color than steel blue, and I'd be honored to have on in the driveway...especially in place of the '04 Suburban that I'm becoming less and less a fan of... On the whole...I definately think the DCX guys are getting a little too confident after the 300/Magnum/Charger and need to get a little more focused before they go any further into the "a little too weird" outside styling and "holy crap that's cheap" interiors.

Though I think the outside is pretty cool (then again, what DCX product isn't, to some degree at least), the inside is just another showing of how I think Chrysler is getting a bit too lax when it comes to that factor. The overall styling and shaping of it actually does blend well with the inside, but WOW does it ever look cheap...exactly like Hyundai/Kia from many years ago C-H-E-A-P. Then again, even the latest Ram refresh and other Chrysler/Dodge vehicles as of late (the rear-drive LX'ers excluded, thank you :AH-HA_wink: ), seem to also be going down a similar dark road... Actually, just had this discussion with my brother: I think, as usual, they got the exterior look and driving dynamics (assuming here...) spot on, but just sorta pulled a "ahh...they won't notice" with the interior materials. I still love 'em, but really wish they'd get this last act together before they become Nissan...

That's so WEIRD! When the Ion came out, I always thought the general proportions of the body and styling were actually not bad. But, the build quality and general refinement were (and still kinda are) at old tractor levels...and in the professional reviews, the general consensus seemed to be that they didn't like the styling. NOW, we have the new Honda Civic that looks like a plastic Ion someone stuck in the microwave by accident and warped it just a tad, and the new Sentra which looks like an Ion that was in the dryer a little too long and shrunk. Both of the latter cars (the Honda and the Nissan) will probably continue (or start) getting more glowing reviews that just mention "unique" or "interesting" styling. Which makes me wonder: -If the Ion had come out looking pretty much the same but had the same high level of qualitiy and driving refinement as the Civic, do you think it would have garnered as much praise? Something to think about...

A couple quick notes: -I have a feeling, that, whenever these new trucks get a little more widespread on the lots and are parked next to current -800 Tahoes, Suburbans, etc., the differences will SHOCK people. Even from pictures alone, there's not even a remote comparison to our '04...especially when it comes to the woven vs. cheap fleece headliner, beautiful dash design and materials vs. the current rectangular sub-tupperware junk, and the VW-esque door panels vs. the creaky, crunchy sounding and el-cheapo ones now. The differences are HUGE. -Strangely, today when I was out on my typical Sunday cruise/dealership pitstop, there were more people than I usually see also roaming...and looking at current gen '05 and '06 Tahoes. Usually, there's no one looking at those--maybe the super huge blowout rebates on the "antiques" are attracting a few more people looking for a last minute deal. I'd rather spend an extra few thousand to get the much improved '07, but I guess the blue light special deal still gets some people looking, even if it is on old, out of date machinery...

Despite the so-so rear interior packaging and old 4-speed, I'm LOVING everything about these trucks. :AH-HA_wink: Bad part? The more and more pics of the new ones I see, the less and less I like our '04...and am even starting to dislike it. It's like a clunky old dinosaur compared to the new ones, which is really saying something... Oh well, mother dearest should be in the mood to trade right about the time the '09s are rolling out...or maybe even a little sooner if they price them properly and she likes them in person.

Yep, just saw that one last night too. As for the base model, go to Chevy's site for that. As compared to the current "base" LS's with black plastic plague (see the truck in my sig... ...), the new '07s only real differences are black door handles (but no accompanying plastic surround like now) and black mirror caps. No extra black bumper or side moldings, so even the bases appear to look pretty good. That, and as far as cloth choices, they seem to have gone with a thicker, softer variety, like in the Impala/Lucerne, so that's also a good sign.

If you actually read it, they said that was their best ESTIMATE, largely based on the pricing of the current models. BUT, as is being discussed somewhat in another thread right now, there's supposed to be a "dramatic" price reduction for the new GMT-900's, starting with the Tahoe in a day or so, so that there need not be anymore $10k+ discounts. If they're smart, I'm going to say $28,995 for a 2wd LS with no options, maxing out right at $45k for a loaded to the gills LTZ. Anymore, and they'll for sure have another issue with massive discounts. Guess we'll soon see...

He's an idiot when it comes to this business...what more can I say? :rolleyes: Flame me, as you wish :AH-HA_wink: