Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

I don't do outside. Though I do need to do a coat of stain on our old shed. really needs replacement, but I plan to hold out until next year, so this is to appease the wife. Plus I have the stain downstairs.

stever

My nemesis is ladders - otherwise I'm good painting in or out. These days I keep my cell in my pocket anytime I get near a ladder - hopefully when I crash and burn, the phone will butt dial 911.

Sandman6472

Got an estimate to paint the inside of the house and think they wanted around $2600 which is on the high side. Will still need to get a few more estimates and go from there. We decided that downsizing to a 3/2 condo just won't work for us as the wife needs a dedicated office for her CPA practice and the kids still pop in every so often. The pharmacy graduate is keeping her apartment through September to have a quiet place to study for her exams but will move home after that. Once she finds a job, she will move out as we've gotten used to being empty nesters.
Our current place is 1987 under air, which really is a small house. But we each have our own quiet place so we're not always on top of each other...we each like our own little space which I think makes for a happy and long marriage. Most 3/2 condos just won't have the size we want so think we're staying, at least till we retire. My date is the end of 2017 event hough I am so ready now!!

The Sandman

stickguy

you need one of these.

stever

It's funny but a good friend of mine was on one of those Little Giant style ladders last year and didn't check it (his cousin had set it up). He's still hurting from the fall when the ladder collapsed under him and he just had soft tissue injuries.

@sandman_6472, you have plenty of room with almost 2,000 sq. ft.

Oh, wait a sec - you aren't talking about your garage are you? Bummer.

fintail

MB must have a lot of new final run W204 C-class, my local dealer had a new one on their showroom floor last time I was there, too.

roadburner

houdini1 said:

There are just not any words that will help in a tragedy like this. I simply wish all the best for these friends and family.

Same here; that's just an unimaginably horrible situation.

andres3

Meanwhile the CHP is crashing and killing rather than serving and protecting:

http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/crime/article82881212.html

They ought to hire me to run the department and overhaul them into left lane camper eliminators.

fintail

Tragic. I am sure the penalty will be 100% equal to a civilian in the same situation.

If only lane discipline, turn signal use, and crosswalk observance could be enforced like speeding.

corvette

"Traffic was at a dead crawl south of the construction zone and Gamble was driving far in excess of a safe speed for conditions, according to a CHP news release. His car plowed into the automobile in front of him, causing a chain-reaction collision involving four vehicles."

My edits to the news article are in italics.

graphicguy

stickguy said:

they did have one car at the MB dealer I loved. a dark blue over Almond 2014 C class, sport. Really sharp looking. Interesting part, it was still new, wearing the original sticker. Chatted briefly with the sales manager, who said they got a buy on a bunch from MB (it wasn't just lost in the back lot). was originally some sort of promotion car (golf tourney or some such) according to him. But it was a great buy and "on sale". if I was buying now, would have taken a look.

not sure how to price a brand new 2014 though. MSRP was $40,200, so not particularly loaded but had some good stuff on it.

I'm sure there was a number to get to. Probably not where I would look to be (30K?) but would be interesting to find out.

If in the market, I might have bounced a $30K offer on that. Again, it would have to have the sport package (suspension) otherwise, I would not even consider it.

stickguy

I think it had the sport suspension. Had the sport package and staggered tires, so I assume so. That might though be the old 1.8t engine. Probably don't want that.

I have gotten quite interested in the A3 now myself.

Sandman6472

I like ours, pure and simple. It drives nicely, has enough power when needed...it's just a fun vehicle to drive. Very similar to my Golf which is a good thing. Just wish there were more colors out when we got ours as I do like the blue over gray to be honest. Considering our only choices were black over black or white over black, think we did fine with the white over black. It does look very sharp!

The Sandman

rayainsw

Took the Charger in for an oil change this morning.
Free again. [ a.k.a. - included in the initial purchase price ]
- Ray
Still purring like a [ um ] really big cat...

Michaell

Apparently, just about anything can be used to haul bikes here in Colorado. Snapped this pic whilst out delivering today:

stever

Wait until you start seeing Tesla's pulling box trailers!

graphicguy

Just heard about the Tesla SUV....0-60 3.2 secs. Watch out for soccer moms in Teslas.

corvette

I'm that guy who would try to pull into my garage or a parking structure with that stuff on the roof.

Funny you mention that, Edmunds towed a 1,260 pound trailer with their Model X and the range dropped precipitously. Parking for Supercharging was also a problem.

Sandman6472

Moved my oil change/20K service up to the 22nd of this month. By then, the odo should be around 19500. Still don't feel comfortable going that long between changes but am listening to the folks who built the vehicle at this point. Luckily, most of my driving is about a 1/2 hour or slightly longer so I know the vehicle is getting up to a good temp and staying there...I try to limit runs for 15 minutes or less.
Was just wondering if there is an anti sway bar I could get to increase the handling of my Golf? Anyone with any ideas on this please feel free to help me. Looking to improve the ride a bit at an affordable price.

The Sandman

stever

corvette said:

I'm that guy who would try to pull into my garage or a parking structure with that stuff on the roof.

Funny you mention that, Edmunds towed a 1,260 pound trailer with their Model X and the range dropped precipitously. Parking for Supercharging was also a problem.

I only did that once with a canoe on top, and realized in plenty of time to back out of the parking garage. Bikes would have gotten trashed.

Left unsaid in the Model X story is that the box trailer can haul a bunch of spare batteries.

houdini1

stever said:

My nemesis is ladders - otherwise I'm good painting in or out. These days I keep my cell in my pocket anytime I get near a ladder - hopefully when I crash and burn, the phone will butt dial 911.

Just invest in one of those extendable looooong poles. Older folks should never let their behind get higher than their head would normally be.

breld

corvette said:

I'm that guy who would try to pull into my garage or a parking structure with that stuff on the roof.

I'm that guy who did do it....twice.

stever

Oh, please share @breld.

breld

stever said:

Oh, please share @breld.

Oh, I think I may have shared this before...

Quite a few years ago, I thought it'd be nice to tote around a bike or two with my 530xi. So, I got the nice BMW OEM roof rack and away I went. One of the first times I took my bike out, I forgot about the bike above and tried to drive right into the garage. Rear window shattered from the stress, my new bike cracked at the frame, and the roof, where the bike rack attached, was a bit torn up.

Got it all fixed up - the rack itself was still in good shape.

Few weeks later...I was driving home with the bike on top, and I specifically remember reminding myself mentally that the bike was on top as I drove into my neighborhood. Somehow, I forgot all about it as I neared my house and BAM! Same thing again.

This time, I think the rack wasn't attached as well (I think it was a shoddy repair job on the roof), and the entire bike came off with the rack, hitting the trunk before crashing to the ground.

Bike itself was fine this time. Roof needed another repair and the trunk had to be touched up. I went to a more reputable body shop this time and as it turns out, I believe I got a much better repair job this time around.

I never took my bike with me again.

And I specifically didn't get one of those racks that attaches to your trunk 'cause I was afraid it could rub a bit on the paint.

stever

Wowser.

At least most canoes stick out over the hood so you don't tend to forget them. I had wide racks so I could carry two canoes side by side and stack others on top - the big issue with that setup was forgetting that the racks stuck out and you'd whack your head good. Mostly I drove minivans and I'm 5'9" so I usually didn't knock myself out when I'd forget.

Hoisting bikes on the roof of a minivan wasn't easy so when I occasionally did that, I'd lay them down flat.

Your insurance agent must have wondered what you were up to.

suydam

On a minivan I always put our bikes on one of those racks that hinge over the liftgate. I never wanted to even try and hoist them up on the roof.

stever

Mostly just stuck ours inside.

imidazol97

breld said:

stever said:

Oh, please share @breld.

Oh, I think I may have shared this before...

This would make a great insurance company commercial.

andres3

sandman_6472 said:

Moved my oil change/20K service up to the 22nd of this month. By then, the odo should be around 19500. Still don't feel comfortable going that long between changes but am listening to the folks who built the vehicle at this point. Luckily, most of my driving is about a 1/2 hour or slightly longer so I know the vehicle is getting up to a good temp and staying there...I try to limit runs for 15 minutes or less.
Was just wondering if there is an anti sway bar I could get to increase the handling of my Golf? Anyone with any ideas on this please feel free to help me. Looking to improve the ride a bit at an affordable price.

The Sandman

I'd recommend lightweight wheels and summer max performance tires before a sway bar upgrade, but a bigger stiffer sway bar wouldn't hurt.

Sandman6472

Didn't think my Golf had one to be honest anywhere, just thinking one on the front might help a bit. Not really interested in doing any wheel/tire change to be honest as I've been there, done that already. Remember, I have 17" Jetta wheels on my Golf right now which I really like the look of. And I got them after a month from the dealer as I hated the stock wheels and they set they initially put on were the wrong size, 16". Once we found out, took their tire guy to just see it to know it had the wrong size on it. Was given a choice between two different Jetta wheels as they wanted me gone...this was a month after initial delivery of the Golf.

The Sandman

nyccarguy

@sandman_6472 - I've done anti-roll bar upgrades on 2 of my cars (F&R on the Prelude, Rear on the Legacy). It is a fantastic way to tighten things up without upsetting rude quality. I'm sure OEM GTI bits will fit on your Golf. Start small. See how much a GTI rear sway bar would be. Go from there.

stickguy

Sandy, the GTI rear bar is probably the simplest upgrade, as Bradd noted. the other huge impact would be tires if you want to splurge, especially down there where you can go with summer only sneakers.

corvette

Yeah, Sandy could probably just wait for the OE all season tires to wear out and replace them with summer tires in the same size, if he's not planning any road trips up north when it's cold. Summer tires really do grip better, but UHP all seasons can also provide really good grip.

akangl

I needed dates of vehicle purchases for some stupid lawsuit thing against Worthington.......hey its worth $125 each so I'm not complaining. I couldn't remember when I bought the F-150, so I searched this forum. Yup, I buy too many cars! Although it has been almost a year since my last punch, seems like they are starting to seriously space out compared to old times. The '15 Focus has been here the shortest amount of time, 11 months(7/11/2015). Explorer is almost 3 (8/3/2013), '01 Chevy has been here just over 2 years (4/2014), and the '12 Focus is coming up on 4 years (9/12/2012). Glad I didn't pull the trigger on a minivan last month, would have really missed my Explorer.

nyccarguy

You seem to really like that Explorer Joile. I haven't punched my card since I bought my 2015 Legacy on 9/27/2014. Our Pilot is 5 years old (& paid off). With only 77K on it, there is no reason to ditch it. It runs great & we just put new pads and rotors on it last week. My Prelude is 14 years old (bought new on 4/27/02). I hope I don't get kicked off the board.

stickguy

speaking of having card pulled (and I should have a few years exemption from the tour, owning 2 2015s), was discussing with the wife what to do when my car goes back. Actually considering going back to 1 car (though I doubt that happens), but more likely, will get a cheap spare car or (even better) some sort of fun toy car. Or PU truck! but cheap.

a lot depends on the needs at the time. if we are still doing barely 12K combined at the time, hard to justify 2 good cars.

at least the RDX is paid off next summer, before the Sonata goes back!

corvette

Wow, a class action lawsuit against a specific dealer group? Wish that were more common in the lower 48, it might deter some of the sleazy behavior they engage in.

Michaell

stickguy said:

speaking of having card pulled (and I should have a few years exemption from the tour, owning 2 2015s), was discussing with the wife what to do when my car goes back. Actually considering going back to 1 car (though I doubt that happens), but more likely, will get a cheap spare car or (even better) some sort of fun toy car. Or PU truck! but cheap.

a lot depends on the needs at the time. if we are still doing barely 12K combined at the time, hard to justify 2 good cars.

at least the RDX is paid off next summer, before the Sonata goes back!

Are you telling us that it's possible you'd be down to one car payment next year - assuming you are still paying the Princess' Jetta lease?

Heretic. Not only would we revoke your CCBA card, we'd burn it.

sda

I fear having my CCBA card revoked as well. It has been over 2.5 years since my last purchase, a record for me. I don't see that changing anytime soon, alas. The windshield in the Pilot will be replaced tomorrow.

nyccarguy

@sda - "would you like to purchase an additional new car with your windshield sir?"

stickguy

I pay on the Jetta until graduation. Lease is done in July of that year, at which time, she is on her own. RDX paid off next year regardless, and going nowhere. So only 1 car (and payment!) is in play!

tjc78

" hard to justify 2 good cars"

I'm in the same boat. Wife and I are in the same office and I rarely drive the Marquis. Last week it made it from the street to the driveway so I could wash it.

If something went really wrong with it, I'd replace it with pretty much the same thing. I'm figuring with just turning 100K it lasts a good three years or more.

Two car payments is not happening with the kids in daycare (well I guess for the payment on the Enclave we could have two cheaper vehicles!)

stickguy

I just want to tighten up cash flow (cars and tuition) to rebuild savings, and take care of some other deferred items, like new carpet and a shed. 1 tuition payment will take care of all that, and more!

I don't really need a new car. Not like taking the RDX on trips is a huge hardship.

nyccarguy

A friend of ours recently went the 2 car route. They have a 1st generation Pilot (2008 I think) and an older Grand Cherokee (mid to late '90s). The husband walks to the train station every day & takes the train into Boston. The wife also commutes into Boston 3 to 4 days per week. Things on the Grand Cherokee would break due to lack of use. It was obviously still cheaper than buying another car, but they decided to go without the 2nd car and are doing great.

I'm happy with 3 cars and only 1 payment.

stickguy

I don't think I can go with 1 car very long. Too much of a hassle.

suydam

We are down to one car until we move and we hate it. No public transportation where we live.

kyfdx

My wife would not put up with me sharing her car.

Last car I bought was the '95 M3 in 2014.

tjc78

We couldn't go to one, as at least a few times a month we aren't in the office together or have appointments after work etc.

stickguy

Exactly. But something like your old S10, for me, would work fine. Or the old integra I had for a while. Or the Miata I once had, not that I fit in it any better now.

Should have just kept the TL I had, but I was tired of it. And I really have no desire to wade back into the cheap car cesspool. So a super discount lease (Jetta base 1.4 stickshift?) will always be on the table too!

stickguy

Oh crap. Now that I am thinking about old cars too, I just opened up Pandora's box of endless possibilities.

Good news is, by the time I finally get something, my wife will probably have left me and I won't need a 2nd car!