Quick Hit – 2015 Audi S8 Unicorn

Pain meds and some knee pain (you’d think it would be one or the other, but not both?) have me up most nights doom-scrolling or shopping for CarMax unicorns. Last night, I was pleasantly surprised to see an old-school Audi S8 reasonably priced and with low mileage. Thought I had better post it before it sells. (This one is a 2015 model, but if you’re feeling wealthy, here’s a 2023 for $90k!) This is a third-generation S8, the high-performance version of the flagship A8. The only Audi sedan that is bigger and better is the Audi A8 W12, which is no longer in production.

Inside, the car is fairly well equipped with auto cruise control, the driver assistance package with cross-traffic alert, lane departure, and blind spot warnings – things pretty standard nowadays – as well as heads-up display, navigation, Bose audio, and seat massagers. No night vision or heated steering wheel.

Just a big old comfortable family car with a giant trunk that would be as comfortable as anything on a thousand-mile drive.

The heart and soul of the Audi S8 is the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, making 520 horsepower. With AWD, it will out-accelerate a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and the Ford Mustang GT500 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds and hit a governed top speed of 155 mph. Motor Trend says the positives are “Surprisingly good fuel economy, drives smaller than it actually is, and great performance and handling.” The downside is the “Steering lacks feel and is prone to understeer.” I’m unsure how to reconcile the great handling against the steering description.

Oh yeah. It’s a single-owner car, and in 2018, the single-owner crashed into something in Georgia. The Experian Auto Check Report notes:

Accident or Damage Reported
Moderate Damage Reported
Right Side Damage or Repair Reported
Front Damage or Repair Reported
Damage or Repair to Bumper Reported
Damage or Repair to Hood Reported
Damage or Repair to Radiator Reported
Damage or Repair to Grille Reported
Damage or Repair to Fender Reported

That sounds like a lot. On the other hand, this was once a brand new Audi selling for $115,000, and it is now under $40k. Driven just over 4,000 miles a year. The Experian report says no frame damage, but it might be worth it to buy the car, get it fully checked out by an independent shop, and if it isn’t right, return it within the 10-day full refund period. I’d throw in maybe $5,000 for MaxCare for the next five years and up to 125,000 miles of no major repairs. This car is currently here in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Stock No: 26644769 VIN: WAUK2AFD4FN014348

Circle the Wagons! Eight Interesting Estate Unicorns

My Dad was a station wagon guy, and maybe someday I’ll own one if I tire of having an SUV. It’s a family tradition. I’m not sure what keeps me from moving in that direction. A couple of CarMax unicorn wagons hit the inventory, so I searched the inventory for more interesting ones that might be worth sharing. CarMax has 2,400 cars listed as “wagons,” although many are questionable. Four-door hatchbacks, really. I’m going to run through eight of them a little differently than usual and see if I can get this out quickly before they’re all gone. The “Highs and Lows” are all from Car and Driver reviews.

2015 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S

The E63 is a legitimate unicorn—a high-performance enthusiast car that has depreciated a bunch. At $48k, it’s just above my unicorn threshold, but maybe it’ll come down in price? It’s a beautiful color with low miles and a badass motor. Unfortunately, there are no rear-facing third-row seats like in normal E-wagons to let the kids watch the traffic disappear behind them.

HIGHS: This is not a vehicle for the measured and rational. It’s absurdity overload, unchecked enthusiasm manifest. It’s all ate up with hedonism

LOWS: It doesn’t have the 664 lb-ft this engine makes in the full-size S-class AMGs.

THE WHOLE CAR AND DRIVER REVIEW

2013 Acura TSX

I’m bracing myself for Roger’s wrath, but I’m intrigued by this 11-year-old Acura with only 900+ miles on it. I have no idea why people don’t drive their cars. It’s not a terribly sporting vehicle, yet you don’t see many of these on the road. It’s in a three-way tie for second place (whatever that means) on my list at $24,998. Last, probably no need for MaxCare for this Acura, although you could get coverage until it’s damned near vintage and another 140,000 miles!

HIGHS: One of those rare cars that needn’t be fast to be fun or have a trunk to be stylish.

LOWS: One more gear, please.

THE WHOLE CAR AND DRIVER REVIEW

2019 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack SE

What’s so special about a VW Golf Alltrack? Well, it’s one of two wagons at CarMax with a manual transmission. The other one is a VW Golf Alltrak also. That said, with AWD and a slightly elevated suspension, the VW could make a case that the Subaru Outback is also a wagon. Subjectively ruled the Subarus out for this. The other interesting thing about this wagon is it’s five years old and still under manufacturer warranty for another year and 24,000 miles. Again, no MaxCare is needed. How proud would my Dad have been if I had a manual transmission wagon?

HIGHS: Energetic handling, refined interior, generous cargo space.

LOWS: Below-average fuel economy, lazy infotainment-screen response, costly compared with the less SUV-ish Golf SportWagen 4Motion.

THE WHOLE CAR AND DRIVER REVIEW

2019 Buick Regal Tourx Essence

I like this Buick wagon way more than it deserves, first and foremost because it’s a German Opel, albeit with an American motor—like my Merkur. You’d think I’d know better. This is Buick’s first wagon since the enormous Roadmaster gave up the ghost almost 30 years ago. This Regal has nothing to do with the Buick Regals manufactured in the US until 2004, or the Buick Regal wagon of the 1980’s. Buick started importing Opels as Regals from 2008-2017, and then this estate from 2018 until it was discontinued in 2020. Makes this Regal a true unicorn, since it’s extinct.

HIGHS: Nice lines, huge cargo hold, low starting price.

LOWS: Recalcitrant transmission, commodity-car interior, neither sporty nor rugged.

THE WHOLE CAR AND DRIVER REVIEW

2014 BMW 328 XI

For $2,000 less than the Buick, you can get a more refined German compact estate, the BMW 328 XI. It’s five years older than the Buick and a few more miles. The drivetrains are similar – 2.0 liter turbo four cylinders making 240-250 horsepower and AWD, both hit 60 mph in about six seconds, but the BMW gets far better reviews as a driver’s car. The Buick has more modern features, like Apple CarPlay. Tradeoffs. Of course, I like the gold over tan senior citizen color combo.

HIGHS: Low and nimble feel, wagon cargo versatility, nearly 50/50 front-to-rear weight balance, closet hatchback.

LOWS: Creamy six-cylinder no longer available, gets pricey with options.

THE WHOLE CAR AND DRIVER REVIEW

2018 Jaguar XF S

Now that I think about it, the Jaguar XF S saloon may be the most solid unicorn wagon overall. Pricing, at $36,000, is right in the middle of the pack, and so is performance from the six-cylinder supercharged motor—a low five-second 0-60 mph. The “shooting brake” is also a lovely design. The only British car in the bunch.

HIGHS: Stunning looks, lithe dynamics, it’s a wagon.

LOWS: Lacks refinement for the price, subpar interior environment.

THE WHOLE CAR AND DRIVER REVIEW

2024 Volvo V60 Recharge PHEV T8 Polestar

A Swedish made, plug in hybrid, designed by “Polestar” and manufactured in a Chinese-owned factory? Third quickest to 60 mph on today’s list, after the E63 and RS6? Way too much for my simple blogging brain to digest. I understand Polestar to be Volvo’s acquired tuning shop, like AMG and Alpina, although entirely electric currently. As a 2024 model the Volvo Polestar is the most modern and well equipped on the list.

HIGHS: Impressive EV range, solid hybrid performance, did we mention it’s a wagon?

LOWS: Slow AC charging, modes buried in menus, limited front-row storage.

THE WHOLE CAR AND DRIVER REVIEW

2021 Audi RS6

Finally, the all around world class champion of high performance wagons, the Audi RS6. A few more horsepower and a little faster than the E63. The RS6 is considered to be more exclusive with far more limited production numbers than the E63. Can and Driver bemoans the exotic price, but if you have $90,000 to spare…..?

HIGHS: Mind-melting, brain-rattling V-8; light-footed dynamics; fun for the whole family.

LOWS: Thirstier than a salmon in the Sahara, exotic price.

THE WHOLE CAR AND DRIVER REVIEW

LET’S TAKE A LOOK INSIDE?

(NO PARTICULAR ORDER)

The Polestar. You know it’s fast – it has yellow seat belts! Heated and cooling seats, Bowers & Wilkins audio, Apple CarPlay, auto cruise control, panoramic sunroof. Comfortable car.

The BMW 328. Could be just about any BMW 3-series. Clean tan interior belies 40,000 miles and 10 years old. Not much in the way or modern features. Not even a rear view camera. Pretty straight forward and ideal for folks who complain about too much automation?

The Acura TSX. Looks a little dated and despite less than 1,000 miles looks more tired than the BMW of the same age. CarMax calls it a “10” although all it has over the BMW is a rear view camera. Reliability over personality, I guess.

The Buick. Clean and Germanically efficient, too. Apple CarPlay, heated steering wheel, Bose sound system, navigation, and remote start. Nothing great to say. Nothing bad either.

The Jaguar. Has a sporting look to it. The same interior across the Jaguar brand in 2018. Heated and cooling seats, Meridian audio, navigation, safety stuff like cross traffic alert.

The Mercedes. I once owned a 2010 non-saloon version of this from CarMax for about 48 hours until something blew under the hood and I returned it. But in that 48 hours I found the cockpit to be a friendly place where everything was right where it was supposed to be. Well, except for the odd seat controls wedged between the driver’s seat bolster and the center console. Seems odd. This E63 is loaded. Auto cruise control, self-parking, seat massagers. If it had self driving and Apple CarPlay I would ditch my GLE63 and buy this.

The Volkswagen. That third pedal would be the clutch, and that’s what makes this more special and fun. This 2019 car also has Apple CarPlay, cross traffic alert, and heated “leatherette” seats. Adequate. A simple, functional, fun wagon to drive yourself.

The Audi. The interior says “RS” with the stitching and the upholstery. It’s high-tech. The cargo floor (way down below) has a motorized cover. It’s got the Driver Assistance Package and Executive Package. Auto cruise control. Heads up display. No seat massagers. I’m out.

CAN YOU IDENTIFY THE WAGON FROM THE “WAYBACK”?

(Answers at the end!)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

1. Buick. 2. BMW 3. Mercedes 4. Jaguar 5. Volkswagen 6. Acura 7. Audi 8. Polestar

WHAT MAKES IT GO?

2021 Audi RS6

  • Engine & Drivetrain: 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8, 591 hp, 8-speed automatic, Quattro AWD.
  • 0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds

2015 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S

  • Engine & Drivetrain: 5.5L twin-turbocharged V8, 577 hp, 7-speed automatic, AWD.
  • 0-60 mph: 3.6 seconds

2024 Volvo V60 Recharge PHEV T8 Polestar

  • Engine & Drivetrain: 2.0L turbocharged I4 + electric motor, 415 hp, 8-speed automatic, AWD.
  • 0-60 mph: 4.3 seconds

2018 Jaguar XF S

  • Engine & Drivetrain: 3.0L supercharged V6, 380 hp, 8-speed automatic, AWD.
  • 0-60 mph: 5.3 seconds

2013 Acura TSX

  • Engine & Drivetrain: 2.4L I4, 201 hp, 5-speed automatic, FWD.
  • 0-60 mph: 7.6 seconds

2019 Buick Regal Tourx Essence

  • Engine & Drivetrain: 2.0L turbocharged I4, 250 hp, 8-speed automatic, AWD.
  • 0-60 mph: 6.1 seconds

2014 BMW 328 XI

  • Engine & Drivetrain: 2.0L turbocharged I4, 240 hp, 8-speed automatic, xDrive AWD.
  • 0-60 mph: 6.0 seconds

2019 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack SE

  • Engine & Drivetrain: 2.0L turbocharged I4, 250 hp, 8-speed automatic, AWD.
  • 0-60 mph: 6.1 seconds

AND FINALLY THE ADS, LINKS, STOCK NUMBERS AND VINS

This 2014 BMW 328 XI is here in Austin, Texas. It’s a single-owner car that got bumped in the butt once. Just dropped in price by $1,000. Wonder why?

Original MSRP: $42,000.

STOCK NO: 26476987 VIN: WBA3G7C50EKN36268

This 2013 Acura TSX is currently reserved here. It’s a one-owner car that spent the last 11 years in Dallas, Texas. Did I mention it has less than 1,000 miles?

Original MSRP: $32,000

STOCK NO: 25846374 VIN: JH4CW2H60DC000678

The 2019 Buick Regal Tourx Essence is being transferred to Columbia, South Carolina, at the moment. Here’s the link. It’s a two-owner Florida wagon. Buy MaxCare. It’s German.

Original MSRP: $41,000

STOCK NO: 26522155 VIN: W04GV8SX6K1015943

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack SE is reserved here in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It’s a one-owner car that spent the last five years in Baltimore, my home town!

Original MSRP: $31,000

STOCK NO: 26154364 VIN: 3VWM17AU6KM503666

The 2018 Jaguar XF S is a two-owner car that’s been in Ohio and Kentucky and is reserved here in East Haven, Connecticut.

Original MSRP: $70,000

STOCK NO: 26512200 VIN: SAJBM2FV6JCY65617

The Mercedes E63 AMG S is currently reserved here in Irvine, California. It’s a two-owner California car that had one minor accident in 2021.

Original MSRP: $105,000

STOCK NO: 26554952 VIN: WDDHH7GB4FB123539

This Polestar is currently here in Orlando, Florida. Single owner, accident-free. Was leased just a few months ago – default?

Original MSRP: $63,000

STOCK NO: 26522012 VIN: YV1H60EP1R1616556

The 2021 Audi RS6 Avant is reserved here in Tampa, Florida. It’s a one-owner car that unfortunately rear-ended someone in Miami in 2023. Going too fast in a too fast car? Had to be towed away. Still the hottest wagon CarMax has.

Original MSRP: $116,000

STOCK NO: 26508128 VIN: WUA1CBF28MN903542

THANKS FOR READING!

Quick Hit – A Low Mileage CarMax 2012 Audi Q5 “Survivor” For Father’s Day – Coming Soon!

First, happy Father’s Day to the Dads out there. My Dad was a fan of station wagons, and while I didn’t find any traditional wagon unicorns at CarMax today I did stumble on this Audi Q5 that just might have met my father’s standards for a family car. Cheap. Old. Limited technology. What he would not have appreciated is that it’s the only 2012 European car available of the 61,000 cars on CarMax lots. As I’ve mentioned before CarMax tends to keep US and Asian used cars up to 12 model years old, and European cars up to 11 (they once told me 10 – not so), occasionally an odd car slips through. It was last sold in August of 2023 in Orlando and is “Coming Soon” to the Orlando CarMax, so wondering if they bought it back or it was traded in? This Audi Q5 has only 17,000 miles – makes it a little unique.

The first generation Audi Q5 started in 2008, and this is a pretty simple version. Heated seats, CD player, power hatch, rear view camera and a panoramic sunroof. My Dad was of the “just more stuff to go wrong!” generation and would have preferred roll up windows and the only options would be radio and heater. The seats look brand spanking new.

There were no third row seats, I think, 12 years ago in the Q5’s. Just room to “haul stuff”. My father was a self-acknowledged hillbilly from rural Kentucky and West Virginia, and most of the station wagons he bought were Ramblers, with an occasional Chevy and an Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser with those too cool roof windows! While he might not seem the type to own an Audi, he once surprised us by bringing home a late 60’s Opel Kadett and a VW bus once. Neither lasted long at our house and no idea why. He went back to Ramblers.

The 2012 Audi Q5 came with either a 2.0 liter turbo four, or the 3.2 liter naturally aspirated V-6. This one has the six. It makes 270 horsepower and with the six-speed Tiptronic automatic hits 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. Not great but not awful for 4,400 lbs. As with all Audis, it’s AWD.

This 2012 Audi Q5 is “Coming Soon” to Orlando, Florida. Here’s the link. It once sold for maybe $45,000. (I don’t think my Dad ever spent more than $500 on a car.) MaxCare coverage is available up to 125,000 odometer miles or 60 months – until the car is 17 years old!

Stock No: 24223793 VIN: WA1DKAFP2CA112491

A Springtime Solar Eclipse Means Time For 10 Convertible Unicorns!

After playing three hours of country music in a Virginia brewery Sunday April 7th, I immediately drove deep into the night to Cleveland to be in the path of totality for the April 8th solar eclipse. It was spectacular. (The Eclipse above? Unremarkable, I guess. For more fun, check out this old blog of mine on eclipses!) I had hoped to cruise there in the BMW M3 with the top down, enjoying all things sunny, but I still had all my music gear and so it was the Merc SUV again. Got me thinking, though, about how special convertibles are in spring and fall. I’ve owned three and think everyone should own one at least once in life. So I picked out 10 CarMax unicorn convertibles – cars with less than 60,000 miles, priced below $45,000, and with either some driving enthusiast credentials or at least not something you see on the road every day.

At the moment CarMax has over 63,000 cars on the lots, and only 533 convertibles. Mazda takes top honors with 100 (all Miata MX-5’s, although one CX-30 is listed as a drop top!). Chevy is second with 76 (Camaros and Corvettes), followed by Mercedes at 70 (SLC’s, E400’s, and C300’s), and BMW at 68 units. The most expensive convertible at CarMax is a 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 3LT at $95,000 – only 204 miles on it – the cheapest is a cute 2013 Fiat 500 Pop at $13,000. Lots in between. I’m leaving out some good and salutary cars like Miatas and Mustangs and Beetles only because of abundance. Too many to feel unique.

A case could be made for the Polish-built Buick Cascada as a now extinct attempt by GM to introduce the Opel convertible to the US from 2016 to 2019, as well as the Volkswagen EOS, an even smaller hardtop convertible with Golf innards. The Buick wasn’t interesting enough and there aren’t any EOS’s at CarMax right now. And no Nissan Murano Crosscabriolet’s. Or Range Rover Evoque convertibles.

Let’s jump in.

The Porsche Boxster S is an easy choice. Mid-engined, manual transmission, and a sweet flat-6 engine at a fraction of the cost of a 911. And right up front I have to say CarMax, it should be mandatory that ALL convertibles advertised include a picture of the car with the top down!

Not a lot of features on this car, other than air conditioned seats. The 315 hp 3.4 liter motor makes it special. And because it’s hidden, no motor picture on this one. Originally selling for maybe $50,000, it hasn’t depreciated a whole lot. And probably won’t. It’s a two owner, accident free car found here in Tucson, Arizona.

Stock No: 25278196 VIN: WP0CB2A88DS132828

I don’t know much about Mini Coopers, but what I’ve learned has been from my friend Hans. And he usually pings me when a John Cooper Works Mini is on the market and so I thought I’d try to get ahead of him on this one.

The newest car on today’s list as a 2023. Also in its favor – it’s yellow (like the sun!) and another photo with the top down. It’s not a cheap car, selling for maybe $40,000+ new and after 13,000 miles, selling for about the same amount now.

This little Mini (redundant?) is loaded, though. Automatic cruise control, Apple CarPlay, and a heads up display are all modern features. If the trunk wasn’t the same size as the glove box it could be a fun road car. It’s powered by a 235 hp, 2.0 liter turbo four and I’m surprised to see 0-60 mph is only 6.3 seconds. Is that right?

No need for Maxcare I guess since this is still under manufacturer warranty. Find this German built Mini here coming soon in Plano, Texas.

StockNo: 25483370 VIN: WMW63DL07P3P34869

How about some American muscle. The only Corvette convertible that meets my unicorn specs comes next.

Pretty basic Corvette Stingray here. Pretty blue, black wheels, yellow calipers, and a drop top. Not a lot of features – it has Apple CarPlay because it has an aftermarket stereo. It’s fast and sleek and the only way to get a cheaper Chevy V-8 convertible would be in a Camaro, and the Camaro doesn’t have the panache of a Corvette.

What makes the Corvette special is the 6.2 liter naturally aspirated V-8, rated at 455 hp. It’s a light car at 3,300 lbs, and fast. The combination of a good motor and a convertible makes drop top driving audibly fun. Mostly that comes in V-8’s and flat-6’s. Anyone have a four cylinder with a satisfying sound? Guess my Italian Fiat had that. By the way, the Corvette engine bay photo below is the only one I’ve ever seen with a side view. Is that because of the way the hood opens?

This 2016 Corvette Stingray sold new for maybe $52,000. It’s a single owner car and is currently being shipped to West Sahara, Nevada. Here’s the link.

StockNo: 25706858 VIN: 1G1YB3D74G5125126

I’ve had two soft top convertibles, and at the moment a hard top convertible (2013 BMW M3). For daily driver, year round use I prefer a hard top convertible. And that brings us back to an original “driving rich” unicorn – the Mercedes SL550.

CarMax always seems to have a half dozen low mileage, well equipped Mercedes SL550’s on hand. This one is less than $31,000 and fits the bill. It’s not terribly well equipped, but has heated and cooling seats and the wonderful air scarf neck warmers, should spring not be sprung in your area any time soon.

The Mercedes has a 4.6 liter twin turbo V-8 making 429 hp, and 516 ft-lbs of torque. It weighs a good 700 pounds more than the Corvette, trading weight for a retractable hard top. Still does 0-60 mph in the mid-fours.

The 2013 Mercedes SL550 has been shared by five owners over the past 11 years, although with no accidents. Right now it’s in Los Angeles – here’s the link.

StockNo: 24920605 VIN: WDDJK7DA1DF010782

Below we have a 2015 Audi S5 Premium Plus that’s just good enough to make the list and yet not terribly exciting (to me). The 2013 S5’s were the first with the 333 hp supercharged, 3.0 liter V-6, after Audi’s long run with the venerable 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine with 354 hp. The V-6 is just as fast, just doesn’t sound the same. And since CarMax doesn’t carry 2012 (or older) European cars now, no more V-8 S5’s. However, from time to time CarMax will have an Audi RS5 that sported a V-8 until 2017. The RS5 has almost a hundred more horses.

This is a low mileage, low dollar Audi soft top with the Technology Package, a Bang & Olufsen audio system, and not a lot else. Again kudos for the photo with the top down.

I take that back. The Audi S5 has AWD, unusual for a convertible. For the record, at CarMax only Audi, BMW, Jaguar, and Mercedes have AWD convertibles. (Jaguar has this badass 2018 Jaguar F-Type R with 550 hp and AWD but it’s $52,000!) Below are examples of CarMax’s new “Cosmetic photos available” section for some cars – this Audi has a paint blemish on the bumper and on the fender.

Car and Driver dashed to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds in the V-6 S5, which is brisk by any standard. They also rated the coupe as tops over the Cadillac ATS 3.6 and the Lexus RC350, for what it’s worth. If you’re more youthful and technologically progressive than me (and most people are) you can get over the V-8 vs V-6 thing and enjoy this motor just fine.

This was a $55,000 car when new and is half that now. The single owner Audi S5 is currently reserved in Clackamas, Oregon, and you can find it here if you want to track or read more.

Stock No: 25452153 VIN: WAUCGAFH3FN009585

Next we have a practical, if you will, Volvo C70 T5, convertible. I like the hardtop convertible, although the weight makes a slow car slower, and yet few buy Volvo’s to push the performance envelope (Polestar notwithstanding). The C70 is a safe car that Autoblog says is “a handsome luxury hardtop convertible with elegant coupe lines that seats four.” I think the car is lovely with the top up or down.

The C70 has the Climate Package, adding heated seats and rain sensors and headlight washers. It’s Swedish tidy inside, and with only 15,000 miles over 11 years it’s fresh.

The downside is a 227hp inline 5 cylinder, a 2.5 liter powerplant that pulls the front wheel drive convertible to 60 mph in the mid-seven second range. Again, Volvo’s not known for performance cars, and this would try my patience. My standard today, though, was a convertible that has some style to it and one you don’t see at every stop light. The C70 T5 fits the bill.

The car is just $23,998 – about $20,000 less than when it was new – and is on reserve here in Norcross, Georgia.

StockNo: 25467726 VIN: YV1672MCXDJ143182

Here’s another very pretty, very affordable, and not very common hardtop convertible that’s also not very athletic. The 2015 Q60 was once the G37 and still is a fancier Nissan 370. Not necessarily a bad thing. This is a beautiful car and the upside of a car that was dated in 2015 and despite a 2016 refresh, didn’t sell well and was put down in 2023, is that like the Volvo, they’re not spotted on every street corner.

Nothing at all wrong with the interior, and it looks well maintained after eight years and 54,000 miles. Heated and air conditioned seats, navigation, and a Bose sound system. Always wondered why Nissan didn’t buy Infinity audio and rename them Infiniti? Room for four. Sort of.

Infiniti carried the same 3.7 liter V-6 power plant with 325 hp from the much cheaper Nissan 370z until 2017, when an upgraded 3.0 liter V-6 twin turbo made its debut. With the 3.7 0-60 was in the mid-fives, and the newer engine cut a full second off of that. (FWIW – Infiniti unleashed a Q60 Red Sport 400 with, you guessed it, 400 hp in hardtop only!)

This 2015 Infiniti Q60 is a two owner, accident free car currently reserved here in Gastonia, North Carolina. It was once a $50,000+ auto and is selling for the same price as the low mileage Volvo C70 above. Which one would you buy?

StockNo: 25294928 VIN: JN1CV6FE3FM810232 LINK

Let’s get back to legitimate performance cars. When I started writing this piece in Cleveland, after the eclipse a week ago, this hot BMW M3 was not yet on the market. I had included in this draft an identical black M3 that was $2,000 more with 6,000 more miles. That’s what freaks me out every time I prepare to buy a car – next week something better will come along. FOMO.

Yeah, it’s red and somebody is gonna say “ticket magnet” the way you can’t mention Pintos without reflexively smirking “self-immolation” – both references are highly exaggerated. Research has shown that white cars get more tickets than red (Let’s ignore there are more white cars on the road than red – doesn’t help my case.)

If you’ve been here before you know I own a silver version of this car and have a bias. Two years ago I bought a 2013 M3 hardtop convertible, the last year for V-8 M3’s, and love it. Well, I did – drove it to meet an old friend for breakfast this morning, and he showed up in a silver 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo. Sigh.

The heart and soul of the M3 is the 4.0 liter, naturally aspirated V-8. It’ll growl it’s way to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds in “M” mode. BMW ran V-8’s in M3’s from 2007 to 2013, with six cylinders before and after. Keeping in mind CarMax only offers 11 year old or newer European cars, the days are numbered for getting one from CarMax and protecting it with a MaxCare warranty up to 125,000 miles and until 2029. That said, I paid about $5,000 for my MaxCare and haven’t gotten my money’s worth (yet). I’ve put 15,000 miles on it in two years and it hardly breaks.

Don’t wait! This M3 has the back seat wind deflector. It’ll go missing soon. Had to pay $300 to get one.

The 2013 BMW M3 is a real auto enthusiast car, and a red one will get some attention at cars and coffee. I paid $41,000 for mine with 34,000 miles I think, and this one is $10,000 cheaper – but with almost the same mileage. (Make me an offer? Was planning to keep mine two more years but that 911 Turbo looked sweet this morning.) This one is available in Golden, Colorado here.

StockNo: 24832537 VIN: WBSDX9C55DE785352

Going to stick with red cars here on out, since I liked the white/red ticket research from above. This one is a real nice 2019 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth. And a “Fix It Again Tony” comment will get you banned, for being inaccurate and unimaginative! (My 1971 Fiat 124 Spider was one of the most reliable cars I ever had!) This one comes with a no kidding manual transmission. And it’s red. Gotta be fun.

This generation of Fiat 124 Spiders is, of course, a Mazda Miata in vestiário. From 2016 to 2019 Mazda manufactured the 124’s using the Miata MX-5 platform, although the motors were legit Italian Fiat powerplants (the transmission was still Mazda’s.) The 124 is five inches longer than the Miata. And almost 200 pounds heavier, with more sound deadening material. Disturbing fact – CarMax will offer MaxCare for European cars up to 125,000 miles, and for Japanese cars to 150,000 miles. Both cars are built in Japan, but the MaxCare warranty is still reduced for the Italian-badged one. That ain’t right.

The Fiat 124 Spider Abarth has modern stuff like cross-traffic alert and heated mirrors and a rear view camera, and yet a traditional sports car interior. I tried one on once, or at least I tried to, and found it was tighter inside than my 1971. Found Miatas to be too small for me also (I’m 6’4″ and 225 lbs – atm.) The power plant below is a 1.4 liter turbo four, and unfortunately makes the same 160 hp that’s in the non-Abarth 124’s. Only does 0-60 mph in the low six second range. Disappointing, but my old one took 10 seconds to get there. This one has an upgraded suspension over the base 124, though. And a manual transmission!

Here’s a Car and Driver comparison between the Fiat 124 Abarth and the Mazda Miata. Unlike the Miata, the 124 is (again) extinct and no longer being imported. It sold maybe 5,000 units a year, so a bit rare. Not a bad car, and not a total Miata clone. Retained some historical Pininfarina styling. Here’s the link to the 2019 Fiat 124 Abarth, currently on reserve in Spokane, Washington.

StockNo: 25271376 VIN: JC1NFAEKXK0141887 LINK

Hear me out on the next, and last red unicorn to make the list. It’s a weak case, but not ridiculous. This is the cheapest, not seen everywhere, legitimately holds four adults, convertible you’re going to find at CarMax. Emphasis on cheap. It’s $18k and has only 30,000 miles. (Its identical twin just sold elsewhere on CarMax for the same price with 20,000 miles – you missed a bargain by a week!)

Take the time to read the timely election-themed Car and Driver review here from 2012. It’s wonderfully written. Spoiler – it opens with, “Like a single-issue candidate, the Chrysler 200 convertible has stumped on one appeal. In the car’s case, it’s that the top goes down.”

The review also says the “200’s handling is no longer spastic and clumsy” and that it’s actually well sorted out for a front drive, 4,000 pound car. (I think “No longer spastic and clumsy” was also on my ninth grade Phys Ed report card.) The 3.6 liter V-6 motor pumps 283 hp and does 0-60 mph in about the same time as the Fiat 124 above. Not sure if that’s good for the Chrysler or bad for the Fiat.

My M3 and the Corvette Stingray above are perfect for dropping the top and roaring into local breweries this spring, Chris Stapleton streaming from the Bose. But I would not be embarrassed to cruise (slowly) into our Virginia wineries in this Chrysler 200 with the top down, listening to Kenny G on the CD player. I’m that old. And with MaxCare available for another five years and 120,000 miles I could do that long enough to pay for the car with my social security checks. Now I’m sad. Heading to the bar. If this car’s for you it’s currently reserved here in Gastonia, North Carolina.

StockNo: 25491124 VIN: 1C3BCBFG0DN724042

Ghost Cars – If You Didn’t Save Them, You Won’t See Them

I was corresponding with a blog reader buddy about the 2015 Mercedes S65 I had on hold and he was surprised it was out there – didn’t see it on the CarMax web page when searching for V-12’s. It reminded me of the peculiarities of searching and tracking unicorns on CarMax.com and the app. They operate differently but on both one can save cars to your profile as favorites. Once there, you still have visibility on the car regardless of status. On the phone app, a car might say “Currently Unavailable” after being saved with no further information. On my laptop, though, more information is provided on saved cars that are not “currently available“. The listing will share if the car is “reserved” or “shipping“, and if being transferred will indicate where it’s going. On the laptop web page it will also indicate whether a car is “sold” – but it doesn’t delete them.

For very special cars I’ll leave them in my saved section even after being sold and get pleasantly surprised when they sometimes show up again after being returned. On both the app and the web page you can see the latest price for the vehicle even if it’s unavailable, but only on the menu showing all the cars you’ve saved. Once you click on the car the price is “N/A”. Because of all this rigamarole I’ve been including the stock number and VIN when I blog. You can always search by the stock number and find cars that are “currently unavailable” and don’t show up when searching by brand, type, cylinders, etc. With that, here are a couple of “ghost” cars that remain in my saved file but haven’t been offered for sale in a while. They may or may not show up again as available.

Here’s a rare one, a 2017 Alpina B7 that was on the net briefly then went underground while being transferred to Raleigh, North Carolina. Not a lot of B7’s in the USA (a few hundred imported yearly?) and while it has the same horsepower as the V-12 M760i, Car and Driver described the B7 as “the quickest dealership-sold BMW we’ve ever tested, with 60 mph arriving in 3.4 seconds.” Say’s it’ll do 193 mph. FWIW here’s the link to the Car and Driver review, and it has a nice recap of how Alpina came to be.

Picture above could be the interior of the M760i or even the 750 – only real giveaway is the logo on the steering wheel and the cool Alpina graphic embedded in the speedo. This B7 is loaded with Apple CarPlay, adaptive cruise control, the Driver Assistance Package, Executive Package, and Luxury Package.

The Alpina B7 leverages the 4.4 liter twin turbo from the 750 but adds boost, special pistons, Alpina intake, exhaust, and intercoolers to get the 600 hp. It’s mated to an eight speed ZF automatic transmission.

Only 400 2017 Alpina B7’s were imported to the USA, and they were priced at $137,000. As noted, the ad says N/A for a price, but in my saved file it shows it’s selling for $59,998. That’s a helluva deal. Track this 2017 Alpina B7 here in Raleigh – currently reserved for some lucky buyer. Or maybe not?

Stock # 23467006  VIN # WBA7F2C39HG543846

Continue reading “Ghost Cars – If You Didn’t Save Them, You Won’t See Them”

Five for Five – Five 2017 Cars for Five Year Blog Anniversary!

Just hit the five year anniversary of the CarMax Unicorn Blog and thought I’d take a minute to say thanks to the folks who are still reading this from time to time as I still enjoy writing this from time to time. The numbers say I’ve only blogged 31 times so far this year and I normally do 60-80 posts annually so I have some catching up to do. Admittedly, when I’m obsessively searching for my own unicorns I don’t get around to blogging about yours as much as I’d like. And this year not only did I buy two of them (the M3 and the CT6), I sold my 1971 Fiat with a little coverage here and I’m still working on selling my 2010 Mercedes S600 (having conversations with several of you on that car now!). Still getting 2-3,000 visitors a month so will keep this going another year! And oddly, the 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis LS posting here retook the lead from a Cayenne as the blog with the most views ever. Sigh.

When I married my wife in 1996 I started commemorating anniversaries by doing a one of something gift for year one, a pair for year two, three of something for the third anniversary and on. Was easy to be imaginative up to year 12 (particularly enjoyed linking gifts to the nine planets for our ninth, before Pluto dropped out) but I was totally out of ideas as we celebrated our 26th this summer. Maybe I didn’t think we’d make it this long when I started the tradition?

Anyway, for the fifth year of the blog thought I’d go with five unicorns that were actually brand new cars back when I started the blog and are now interesting used cars. Thanks for hanging in there with me and hope you like them.

I like this 2017 Audi S8 a lot, given that it checks (almost) all my boxes for an S600 successor. Fully loaded with Apple CarPlay, adaptive cruise control, seat massagers, and over 600 hp from a twin turbo 4.0 liter V-8 powerplant. And since I started this blog post a few days ago, it dropped $1,000 in price! But I’m hanging in there for the most autonomous driving capability I can get (the Cadillac CT6 spoiled me) and my amateur take is for the German car makers 2019 was a generational improvement. I cannot tell how much auto-driving is available on this Audi.

This car sold new in 2017 for almost $120,000. It sprints to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. Yup – 3.3 – supercar speed in a 4,700 lb sedan. Oh so tempting. Find this 2017 Audi S8 here in Irvine, California.

Stock # 23108469  VIN # WUAJ5AFD4HN901220

I also like this 2017 Corvette Stingray with less than 2,000 miles. It packs a big 6.2 liter, 455 hp naturally aspirated V-8. Why don’t people drive their cars?! This one looks as clean as when it was new. A bit old school with the motor in the front!

Someone paid about $60,000 for this Stingray in 2017. It hasn’t depreciated at all. This stupid low mileage Corvette moving here to Hillside, Illinois but you can still track it.

Stock # 23187843  VIN # 1G1YB2D7XH5100050

Continue reading “Five for Five – Five 2017 Cars for Five Year Blog Anniversary!”

Quick Hit – 2012 Audi S5 V-8 6MT (Short Piece!)

Been writing novellas about multiple cars in (infrequent) blogs so here’s a simple one. CarMax has a total of 1,291 manuals transmission cars out of a 47,000-plus inventory, and only 173 V-8’s mated to manual transmissions. Most of them are Camaros, Mustangs, and Challengers (so resisting the urge to postpone this post to include the lone Cadillac CTS-V with a V-8 and manual!) this one comes across as a nice affordable unicorn to me. A 2012 Audi S5, with both a 4.2 liter V-8 motor and a six-speed manual transmission. The last year for the V-8 in an S5. “Only” $27,998.

The manual transmission was actually standard on the 2012 Audi S5. And the V-8 was also offered only on the 5-series among the S-line. The S6 and S8 kept the wonderful Lambo-ish V-10 until 2013 I believe, and the S7 was introduced to the US in 2013 with a V-8. The 5 started using a supercharged six cylinder in 2013 and you’d have to move to the RS5 to keep a V-8. The 4.2 liter V-8 only produced 354 hp and a 0-60 mph sprint in just under five seconds. But I’ve heard an S5 wail on an exit ramp near my home and it was a glorious vintage power motor sound. That was before I knew it was not a 450 hp motor and quite surprised.

Other than the motor and transmission there’s nothing all that special about the 2012 Audi S5. Bluetooth, parking sensors – not even a rear view camera, heated seats, AWD. It’s a lot like my 2013 M3 in concept (last year for an old school V-8). But it’s a nice 10 year old driver’s car and if you want to shift a last of its kind here you go. Sold new for maybe $55,000 and with relatively low miles and MaxCare available up to a full 60 months – but only 125,000 miles, this car could be used for 15,000 miles yearly until it’s over. That would make it MaxCare covered until it’s 17 years old. Not bad. Find this three owner New England car currently here in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Stock # 22476322  VIN # WAUGVAFR2CA003845

All Couped Up -1 of 641 Audi TT RS (and Some Bonus TT Unicorn Coupes)

Stuck at home while my house is being painted. A bit cooped up (ha!) so did a quick run through of the fun coupes in my saved file and hoping to complete this before the fumes get to me. As I write CarMax has 1,679 cars nationwide officially listed as “coupes”. I could easily get wrapped around the axle finding Camaros, Corvettes, Mustangs, M3’s, Infiniti Q60’s that fit the bill but there are just so many of them. So I’m going with these three Audi TT’s, and this weekend perhaps a 1 of 1,418 model worthy of it’s own page. If you can guess what it is you win.

This 2012 Audi TT RS has been available for quite some time. The little coupe has a 2.5 liter five cylinder turbo pumping 360 hp. Car and Driver calls it a “mini-R8”. The dual clutch version tested in Europe sprinted to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, and later the US model six-speed manual transmission TT RS hit it in 4.0 seconds flat – disappointing only in comparison to the dual clutch – still faster than my 911 was! Top speed was limited to 174 mph. The first gen RS only came to the US in manual mode. Only 641 were imported in 2012, and about the same for 2013 before the car was discontinued. The TT RS was reintroduced to the US market from 2018-2022, when it ended again. Even with the second generation, annually only a few hundred of the TT models were sold as RS. A unicorn.

Car and Driver panned the TT RS for highway drone, but otherwise loved the almost 1g of AWD lateral grip and rip snorting performance once past the turbo lag. The only other criticism? “The TT RS is so competent,” we reported, “so coldly immune to human clumsiness as to diminish the role of the driver.” I tried on a regular TT once, and while getting in and out was as challenging as any low slung car once inside I was surprised how roomy the cockpit was for my 6’4″ 225 lb frame.

The 2012 Audi TT RS sold new for almost $60,000. For a ten year old car with 71,000 miles it’s still a bit high priced. But it’s a bit unique with only a dozen or more for sale across the country. As with other older European cars, MaxCare is only available for 48 months and capped at 125,000 miles. I’d buy it, and enjoy this mini-R8 for 13,500 miles a year – plenty of space for a daily driver! Find this one owner, accident free Audi here in Garland, Texas.

Stock # 21055355  VIN # TRUB3AFK9C1901418

Continue reading “All Couped Up -1 of 641 Audi TT RS (and Some Bonus TT Unicorn Coupes)”

Lamborghini Urus or Audi RSQ8?

On a roll with hot Audis after yesterday’s RS6 Avant. Feeling a bit like an Audi Savant. Anyway, this one is a 2021 Audi RSQ8 (Resquate?) unicorn. The same platform and motor as the Lamborghini Urus, also part of the Volkswagen Audi Group (VAG). But the RSQ8 sells for $100,000 less. And CarMax don’t sell Lambos. So what do we have here?

The RSQ8 Interior

Reviewers give the Audi credit for the more luxurious interior in the RSQ8 above. The Urus’ interior is below. I can’t find fault with either. All of the same high end features in the RS6 Avant, and I still get a kick out of the 1,920 watt Bang & Olufsen® 3D Advanced Sound System. I guess that much power in a car stereo makes as much sense as almost 600 hp in an SUV. Maybe 45 years ago in my teenage years I listened to music like Blue Oyster Cult and Uriah Heep at full volume with my head on the floor wedged between cheap bookshelf speakers because we didn’t have headphones. The tinnitus keeps me awake still. That said, sweet Lorraine I’d love to hear classic rock through the RSQ8 audio system. At 100 mph. What’s done is done. Don’t fear the reaper.

The Urus Interior

The RSQ8 doesn’t look all that more aggressive than the Q8 or SQ8 (Squate?). A bit of a sleeper. The 5,300 pound bulk belies a 0-60 mph run of 3.6 seconds and a governed top speed of 155 mph – 190 mph with the Dynamic Package. Fastest SUV around the Nürburgring circuit. The Urus is faster (and the fastest SUV overall – just not at Nürburgring) because VAG allows the Lamborghini an additional 49 hp. Both cars have an eight-speed automatic transmission. And both have GIGANTIC 17″ brake calipers – the biggest ever in a production car.

Is this the same RS6 motor photo I used yesterday? No, but it is the same motor.

Here’s a good piece on why the Audi RS Q8 is a better buy than the Lamborghini Urus from HotCars.com. It’s called “Here’s Why The Audi RS Q8 Is A Better Buy Than The Lamborghini Urus“. (I never claimed to be an original auto critic!) Original MSRP on the Urus was $218,000 and the Audi sold for maybe $100,000 less when new. The 2021 Audi RSQ8 is now offered by CarMax in California for $137,998 – or it was previously and likely will again. It’s off the market right now but not yet sold. Here’s the link if you want to track it. One owner, less than 8,000 miles on it, and plenty of manufacturer warranty left. What a bargain! Of course, owning an Audi just doesn’t have the cachet of a Lamborghini and no good comes from coveting a Urus. Ask Lee Price III, the Texas man in this article who used Covid-19 relief aid to buy a Lamborghini Urus and a Rolex and got 9 years in prison. The Robb Report article is called “A Man Who Used Covid-19 Relief Aid to Buy a Lamborghini Urus and a Rolex Gets 9 Years in Prison“.

Stock # 21242017  VIN # WU1ARBF10MD028842

1 of 1,200 – Seems More Rare – 2021 Audi RS6 Avant

When the 2021 Audi RS6 Avant was introduced to the USA Car and Driver referred to it as possibly the ultimate Audi, up there with the R8. Why? Perhaps it’s the 190 mph top speed, the 0-60 mph blitz in 3.1 seconds, the AWD and all wheel steering? The 591 hp twin-turbo 4.0 liter V-8 with mild-hybrid technology? And it’s a wagon – I’m sorry, an Avant. Me thinks all of the above. It’s a unicorn, alright, just not an affordable one.

Had to look through the Audi forums to learn that Audi had planned to build 8,700 for worldwide distribution and 800 for the USA, but due to demand upped our imports to 1,200. If you really, really want an exclusive RS6 Avant, look hard for one of the Nogaro Blue models – only 25 were sold here. I started to look through the forums for why it’s called an Avant and got hilarious but unhelpful answers.

The interior oozes luxury, not race car. If there was a technology or creature comfort available in 2021, it’s in this car. CarMax is limited to their standard menus to list heated and air conditioned seats, Bang & Olufsen Audio (B&O, I’m told it’s called!), heated steering wheel, Apple Carplay, auto cruise control and so on. Has the Executive Package. Car reviews will tell you the RS6 coddles you in “Valcona leather” but Google had to explain to me that Valcona leather comes from special South German cow hides. The reviews mention the 12.3″ instrument cluster, the central 10.1” haptic touchscreen display, and another 8.6” screen with climate and driver controls. For a guy who had to leave home and join the Army to afford a color TV back in the day this is all overwhelming.

Not sure why I add motor photos. The plastic coverings make a 591 hp V-8 look no sexier than a 140 hp four.

This Audi RS6 has been on and off the CarMax web page since it popped a week ago. Today (December 5th) it’s available but may not be tomorrow. You can find it either way at this link in Orlando, Florida. Selling for $132,998. If I were buying it, and there is no doubt I’m not, I’d struggle with buying MaxCare. On one hand, this car is under manufacturer warranty for another three years and 40,000 miles. MaxCare will only add two more years and 115,000 miles of warranty. Worth it? I suspect if you’re dropping $132,000 on a car you don’t care so much about repair costs. Last year when new MSRP was $110,000 but dealers marked them up considerably. We’ll see if this goes at this price or gets marked down. A lotta money for an Audi station wagon Avant, but it’s a helluva lotta car.

Stock # 21573842 VIN # WUA1CBF21MN905181