Author: Chuck Banks

Posted on

Happy Mother’s Day – The Queen’s Range Rover (Sorta) for $23,998!

My mother never had a license or drove a car in her life, and passed away last year at 92.  And here’s Queen Elizabeth II driving a Range Rover at the ripe old age of 93 (when the photo was taken I think – she’s 94 now!).  Ignore the media hullabaloo that she’s not wearing a seat belt, it’s still impressive.  Live on the edge at that age!RR Side So to celebrate here’s a low mileage 2012 Range Rover Sport HSE unicorn at a bargain price.  Once sold for about $80,000 and is now $23,998.  Or less than 20,000 British pounds if you’re so inclined.  This Range Rover Sport is adequately equipped, with four wheel drive, optional nine speed transmission (not sure that’s accurate – thought they only had an optional eight speed?), heated steering wheel and so on.

Not tremendously equipped, but good enough.  Same with the 375hp 5.0 liter V-8.  Good enough, although I’d have to wait on the occasional supercharged Range Rover that drops into the $25,000 range (like this one from last year).  Or if supercharging is too much oomph, this stupid cheap one at $16,998 that stayed on the net for a very short time would do. Here’s the review from 2012 in Top Speed.  Of course, I’d especially want MaxCare to protect myself from repair bills.  Find this two-owner California car here in Loveland, Colorado. 2012 Range Rover $23,998 45k Loveland

Posted on

One…and Two of 89 – 2017 Cadillac ATS V Coupes with 6-Speed Manual (And a One of 261 2016 Model to Boot!)

BLACK ATSV SIDENot often we score three, count ’em three nearly identical unicorns for sale at CarMax.  What makes them rare is that not a lot of manual transmission Cadillac ATS V coupes were sold; 261 in 2016 and only 89 in 2017.  Makes the 2017 manny coupe one of the more rare cars here.  Featuring the 2017 black model because it’s “reasonably” priced in the middle of the three, has the most features (sunroof and Apple Carplay) and low miles.  Pix of the other two are at the bottom.

All of the cars are two owner cars (the black one spent its life in Florida – the other two in Texas and California) but this one still has a year plus and 22,000 miles of GM warranty – will make MaxCare relatively cheap, and I would recommend that extended warranty should the twin-turbo V6 blow.  If I owned it, that would be my goal.  These cars sold for $65-70,000 new, depending on options. I prefer more depreciation, but still special.

The Cadillac ATS V gets surprisingly good reviews (here’s one from Car and Driver in 2016) for it’s 464 hp 3.6l six, 0-60 mph in less than four seconds, 189 mph top speed, and 1g lateral handling.  Read some other reviews that are also complimentary, with the only squabbling about whether it’s a legitimate contender to the BMW M3.  Ain’t going there.

But I recall Car and Driver flogged the 2016 Cadillac ATS V sedan around Virginia International Raceway as part of the annual “Lightning Lap” comparison, and it equalled the Mercedes C63 AMG S and actually beat the Mercedes E63 AMG S and Audi RS7 – both V8’s  with over 500hp.  Another review only complained that the ATS V is the smallest Cadillac and doesn’t have the sex appeal of it’s European competitors.  Maybe so.  But the ATS V was only sold from 2013 to 2019 and and was replaced by the CT4 in 2020.  Makes this one of 89 (and its sister below) a fairly rare unicorn.  Find it here in Doral, Florida.2017 CADILLAC ATS V $39,998 28K DORAL FL 4-20 Continue reading “One…and Two of 89 – 2017 Cadillac ATS V Coupes with 6-Speed Manual (And a One of 261 2016 Model to Boot!)”

Posted on

2015 BMW 760 Li V-12 Reduced to $44,998 (and CarMax Covid-19 Impact)

760 side(CarMax Covid-19 impact at the bottom.)  Just got an alert from CarMax that this car dropped another $1,000.  Okay not the deal my 2010 Mercedes S600 was last year at $30,998, but this 2015 BMW 760 Li unicorn is much newer than mine, and here to say there are few things as sweet as a V-12 European motor.  Silky sooth, powerful, and quiet power plant for big luxurious European sedans.  Not a lot of them sold here.

This BMW 760 Li sold for probably $150,000 new ($50,000 more than the V-8 750) and is now only $44,998.  Fairly well equipped car with auto cruise control, seat massagers, and most every luxury amenity (although no night vision) and was first listed a month or two ago for thousands more.  Check out that back seat.

The twin turbo 6.0 liter V-12 launches the BMW to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and a governed top speed of 155mph.  Saw a review that hit over 190 mph on the autobahn in Germany.  Find this beautiful car here in Raleigh, North Carolina.  And of course, don’t buy without MaxCare!20155 BMW 760 Li $44,998 31k Capitol Blvd 4-2020

CarMax Covid-19 Update – Last wrote about CarMax and coronavirus here.   Learned this week CarMax has laid off 15,000 of their 27,000 employees nationwide.  Half of their 200+ stores are either shuttered or by appointment only.  Inventory is at 55,000 cars….financial analysts saying that’s at an all time high for “year end” – but fiscal year end for CarMax is the end of February.  I’ve written before that CarMax tends to beef up to 70,000 cars during this period, dropping to 45,000 or so at the low point in the fall – so not sure what that’s about.  I do know that something is up with transfers – not the free regional ones, but the long distance transfers we pay for.  Transfers that used to be $750 are now almost $1,500, and the $949 coast to coast moves are now $1,999.  Don’t know if that’s a real increase due to real cost jumps, or a price that says “we really don’t want to do long distance transfers at this time”.  What I do know is there would have to be a really, really unusual deal to get me in a CarMax at this time – say a 2015 S65 AMG Coupe?

Posted on

Update – 2012 BMW Alpina B7 Resurrection? More Expensive – What Gives?

B7 Side

Blogged about this 2012 BMW Alpina B7 here in August, 2019 when it was selling for $37,998 – almost $100,000 less than new.  And now this unicorn is mysteriously up for sale again by the same Pompano Beach, Florida CarMax dealer for $39,998 – $2,000 more than it sold for by the same dealer in September, 2019. – and with another 1,000 miles on it   The vehicle history on the CarMax website clearly lists the car as having sold then.  Can’t believe it was returned under the seven day return policy and off the market for six months.  Not sure what gives – why it’s back and why the price increase – and the dealer won’t answer my questions on the phone.

In short, the 2012 B7 is powered by a 4.4 liter, twin-turbo, 500hp V8, a six-speed ZF automatic transmission, and all wheel drive. The car does 0-60 in 4.5 seconds and is limited to 174mph.  Maybe 500 imported annually.  It’s still a bargain IMHO, and still worthy of MaxCare to protect against huge repair bills.  Find it (still) here in Pompano Beach.  2012 Alpina B7 - $39,998 46k Pompano 4-2020

Posted on

Quick Hit – 1 of 20! Jag Wag. Sportbrake. 2018 Jaguar XF S First Edition.

jag xf sideWagons are making a bit of a comeback (even Buick’s selling one) so pleased to see this pretty 2018 Jaguar XF S First Edition unicorn available at CarMax.  But thanks to reader and avid car guy Mustafa Gardezi I learned that only 20 – count ’em 20 – of these First Editions were imported to the US painted in “Farallon Black” – a metallic paint with red and blue flakes normally reserved for Jaguar Land Rover’s SVO personalization cars.  Fairly rare, old chap! The CarMax photographer captured it not at all.

The 2018 XF S Sportbrake sported a supercharged 3.0 liter six cylinder good for 380 hp and a 0-60 mph in five seconds.  The low mileage car (5,000!) is well equipped with auto cruise control, adaptive dampers, AWD, and hideous (to me) red and black interior.  Ironic the last car I blogged about was this 2015 Lexus LS460 F-Sport Crafted Line – also with red and black seats.  Somebody likes them.  This 2018 Jaguar XF S First Edition sold for maybe $85,000 new two years ago and is now $48,998 – over 40% less.  It’s a one owner, no accident car with plenty of miles and years under manufacturer warranty – you might not even need to splurge on MaxCare protection?  Find it here in Houston, Texas. 2018 jag xf s first edition $48,998 5k

Posted on

1 of 750 – 2015 Lexus LS460 F-Sport Crafted Line – $38,998. No Baggage.

LS 460 sideDidn’t know there was a Lexus Crafted Line so it caught my eye.  Almost sounds like a joint Lexus-Sears product but that would make no sense.  Turns out the Crafted Line is a limited, high-end add on to a Lexus F-Sport package and only 750 LS models (and 1,500 GS) were made.  Makes it a unicorn, I believe.  The Crafted Line alone does nothing for performance (the F-Sport part does), and instead includes premium accessories, …uh “interesting” two-toned seats (I think they look a little out of place in this luxury car),  and even a matching two-piece set of luggage.  Not seeing the luggage in the CarMax photos.

The Crafted Line includes a Shimamoku trim, “alternating layers of dark & light wood veneers are layered and shaped in a process involving 67 manufacturing steps over the course of 38 days” according to the Lexus Enthusiast website.  (Ashamed I thought in the CarMax pix it just looked damaged!)  The Lexus LS 460 F-Sport sports 386hp vs 360hp in a base model, and sadly Car and Driver reports only a 0.1 second reduction in 0-60mph times.  Check out the engine bay below  – have you ever seen a more buttoned up “stay outta here” cover?

The air-suspensioned F-Sport also corners at .87g’s against .81 for the base model, and also brakes better with upgraded grippers.  This model sold for probably more than $90,000 and for $38,998 isn’t a bad deal.  Check out the Motor Trend review, and the Top Speed review from 2015.  More performance, more style, and exclusivity with only 750 units – along with Lexus reliability means no need for MaxCare.

Despite my whining about the luggage and the seats, I could easily drive this if I hadn’t gone for the Mercedes S600 last year.  Also, if the Crafted Line limited edition doesn’t appeal to you, the same performance is available in a run of the mill LS 460 F-Sport for $3,000 less with this nearly identical model.  Find this two owner Florida car here in Irving, Texas.2015 Lexus LS460 F SPort Craft Line $38,998 38k Irving TX 3-20

Posted on

CarMax, Coronavirus, and Customers. Maintain a Safe Distance?

Recommendation: Solo test drives, wear gloves if you “try on” cars on the lot, and buy on-line.Covid-19

Was wondering how Covid-19 would impact CarMax operations.  Their stock plummeted along with most, and yet there are attributes of their business model that concern me.  Here’s a link to the CarMax press release detailing adjustments, which you won’t find on the shopping page – had to go looking.  For the most part they are doing what all major employers are doing for their employees.  Doing the best they can.

Copied the part that addresses customers below.   Wondered about doing test drives with sales reps who may or may not be carriers, and pleased that CarMax will allow customers to do solo test drives if we want.  What’s not addressed is the risk of leveraging one of my favorite CarMax benefits – wandering the lot and sitting in all the unlocked cars on the lot.  Used to do it for fun every now and then.  My local CarMax has 635 cars on the lot.  Imagine hundreds (?) of customers sitting in maybe a dozen (?) cars daily and the opportunity for cross-contamination is huge.  Would be an enormous task to clean all the cars at the end of every shift, let alone several times a day.  Probably not going to happen much.  I’m thinking I’ll avoid the lots for a bit.  Stay safe.  

Taking care of our customers

  • CarMax is working hard to ensure we can support our customers’ transportation needs during these circumstances.
  • CarMax Auto Finance customers who have been negatively impacted by illness due to COVID-19 and need additional assistance with their account should contact our customer service team at 800-925-3612.
  • Customers can test drive a vehicle alone at all open locations if they don’t feel comfortable taking a test drive with an associate.
  • Many CarMax stores offer expedited pickup, which allows customers to do more of the car buying process online in advance and spend less time in store.
  • We also offer home delivery at many of our locations, where customers can choose to complete the car-buying experience from home and have the vehicle delivered by a CarMax associate.
Posted on

Cleaning House – 7 Eclectic Unicorns Piled Up in My CarMax Profile

Got a number of unusual or interesting CarMax unicorns piling up in my saved list and thought I should share a quick post to get them on the blog.  Most, but not all, are enthusiast cars.  Some are just…different.  Your call.  Here we go.jag xf side

Start with a car I’d actually own – a 2014 Jaguar XF Supercharged.  Decent price, 470hp supercharged V-8, two-owner car found here in Irvine California.  Only five-years old and a good candidate for MaxCare. 2014 Jaguar XF Super $23,998 49k Irvine 3-20 Continue reading “Cleaning House – 7 Eclectic Unicorns Piled Up in My CarMax Profile”

Posted on

Quick Hit – Cheap Porsche Cayenne SUV Daily Driver – $19,998

2009 Porsche Cayenne S $19,998 43k Littleton 3-20Who doesn’t need a basic AWD SUV unicorn to haul mulch and tools and the family and the occasional tail gate party?  One with a little style and oomph? Thinking a low mileage 2009 Porsche Cayenne S might fit the bill, especially a one-owner, accident free Texas “truck” that even comes with a tow hitch.  A real working man’s truck.

This one sold new 11 years ago for about $60,000 given the options (Bose stereo, heated seats and steering wheel, moonroof, and satellite radio – yes that was a paid option back then).  The 385 hp V-8 pulls this 5,000 lb vehicle to 60 mph in just over six seconds – not terribly quick – per this review in Left Lane News in 2008.

A GTS or Turbo Cayenne would be a bit faster, but I’ve never seen one near this price.  This 2009 GTS I wrote about last fall was $25,000.  Also covered a nearly identical 2009 S model here last summer priced at $24,000.   I think with the MaxCare warranty (a must) and taxes this 2009 Porsche Cayenne S would wind up being $25,000, and that still seems to be a bargain.  Find it here in  Littleton, Colorado. 2009 Porsche Cayenne S $19,998 43k Littleton 2 3-20

Posted on

1 of 200 – Half-Price Highest-Priced Volvo Ever; 2017 XC90 Plug In Hybrid T8 Excellence

IMG_3106The 2017 Volvo XC90 Plug In Hybrid T8 Excellence was billed as the most expensive Volvo ever sold, and it was, with an MSRP of $106,000.  It was and is the most opulent Volvo you can buy.   Only 200 or so came to the USA, and it’s a real unicorn.  That said, I’m seeing info from back then that dealers were offering over $20,000 discounts to move the 2017’s to make room for the 2018’s.  And this one is selling for “only” $54,000.  Thanks to reader Mustafa Gardezi for spotting this rare beauty.

Barron’s reviewed the car here, and described the interior……“On the inside, the news is clearer. The Excellence replaces the five or seven seats of plebeian XC90s with four very plush, heated, and ventilated nappa-leather buckets, equipped with massagers. Surprisingly, even with fewer seats, leg and shoulder room isn’t greater than in other models. Thirsty? Just reach for the midcabin cooler and pour a beverage into one of the two Orrefors crystal glasses that come with your ride. Then, if you’re sitting in back, plunk your glass down on a folding tray table. Bored? Use one of the video display tablets to play a game or catch up on some fake news. In all, the passenger compartment is a welcoming cocoon of fine materials and tasteful understatement, although the Orrefors-inlaid gear selector is a bit cheesy.” Continue reading “1 of 200 – Half-Price Highest-Priced Volvo Ever; 2017 XC90 Plug In Hybrid T8 Excellence”

Proudly powered by WordPress