You know it wasn't too long ago that I was a frequent contributor to the AutoSpies.com community, but like most the economy has forced me to sit up and start working again - and 2009 was a year amongst years in that I haven't worked this hard for so little in a long time. When I talked to Agent 001 about stepping down from my weekend responsibilities, my main reasoning was that by the time the weekend rolled around, I was mentally and physically exhausted from work. If the axiom "love the work you do and you'll never work a day in your life" is true, than I had already positioned myself in something I loved doing, but the reality is when customer just aren't buying, keeping cash flow going is difficult forcing everyone to look anywhere and everywhere for new and innovative business ideas.
With that being said, one major change at the 00J household is the fleet of automobiles. Like most American's restraint is something that has become a necessity. For those of you who don't recall, my '08 BMW M3 was totaled by an employee early in 2009. That event turned into a blessing in disguise as it took one hefty monthly car payment our of the mix, and the replacement '09 Honda Civic Si has helped lower the necessary bottom line needed each month to keep the household going.
Stories are abundant about how people are cutting back, and as we get ready to celebrate Christmas, I am sure economic woes will be evident under most if not all of our Christmas trees. Cars are no exception, and both 001 and 00R have had stories this week about what is and isn't selling, and whose cars reign supreme right now with buyers.
As I sipped the morning coffee this morning, and article (which I linked to for you) caught my eye about how high end buyers are replacing with either smaller less expensive BMW's & Mercedes, or forgoing those makes for less expensive cars. Buick and Hyundai are singled out, of course we have all read how great the Genesis is, and Buick is making inroads with younger buyers with their new LaCrosse and the soon to be released Regal.
But let me throw the question at you, and lets have a debate in true AutoSpies.com fashion. Assuming you had to replace the fleet today, which cars would grace your garage and earn your hard earned dollars? Let's set a $40k cap per car, if you have 2 now, replace 2 - if you only have 1 replace 1.
I'll kick it off here by offering the following for consideration: My wife currently drives an Acura MDX. To be honest I really like this SUV, Acura has done a heck of a job with it, and while th 2010 has adopted the Acura "beak" I'll tell you I would seriously consider replacing the current MDX with a new MDX, oh, but for the price. So I would take a good hard look at the Cadillac SRX, we'd have to be careful on options to keep it below $40k, but I think that would make for a nice replacement.
For me, driving the Civic Si really has become fun. The engine is a masterpiece of engineering, and while I still struggle with the dual tier dashboard with digital speedometer, it is at least functional. If I was replacing it today however, I would probably go with a new Camaro SS. I have seen this car in person, on the road as well as sitting in one at the dealer, and it is really a well thought out car. The material quality leaves a little to be desired, but all in all it would make for a nice daily driver.
So there you have it, Cadillac SRX and Camaro SS for the 00J family, what would buy to replace current rides?
Chime in and lets see who is the most creative and resourceful, and while you are at it Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year.
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