[VPSuchin]

Originally Posted by maddy42

Congrats Suchin, thats a gorgeous looker. Can i ask what was the pricing on these?
Maddy

Thanks! Model year 2012-2013s G37x without Navigation go for $20-$22k, make it around $24K for Navigation and Certification. Most examples typically have 30-40K miles. Mine has just 18K miles on it and I got a great deal.
Interesting thing is the Q40 -which is a renamed G37 with some features removed,(Was sold just for 2014 & 2015) is selling at lower prices than G37's. I guess people don't know it even exists and are not searching for it.

Here's one in Kansas city for with just 8000 miles at a killer deal of $22,999:
http://www.hendrickacuraoverlandpark...CV6ARXFM522430

[vineethvazhayil]

Originally Posted by prasadee

I ended up getting a Mazda CX9 that has a lot more comfy 3rd row seats with cup holders and what not. There is also space for my large labrador retriever behind the 3rd row seat. Not that I would ever do that. We usually fold half of the 3rd row seat so that the dog gets to interact with the 3rd row seat occupant.

I did not like the Highlander as it has crappy 2nd row middle seat.

The Pilot is an awesome contender. Same deal with Santa Fe. Sorrento was too buzzy, noisy engine. With 7 people seated, it struggled the most on freeway ramps.

Did you get the CX-9 with the 2.5 turbo? I've read that the torque low down in that motor is great for urban driveability.

Surprised that you say that the Sorrento was too buzzy and struggled - reason being the powertrain in the Sorrento and Santa Fe are the same - unless we are talking different model years or the base 2.4 engine in the Sorrento,

We have occasional use of the third row - very happy with the Highlander for now. I barely ever sit in the second row, and no one has ever complained about the 2nd row middle seat. I think it maybe too flat.

[maddy42]

Originally Posted by VPSuchin

Thanks! Model year 2012-2013s G37x without Navigation go for $20-$22k, make it around $24K for Navigation and Certification. Most examples typically have 30-40K miles. Mine has just 18K miles on it and I got a great deal.
Interesting thing is the Q40 -which is a renamed G37 with some features removed,(Was sold just for 2014 & 2015) is selling at lower prices than G37's. I guess people don't know it even exists and are not searching for it.

Here's one in Kansas city for with just 8000 miles at a killer deal of $22,999:
http://www.hendrickacuraoverlandpark...CV6ARXFM522430

Thanks, can i ask how you search for such deals? Secret sauce or recipe?

Maddy

[prasadee]

Originally Posted by vineethvazhayil

Did you get the CX-9 with the 2.5 turbo? I've read that the torque low down in that motor is great for urban driveability.

Surprised that you say that the Sorrento was too buzzy and struggled - reason being the powertrain in the Sorrento and Santa Fe are the same - unless we are talking different model years or the base 2.4 engine in the Sorrento,

We have occasional use of the third row - very happy with the Highlander for now. I barely ever sit in the second row, and no one has ever complained about the 2nd row middle seat. I think it maybe too flat.

I have the CX-9 with a 3.7L V6.

My wife drove the Sorrento, the sales guy was in the passenger seat. I sat in the 2nd row with the kids. I could feel the buzz through the seats, and felt it was much more noisy. It was the 2.4 engine.

Toyota has made a great vehicle in Highlander. Before the CX-9 I had a 4Runner for 10 years. It was as solid as a rock. Enjoy!

[VPSuchin]

Originally Posted by maddy42

Thanks, can i ask how you search for such deals? Secret sauce or recipe?

Maddy

Set up saved searches with email alerts (important!) on multiple sites-Autotrader, Cars.com, Cargurus etc. and don't restrict yourself to your local area. I was looking at cars up to 250 miles away.
Also, don't rely too much on the filters in these sites. For example I didn't filter by "with Navigation" or "AWD", I rather look at the pictures or decode the VIN to see if it has the features. Narrowing down the requirements too much will make you miss out on some cars that are incorrectly listed.

Listings on Carmax do not show up in these sites sometimes so it's better to check their website directly.

Also look at VROOM.com . They are an online no-haggle dealership based in Dallas. Free shipping with 7 day free return. They also buy your car and beat Carmax quotes. Great reviews.They have some great low mileage cars if you are comfortable with buying cars unseen.

[amitoj]

Originally Posted by VPSuchin

Also look at VROOM.com .

Great!
Another productivity black hole for me

[vineethvazhayil]

Originally Posted by amitoj

Great!
Another productivity black hole for me

I've ignored their facebook ads forever. I clicked today, thanks to this post that you quoted. Dang.

[14000rpm]

I'm shifting base from Finland to Troy, MI. Used to live in US 6 yrs ago down in Atlanta but then, much of what I learnt in buying cars is lost in memory or unlearned while in Europe. . In fact I'd bought my car on craigslist.

Came here looking for advice on searching and wasn't disappointed. there is a lot already. Will go through.

One question remains though - Rust. I presume cars in Northern states/Mid-west have rust issues due to road salt. Am I right? is it true that folks from here seek cars from southern states?

About choices - I currently drive a CR-V and my first instinct is to look for the same in US too. Yet to explore beyond. Any advice? I have a toddler and therefore space and practicality is a must. I totally love a Lexus NX but then, it has space and practicality issues.

[vineethvazhayil]

Originally Posted by 14000rpm

I'm shifting base from Finland to Troy, MI. Used to live in US 6 yrs ago down in Atlanta but then, much of what I learnt in buying cars is lost in memory or unlearned while in Europe. . In fact I'd bought my car on craigslist.

Came here looking for advice on searching and wasn't disappointed. there is a lot already. Will go through.

One question remains though - Rust. I presume cars in Northern states/Mid-west have rust issues due to road salt. Am I right? is it true that folks from here seek cars from southern states?

About choices - I currently drive a CR-V and my first instinct is to look for the same in US too. Yet to explore beyond. Any advice? I have a toddler and therefore space and practicality is a must. I totally love a Lexus NX but then, it has space and practicality issues.

Welcome back state side. Rust is a factor, but that doesn't really mean that you have to get a car from the southern states. I have a car that has seen 10 years of Midwestern winters and I see no rust. I suppose something that is kept well will have little or no rust.

CR-V is still a solid choice for a car for a family. In fact, the new one has a great turbo motor and the interiors and safety kit are also amazing. You cannot go wrong with that car. You wait a little bit more and a new CR-V hybrid is on its way. In that size of car, there are a lot of choices. Look around, do your comparison shopping, test drive them, try the child seat. Top sellers are the CR-V, Rogue, RAV4 trio, I suppose. If you want something nicer, the RDX from Acura is a great value. Something fun would immediately mean the Mazda CX-5 - but not a whole lot of power. American brands have pretty good options too but may not have the reliability cachet of the Japanese. But just like the Koreans, they will offer good value.

[VPSuchin]

Originally Posted by 14000rpm

About choices - I currently drive a CR-V and my first instinct is to look for the same in US too. Yet to explore beyond. Any advice? I have a toddler and therefore space and practicality is a must. I totally love a Lexus NX but then, it has space and practicality issues.

With Michigan winters, I am assuming you are looking for something with AWDThe current CR-V with the AWD and Turbo 1.5 (EX trims and above)has been getting some really good reviews. Looks like they have drastically improved the looks and quality of materials in addition to driving dynamics. You cannot go wrong with a CR-V.


I would ask you to test drive the Subaru Forester. It's spacious, practical, reliable, very safe, has great resale value and has a fantastic AWD system. Go for the 2.0 Turbo with 250HP if you need more performance.
It has a CVT but so do many modern cars,and if you hate CVTs it restricts your choices. The interiors have been improving steadily but won't match a Mazda CX-5 etc. but I would highly recommend it.
It's rated very high by Consumer Reports and many many other publications. 2.5i CVT starts at $23,595. 26 mpg city / 32 highway
Definitely check it out!

[Jomz]

Originally Posted by 14000rpm

I'm shifting base from Finland to Troy, MI.

I live in Troy. Let me know if You need some help in checking out apartments etc.

Originally Posted by 14000rpm

About choices - I currently drive a CR-V and my first instinct is to look for the same in US too. Yet to explore beyond. Any advice? I have a toddler and therefore space and practicality is a must. I totally love a Lexus NX but then, it has space and practicality issues.

Few things about MI ( Michigan).

This place has the most crazy auto insurance ever. I had a relative from Church who recently immigrated from India. He had no driving history in the US and no prior US insurance. Despite being 56, He was quoted $1600 for 6 month for a 2007 Camry. So, If I were you, I would start looking at insurance before cars.

Imported cars ( Jap, Korean , Euro) are only popular among Immigrant communities. And absolutely for no reason,all cars are more expensive in Michigan than neighbouring states. Given the rarity of Imports and high prices of cars, you'll spend a premium to buy cars in Michigan. CRV/RAV 4 is one of the hottest selling cars among Immigrants, so chose your car Wisely, Persian!!!

Keep in mind that Troy is the next city to Bloomfield hills where almost all CEO's and rich people of the state live. It is very common to see Bentleys On your commute in the area.
Interesting fact about Troy, David Tracy lives in Troy & an Ex- Chrysler engineer. You could follow his path and get a $500 Jeep.
http://jalopnik.com/search?q=David+tracy

Jokes apart,
Take a day trip to Chicago and I would suggest buying from there. Lots of used cars around. But do check on insurance.

[vineethvazhayil]

Originally Posted by Jomz

Jokes apart,
Take a day trip to Chicago and I would suggest buying from there. Lots of used cars around. But do check on insurance.

Or, buy online - like some wise men in this group have done.

So are domestics a lot more inexpensive in MI with even more deals on offer or something?

[14000rpm]

guys, sincerely appreciate the quick replies.

Originally Posted by vineethvazhayil

Welcome back state side. Rust is a factor, but that doesn't really mean that you have to get a car from the southern states. I have a car that has seen 10 years of Midwestern winters and I see no rust. I suppose something that is kept well will have little or no rust.

got it. anyways I am looking for cars from 2013 up.

Originally Posted by vineethvazhayil

CR-V is still a solid choice for a car for a family. In fact, the new one has a great turbo motor and the interiors and safety kit are also amazing. You cannot go wrong with that car. You wait a little bit more and a new CR-V hybrid is on its way.

Yes. the 2018 model is indeed looking more appealing. however, it is highly unlikely that I'll buy a brand new car. Much rather buy it after it has depreciated.

Originally Posted by vineethvazhayil

In that size of car, there are a lot of choices. Look around, do your comparison shopping, test drive them, try the child seat. Top sellers are the CR-V, Rogue, RAV4 trio, I suppose. If you want something nicer, the RDX from Acura is a great value. Something fun would immediately mean the Mazda CX-5 - but not a whole lot of power. American brands have pretty good options too but may not have the reliability cachet of the Japanese. But just like the Koreans, they will offer good value.

Thanks. will keep looking at all very closely. In fact a Toyota Highlander too is in my radar coz I like it as is a Mini Countryman since my wife like it.

Originally Posted by VPSuchin

With Michigan winters, I am assuming you are looking for something with AWDThe current CR-V with the AWD and Turbo 1.5 (EX trims and above)has been getting some really good reviews. Looks like they have drastically improved the looks and quality of materials in addition to driving dynamics. You cannot go wrong with a CR-V.

yes. AWD for sure.whichever car I pick.

Originally Posted by VPSuchin

I would ask you to test drive the Subaru Forester. It's spacious, practical, reliable, very safe, has great resale value and has a fantastic AWD system. Go for the 2.0 Turbo with 250HP if you need more performance.

Good one. I have a soft corner for Subaru's but they'd been out of mind for a while. The Forester definitely comes up on my list.

Originally Posted by VPSuchin

It has a CVT but so do many modern cars,and if you hate CVTs it restricts your choices. The interiors have been improving steadily but won't match a Mazda CX-5 etc. but I would highly recommend it.
It's rated very high by Consumer Reports and many many other publications. 2.5i CVT starts at $23,595. 26 mpg city / 32 highway
Definitely check it out!

Honestly I've been driving only Manual shift since last 6 yrs with occasional auto-boxes on rentals. will have to drive a CVT to know whether or not it would be likeable.

Originally Posted by Jomz

I live in Troy. Let me know if You need some help in checking out apartments etc.

Thanks Jomz. you have already shared your contact and I will certainly tug on you for assistance. much appreciated.

Originally Posted by Jomz

Few things about MI ( Michigan).

This place has the most crazy auto insurance ever. I had a relative from Church who recently immigrated from India. He had no driving history in the US and no prior US insurance. Despite being 56, He was quoted $1600 for 6 month for a 2007 Camry. So, If I were you, I would start looking at insurance before cars.

oops. didn't know this. so the sticker price on a car is half the cost now.

Originally Posted by Jomz

Imported cars ( Jap, Korean , Euro) are only popular among Immigrant communities. And absolutely for no reason,all cars are more expensive in Michigan than neighbouring states. Given the rarity of Imports and high prices of cars, you'll spend a premium to buy cars in Michigan. CRV/RAV 4 is one of the hottest selling cars among Immigrants, so chose your car Wisely, Persian!!!

Actually, rare entries to my list are the American Ford Edge and the Swedish Volvo XC60.

Originally Posted by Jomz

Interesting fact about Troy, David Tracy lives in Troy & an Ex- Chrysler engineer. You could follow his path and get a $500 Jeep.
http://jalopnik.com/search?q=David+tracy

Interesting indeed. do you bump into him? I do read his post in Jalopnik.

Originally Posted by Jomz

Jokes apart,
Take a day trip to Chicago and I would suggest buying from there. Lots of used cars around. But do check on insurance.

noted. but how does insurance from Chicago help in Michigan? does it work that way?

Originally Posted by vineethvazhayil

Or, buy online - like some wise men in this group have done.

So are domestics a lot more inexpensive in MI with even more deals on offer or something?

how has online buying picked up? not the best to buy a car in my opinion. it's not a washing machine.


Will keep you all updated on my progress in hunting.

[Jomz]

Originally Posted by vineethvazhayil

So are domestics a lot more inexpensive in MI with even more deals on offer or something?

Not really, A POS 2000's Chrysler Sebring In Michigan is Priced similar to 2000's Camry's in Chicago.

2000's Camry's are priced higher than a Sebring , so it is a vicious loop.

Long story short, cars in MI are atleast 10-15% priced than IN, IL, OH

Originally Posted by 14000rpm

Interesting indeed. do you bump into him? I do read his post in Jalopnik.

We've exchanged mails and I was about to go and wrench on his Willy's. But something else came up. I'll go and wrench on his next project

Originally Posted by 14000rpm

noted. but how does insurance from Chicago help in Michigan? does it work that way?

.

Well, I meant much cheaper and varied selection of used cars. But if you want to beat MI insurance, try living in OH.
OH has one of the cheapest insurance in the country.

If you live in OH ( Toldeo is just 1.5 hours away ) or if you have an OH address to register the car to, you could use the much cheaper OH insurance.

Originally Posted by 14000rpm

how has online buying picked up? not the best to buy a car in my opinion. it's not a washing machine.


.

I bought a new WRX Sti Online and had it delivered to my house. Other than the car was dirty when delivered, I don't have any complaints. I saved almost 4000 than buying locally. And I could custom order what I wanted.

[Activ8]

Originally Posted by VPSuchin

Overall, the older BMW's classic connected driving feel , brilliant steering and smooth engine that were it's main plus points. The newer BMW 328i's are quieter, have more tech features and the base engine is pretty quick though noisy, but the old driving dynamics are gone.

Reliability, Power, Value for money are the G's selling points. The other car I was considering was the Acura TL SH-AWD but the Infiniti was cheaper,faster and handled better.

No hard feelings, but seriously, I always wondered why folks that care about 'driving dynamics' and 'steering feel' and whatever else drive autos....it's like you're desperate to look like a car guy but really can't be bothered to shift a stick.