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#41
General Truck and SUV Banter / Re: Looking for a New SUV
Last post by Blizzard - Jul 05, 2026, 08:30 AMQuote from: Firm on Jul 05, 2026, 01:21 AMQuote from: Tortoise on Jul 04, 2026, 08:52 PMWe test drove this Passport today: https://www.civicmotors.com/inventory/2023-honda-passport-trailsport-Th6he4VjTAS8vm571gA9BQvdp/
The first thing that was apparent is the Passport is set up noticeably different than the Pilot. It's more stiffly sprung and the steering is heavier and more direct, particularly at highway speeds. I really preferred the driving experience of the Passport.
Road noise was a lot higher, likely due to the Firestone Destination tires that had a few seasons on them.
The TrailSport has everything we would need and there's only a few options on the Touring we'd want, namely the cooled seats and upgraded stereo. One benefit of the TrailSport is the matte grey trim instead of the piano black in the Touring. Matte black is such a stupid trend.
This one had some minor cosmetic damage on the front bumpers, most likely parking lot scrapes. Annoying but touch up paint would cover them well enough.
We talked a bit on pricing and I am struggling with the price on these things. $43K is only 8k less than the MSRP in 2023. Honda raising prices on the latest Gen is really driving up the used prices (d'uh).
They were willing to come down about $1400, but even with a hefty down payment the total cost was $57k after taxes, financing and $1700 in dealer fees... I can't help but think that's bonkers.
We're able to afford more than the original budget, but I can't wrap my head around the total cost.
Price is wild, I know it's probably market, but that's a ton of money on an asset that's going to depreciate to practically nothing over the next 10 years. Just go find a 10 year old Tahoe for $15-20K, put $2K into it to proactively get the DOD Lifter issue addressed and drive it forever. Take the extra $35K, put it in a decent investment and in another 10 years you'll still have a solid truck, plus an extra $40K or so in interest.
For someone who's super handy and knowledgeable like you, makes sense. But I'm not sure this is practical for the average person and their kids who will be dependent on this car for the next 10 years. I looked within 500 km of my location (Montreal) and all $15-20K Tahoes from the 2015+ generation are ex-OPP or EMS fleet units with 150k+ km, or base model personal units from really rural areas with over 200k km. For a lot of people I feel like the cost, effort, and mental energy to keep something like this running and in decent shape as a daily driver over the next 10 years isn't worth the cost savings. Investments are great but assuming you're on track in that area, peace of mind is great too. I'd rock something older as a secondary car, but as a daily that's used for family, probably not.
#42
General Truck and SUV Banter / Re: Looking for a New SUV
Last post by Gurgie - Jul 05, 2026, 08:22 AMSounds like a really shitty interest rate on the vehicle. For shits & giggles I looked at a new CX-70 for you, financing is at 2.99% for 48 months & 3.49% for 60 months. More expensive all around, but if you can stomach the payments, cost of borrowing is less. Not sure if you could qualify for Mazda owner loyalty program? If so, that drops the interest rate by 1% more.
#43
General Truck and SUV Banter / Re: Looking for a New SUV
Last post by Firm - Jul 05, 2026, 01:21 AMQuote from: Tortoise on Jul 04, 2026, 08:52 PMWe test drove this Passport today: https://www.civicmotors.com/inventory/2023-honda-passport-trailsport-Th6he4VjTAS8vm571gA9BQvdp/
The first thing that was apparent is the Passport is set up noticeably different than the Pilot. It's more stiffly sprung and the steering is heavier and more direct, particularly at highway speeds. I really preferred the driving experience of the Passport.
Road noise was a lot higher, likely due to the Firestone Destination tires that had a few seasons on them.
The TrailSport has everything we would need and there's only a few options on the Touring we'd want, namely the cooled seats and upgraded stereo. One benefit of the TrailSport is the matte grey trim instead of the piano black in the Touring. Matte black is such a stupid trend.
This one had some minor cosmetic damage on the front bumpers, most likely parking lot scrapes. Annoying but touch up paint would cover them well enough.
We talked a bit on pricing and I am struggling with the price on these things. $43K is only 8k less than the MSRP in 2023. Honda raising prices on the latest Gen is really driving up the used prices (d'uh).
They were willing to come down about $1400, but even with a hefty down payment the total cost was $57k after taxes, financing and $1700 in dealer fees... I can't help but think that's bonkers.
We're able to afford more than the original budget, but I can't wrap my head around the total cost.
Price is wild, I know it's probably market, but that's a ton of money on an asset that's going to depreciate to practically nothing over the next 10 years. Just go find a 10 year old Tahoe for $15-20K, put $2K into it to proactively get the DOD Lifter issue addressed and drive it forever. Take the extra $35K, put it in a decent investment and in another 10 years you'll still have a solid truck, plus an extra $40K or so in interest.
#44
General Car Banter / Re: What Did You Do To Your Ca...
Last post by Firm - Jul 05, 2026, 01:13 AMGave the Escalade a fresh detailing inside and out, including a fresh coat of wax, so it'll be nice and clean for our trip south to the beach tomorrow. Course it poured immediately upon finishing...
It's the 4th too, so the family was dressed up for the festivities here in town and figured I'd take the opportunity for a very 'Merican photo.
It's the 4th too, so the family was dressed up for the festivities here in town and figured I'd take the opportunity for a very 'Merican photo.
#45
General Truck and SUV Banter / Re: Looking for a New SUV
Last post by Tortoise - Jul 04, 2026, 08:52 PMWe test drove this Passport today: https://www.civicmotors.com/inventory/2023-honda-passport-trailsport-Th6he4VjTAS8vm571gA9BQvdp/
The first thing that was apparent is the Passport is set up noticeably different than the Pilot. It's more stiffly sprung and the steering is heavier and more direct, particularly at highway speeds. I really preferred the driving experience of the Passport.
Road noise was a lot higher, likely due to the Firestone Destination tires that had a few seasons on them.
The TrailSport has everything we would need and there's only a few options on the Touring we'd want, namely the cooled seats and upgraded stereo. One benefit of the TrailSport is the matte grey trim instead of the piano black in the Touring. Matte black is such a stupid trend.
This one had some minor cosmetic damage on the front bumpers, most likely parking lot scrapes. Annoying but touch up paint would cover them well enough.
We talked a bit on pricing and I am struggling with the price on these things. $43K is only 8k less than the MSRP in 2023. Honda raising prices on the latest Gen is really driving up the used prices (d'uh).
They were willing to come down about $1400, but even with a hefty down payment the total cost was $57k after taxes, financing and $1700 in dealer fees... I can't help but think that's bonkers.
We're able to afford more than the original budget, but I can't wrap my head around the total cost.
The first thing that was apparent is the Passport is set up noticeably different than the Pilot. It's more stiffly sprung and the steering is heavier and more direct, particularly at highway speeds. I really preferred the driving experience of the Passport.
Road noise was a lot higher, likely due to the Firestone Destination tires that had a few seasons on them.
The TrailSport has everything we would need and there's only a few options on the Touring we'd want, namely the cooled seats and upgraded stereo. One benefit of the TrailSport is the matte grey trim instead of the piano black in the Touring. Matte black is such a stupid trend.
This one had some minor cosmetic damage on the front bumpers, most likely parking lot scrapes. Annoying but touch up paint would cover them well enough.
We talked a bit on pricing and I am struggling with the price on these things. $43K is only 8k less than the MSRP in 2023. Honda raising prices on the latest Gen is really driving up the used prices (d'uh).
They were willing to come down about $1400, but even with a hefty down payment the total cost was $57k after taxes, financing and $1700 in dealer fees... I can't help but think that's bonkers.
We're able to afford more than the original budget, but I can't wrap my head around the total cost.
#46
Off-Topic / Re: BBQ's / Gas Grills
Last post by roadpanther - Jul 04, 2026, 06:15 AMQuote from: Tortoise on Jul 03, 2026, 08:53 AMWhat do you do in the rain? Is it under a covered porch?
I enjoy using my Weber kettle, and agree it makes a difference with some foods, but I also enjoy the convenience of gas when it's a quick cook or I want the predictable heat of gas.
Mine stays under a covered patio, so rain usually isn't a problem. If it's really coming down sideways, I wait it out. I get the appeal of gas for quick weeknight cooks but I still prefer the charcoal grill.
#47
General Car Banter / Re: What Did You Do To Your Ca...
Last post by HannibalSmith - Jul 03, 2026, 05:33 PM^^ Sorry, boys + Brig 
#48
General Car Banter / Re: What Did You Do To Your Ca...
Last post by HannibalSmith - Jul 03, 2026, 05:00 PMQuote from: Fobroader on Jul 03, 2026, 11:56 AMQuote from: Tortoise on Jul 03, 2026, 09:52 AMQuote from: Johnnymac on Jul 03, 2026, 08:56 AMDo you have any fun short drives that you could work into your routine on maybe a weekly basis to at least get some extra enjoyment?
I feel like Hannibal lives in the Mississauga area, which is pretty devoid of fun 20 minute drives.
What do you mean, sitting on the 401 for 3 hours to go 4 feet isn't considered a fun Ontarian drive??
Lol, yes Mississauga so it's pretty congested, especially after noon. But I am in the north part so pretty close to all the roads you see on Throttle House.
I promise to make more of an effort boys. In fact this morning I was out running all my errands with it, including groceries. Nicked my wheel at the No Frills parking lot for my efforts
Yes, the BMW is a RWD manual, and I still love it!
#49
General Car Banter / Re: Thinking of selling the GM...
Last post by Fobroader - Jul 03, 2026, 03:22 PM^^ What he said, shoot for the moon, that way if someone takes it off your hands you will not regret it after all. If you are not in a hurry, you can wait for the right sucke...errr...buyer to find it.
#50
Off-Topic / Re: The Weather Thread
Last post by RRocket - Jul 03, 2026, 01:42 PMQuote from: Johnnymac on Jul 03, 2026, 01:32 PMQuote from: RRocket on Jul 02, 2026, 06:05 PMIt's just REALLY hot here.That's basically the same here yesterday and today. Don't even want to drive the Miata in this weather because it's not overly comfortable to drive with the top down in work clothes.
Oppressively so.
Currently 38 degrees..with the humidex it's 44.
Yes, it's uncomfortably hot.
Even in our boat!