Actually, what I would take into consideration (if the decision came down to $$) is whether or not I would lease/buy. If I was leasing a car, I'd prefer a very high resale value. That would turn into a high residual, therefore a lower lease payment. A much more expensive car can be leased for less. However, if purchase is the intent, then it really only matters if you need to sell it in a short time (<3-5yr or so).
However, that is if $$ is the only concern. I could have leased a TL for less than the M, but I didn't like it(different topic). I chose the M. Unfortunately, I've changed jobs and my mileage is through the roof - so should be interesting on the other end of the lease
OTOH odd things can happen when you lease - when I looked into trading my 98 concorde, it was practically the same price to lease a mid-range 01 concorde and the 01 M I now have. Tough choice.
thought I would also add - it also comes down to the car you want. The bottom line for me is, can I afford it (first question) then, is it what I really want. If yes/yes, then go for it.
Yeah, I agree. I oversimplified leasing because there are restrictions...and sometimes there are bargain lease deals that let you lease a car you would not consider buying (the $499 lease on the Jaguar S-type comes to mind). Because of mileage and other restrictions, though, leasing is not for everyone. My opinions on leasing vs buying were really based on my personal circumstances (I am a low mileage driver, my wife is a higher mileage driver).
I currently lease a 2000 M and have purchased a 2001 M. Both transactions fit our needs. But resale never entered into the decision-making process...
Unlike the purchase of stock, buying a car is not an investment in my opinion. Buy it to drive it. Make your deal, determine the best financing approach (which may involve residual value estimates) and then drive it until it's worthless. heh. If all other things are equal except one car holds its value better, by all means go for it. But IMO that's not in the top 5 reasons to get a certain car. Besides, I don't think the M is better or worse than the average on re-sale value. It just looks bad now because the '02s are cheaper and DC has been offering huge incentives on both the leftover '01s and the new '02s. Every time DC decreases the cost or increases the benefits of a new one, my used one declines in value. It's like that for all cars.
thanks for the info..do you have the part numbers and the cost of these guys? With my luck, they are very expensive....but if I was to do it, I will for sure follow your directions to the T..I just think that they are the better light..I was just thinking about replacing the fog labs with them, but maybe I wouldn't need to drive with the fog lights on, if I had the otheres..
If anybody has part number and pricing, that would be great!..Thanks
Depreciation is a funy thing I agree, I didn't take into consideration the resale of any of the last many cars I've owned. My father does, but that's more his way. Personally, I want something I will enjoy - and the M I certainly do!
Xenons - here's an auction on ebay for a set of - this guy does it all the time:
I do not have any pictures of my Inferno, but amazingly it looks like yours. I tried to take pictured with my trusty Brownie Hawkeye and scan them, but it was not a very good attempt, and besides the weather has really turned here and you would not like to look at your twin.
My M only had 9 Kilometres on it when I picked it up, that's 5 miles. I currently have 7000 Kms on it.
I also wonder if the Inferno Red is a bad omen, as I am currently out of work, I finally had enough of the owner of my company and after 10 years I left my third career (military, police and security systems) I am taking the rest of the month off and then have picked up a part time gig in January and I think that will be my final line of work. The only thing I will miss is the once a year trip to Vegas for a security show, now I will have to pay my own way. Oh well!!!!
I forgot to tell you guys...the other day my wife comes in and tells me that she put "a little scratch" on my car with the key. After I caught my wind (and counted to 5) I calmly asked her where and how it happened. She told me that it was by the key hole on the driver's side door. Ohhhhh K, why didn't you use the remote, I asked. She explained that she did, but when she went to push the door closed she "didn't realize" that she had her keys in her hand and scratched the car. Well, the "little scratch" was about an inch long and down to bare metal, and even went about 1/4 inch up on the chrome window trim. I fixed it with touch-up paint but, of course, since I'm not a paint specialist you can see where I had to touch it up.
Repeat after me...it's just a car, it's just a car...
Anyone here with an inferno red M HAVE a job? lol! Seriously though, I'm sorry to hear that you're heading for the sidewalk too, but I guess sometimes no job is better than a job you hate to go to each day. Good luck finding something buddy. I've got room for you in Big Red if you want to fly out for the Vegas meet that we're contemplating. Imagine being in your car....but cleaner!
is another good reason to keep the wives out of the forum! heh, heh
Sorry about the scratch in Big Red...I know, I know -- it's just a car...but I know how I'd feel if I found a bare metal scratch in my "Inferno Red" M!
So I guess we now have triplets on this board if you add" Beast", 2001 Inferno red M to Sdmikes and Mikeyjohns cars. Mines just about exactly the same except I have Mopar rain deflectors on all four windows and don't have that great Zaino Shine yet. Wll have to wait until April of next year to do it. I have found a Zaino distributor that lives only about 15 m from me so will be picking up the kit soon. Sorry to hear about your scratch Sdmike. If you accidentally ran over you wife and I was on the jury you'd definiatley get the O.J. simpson verdict. Just ordered the Josuha wood trim kit over the inertnet for my M. $245.00 USA . Will probably cost me around $450.00 Canadian. (Sigh!!!!!!!!!!!) P.S. Sdmike- Looked at the picture you posted above of the interior of Big Red. Get rid of that ugly warning label over the fuse access area
A while back I got some xenon 100watt bulbs and hooked them in a Concorde head light to test the light output and pattern. To say the least I was dissapointed. I have an 300M head lamp now so Maybe I will reinstall them in it and take some pictures of it for all to see (the difference between the standard and xenon lamps) using a 300M head lamp. If you are interested let me know, or else I will not bother.
A while back I got some xenon 100watt bulbs and hooked them in a Concorde head light to test the light output and pattern. To say the least I was dissapointed in the light output). From a looks standpoint they looked really cool. I have an 300M head lamp now so Maybe I will reinstall them in it and take some pictures of it for all to see (the difference between the standard and xenon lamps) using a 300M head lamp. If you are interested let me know, or else I will not bother.
I did a test, xenon versus halogen lamps using an Concorde headlamp and was disapointed in the results. The xenon gave a brighter center "hot spot" (thus there higher candle power rating) but the surrounding lit area was not as bright as the halogen lamp. The xenon give a whiter (slight blue tint) light when looking at them (very cool). For driving down Interstate 5 or 10 in California or Arizona they would be great, but for general lighting not so good. I have a 300M head lamp assembly now so I could retest the two lamp types under the same (would take 5 seconds to change the lamps) conditions, and take some pictures if someone is interested, let me know.
Thanks for the reply... Im worried about that amp now.. I played it for a day trying to see if it would snap out of it... It didnt... Time to buy a new one... I just didnt want to mess around with replacing a sub in an all plexi box... Want to make sure I dont mess up the screw holes...
BTW I cant believe the women in Sao Paulo... Absolutely Beautiful... Just have to brush up on my Portuguese...:)
After 4 days of ownership of a nearly mint condition, used ('99) candy apple M, I now see why this board is so active. The solidity (i.e. lack of shudder and vibration) is on the level of my extended family members Acura RLs (2 of them), which cost more than 10K more than the M.
The adjustable seat belt tops, adjustable headrests, trunk pass-through (which neither the TL, CL, or RL have), are all very nice touches, all of which the TL does not offer. I noticed that my sister, who has a fairly new RL, was very interested in my new ride.
Will be getting a Technalon-4 car cover for the days I leave it outside in the cold, and will put expel on the hood. I used to use it on my skis and it does a great job of eliminating "dings". I'm afraid of the bras, although I think they look nice.
Never bought a used car before, but so far everything works great and I got the 7/75 extended warranty w/it. The dealer acted a little strange though when I asked them to transfer it--perhaps because I bought the car through a private party and they won't make any greenbacks on the transaction. I have to follow up w/dealer to try to get them to enter the info in their computer...
For anyone looking to purchase a new or used M, I agonized long and hard and feel it's truly a winner. My advice is if your heart feels the urge, go for it and you won't be sorry. Admittedly I've only been driving 4 days but I'm happy as a clam.
Thx for bearing w/the long post but owning an M is something to be excited and verbose about. This isn't the most visited chat room on Edmunds for nothing.
Tell your wife that a lawyer on the Edmunds board says you are definitely entitled to reparations - then you can get creative in negotiating the "payment" ;-)
Two couples were playing cards one evening. John accidentally dropped some cards on the floor.
When he bent down under the table to pick them up, he noticed that Bill's wife's, legs were spread wide, and wasn't wearing any underwear!
Shocked by this, John upon trying to sit back up again, hit his head on the table & emerged red-faced.
Later, John went to the kitchen to get some refreshments. Bill's wife followed & asked,"Did you see anything that you liked under there?"
Surprised by her boldness, John courageously admitted that, well,indeed he did.
She said, "Well, you can have it but it will cost you $500."
After taking a minute or two to assess the financial situation as well as the moral costs of this offer, John indicates that he is indeed interested.
She tells him that since her husband, Bill, works Friday afternoons & John doesn't, that John should be at her house around 2pm Friday afternoon.
When Friday rolled around, John showed up at Bill's house for the planned time at 2pm sharp & after paying her the agreed upon $500, they went to the bedroom & closed their sexual transaction as she had promised.
Afterwards, John quickly dressed & left.
As usual, Bill came home from work at 6pm & upon entering the house, asks his wife abruptly, "Did John come by the house this afternoon?"
With a lump in her throat, Bill's wife answered, "Why yes, he did stop by for a few minutes this afternoon."
Her heart nearly skipped a beat when her husband curtly asked, "And did he give you $500?".
In terror, she assumed that somehow he had found out, & after mustering up her best poker face, replied, "Well, yes, in fact he did give me $500".
Bill, with a satisfied look on his face, surprised his wife by saying, "Good, I was hoping he did. John came by the office this morning & borrowed $500 from me. He promised me he'd stop by our house this afternoon on his way home & pay me back."
Bought some bulbs from an outfit I learned about on this site, www.midnightmoose.com. Either I don't have the URL right, or they've moved or ceased to exist. Anybody got a source for high-output bulbs for 300s and Sebrings. Tx, its dark in Alaska this time of year.
300michael - yes, I'm very interested. btw - you might not want to refresh on the screen after you post It's reposted for me that way a couple times too. I usually catch it and delete the others. But you only have 30 min to kill it...
bluesky (interesting name - my parents company is bluesky as well ) what is expel?
If she scratches my M anymore I'll GIVE her too you. Except you have to take the three kids and the dogs too. If I'm going to be single and unemployed I won't need all the noise. lol!
It sounds like sdmike's wife caused more damage than I got yesterday. I *think* I have a new scratch on the bumper, about a quarter inch long. But it might have been there before. Like I said, "no harm, no foul."
People here in Phoenix seem to have real difficulty with that "rain" stuff. In addition to my fun yesterday, the gal in the next cube at the office was car #3 in a 5 car rear-ender and my car pool buddy's son rear ended somebody. The moral of the story must be, if you visit Phoenix and it rains, stay the h'll off the road!
We have the same issue here in San Diego. It rains so infrequently that people aren't used to limited visability and stopping in the rain. It's like snow in Atlanta...happens every once in a while, and when it does just stay home! What makes matters worse is that between rain showers there is a build-up of oils and such on the road that makes it very very slick during the first few hours of a rain storm. You and I consider this all common sense, but the masses don't seem to get it. I guess I shouldn't be surprised...the Jerry Springer Show still gets high ratings. :P
Anyone have any hints on making touch-ups less visible?? I've already touched up 3 scratches on Big Red using the touch-up paint/brush that I got from my DC dealer. I try to put a minimal amount of paint on the brush to limit the "bulge" of new paint, but my repairs are still very visible. I'm thinking that someone might have tried something clever like using a piece of paper as a template for exact application, or ironing wax paper over the repair while drying to flatten it out? I'm just guessing on those. Anyone have any ideas? If I'm going to keep my wife, I better learn to do this better. lol
I also noticed the other day that I have a scrape on the outside of my plastic bumber in front of the driver's front wheel. It looks like a curb scrape, about 2 inches wide and 6 inches long. It hasn't gotten all the through the red paint, but it's easy to see. Any tips on repairing something like this without visiting the body shop? Oh yeah, my darling wife claims that she had nothing to do with it. My guess is that some parking block or curb sprouted wings, flew to my house, rubbed itself on my bumper and then left. That's the only remaining logical explanation.
Get a very fine brush. Better than the pos that they include in the touch up kit. I still need some touchup paint for my car - they didn't include it and would like to get a couple scratches. The most annoying is the scratch by the chrysler tag on the trunk. No idea how that got there... Probably a ring or key when the trunk was closed.
DOH! Why didn't I think of that?!? It makes sense that a very fine detail brush would work well on this type of scratch repair. That and my Kmart reading glasses so I can see up close. lol. Now I have to figure out how to remove my repair paint job so I can re-do it. On second thought, I should probably leave it alone.
If you send me your e-mail address, I will forward a e-mail that Sal sent me from Zaino on how to fix these type of scratches, I have not tried it yet.
Ladies and gentlemen, I need your prayers! Today, after turning down my stereo (which occurs seldom) I heard this clunking noise coming from the front end. A roadside visual inspection turned up nothing. A quick call to my dealer, and I'm scheduled for tomorrow morning. Oh, what could it be, what could it be! Keep your fingers crossed for good luck, folks!
Sdmike, I know one fellow who paints scratches by taking a single bristle from some type of broom, which is a very fine diameter, and uses that for a paint brush. Sorry I don't have any further details on how to do it or exactly what type of broom.
Splatt, xpel is a clear product made by 3M (at least it was originally) that sticks to the hood or lights or nose kind of like see-through scotch tape, only it is rather stretchy and thick and eliminates rock and sand dings. You can buy it either pre-cut for your car or buy it in rolls (cheaper) and cut it yourself. For more explanation see www.xpel.com, although the site is not up tonight for some reason.
That's a coincidence that your parent's company is named bluesky. I just picked the name out of the blue, so to speak, for the purposes of this board.
On Wed Dec 5 at around 11 am a Silver Special was born. The body was built with care and a shinny silver paint was applied. Proud Papa Arby500 eagerly awaits her arrival. Till then Otto cares for her .
Well, my baby has been born and is still in Maturnity (er..OK, the Factory). There was a lot of pacing going on but it sounds like everything came out fantastic. I'm glad Dr. Otto was in attendance and overlooked the birth of my new baby. I'd appreciate a few more bedside visits to make sure the baby is well. Please keep me advised when I can expect to "take her home." I'm getting pretty excited waiting to see her. :-)
Comments
However, that is if $$ is the only concern. I could have leased a TL for less than the M, but I didn't like it(different topic). I chose the M. Unfortunately, I've changed jobs and my mileage is through the roof - so should be interesting on the other end of the lease
OTOH odd things can happen when you lease - when I looked into trading my 98 concorde, it was practically the same price to lease a mid-range 01 concorde and the 01 M I now have. Tough choice.
I currently lease a 2000 M and have purchased a 2001 M. Both transactions fit our needs. But resale never entered into the decision-making process...
If anybody has part number and pricing, that would be great!..Thanks
I was first in line in a 4 car sandwich. I had just begun moving when the gal behind the guy behind the guy behind me couldn't stop. No harm, no foul.
Igor
Xenons - here's an auction on ebay for a set of - this guy does it all the time:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=598632470&r=0&t=0
They are like $30 shipped for 4. Not too bad. I'd like to try them, but don't want to do that much work...
Boom?!? Is the M ok?? Oh, yeah, and just want to make sure no one was hurt.
My M only had 9 Kilometres on it when I picked it up, that's 5 miles. I currently have 7000 Kms on it.
I also wonder if the Inferno Red is a bad omen, as I am currently out of work, I finally had enough of the owner of my company and after 10 years I left my third career (military, police and security systems) I am taking the rest of the month off and then have picked up a part time gig in January and I think that will be my final line of work. The only thing I will miss is the once a year trip to Vegas for a security show, now I will have to pay my own way. Oh well!!!!
Repeat after me...it's just a car, it's just a car...
Okay?
Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board
Sorry about the scratch in Big Red...I know, I know -- it's just a car...but I know how I'd feel if I found a bare metal scratch in my "Inferno Red" M!
Though considering how often I change jobs it's a good thing I don't have inferno red! However, my wifes s70 is very bright red...
But you get my point, surely.
Sorry, it's what they pay me for, y'know? :-)
Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board
Sorry to hear about your scratch Sdmike. If you accidentally ran over you wife and I was on the jury you'd definiatley get the O.J. simpson verdict.
Just ordered the Josuha wood trim kit over the inertnet for my M. $245.00 USA . Will probably cost me around $450.00 Canadian. (Sigh!!!!!!!!!!!)
P.S. Sdmike- Looked at the picture you posted above of the interior of Big Red. Get rid of that ugly warning label over the fuse access area
sdmike2- Ouch! ANOTHER mark on Big Red? First she throws you out of the garage and now this! Has she held her resale value- not Big Red? ;-))))
fastdriver
I have a 300M head lamp assembly now so I could retest the two lamp types under the same (would take 5 seconds to change the lamps) conditions, and take some pictures if someone is interested, let me know.
BTW I cant believe the women in Sao Paulo... Absolutely Beautiful... Just have to brush up on my Portuguese...:)
The adjustable seat belt tops, adjustable headrests, trunk pass-through (which neither the TL, CL, or RL have), are all very nice touches, all of which the TL does not offer. I noticed that my sister, who has a fairly new RL, was very interested in my new ride.
Will be getting a Technalon-4 car cover for the days I leave it outside in the cold, and will put expel on the hood. I used to use it on my skis and it does a great job of eliminating "dings". I'm afraid of the bras, although I think they look nice.
Never bought a used car before, but so far everything works great and I got the 7/75 extended warranty w/it. The dealer acted a little strange though when I asked them to transfer it--perhaps because I bought the car through a private party and they won't make any greenbacks on the transaction. I have to follow up w/dealer to try to get them to enter the info in their computer...
For anyone looking to purchase a new or used M, I agonized long and hard and feel it's truly a winner. My advice is if your heart feels the urge, go for it and you won't be sorry. Admittedly I've only been driving 4 days but I'm happy as a clam.
Thx for bearing w/the long post but owning an M is something to be excited and verbose about. This isn't the most visited chat room on Edmunds for nothing.
accidentally dropped some cards on the floor.
When he bent down under the table to pick them up,
he noticed that Bill's wife's, legs were spread wide,
and wasn't wearing any underwear!
Shocked by this, John upon trying to sit back up
again, hit his head on the table & emerged red-faced.
Later, John went to the kitchen to get some
refreshments. Bill's wife followed & asked,"Did you
see
anything that you liked under there?"
Surprised by her boldness, John courageously admitted
that, well,indeed he did.
She said, "Well, you can have it but it will cost
you $500."
After taking a minute or two to assess the
financial situation as well as the moral costs of this
offer, John indicates that he is indeed interested.
She tells him that since her husband, Bill, works
Friday afternoons & John doesn't, that John should be
at her house around 2pm Friday afternoon.
When Friday rolled around, John showed up at Bill's
house for the planned time at 2pm sharp & after paying
her the agreed upon $500, they went to the bedroom &
closed their sexual transaction as she had promised.
Afterwards, John quickly dressed & left.
As usual, Bill came home from work at 6pm & upon
entering the house, asks his wife abruptly, "Did John
come by the house this afternoon?"
With a lump in her throat, Bill's wife answered,
"Why yes, he did stop by for a few minutes this
afternoon."
Her heart nearly skipped a beat when her husband
curtly asked, "And did he give you $500?".
In terror, she assumed that somehow he had found
out, & after mustering up her best poker face,
replied, "Well, yes, in fact he did give me $500".
Bill, with a satisfied look on his face, surprised
his wife by saying, "Good, I was hoping he did. John
came by the office this morning & borrowed $500 from
me. He promised me he'd stop by our house this
afternoon on his way home & pay me back."
There is a reason for why the 300M made Car&Driver Magazine's 10Best two years in a row: it's a great car! :-)
bluesky (interesting name - my parents company is bluesky as well
People here in Phoenix seem to have real difficulty with that "rain" stuff. In addition to my fun yesterday, the gal in the next cube at the office was car #3 in a 5 car rear-ender and my car pool buddy's son rear ended somebody. The moral of the story must be, if you visit Phoenix and it rains, stay the h'll off the road!
Igor
And thank God for warranties!
I know one fellow who paints scratches by taking a single bristle from some type of broom, which is a very fine diameter, and uses that for a paint brush. Sorry I don't have any further details on how to do it or exactly what type of broom.
Splatt, xpel is a clear product made by 3M (at least it was originally) that sticks to the hood or lights or nose kind of like see-through scotch tape, only it is rather stretchy and thick and eliminates rock and sand dings. You can buy it either pre-cut for your car or buy it in rolls (cheaper) and cut it yourself. For more explanation see www.xpel.com, although the site is not up tonight for some reason.
That's a coincidence that your parent's company is named bluesky. I just picked the name out of the blue, so to speak, for the purposes of this board.