Help me justify HSE over SE

[srfgeek]

hey all - I am in love with this car! I have test driven both the SE and the HSE, and haven't found much difference. Two questions:

I have found an SE , Silver, Alpaca, 3rd row, lighting package and nav for $48000. Is this a good price?


Also - pls help me justify (to my wife ) wy I would want to get an HSE for $7k more?

Best

Alex

 

[grommet]

Only unique difference is wheel style/size, more powerful but still marginal stereo, and seat/mirror memory. The rest can be optioned on the SE. So, basically... pick the options you want and not if it's "SE" or "HSE"... which means very little.

 

[askewed]

grommet is extensively correct. However, if prestige is important to you then you'd want an HSE just becuase there are less of them.
&
19" wheels vs. 18". I have A LOT of time in SEs (as loaners) and I am convinced that the HSE rides better then the SE. I can't think of anything but the wheel size that could cause this. An HSE definitly rides smoother, firmer and more confidently then a SE ...IMO.

The reasons we got an HSE were: Memory seats, stereo (while the HSE stereo isn't excellent it is certainly 200% better than the SE version) and lastly but as it turns out almost most importantly is the driver's seat. It has an extra articulation that the SE doesn't have. It lifts up under your knees and supports your lower leg which keeps them from hanging from your hamstrings. This makes a HUGE difference on a longer trip.

Don't forget resale value. SEs will be more plentiful and thus less desirable. I don't know what part of the country you live in but around here prestige is an issue. What I mean is, even if it isn't important to you don't overlook that it is important to some and thus could effect your resale value. In the end that 7k might well be half that if it retains more value. So is 3k too much to pay for a better stereo, comfy legs, not having to readjust the seat every other day and a smoother ride? Me thinks yes... It's money you can either save it or spend it. 48k, 54k, what's the difference? If you really wanted to save money you'd be looking at a CRV.

Great luck!
Scott

 

[srfgeek]

Thanks for the input! The dealer I am looking at has the HSE I want, but they loaded it up with a kit and are charging $3k over sticker. I have them down to sticker in negotiations:

$54k

HSE - Silver/Alpaca, 2006, body mouldings, mudflaps, running board, towing, Hvy duty, roof rails, tail lamp guards, wood trim inside.

Does this sounds like a decent deal?

 

[steve c]

Stereo sounds the same.

The HSE seats are better.

The SE rides better and has more tire options out there.

 

[askewed]

Stereo sounds the same.


The SE rides better ...

Due respect... I think you're way off on these two points.

 

[texas911]

Con't forget guys, the 06 HSE comes with the rear seats and rear A/C standard. I'd get the HSE.

 

[grommet]

taxas911, you make it sound like they give you the 3rd row and A/C free on HSE... yeah, right.

Anyway, re: "prestige"... seriously, the LR3 is more workhorse than bling-mobile and I expect depreciation to be quite severe on my HSE. No HSE badging is going to save me. Not as bad as Disco 2, but what is?

 

[Freeflytim]

Ditto all what askewed sed.
In Feb when HSEs were unavailable and SEs were, I could have had an SE loaded up to almost HSE trim, 'cept wheels, stereo and seat. I waited. After having SE loaners, Im SO GLAD I held my ground with the dealer and waited on what I wanted. The seat and the stereo are worth it! About the wheels... Ive got a set of both 18s and 19s!... one for off road, one set for on.

 

[srfgeek]

Thanks for the input guys - any thoughts on my deal mentioned above WRT price? I am paying cash.