Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

ateixeira · May 2012

That might be the only manual Fusion in existence...

With heated leather seats, wow.

Guy must've blown tires left and right. Lots of curb rash on the rims.

Then again for the current price it could be a parts car and still be worth it.

isellhondas · May 2012

Well, you probably dodged a bullet. No car is more troublesome than a Land Rover.

The warranty company we used to sell extended warranties refused to sell one on a Land Rover for ANY price!

The rep said they had been burned everytime no matter how much they kept raising the price.

Still cool cars that somehow appeal to me.

kyfdx · May 2012

So now... there is an '02 Range Rover HSE with 49K miles... for just $11K!!

Haven't seen it... it's in the paper... :surprise:

isellhondas · May 2012

Oh, just go for it. How bad can it possibly be? :P

kyfdx · May 2012

My wife still insists that it wasn't her that wanted the Disco... so, not sure how much rope I have, here.... :surprise:

ateixeira · May 2012

What could possibly go wrong?

Buddy has a new Range Rover Sport, he never stops complaining about what things cost. Brakes and tires just set him back over $2 grand.

No big deal until he told me it had only 23k miles. :surprise:

stever · May 2012

It'll probably run like a Honda.

Compared to a Freelander. :shades:

fintail · May 2012

I think the 03+ models were much improved, but all Discos are to be avoided.

corvette · May 2012

What a bargain! I think you'd be totally fine buying it sight unseen, even. British engineering is amazing and Land Rovers are world renowned for their low operating costs.

kyfdx · May 2012

I knew I was in the right place...

akangl · May 2012

I have a very odd son. The clutch in the Escort is going, reverse and first are becoming quite a challange, so I've told him to avoid driving it if he can. We offered to sell the car and help him buy a much newer one once he got to the lower 48. Nope, he wants to keep his car and have a friend help him put a new clutch in it.

I guess he didn't inherit my CCB gene. He said he plans on keeping the Escort until it dies and then he'll find another cheap car to drive.

I've got to take the Sierra back to the dealer in a couple weeks for an oil leak and a rear park assist that decided to stop working . Still really like the truck and have no regrets.

mark156 · May 2012

Hey Guys, I'm on my second Land Rover.... The first being a 2006 LR3 HSE and the second is a 2010 LR4 HSE.... both black with tan/cream leather. I had no problem with the first one until the very end there was a warranty issue involving a clunking sound. I didn't know about it as my 'Significant Other' took care of it as I was in the hospital (paralyzed)... I'm back to 99% now.

Anyway, the 2010 has been wonderful with 19,500 miles. My rear back-up camera has had a problem, it has reversed itself. LR has ordered a new one that will be in sometime in the next 2 weeks. Otherwise, I have found them to be a wonderful vehicle so far.

My twin brother drives an '03 Land Rover Discovery with 115,000 miles. No real problems, he loves the vehicle.

I keep them only under the warranty period with usually less than 40,000 miles so I'm probably not a good 'tester' for Land Rover. I will buy another when the warranty is up on the '10.

I sure would like to see a diesel offered soon! The new Evoque is really nice looking but kinda pricey. My local California dealer has a markup of $5,000 on each one. I can guarantee that my Tennessee dealer would never do that. That's why I buy'm in TN. The only car I've bought in California is the Bentley. All the Mercedes were bought in TN, the Honda in Arkansas (only dealer that could get the color I wanted) and the MoHo in Oregon at the factory.

Mark156

ronsteve · May 2012

That might be the only manual Fusion in existence...

Actually, there is at least one other... a co-worker of mine has a 2010 with a manual.

Here's hoping there will be decent manual choices when I actually do replace the V70 (yes, it's an auto).

corvette · May 2012

The new Mazda CX-5 offers a manual and is supposed to be fun to drive.

stickguy · May 2012

so what, 50/50 that it stays at the dealer and something else comes home with you?

jayrider · May 2012

LOL on that one stick !!!!

roadburner · May 2012

...it DOES have three pedals, SP, CWP and low miles. If I could get it for @$20K I'd be all over it:
2007 335i

corvette · May 2012

The listing is showing me a "similar vehicle" that you might be interested in: A 2008 Cadillac DTS in Old Man Burgundy, listed for $21,731. I bet you could get that one for $20k. :P

stickguy · May 2012

true about the colors. would not be my first choice, in or out. but still nice.

I would rather have the base suspension/wheels though. The roads around here are so bad now, that any trip involves multiple crashing/bashing into potholes that make you cringe in fear. Those wheels/ties (besides probably jarring your fillings out) probably would not last a week without being trashed. Could get to be expensive!

the nice 16"/55 series tires on the E46 are just about perfect.

nyccarguy · May 2012

This I like Roadburner! Sparkling Graphite? Nice!

stickguy · May 2012

for not a bad price. Heck, it would do perfectly fine as the spare car I need to add in a few months to round out the fleet. For local errand running? hard to go wrong if it runs strong.

and a rare, FWD subaru. I actually had 2 of them. A late 70s/early 80s something GL, and a 1992 Legacy wagon (5 speed FWD).

I do really want another non-AWD sube, but a BRX this time...

http://www.torchlightmotors.com/newandusedcars/5241/1879865/aa92abda-ecdc-4811-9- ba6-05e906302073/none/1993-Subaru-ImprezaWagon-Parlin-NJ-08859.aspx

corvette · May 2012

I guess this was before Subaru made AWD standard, across the entire model line... The OEM accordion shift boot is hideous and looks like it came off a 1984 Tercel.

stickguy · May 2012

back then, subaru had a pretty strong agricultural aura. And nothing passing for style (thought the 1990 legacy redesign was the first actually somewhat stylish model for them).

steine13 · May 2012

>> A 2008 Cadillac DTS in Old Man Burgundy

Ah, correction.

In Car Ad English, it's spelled "burgAndy."
Look it up :-)

fintail · May 2012

Geez, that's amazingly clean for the money, has to be a bargain. Even though it's not AWD, one could probably take that to Seattle and sell it for double.

stickguy · May 2012

if it was closer to me, and I was closer to needing another car in the fleet (don't really need until thanksgiving) I would take a serious look at it. Hard to go wrong for that money.

jayrider · May 2012

You can update any "geezer " ride by making sure your driving shoes are ivory colored with velcro strap laces. They worked great with my old Chrysler Concorde. And don't forget the sansabelt polyester slacks.

stickguy · May 2012

sort of random yesterday (though I may have mentioned something about cars...) my wife commented that she really like the new RDX that we drove. I have a bad feeling that my plan to get her into something reasonably priced (mid-upper 20s) might be out the window. though she does deserve it, and it will be around for 10 years or so (though at my rapidly advancing age, who Knows if I'll make it that long? can you tell I just had a major milestone birthday?)

at least an RDX is still 10K cheaper than an X3. Especially if I can keep her in a FWD, and without the tech package!

really nice car though it doesn't really fit the "get a lot better MPG" criteria.

michaellno · May 2012

Wife is applying for a new job. This would be with the state, and would require her to do some traveling to various child care provider sites in a specific area of the state (which part of the state is unknown at this time). In addition, her commute would change from 12-15 miles of rural driving to about 35 miles into downtown Denver (commuter traffic on highways).

The CX-7 doesn't get the greatest mileage now (about 20-21 in mixed city/hwy driving). She absolutely refuses to drive the ION - can't say that I blame her, since it smells like a pizzeria. So, perhaps a 3rd car that gets better than average mileage might be on the horizon.

Not sure how she'd go for something used (which would be my preference), so let's keep the pricetag for a new commuter at or under $20K. Options:

1) A base Prius C squeezes in just under the $20K ceiling - can't go wrong with 50 MPG
2) A base Mazda 3 Skyactiv sedan - she likes the CX-7 so I can see her going for this
3) Civic/Corolla/Forte/Elantra/Focus/Cruze - pretty much no preference for these or others in this size and price class

Just throwing this out there to see what everyone thinks. We'd keep both the CX-7 (for family and winter duty) and the ION (for pizza delivery), so no trade in.

corvette · May 2012

A hybrid won't really provide that much help on the highway unless she's hypermiling it. I'd look at the Skyactiv Mazda3 and the new Civic and Elantra/Forte. The Corolla is extremely dated and I'm not convinced of the reliability of the Focus or Cruze. The Elantra uses a direct injection engine, and that technology has had problems with carbon deposits.

$20k will buy a lot of gas, though.

stever · May 2012

What would she use for the commute on bad winter days?

I think I'd stick with the rural commute. :shades:

Tell her congrats on the graduation btw.

fintail · May 2012

It's not listed anymore, and no surprise - pretty much too cheap. Not often a dealer sells something that appears to have a little flipping room.

michaellno · May 2012

What would she use for the commute on bad winter days?

We'd keep the CX-7.

The state job would pay more than the job she currently has - anywhere from $1K to $10K more per year. She's tired of being a center director and wants to do something different.

I think she would qualify for mileage reimbursement so that would help defray the costs, plus she might also be able to work from home some of the time.

I'm wondering if perhaps a high mileage lease might be the way to go. 15K or 18K miles per year and keep the monthly tab to a couple of hundred bucks.

stickguy · May 2012

just keep the CX-7 and use that. hard to imagine that you can save enough in gas to cover the costs (service, insurance, even taxes) of a 3rd car. Never mind depreciation.

35 miles isn't that far.

doing my quick math in my head after a bottle of mothers day wine (etc...), 70/20 is 3.5 gallons per day, so 17.5/week, at $4.00/gal = 70.

flipping to something that gets 40 MPG, cut the gas bill in half to 35.

so about $140/month savings. Can you buy a new car that gets $40MPG for $140 - insurance - running costs?

and if you only go to 30mpg average, you save what, $70/month?

steine13 · May 2012

Woah there, stick, this is CCBA!

You can't just go doing math on someone's car buying plans and expect to get away with it...

That's three demerits for youand a repeat offence will cost you a week in a Festiva.

That said, of course you're right. Happy Birthday, too. Forty or Fifty?

Cheers -Mathias
{I'm 47 but don't look a day over 46}

stickguy · May 2012

well, I vaguely remember 40, and I appreciate you not shooting 60 at me! so I'll confess to the middle figure.

oh wait, doesn't that mean I am supposed to run out and get myself a mid life toy?

And that is what Michael should do. If he gets his wife another commuter, he'll never get out of the Ion!

tjc78 · May 2012

Drove my Cousin's new Maxima this weekend. As always Nissan's VQ engine is impressive and strong. Way too firm of a ride for me but very nice car.

I believe they run fairly subsidized leases to move them as well.

michaellno · May 2012

just keep the CX-7 and use that. hard to imagine that you can save enough in gas to cover the costs (service, insurance, even taxes) of a 3rd car. Never mind depreciation.

35 miles isn't that far.

doing my quick math in my head after a bottle of mothers day wine (etc...), 70/20 is 3.5 gallons per day, so 17.5/week, at $4.00/gal = 70.

flipping to something that gets 40 MPG, cut the gas bill in half to 35.

so about $140/month savings. Can you buy a new car that gets $40MPG for $140 - insurance - running costs?

and if you only go to 30mpg average, you save what, $70/month?

Darnit, it sucks when logic impedes on a perfectly good plan.

However, you're right on all counts. I was just hoping to keep the miles off the CX-7 (it'll cross 20K in the next week or so).

This wouldn't be a flip, but an addition to the fleet.

And you're right, I'll never get out of the ION this way. I'm hoping to keep the ION for many years (68K at the moment) and add something fun down the road.

kyfdx · May 2012

We can make the numbers work, if you agree to trade the CX-7.. just let us know...

qbrozen · May 2012

That's damned cheap!
Yeah, its a handshaker, but with sport, premium, NAV, and low miles?

I wonder why its not CPO.

Anyhoo... I bet they could get $21-$22k for that at auction. I'd jump on it even at the full asking price.

qbrozen · May 2012

is it gone? I'm not seeing it.

laurasdada · May 2012

"oh wait, doesn't that mean I am supposed to run out and get myself a mid life toy?"

Why, yes. Yes it does. Absolutely. Immediately. Post haste. Just do it. No time like the present. Why put off to tomorrow what one can do today. Your life is getting close to the midway point, time to panic...

I waited a little over a year beyond my half-life before buying the Jag. But, I did done do'd it. So, you do it, too, you.

Just remember the pre-requisite gold chain (if you're going Corvette, that is... :P )

stickguy · May 2012

yeah, went down yesterday after I first saw it. No clue how long it was there. Was a 1993 Subaru impreza (sport? the wagon version). Blue, looked clean, 5 speed FWD (assume it really was), with only 107K on it. Listed for $1,595. A nice bargain if it ran strong, and I doubt he would have listed it if it was crap.

qbrozen · May 2012

Was watching this one earlier. It has been relisted now $400 cheaper. Looks pretty nice, and low miles, too. Too bad I'm not ready to do anything yet.

qbrozen · May 2012

Another oddball.
I wonder what the seller wants for it.

It actually gets pretty poor mileage, now that I've looked up the specs (18/25). That's surprising.

nyccarguy · May 2012

That IS300 is a nice driving car, especially with a stick. Quick steering & razor sharp handling. It was built (rebadged) to compete with the E36 3 series. Unfortunately, by the time it was released BMW had already come out with the E46 3 series. The car only came with a 5 speed manual (instead of 6), hence the lackluster fuel economy. It also wasn't geared very aggressively and only managed 7.1 - 7.2 60 mph times. So it handled well, but wasn't very fast, & got crummy mileage. Plus traditional Lexus owners said the car rode too rough. That might be worth looking at.

breld · May 2012

We've been really content with our fleet, so browsing trips have been few and far between, but my wife and I went out over lunch last week to look at this:

2007 530xi

It is uncanny how close this is to my old 530xi, even the same exterior and interior color. 6-speed manual, sport, premium and cold packages plus navigation. 1 owner and only 40k miles for a 5+ year old car.

It drove nice as expected and was in nice condition. Price seems a tad high, but no crazy mark-up.

But, it just wasn't very compelling. Part of it, of course, is even though I do have some nostalgia for my old 530xi, I've "been there done that." I like the variety of having the e39 530i and the GTI. When we returned from the test drive, we parked right next to my 530i, and my wife remarked on how there's no way we could give up the e39. The salesperson quipped that I should trade it in - when I asked him if it's because he would buy it, he smiled and replied yes.

We could probably come close to a straight trade on the GTI, but I like the VW too much and the contrast it offers with the e39. Obviously the contrast would be much less between the two 5's.

Fun trip, but it's nice to walk away happier with what you have.

breld · May 2012

Did they ever make the IS300 wagon in a stick? Now that would be a rare find indeed!

nyccarguy · May 2012

I believe the IS300 Sportcross (don't dare use the W word - lol) was only available with an automatic.

stickguy · May 2012

You people are killing me here today!

NYC, yes, the sportcross was AT only, otherwise I may have bought one back in the day. I do like these, but as noted, they are pretty piggy gas wise. That one looks nice, certainly rare, but with 111K on it and some boy-racer stuff, gives me pause. But, if cheap enough?

the P-5 looks pretty sharp, though black over black is not nice. And I would be embarrased to have to swap out a clutch before 100K! I do think the price is a bit high still, for 97K on a 10 YO economy car. I could, however, be very happy with one of those at the right price.

the BMW? can't comment on the price, but man that is load, even the high-zoot seats. pretty sure I could learn to live with that one. I think I like the color even, but hard to tell on the monitor (some cars you just have to see in person)

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