A lot is on my mind, but I don't have much time.
- So, the Fed cuts a key interest rate to help boost the economy and calm fears meanwhile, they are pumping BILLIONS of dollars into the same economy. Excuse me, but doesn't the latter cause currency de-value, and doesn't the former make foreign investment in the U.S. stock market look less appealing when combined with the latter?
- I was in an accident with my Acura CL. It has a lot of miles, but even so, it is still holding value so the insurance company didn't total the car. Before they made the evaluation, I had assumed they would total it and I looked at the Mazda CX-9, Buick Enclave, and the GMC Acadia.
I drove the CX-9 first and was impressed with the size, the handling, and the relative quietness of the cabin, as well as the electronics that I want in a new vehicle. The CX-9 drove like a car, but the gas mileage wasn't great, but that's a given when you consider the side of this "crossover SUV". For what it is, it is a stylish vehicle. I didn't get into price of the CX-9 with the dealer, but he said he would give me "invoice price" plus $500.
Next I looked at the Buick Enclave. They had a vehicle that was in the last stage of preparation for the new owner so I didn't get to drive it but I did see the interior. It's a luxury interior but it's more sedate. It's designed for an older driver, but the plushness was nice.
Next I looked at the GMC Acadia. The dealer was the same dealer as the Buick. I selected a vehicle comparable to the CX-9 I drove and went for a test drive. The seating options were better (you can get 2 + 2 + 3 seating which means people get can out of the 3rd row without people in the second row moving) than the CX-9, but the ride was like the ride of a truck and it had the tell-tale GMC truck sound (rattling of components in the rear). It was OK, but I like the CX-9 better. The dealer said the options I wanted would bring the sticker price of the Acadia to $41K, but since they were at war with other car companies and wanted the SUV market, "which we created", back, the dealer said when I was ready, I would pay $36,580 for it. Low and behold, that matched the sticker price of a similarly equipped CX-9.
If I were ready to buy, I would have purchased the Mazda CX-9. I admit I have a strong bias against American cars because of perceptions that American companies put out a bad product. I would have been mad on Saturday. You see I just received the latest Consumer Reports. Based on the latest data they have, they rated the Acadia as a reliable vehicle. They rated the CX-9 as UNRELIABLE! They also stated quality of Toyota has decreased, especially for the Camry!The point is:
- If you are in the market for a new vehicle, maybe GM should be considered.
- Because of the current market, you should be able to really deal, ESPECIALLY if you tell the dealer you are considering a foreign competitor.
- "Dog The Bounty Hunter" said some "inappropriate things" that was taped BY HIS OWN SON. I really don't care about what was said. I really don't care what his media company does or does not do to him. I do find it slightly interesting that he knew if his comments were to get out, he stood a chance of losing what he has built up. I find it really interesting that Hannity & Colmes dedicated most of a show to defending "Dog." And I find it really interesting that "Dog" is SEEKING OUT Al Sharpton!
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