Wife's new car (2014 Chevrolet Malibu)
Re: Wife's new car (2014 Chevrolet Malibu)
More sigh!!!
This was the brand new tire, too! But this gave me an opportunity. I checked eBay and bought a used Outlast with 9.5/32" tread for like $70 shipped. The other have 11/32" but that assumes no further tire carnage which is not a bet I'd take. I will have to go to Walmart or something since Tire Pros won't install customer supplied tires. FFS. I don't want to hear a damn thing about having a nicer vehicle.
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Re: Wife's new car (2014 Chevrolet Malibu)
Saving this.
Add CarPlay and Android Auto to the Malibu. This MIGHT be the only product on the market that doesn't require complete screen replacement.
Still, it says 4-5 hour fairly involved install with soldering required. Plus extra work to integrate with the factory mic so I assess that every Mercedes retrofit is easier. FWIW.
https://www.chevymalibuforum.com/thread ... ng.116506/
https://www.gm-navigation.com/product/2 ... -autoplay/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHw5y-Ni1Gw
$699 as of this post.
Add CarPlay and Android Auto to the Malibu. This MIGHT be the only product on the market that doesn't require complete screen replacement.
Still, it says 4-5 hour fairly involved install with soldering required. Plus extra work to integrate with the factory mic so I assess that every Mercedes retrofit is easier. FWIW.
https://www.chevymalibuforum.com/thread ... ng.116506/
https://www.gm-navigation.com/product/2 ... -autoplay/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHw5y-Ni1Gw
$699 as of this post.
Re: Wife's new car (2014 Chevrolet Malibu)
So a couple years later, I happened to find this at my local MB dealer.
https://www.mercedesbenzofwarwick.com/i ... 5ha164320/
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal ... pe=listing
https://www.carfax.com/vehiclehistory/a ... 1kA9YRKSaw
Auto Trader says certified but that's just....incorrect.
This is a REALLY nice spec, aside from missing Distronic. And the steering wheel wear looks like shit. I wonder what can be done about that.
They also have two CPO GLB250s. Actually they have three! Here are the two cheaper ones.
https://www.mercedesbenzofwarwick.com/i ... 9mw122242/
https://www.mercedesbenzofwarwick.com/i ... 9lw014007/
It seems kind of ridiculous to have a third silver Mercedes so there's that. But aside from that, these are 3-4 years newer than the E400 wagon, have fewer than half the miles, are CPO, will get better fuel economy, probably have more room in the second row, and may be easier to maintain overall.
But I really like the spec on that E400 wagon. I will see if I can convince her to drive both tomorrow. It is very unlikely for them to have an E400 wagon like this. The GLBs are fairly available, although the supply of CPO 2020-2022 GLBs is going to dry up at some point.
Comparing the specs, it looks like the 2021 is a little better equipped. And it's newer and cheaper. They have the same base options but the 2021 also has:
- Sunroof
- Ambient lighting
- Heated steering wheel
- All season floor mats
- Some kind of wood trim upgrade
The 2021 also had a $48k MSRP to the 2020's $43,745.
So aside from being a third Iridium Silver car, it seems like the better pick. I don't think either of them have the 3rd row but maybe I am overlooking it. They both have a bunch of stuff like 360 camera which seems much more rare on the GLA.
Looking at the carfaxes, the 2021 was one owner but did have an accident; actually three accidents? Ah, 3 year NJ lease. That makes me less excited.
https://www.mercedesbenzofwarwick.com/i ... 5ha164320/
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal ... pe=listing
https://www.carfax.com/vehiclehistory/a ... 1kA9YRKSaw
Auto Trader says certified but that's just....incorrect.
This is a REALLY nice spec, aside from missing Distronic. And the steering wheel wear looks like shit. I wonder what can be done about that.
They also have two CPO GLB250s. Actually they have three! Here are the two cheaper ones.
https://www.mercedesbenzofwarwick.com/i ... 9mw122242/
https://www.mercedesbenzofwarwick.com/i ... 9lw014007/
It seems kind of ridiculous to have a third silver Mercedes so there's that. But aside from that, these are 3-4 years newer than the E400 wagon, have fewer than half the miles, are CPO, will get better fuel economy, probably have more room in the second row, and may be easier to maintain overall.
But I really like the spec on that E400 wagon. I will see if I can convince her to drive both tomorrow. It is very unlikely for them to have an E400 wagon like this. The GLBs are fairly available, although the supply of CPO 2020-2022 GLBs is going to dry up at some point.
Comparing the specs, it looks like the 2021 is a little better equipped. And it's newer and cheaper. They have the same base options but the 2021 also has:
- Sunroof
- Ambient lighting
- Heated steering wheel
- All season floor mats
- Some kind of wood trim upgrade
The 2021 also had a $48k MSRP to the 2020's $43,745.
So aside from being a third Iridium Silver car, it seems like the better pick. I don't think either of them have the 3rd row but maybe I am overlooking it. They both have a bunch of stuff like 360 camera which seems much more rare on the GLA.
Looking at the carfaxes, the 2021 was one owner but did have an accident; actually three accidents? Ah, 3 year NJ lease. That makes me less excited.
Re: Replacement car for my mother
I guess I didn't explain the attraction of the GLB.
I'll draw some quick, relevant comparisons.
Compared to the GLA:
It's the same platform but longer wheelbase and more squared off hatch so there is more cargo space. Plus there is an optional third row for contortionists which is handy. It is a little heavier and not as agile as the GLA - same powertrain. I don't necessarily care about the styling. It's kind of a mini X167 GLS I guess.
Compared to the MDX:
Actually the GLA/GLB doesn't really give up performance compared to the MDX believe it or not. Basically the same 1/4 mile and trap speed. Maybe a tenth or two in certain other measurements but call it the same. GLB is lighter than the MDX so the 226 hp goes a long way compared to the MDX V6. Also an equivalent MDX is like a 2017 with more than twice the miles as a 20/21 GLB, which may even be CPO. In other surprising news, the GLB has similar or slightly more combined legroom than the MDX. This FWD Mercedes platform is very space efficient.
Compared to the E400 wagon:
E400 is the most refined and premium experience with probably the longest cargo area with the 2nd row up. With the 2nd row down, the GLB may be superior. The wagon is the quickest of the group (basically a full second faster in the 1/4 mile, running a high 13) but will be the most expensive with highest miles for the most part.
The GLB seems like just about the right size/capability vehicle for what Jamie needs, and it should be fairly efficient. Though these are all more fuel efficient than you'd expect. C&D says the MDX is capable of 28 mpg @ 75 mph. https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a1 ... st-review/
Anecdotally it may get more like 23-24 so there's that.
C&D says the E400 is capable of 30 mpg @ 75 mph. https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a1 ... st-review/
The GLA should probably do well into the 30s and GLB maybe low 30s.
I really like the way the GLA drives and haven't driven a GLB. Assuming it is similar enough it should be in the running. I think the reliability of all of these is sufficient. The MDX *should* be the easiest to own but maybe not by a margin that I care about. So I think I care more about purchase price/value, and overall package attractiveness.
As far as what Jamie wants, she would probably value being higher off the ground over almost anything else. Which would likely rule the E400 out.
I'll draw some quick, relevant comparisons.
Compared to the GLA:
It's the same platform but longer wheelbase and more squared off hatch so there is more cargo space. Plus there is an optional third row for contortionists which is handy. It is a little heavier and not as agile as the GLA - same powertrain. I don't necessarily care about the styling. It's kind of a mini X167 GLS I guess.
Compared to the MDX:
Actually the GLA/GLB doesn't really give up performance compared to the MDX believe it or not. Basically the same 1/4 mile and trap speed. Maybe a tenth or two in certain other measurements but call it the same. GLB is lighter than the MDX so the 226 hp goes a long way compared to the MDX V6. Also an equivalent MDX is like a 2017 with more than twice the miles as a 20/21 GLB, which may even be CPO. In other surprising news, the GLB has similar or slightly more combined legroom than the MDX. This FWD Mercedes platform is very space efficient.
Compared to the E400 wagon:
E400 is the most refined and premium experience with probably the longest cargo area with the 2nd row up. With the 2nd row down, the GLB may be superior. The wagon is the quickest of the group (basically a full second faster in the 1/4 mile, running a high 13) but will be the most expensive with highest miles for the most part.
The GLB seems like just about the right size/capability vehicle for what Jamie needs, and it should be fairly efficient. Though these are all more fuel efficient than you'd expect. C&D says the MDX is capable of 28 mpg @ 75 mph. https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a1 ... st-review/
Anecdotally it may get more like 23-24 so there's that.
C&D says the E400 is capable of 30 mpg @ 75 mph. https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a1 ... st-review/
The GLA should probably do well into the 30s and GLB maybe low 30s.
I really like the way the GLA drives and haven't driven a GLB. Assuming it is similar enough it should be in the running. I think the reliability of all of these is sufficient. The MDX *should* be the easiest to own but maybe not by a margin that I care about. So I think I care more about purchase price/value, and overall package attractiveness.
As far as what Jamie wants, she would probably value being higher off the ground over almost anything else. Which would likely rule the E400 out.
Re: Wife's new car (2014 Chevrolet Malibu)
Just for the record....
Comparing a 2022 Kia EV6 AWD. Using my current electricity price of a little under $0.26/kwh, and the price of 87 (around $2.95), that is equivalent to 35 mpg on gasoline, on 87 octane. Not some insane savings but that is better than the Malibu which is averaging around 26 mpg. It would never pay back but the argument is you would compare to an equivalent ICE vehicle (like a GLB) and do the math there. Also, EV performance for 35 equivalent is going to destroy any ICE that gets 35 mpg on 87 (if that matters and it doesn't always). But for sheer operating costs, a hybrid is going to be superior to an EV it looks like. I'm not really in favor of a hybrid or EV but just wanted to document this.
Comparing a 2022 Kia EV6 AWD. Using my current electricity price of a little under $0.26/kwh, and the price of 87 (around $2.95), that is equivalent to 35 mpg on gasoline, on 87 octane. Not some insane savings but that is better than the Malibu which is averaging around 26 mpg. It would never pay back but the argument is you would compare to an equivalent ICE vehicle (like a GLB) and do the math there. Also, EV performance for 35 equivalent is going to destroy any ICE that gets 35 mpg on 87 (if that matters and it doesn't always). But for sheer operating costs, a hybrid is going to be superior to an EV it looks like. I'm not really in favor of a hybrid or EV but just wanted to document this.
Re: Wife's new car (2014 Chevrolet Malibu)
Looked at the 2021 CPO GLB250 and 2017 E400 again at Benz Warwick on Thursday. I'll post the full details later.
Re: Wife's new car (2014 Chevrolet Malibu)
I was inspired by all the activity in FL so I happened to check Benz Warwick and they had a selection of CPO GLB250s as well as a 2017 E400 wagon. That was enough for me to want to go and after some convincing, Jamie came with.
The GLB was modestly equipped (as opposed to minimally). 49k or so, $24k or so. We didn't call ahead or anything. When we arrived and talked to a salesman, we asked if we could look at the GLB250 first. He pointed behind us and I was confused at first. It was right on the showroom floor! It turns out the reason they did this is because they had dropped the price multiple times (inventory approaching 60 days old) and the last stop before wholesale is putting it on the showroom floor. He said they usually go within days after that.
It was very clean and presented well. I really like the packaging of the GLB. I think it is probably perfect for Jamie. We do not and have never needed a school bus but we do appreciate a commodious second row, as well as a useful cargo area. This has those things. I also like the efficiency of the powertrain. "226" hp and 8 speed DCT work well with the under 2 ton weight. Most FWD-based crossovers with this interior space are over 4000 lbs now.
I drove it first. Laggy throttle in comfort mode but I think we'd get used to it. Overall it drove nice and had most of the agile feel of the GLA, but a little less so due to the extra weight and wheelbase, as expected. Then Jamie drove. She liked it. She didn't have any complaints about the power unlike her Malibu. I think this would work for us.
FWIW, the CPO would cover it through August 2026. We would probably want to do the next service at the dealer just for warranty purposes and that's fine.
For some reason the white balance is off and this looks white. It's Iridium Silver like my two current cars. Then I asked to look at the E400 wagon. For that, he took us to the back lot but it's not just a lot, but a whole repair facility. The Penske compound is sprawling and I didn't realize how many shared resources there are, including the detailing facility, but it makes sense. Anyway we arrived in the GLA and this was my first impression: Not the end of the world but for only 107k and like $25k, I guess I was expecting it to be level...
It was also covered in pine needles and hadn't been detailed though they did have photos of it, so I'm a little confused. We started poking around and the more the salesman talked the worse it got. He said the rear suspension repair was quoted at $2500 (obviously I could beat that by a long shot as DIY). Then he said there was some kind of oil sensor issue that would throw the CEL sometimes. It did have a sticker but he said the car was 100% as is and they were going to fix absolutely nothing on it. Damn. That's really no better than buying it anywhere else at this point and what's worse is, it wasn't a good value at all. Even if it was mechanically sorted it would probably be an average deal, no better. Maybe even slightly below average.
Nonetheless, we had driven there and I wanted to check it out. The interior is REALLY nice. The seats are great. The wood trim is great. I love a designo car. Sadly it only had Premium 2 so it was missing a lot of goodies, despite the lofty $78k MSRP in 2017. Aside from a great interior and exterior, everything else was kind of disappointing.
Still, I asked for a test drive. He agreed to drive it around the Penske compound only so we did. The engine sounded fine at least. It had the characteristic crack in the touch pad thing. Being a Premium 2 car, it also had the down market gauge cluster, not the full LCD one. Not the end of the world on that one but maybe odd given the special color and interior. If it was more sorted and a better price it may have been a different story. The color and interior are great and probably worth giving up Premium 3.
So I drove it around a bit. It was great and better than I remember the other E400 I drove once upon a time. Even at 25 mph I could tell the steering, throttle and everything was just so satisfying. I could easily see daily driving one of these. I don't know that I want to give up my S-class for one, though. I assess a real wagon tax and I don't really care about the wagon thing. So maybe I should look for a sedan. E400, E450 or even E43. The wagon is cool but I don't want to pay extra for it since I already have a truck.
As for Jamie I did have her drive for a couple minutes. She liked it but then concluded that she absolutely wants a crossover type vehicle next. The E400 was the car-like experience that I really like. For her, not so much.
Anyway, the dealer wouldn't come down more than $200 or $300 on each and gave me the sheets for both. He said the GLB250 would be gone in days once it went to the showroom floor and he was right: I just checked and it's gone.
I registered to get e-mails on both. Their system works like this: When they get inventory, after being unsold for some time, Penske will basically demand that the sales manager adjust pricing. So they do. He showed me in their system. The GLB250 had experienced like 5 price drops, with the last one being the largest. The E400 was newer inventory. Apparently you can snag something for wholesale cost if you are willing to gamble and potentially miss out (or just have poor timing). I feel like if you held a gun to my head, my price on the E400 would be like $19k as is. It could go for $22k but I don't see $19k. I think they have too much into it and are hoping someone can't live without the color combo (which is amazing).
In conclusion, I think it makes more sense to wait ~2 more years for Jamie to finish her 13th round of schooling at which point we'll be less than a year from Ian being 16. We can begin shopping for a GLB250 (or whatever), and prepare to hand the Malibu down to Ian. Sometime after that I can figure out why my plan is for my stuff.
The GLB was modestly equipped (as opposed to minimally). 49k or so, $24k or so. We didn't call ahead or anything. When we arrived and talked to a salesman, we asked if we could look at the GLB250 first. He pointed behind us and I was confused at first. It was right on the showroom floor! It turns out the reason they did this is because they had dropped the price multiple times (inventory approaching 60 days old) and the last stop before wholesale is putting it on the showroom floor. He said they usually go within days after that.
It was very clean and presented well. I really like the packaging of the GLB. I think it is probably perfect for Jamie. We do not and have never needed a school bus but we do appreciate a commodious second row, as well as a useful cargo area. This has those things. I also like the efficiency of the powertrain. "226" hp and 8 speed DCT work well with the under 2 ton weight. Most FWD-based crossovers with this interior space are over 4000 lbs now.
I drove it first. Laggy throttle in comfort mode but I think we'd get used to it. Overall it drove nice and had most of the agile feel of the GLA, but a little less so due to the extra weight and wheelbase, as expected. Then Jamie drove. She liked it. She didn't have any complaints about the power unlike her Malibu. I think this would work for us.
FWIW, the CPO would cover it through August 2026. We would probably want to do the next service at the dealer just for warranty purposes and that's fine.
For some reason the white balance is off and this looks white. It's Iridium Silver like my two current cars. Then I asked to look at the E400 wagon. For that, he took us to the back lot but it's not just a lot, but a whole repair facility. The Penske compound is sprawling and I didn't realize how many shared resources there are, including the detailing facility, but it makes sense. Anyway we arrived in the GLA and this was my first impression: Not the end of the world but for only 107k and like $25k, I guess I was expecting it to be level...
It was also covered in pine needles and hadn't been detailed though they did have photos of it, so I'm a little confused. We started poking around and the more the salesman talked the worse it got. He said the rear suspension repair was quoted at $2500 (obviously I could beat that by a long shot as DIY). Then he said there was some kind of oil sensor issue that would throw the CEL sometimes. It did have a sticker but he said the car was 100% as is and they were going to fix absolutely nothing on it. Damn. That's really no better than buying it anywhere else at this point and what's worse is, it wasn't a good value at all. Even if it was mechanically sorted it would probably be an average deal, no better. Maybe even slightly below average.
Nonetheless, we had driven there and I wanted to check it out. The interior is REALLY nice. The seats are great. The wood trim is great. I love a designo car. Sadly it only had Premium 2 so it was missing a lot of goodies, despite the lofty $78k MSRP in 2017. Aside from a great interior and exterior, everything else was kind of disappointing.
Still, I asked for a test drive. He agreed to drive it around the Penske compound only so we did. The engine sounded fine at least. It had the characteristic crack in the touch pad thing. Being a Premium 2 car, it also had the down market gauge cluster, not the full LCD one. Not the end of the world on that one but maybe odd given the special color and interior. If it was more sorted and a better price it may have been a different story. The color and interior are great and probably worth giving up Premium 3.
So I drove it around a bit. It was great and better than I remember the other E400 I drove once upon a time. Even at 25 mph I could tell the steering, throttle and everything was just so satisfying. I could easily see daily driving one of these. I don't know that I want to give up my S-class for one, though. I assess a real wagon tax and I don't really care about the wagon thing. So maybe I should look for a sedan. E400, E450 or even E43. The wagon is cool but I don't want to pay extra for it since I already have a truck.
As for Jamie I did have her drive for a couple minutes. She liked it but then concluded that she absolutely wants a crossover type vehicle next. The E400 was the car-like experience that I really like. For her, not so much.
Anyway, the dealer wouldn't come down more than $200 or $300 on each and gave me the sheets for both. He said the GLB250 would be gone in days once it went to the showroom floor and he was right: I just checked and it's gone.
I registered to get e-mails on both. Their system works like this: When they get inventory, after being unsold for some time, Penske will basically demand that the sales manager adjust pricing. So they do. He showed me in their system. The GLB250 had experienced like 5 price drops, with the last one being the largest. The E400 was newer inventory. Apparently you can snag something for wholesale cost if you are willing to gamble and potentially miss out (or just have poor timing). I feel like if you held a gun to my head, my price on the E400 would be like $19k as is. It could go for $22k but I don't see $19k. I think they have too much into it and are hoping someone can't live without the color combo (which is amazing).
In conclusion, I think it makes more sense to wait ~2 more years for Jamie to finish her 13th round of schooling at which point we'll be less than a year from Ian being 16. We can begin shopping for a GLB250 (or whatever), and prepare to hand the Malibu down to Ian. Sometime after that I can figure out why my plan is for my stuff.
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