I have posted here previously about some work that needs done on my Audi A6. You can look at it here.
Well, after much contemplation I decided that I wanted something newer and more versatile. I have a couple rental properties and an CUV would come in handy hauling things like microwaves, powerwashers, ladders... you name it. I decided I didn't want or need a truck, there is nothing I do that necessitates that much capability.
I shopped around quite a bit. I looked seriously at the Mazda CX5, but it was a little short on cargo space and I'm not yet sold on DI engines. I also looked at CRVs, but they just didn't appeal to me. Pre-2015 they didn't have as many features as the competition, and the 2015s have a CVT and DI. Late model Jeep Cherokees and Ford Escapes were eliminated due to reliability concerns, VW Tiguans were expensive and not that well appointed, Subarus are all CVT, so on and so forth.
That left me with the Toyota RAV4. It has the space I want, good mileage, port injection, a standard automatic and just felt well made. It also has AWD lock below 25 mph which I really liked. I started shopping for new 2014s and found a couple great deals, but I didn't want to commit... call me gun shy.
Then I found a used 2013 at Valley BMW in Roanoke. It had been on the lot 2 months and they were ready to make a deal. I negotiated it down to NADA trade-in value, $24k. It is in great shape, just a couple scuffs on top of the back bumper but flawless otherwise. Pyrite Mica exterior, black SofTex interior. It is completely loaded with all the usual Limited kit as well as the JBL audio package, blind spot monitors and roof rack cross bars. It has a complete service history from the Toyota dealership in Staunton with no warranty claims. BONUS: While the paperwork was being written up, an elderly gentleman rolled up in a Mercedes SLS GT AMG to look at a BMW for his wife. Turns out it was Mr. Taubman, heir to the Advance Auto Parts fortune. It was like seeing a rock-star!
Anyways, I love the vehicle so far. I'm looking forward to writing a full review for you guys once I have a little more time driving it. I got an unbelievable 30 mpg coming back to Lynchburg from Roanoke. I'll post pictures tomorrow when I have some light.
The Audi has been a good car... I'm planning on selling it to a co-worker.
Well, after much contemplation I decided that I wanted something newer and more versatile. I have a couple rental properties and an CUV would come in handy hauling things like microwaves, powerwashers, ladders... you name it. I decided I didn't want or need a truck, there is nothing I do that necessitates that much capability.
I shopped around quite a bit. I looked seriously at the Mazda CX5, but it was a little short on cargo space and I'm not yet sold on DI engines. I also looked at CRVs, but they just didn't appeal to me. Pre-2015 they didn't have as many features as the competition, and the 2015s have a CVT and DI. Late model Jeep Cherokees and Ford Escapes were eliminated due to reliability concerns, VW Tiguans were expensive and not that well appointed, Subarus are all CVT, so on and so forth.
That left me with the Toyota RAV4. It has the space I want, good mileage, port injection, a standard automatic and just felt well made. It also has AWD lock below 25 mph which I really liked. I started shopping for new 2014s and found a couple great deals, but I didn't want to commit... call me gun shy.
Then I found a used 2013 at Valley BMW in Roanoke. It had been on the lot 2 months and they were ready to make a deal. I negotiated it down to NADA trade-in value, $24k. It is in great shape, just a couple scuffs on top of the back bumper but flawless otherwise. Pyrite Mica exterior, black SofTex interior. It is completely loaded with all the usual Limited kit as well as the JBL audio package, blind spot monitors and roof rack cross bars. It has a complete service history from the Toyota dealership in Staunton with no warranty claims. BONUS: While the paperwork was being written up, an elderly gentleman rolled up in a Mercedes SLS GT AMG to look at a BMW for his wife. Turns out it was Mr. Taubman, heir to the Advance Auto Parts fortune. It was like seeing a rock-star!
Anyways, I love the vehicle so far. I'm looking forward to writing a full review for you guys once I have a little more time driving it. I got an unbelievable 30 mpg coming back to Lynchburg from Roanoke. I'll post pictures tomorrow when I have some light.
The Audi has been a good car... I'm planning on selling it to a co-worker.