caddycruiser

I think you and I would love car shopping together :AH-HA_wink: There are nice rebates right now and--with the HHR and others--also 60 month 0% which is intriguing. I'd REALLY be on my game if I had lucked out and had any kind of a GM card bonus bump up like my mother had in January when Malibu shopping--or just anything. I think I'm still at 0 on mine. That oddball HHR definitely would be a $17k and change one. For something like that, it's just the issue of I want (or think I do...daily) a manual, but have never driven one, in all honesty. Time to start, I think. And I know the Fit is a bit of a little feather...but I really like the price and it has the classic Honda (even pre- some of their current new models) quality and efficiency. The size and interior functionality really are dead on to me. Just that look, really, but I could forgive that. Still really a Mazda 5 thing, too, for that great price...I just haven't seen one in a while (that at least helps with my "want to be different" thought). I fired off an email quote and for a Sport with nothing nearby, which is already only $19.7k, a dealer would knock $1800 off and it'd be--as an example--$17.8k without even trying. I've never even touched one of these things, but still seems like a standout for the price. And then the HHR...I was going to drive one today, but ran short on time and I think my favorite sales lady was at lunch. They're quite common, I know, but I still really like the styling and know the "new GM" feel and such well. A nice little beefy box with a great drivetrain, I think. If anything, also, at least it would be yet another easily serviced and pleasant GM. Who knows. But anyone want a Fleetwood Spread the word. Time to get some ads up, or something.

Yeah. I get so much interest daily--just driving that is--I hope it can move without a fight. The biggest thing for me is just making sure it goes to a great home (which, of course, BAFFLES the parents in a discussion..."Why do you care?"). I still feel so special in it daily, even being as old and such as it is, so it's a challenge but time. Officially (okay, always was before too, for the right price) for sale today.

YES. A month or so ago, I really liked the idea of an SS, Turbo and all...but one is really just a bit beyond the limit. Hence, if HHR, most interested in either 1LT or 2LT models. And it's a toss-up with engine, if I continued to be interested. Loved the 2.2L in my rental Malibu, it gets better mileage, and is cheaper...but the 2.4L definitely has more zing. Our favorite local dealer has an oddball 2LT that's been sitting around for a while, obviously loaded up with all the standard 2LT stuff (great wheels, interior toys, etc.) BUT nothing else and it even has a stick--something that seems so few and far between. I love the idea of an Ecotec and a stick, especially a 2.4L, and for barely over $20k MSRP, it's an impressive package. Now, if only I had ever driven a stick, hah. Something I like and WANT in theory, but just haven't driven. I've yet to drive any though, so who knows. Really still liking the oddball Mazda 5 and Honda Fit right now. Well that's just DUMB...I'd never sacrifice that much. When I say ignoring some option boxes for the sake of price, I'm talking things like sunroofs and upgraded audio--basically, extra toys on top of standards. If that were the case, and I could afford no more, slightly used would be a no brainer.

Yep, and no time too soon. Well, it's split among a loyalty offer and another thing, but I was wondering when the heck SOMETHING was going to be thrown on the hood of the Hybrids to maybe get someone to consider one, aside from celebrities. Otherwise, not that this is different from other years. Even back in '04, when we bought a Suburban, the regular straight cash rebate with no restrictions, no loyalty, etc. was $5k. The same thing has happened every year since, at least at the very end. Expensive trucks with relatively large margins = huge discounts and GM cash, more often than not, especially when no one wants them anymore. Now the question is...will a rebate do much of anything at this point? We'll see. I have my doubts.

Me too, right by home yesterday. But I really liked it, more so than the older look actually...comes off crisper and more modern. For a driver, which I think this one clearly was, makes me jealous....well, of everything but the gas bill :AH-HA_wink:

Oh, and some new thoughts. Lots of Mazdas, hah. -Completely forgot about it, but am intrigued VERY, VERY much by the Mazda 5. I knew about them, but had somehow forgot until reading the name somewhere today and then looking up prices. For a "base" in the $19k MSRP range, just a screaming standout that so few know about, mini-minivan and all. Even reading owner reports, not only is the quality like the Fit, but it realistically seems to get mileage in the high 20's and then into the 30's without much effort. Just wondering, even small, if it might still be a bit too big. Good deals now too. -Mazda 3. Of course, always a popular choice. The funny thing is, as much as I love this look and size, a starting model hatch is the SAME price as a larger, more packed, etc. 5. Almost oddly so. -Mazda 6. A classic, but nearing the end, and again, deals to be had on a stylish, fun car that's decently efficient. And lots of other things, continuing, especially the Fit and HHR with the new ones above. Though I really liked the G6 coupes I played with, I don't think I could bear spending so much on something with one of the worst resales ever...and so "Enterprise". Same with a lot of GM's, actually. As much as I love them, there's an even stronger pull telling me explore and go outside that realm for once. But the Fleetwood is definitely heading for sale, and still such a stunner--especially thanks to my car. Too bad I can't keep it in a capsule just to look at, but honestly, I'm beyond that too...just time to move on, and do it sooner rather than later. All when I can find the car a good home. I have a few ideas of people to contact, and it'd be perfect for a collector/driver, which I hope it will be. Time to appreciate these cars from afar, but not drive one.

I'm always on the go, and living at home only for the time being while working here, there's already no space...and when I move in the future, there's not going to be space. Beyond that, I have no desire or budget to continue with a second car AT ALL let alone a toy or project one. It's time to downsize, go newer (the Fleetwood has been a tank, as they all are, but is far from perfect...and it's a risk everyday I drive that something might happen), go much more efficient, etc. Honestly, yes, I could go a bit lower in price with something else and keep both...but I have beyond zero interest AT ALL in that. It's been great, but I'm done, and too busy in the start of life to care about having more than anything new. Yep, I've considered it, and would--something essentially new, but very low mileage, an exec car, etc. If something I really like/want/can afford just happens to also be as such...fine. But at the same time, I still prefer brand new--even if that means less equipment or what have you (big deal, really)--with no miles, new car rebates and financing, etc.

WOW, I completely forgot about one of those...and looking up some, they're VERY nice even with MSRP's under $20k. Hmm...so close to a 3 hatch, it makes one wonder. If the mileage is high enough, could be a big contender for even me.

I think you're getting me...most of those are above the theoretical limit and NO V8's let alone V6's, but still, interesting ideas.

Lots say that, and if I had the space or time to have a second play toy...it would be as such. But this is a daily, and has always been extreme as one. Fun and attention getting and durable as could be, but a holy terror sometimes as a daily. My brother wants it. My dad wants it. (Though both "want it" for $1-2k...) People who see it--such as at work--say they like it and not to get rid of it. But I'd rather see it in the hands of someone who CAN really appreciate and take care of it as a play toy of sorts, or at least a pampered driver with the mileage. I just don't enjoy anything much about it anymore except for the looks, space, and attention. We'll see. Good comments guys, and all still some of what I've already heard.

I'm shopping for EXACTLY the same thing right now for myself, but open to most anything...HHR and Astra especially. I very much like the Vibe, actually, and think--especially with proper trim--it's a significantly nicer vehicle than the last gen one, more refined, and stylish. Yeah, it's a Toyota, whoopdi do, but a very good one and with great styling and that can be serviced at a GM dealer. Otherwise, given that she dislikes the HHR and Astra, I'll say Fit (huge on my radar...even with the dorkiest looks of all), Mazda 3, Civic, Cobalt (I'm iffy on this too, given the amount of bargain base's out thrashing around...but a respectable car), or especially so a Malibu LS/1LT--the latter, for the price of $21k or under, is a biggie. The only issue is it's a car and not exactly huge on easy entry/exit or open cargo space like a mini hatch is.

I completely agree. Yet in reality, I'm spending as much per month on gas and maintaining/fixing little things on this stylish dinosaur as I would on a approx. $200 car payment and hugely reduced gas costs, with maybe at most $100 extra per month cost at times. If otherwise, I wouldn't even be considering a change, really. But between old age, fixing things, being huge, gas costs, etc., it's a budget thing that is more and more realistic the further I figure. Otherwise, no other debt aside from the student loans, and that's something that will be there for a while and paid in max as much as possible. As I venture out more, could be moving further away and traveling more, am no longer in school, and have essentially zero desire to spend the extra attention necessary on a classic showpiece anymore, it's getting clearer. I still think the same way as much as I think new--especially just to drop a grand or two into the Fleetwood and keep going--but then have more thoughts otherwise. I'd never do anything that wasn't a smart move, or just in the name of "I want it". Still some figuring to do. But the Fleetwood is definitely up for grabs from here on out, regardless--even if I didn't end up going new, I'd still replace it with something much different for cash again. New in the lead, still. We'll see. Northstar - Agreed. Especially Astra. There's something (well, so many things) I just love about that little car. And, funny enough, today was finally the FIRST day I've ever seen one on the road...from out of state. I have no need, desire, etc. for big and expensive, and the Astra is a whole lot of car, really, for the price. Same for the VW's, which I like for similar reasons, the only concern being fuel mileage that probably is the least impressive of any of these small cars. And, for both brands, at least no dealers within 5 minutes like a Chevy or Ford. As for the HHR, I'm still not sure why I like those, I just do all of a sudden. Same for the Fit, which I may not be huge on the look of, but love it's economy and quality. Lots of choices in this range.

The only things we have "local" are GM and Ford...so I keep at least wanting to try and take an HHR and a few other things for a spin at lunch time. We'll see. Crazy or smart as I am. Oh, and DIFFERENT, plays a big factor in a possible choice...if at all possible. Maybe just because of color and trim, but I'd prefer not to be one of the crowd at a stoplight.

It's finally come around, not just that I've pondered doing it, but that I'm selling the Fleetwood and moving on to something newer, much smaller, more efficient, etc. For the longest time (and to keep the finances smiling), the idea was something new but used (and quite a bit so) that fulfilled the smaller and more economical but that could be another cash purchase. Think late 90's Accord, and you'll have gotten the drift. Then that went, well, sort of to the side. I graduated college and while not yet making huge money yet or in a dream job, I'm working with a great company at home for the time being and am making a nice chunk. I love the Fleetwood dearly and it gets me still more attention, comments, and stares than anything (I realized how much so in April when an older guy with his wife in a new Ferrari F430 was pointing at me and talking as I left school down the street, I then lost him, ONLY to hear the most insane exhaust note as I parked at my apartment complex and there he was...with a 20 minute question and answer session and "Do you have any idea how insane your car looks going down the road?!" 3 times). And it is a stunner. And a tank of a tank if there ever was one. But it's also 13 years old, has 133k miles, and is due for quite a bit of stuff--nothing that keeps me from 30+ mile daily driving--on top of just being HUGE and not exactly a Prius. Then again, averaging 19.1 for the past week going to work and back at 40-60'ish isn't exactly bad at all. But I'm moving on and want to be able to just travel at the drop of a hat anywhere, not have to plan ahead with parking, and also keep myself from continually wanting to spend more and more updating and changing every little thing. Well, that, and now that I've moved back home temporarily while working here, shock of all shocks, even my mother came out one day and said "You really need to get rid of that boat...you can certainly afford something in the $2xx range new per month." No car payments but an old car with big gas bills vs. new and efficient with a warranty for not much more total each month has gotten me thinking--and I NEVER thought it would be because of a parent, one who keeps repeating the same line daily now. For years, and as I've said many times on various boards, I've had a "list" of possible new cars I'd keep my eye on for a new post-grad car...and I've started shopping. Despite my efforts, I still can't get away from instantly jumping to GM, and there's a ton of those on the list...as well as various others. The goals are: 1) $15-20k price range, preferably the lower the better, with about $4-5k down. Lease is also something I've pondered given what you can get in this range...but it might really be ludicrous for such a "want it" buy as it is. 2) I've really come to like the wagon/hatch style for practicality. 3) The better resale the better, but also special discounts/financing (a-la GM, Ford, typically) play a big factor. 4) VERY efficient and refined 4-cyl drivetrain. The higher the mpg numbers, the better. Probably auto, but I'm still itching to have a stick...even though I've, uh, yet to ever drive one;) 5) The more "solid" in every way, the better. I like thunking doors, zero rattles, nice materials, and just a general vault'ish feel...but without being heavy because of it. So what have I been thinking? 1) Honda Fit...perfect size and package, super efficient, as high quality as compact vehicles get, and right at the $15k mark. A bit of a clown car look, but great still. 2) Chevy HHR...never was sure about these, but all of a sudden have become very smitten with them. Tried out a couple that were unlocked at the dealer Saturday night and I really liked the feel, overall, like a mini minivan...with my favorite Ecotecs. Not super loaded, to keep the price down, and helped with rebates. 3) Saturn Astra...the little Euro vault. It wasn't finally today until I saw one of these, and I just like everything about them. Price is fine, but a touch higher, and still without any real discounts. But I love that "feel". 4) VW Beetle or Rabbit...I had a worry about the Beetle image, until a guy at work suggested one again to me seriously. Same for the Rabbit--really a GTI fan, but that would mean a lease. 5) Oh, and, uh, also a Smart FourTwo...seriously. Still, for my uses and wanting to go smaller, I can't think of anything that's shockingly smaller but also shockingly a standout as the polar opposite of a Fleetwood. 6) Then the randoms (and lots of other strong choices...but I change daily). New Malibu LS or 1LT...right at the top, and probably too much, but a dealer was advertising LS's for $17,999 over the weekend. Hmm. Also the Aura, which is very similar, but a dog in sales and rebated up. Ford Fusion...again, really like these actually, especially for the price with discounts. Same for the Milan. I ALSO shocked myself by really liking some G6's--which I still ridicule a bit--after trying out some coupes. Those would be out of the range, but I really liked them. Back smaller again, some kind of a Cobalt Sport is quite intriguing to me...Cobalts are everywhere, but still a great package, and such trim makes them quite impressive. Pontiac Vibe, too, either the new '09 or even a leftover '08...dealer had one, and I liked it quite a bit. Just lots and lots and lots of possibilities. Well, if I actually can get the Fleetwood sold that is, and, uh, get over the scary idea of having a car payment...even a small one. Hey, uh, anyone want a '95 Fleetwood LT1? If you care to get hunted down by Ferrari drivers, old people, and homies alike...it's a stunner with HUGE possibilities for the price;) Throw out some feedback, good and bad, or tell me I'm crazy to get rid of the tank-like fuel submarine Caddy like 50% tell me and I tell myself at moments... Otherwise, all will stay as is, or I'll sell it and go cheap old used again...or start putting a couple grand back into the boat and crying when I get my Citi gas card statement for the rest of eternity, hah.

REALLY? Why? Otherwise, I too have heard very good things about them. It's a time proven car, for sure, for many years in other parts of the world in various forms, especially in Aussie.

Yeah, that's one of their better ones. Not a favorite...but NOTHING like this psychedelic cheap toy color: It just screams cheap and looks so much like a $50 Maaco special, I don't get it. At ALL. But otherwise, just colors in general are a big issue. There never seems to be enough or at least the right ones.

YES! Big one for me, actually. I despise AWD/4WD, almost to a weird level. Unless I lived on a mountain in the extreme north or had to climb boulders daily...why, in your right mind, would you want to drag around the extra friction of more axles, transfer cases, electronics and more...just so you have that special switch if there's a flurry out? I know it's also a sporty car thing that gives more traction and can really help with sticking to the road all around...but just too overused, ordered, and depended on as a necessity still.

Eh, they have their merits, but all of us have an emotional tug to the Malibu like nothing else outside. Part of it's the newness, and the other is just the gorgeous looks, great interior, and standout dynamics. Well, that, and it actually can zing along without being big, heavy, clunky, and pigging out on gas. It's a trade-off, but aside from my Regal driving brother, we'd gladly take a fleet of 3 of that Camcord fighter instead anymore. Well, and still appreciate and love the boats from afar...or just have one as a play thing. Or not.

Have to agree with Dodgefan here, and not just because we own one. The Aura is okay but just doesn't have near the cohesiveness and is still riddled with more cheap bits and pieces than the Chevy. Not bad, but eh, inside. Otherwise, for me with a new car...good question. I'm thinking new car right now and am still baffled by what is is I want, don't want, must have, or refuse to have. Hmm. I think 1) terrible cheap blues (think Chrysler's current medium blue...eck), 2) a flimsy, looser, or just not tight/solid feel on the road, 3) bad gas mileage...wow, I guess lots of things.

Some new, now with my uncovered car showing, taken this evening (hence the lack of light). The last showing the totally reconstructed side as of December...thanks to a Subaru bumper. With the parts, now it's a '95, a '96, AND a '93. The body shop NEVER had anyone deliver their wrecked car and ALL the parts from a quarter panel to doors all chrome and even little trim clips, at once. Ah well. That's the drive, yet again. Now if it would just stop raining EVERY freaking night after a fresh cleaning. Oy. And my favorite...

YEAH. Where, aside from dealer ads (which a lot have pointed out), are GM ads talking about the praises of the Cobalt, XFE, and that 36 mpg figure? It's either what's the latest rebate (STILL...ugh) on the Cobalt, the Memorial Day special, and then just a brief mention of (like I heard tonight) 33 mpg. XFE...XFE...we can do it GM. All you need is one new commercial. The Malibu ones are stunning. Get that team on it. Just one good one. Then again, you can't spend too much on a stick-only base'ish compact coupe...just not something very many people will actually sign the dotted line for, I guess.

YES! I JUST said that yesterday! I think they're slowly accepting the cute new puppy...but there's been some dirty looks :AH-HA_wink:

OH...and in case any wondered what might be going on in front of the Roadmaster, that's dad's "mod work" in action. He LOATHES bumper guards, as are on these cars stock, and already they've been removed off both Fleetwoods...yet still bugged him to death on the Roadmaster. So what did he do? Off they went, and to cover the holes on each side left in both the chrome and plastic below, he took the gray pads off the original bumper guards, cut them down smaller, and just attached those back on. Weird to me for the very small difference, but he's happy now. Odd man. Odd, odd man Oh, and he also ground a chunk out of his finger while doing so...playing with the grinder to make things shaped and fit right.

It seems weird as someone who drove 2 SUV's with 5.3L's for years (and LOVED the power and sound, hah, with her Corvette driving style in both), but after she saw and heard how much I loved my 2.2L '07 rental, her interest really perked up. For years, we'd been (well, not me, but everyone else) sort of averse to anything below a V6 and never actually owned any. But this car with the 2.4L is a revelation. At idle, there's no vibe and just a distant whisper of the engine inside, it steps off very lively I think and generally pulls and sounds like a small V6. Thank god GM's Ecotecs keep getting better and better, in more and more solid cars, and are NOTHING like the growly, rough 4-cyls of just a few years back. I just knew, from my rental, and the fact that a big part of her going Suburban-->Malibu was fuel economy, she would be more than happy with the 2.4L. Not that the 3.6L wasn't a slight consideration, and it's a terrific drivetrain, but it's just "too much" in a lot of ways, puts a touch more weight on the nose, eats more gas, and costs $2k more. For the price alone, she didn't care, and I assured her the 4-cyl was the one. She's now driven it since mid January and has 4800 miles and just LOVES it. She loves the car itself a lot, but also as far as the engine, she's never complained once about it being slow or noisy (there's so little noise...hence the quietest 4-cyl sedan in the class), and just raves about how smooth and spunky it is. And this is with the old 4-speed. In that regard, not that there wasn't any thought to the 6-speed, but the current setup is great as is and proven, and no desire to wait. It revs the 2.4L out a bit at times (of course, longer gear holding with less of them), but keeps the engine lively and subdued overall. Great choice. At times I'm still tempted to even just try a 3.6L version just based on the reviews, but really would never buy one given how darned impressive the 2.4L in this car is. Nearly every Camry and Accord is sold with a 4-cyl, and now that something like the Malibu has such a package and it's so good, I can see why--when it's right, it's just ideal in this kind of car. She "loves her little car" ...and we're all jealous with our old tanks, hah!

Agreed. Coming from white, and wanting no more of it (gets filthy and looks "like a refrigerator"), she gave me 2 top choices when I was shopping: 1) Silverstone and 2) Black Granite. I knew the black was just not something, despite how it looked, something she'd want to maintain, so kept that off hand a bit. I knew Dark Gray looked great on the car and when one was available (the only one we could locate at the time, that a dealer would swap), it was as such. Good thing, because she loves it, and gets a lot of comments on the color--especially the Titanium 2-tone inside. And even for a darker color, oddly can be quite filthy and not look it...same for the 2LT 4-cyl wheels, which have a sort of graphite coloring to part of them. I REALLY like this car...wish I had one :AH-HA_wink: