Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Sandman6472

Outstanding! Just wondering if I'll even notice a difference and how it will effect tire wear. Think it drives nicely now but an improvement sounds nice to. At this point, not sure I'll even consider the A3 once the wife decides she wants something else, I like my Golf that much. Just not sure what I'd want to do next because am enjoying what I have now so much. I know something smoother with a bit better mpg's, also with all up to date tech, a must.

The Sandman

corvette

Sway bar shouldn't affect tire wear. The price doesn't sound unreasonable for a dealer. 

stickguy

don't see anything you have ever mentioned giving you better MPG. certainly none of the crossovers.

nyccarguy

If you are looking to tighten up your handling and have a more stable highway ride, then a thicker rear anti roll bar is the way to go. It is a relatively inexpensive modification. Go for it! Is the 1 you are looking into a VW bar?

Sandman6472

Yes, stopped by the indie shop right near my house and was impressed with the store. Bet it would be more expensive at the dealer also. Since I do like 90% highway, might be nice to get it a bit more stable. Tire/wheel package is what the engineers came up with so not gonna mess with that so the rear sway bar is the next thing to try. Think it'll just add to my driving enjoyment to be honest!

The Sandman

ab348

xwesx said:

Interesting. Does that complicate the process of adding/removing names from titles? For example, if I were to add a spouse or child to a title, or remove my name from a title, does the DMV expect some sort of a "tax" kickback?

I don't think so. Never tried it though.

ab348

Call me crazy, but I am strangely drawn to this, which my neighbor up the street is selling:

1970 Chevy C10

The price doesn't seem out of line given what I see these go for and probably could get it for less, a lot of work has been done already, and a truck always interested me. Biggest issue is where to keep it.

stickguy

I love that generation truck, but that particular one does nothing for me. But does look clean.

breld

qbrozen said:

I keep thinking about making a change. I love my CTS, but I can't help feeling a little guilty about the payment on it. We can afford it... its just that when things come around, like the $750 electric bill I just got hit with, I get to thinking how big that car payment is. I have no idea, however, what my current payoff is because I can't remember the last time I saw a physical bill. I have a feeling it is way too big of a gap to overcome. I have also been curious if getting the wife into a new Pacifica would lower her payment any. I doubt it.

Congrats on the new job @qbrozen!

I feel the same way as you - I love the S4, but I'm kinda over all the car debt, particularly with buying the new house. We have a healthy monthly budget for car payments that we've been comfortable with, but at some point I'd actually like to have some end in sight for the debt balance itself. Maybe not totally eliminate it, but at least get it down to a more reasonable amount - like one loan at a time instead of multiple.

We'll see - I get a lot of ideas on how to accomplish that and still have fun with car purchases, but nothing that's all that feasible yet. Getting rid of the X5 is likely the first step. Then we'll see if I'm ready to "downgrade" the S4.

I'm digging the new Miatas right now - would certainly be fun but not nearly as functional as the Audi.

fintail

9K loonies is about 7K greenbacks, I think. Knock off another grand or so, and there are likely many worse ways to spend that kind of money.

kyfdx

Going to see the Saab, tomorrow evening.

xwesx

breld said:

I feel the same way as you - I love the S4, but I'm kinda over all the car debt, particularly with buying the new house. We have a healthy monthly budget for car payments that we've been comfortable with, but at some point I'd actually like to have some end in sight for the debt balance itself. Maybe not totally eliminate it, but at least get it down to a more reasonable amount - like one loan at a time instead of multiple.

We'll see - I get a lot of ideas on how to accomplish that and still have fun with car purchases, but nothing that's all that feasible yet. Getting rid of the X5 is likely the first step. Then we'll see if I'm ready to "downgrade" the S4.

I'm digging the new Miatas right now - would certainly be fun but not nearly as functional as the Audi.

Give it a few more years, breld, and having more than one little car (Mini) will probably be a lot more practical. In a few more months, maybe the Mrs. will be ready to trade out that Mini on another little go-cart like a Miata!

So, we've been debt-free for about 14 months now, and while it is quite liberating, I am finding it annoying how my credit rating drops every month because of it. Basically, if you aren't beholden to someone all the time, then there must be something wrong (e.g., risky) about you! Hahah.... those manipulative jerks.... :@

corvette

ab348, my late grandfather had the 1968 (I think) version of that, but in much worse shape. His was black. You could see the road through the floorboard, and I was terrified to learn that it was still capable of an (indicated) 70 MPH. It is still in the family, but I have no idea whether it still runs.

stickguy

I always had a rule of no more than one car loan at a time, and at least 1/3 the time have none. Last couple years, that went out the window. Princess in college wrecked havoc, but in a couple years, will be back to stability. She comes off the dole (and her car), wife's car paid off in 1 more year, and that just leaves me to worry about.

man, i am really looking forward to being done with tuition.

corvette

There's no way I could cash flow college tuition for a kid (which makes it fortunate that I don't have any, that I know of).

kyfdx

corvette said:

There's no way I could cash flow college tuition for a kid (which makes it fortunate that I don't have any, that I know of).

It's easy, once you embrace the concept of negative cash flow. That's how I did it.

nyccarguy

@qbrozen - good luck with the new job. Try and hold on to the CTS a little longer. You DO seem to really love that car. It does stink when regular utility bills get in the way of bills you like to pay (like a car loan). When we lived in our apartment, it was in the back of the (concrete) building and faced West. We didn't get any direct sun until the afternoon when it was on its way down. We had 3 combination HVAC units (electric) like you find in hotels heating the place. On level billing (Con Edison), my electric bills were $500 per month. On top of that, I was paying extremely high common charges plus a mega assessment that easily equaled close to $1000 per month. I wanted an E46 325i (SP MT) so bad at one point, but didn't want to commit to the lease payment due to the electric bill & common charges/assessment.

roadburner

kyfdx said:

@michaell Here is hoping that good things happen!

Ditto!!!

Michaell

roadburner said:

kyfdx said:

@michaell Here is hoping that good things happen!

Ditto!!!

I am trying not to read too much into this, but late this afternoon I got an email from the recruiter I am working with – he sent me a link to the benefits website for the company.

stickguy

better than some of the alternative emails they could have sent!

graphicguy

Michaell said:

roadburner said:

kyfdx said:

@michaell Here is hoping that good things happen!

Ditto!!!

I am trying not to read too much into this, but late this afternoon I got an email from the recruiter I am working with – he sent me a link to the benefits website for the company.

Well...that's not bad news. Sounding good!

nyccarguy

Keep us posted @Michaell! We are all pulling for you.

@roadburner - congrats on your new gig. I'm glad it is working out!

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

@roadburner - congrats on your new gig. I'm glad it is working out!

Thanks! One nice thing about the job is that I already knew most everyone I'd be working with. It's a friendly atmosphere without a lot of office politics. I still think I'm probably the oldest "Genius" in the world- probably by at least 30 years...

nyccarguy

You know what though @roadburner, at 59 you are probably very close in age to the median age of people who are buying the newer, higher end BMWs (no mortgage, kids out of college, time to enjoy life a little bit). I know my parents have a tough time with new tech in their cars (Dad is 70, Mom is 68). I'm sure they'd appreciate dealing with someone like you who can explain the tech as it relates to them.

I think you mentioned something about the latest iteration of idrive & climate controls is the best ever in BMWs. Back in 2005, my Mom leased a (RWD, no Navigation) E60 530i. I know you are familiar with BMW's red/blue knob at the top of the center vents. Well, twice a year I had to go to their house to "turn on the AC" or "Turn on the heat" because instead of a red/blue knob, that function was buried 5 steps into idrive.

nyccarguy

Prelude goes into the shop tomorrow to have an oil & filter change, new sway bar links installed, & the new grommet for the water valve installed (the valve that switches between hot and cold). Plus it gives me a chance to merge onto the highway like a hooligan and listen to my engine growl as it spins toward the redline!

nyccarguy

@breld & @qbrozen - I know what you guys are saying about reducing your car payment & overall automotive debt. It is liberating only having 1 car payment ($405.07) that I can now easily double. If I do punch the card, I'm going to ask myself A LOT of questions first:

How much more overall debt am I willing to take on? Let's say when the time comes I owe $15K on the Subaru and it is worth $18,500. The car I like is $30K. Will this car be worth taking on an additional $11,500 in debt? For how long? How much will my monthly payment increase?

qbrozen

stever said:

How big are y'all's pools that your swimming pool bills are that big? Are you guys running the pump 24/7?

Well, like I said, them estimating the month we happened to open the pool hurt. We had to run it for 24/7 for about 10 days to open it.

qbrozen

On that pickup - seems like a lot of dough for a long bed 1970. At least it has the right engine, 4bbl carb, and dual exhaust. I'd prefer a cloth seat, personally.

On car debt - my CTS payment is really really high. I could easily have 2 reasonable cars for the same amount. We are also paying quite a chunk on the T&C. The 2 payments together are more than what we used to pay on the mortgage for our first house back in 2000-2004. But I have gone down this road before. Way back when, I dumped my G35x to eliminate payments, then bought a $2k car, sold that and bought a $7k car, traded that on a $15k car with $180 payment, traded that on a $24k car with... I forget but I think $300 payment, traded that on a $26k new car at $400/mo, and then on a $49k car... well, you can imagine the payment. I made each decision to go up, so probably going down would only start the cycle over again. We make a very good living, but at some point you start to think "hey, wouldn't it be nice to NOT work one day??"

on a swaybar upgrade - I am assuming the Audi has bad understeer, yes? That is the only reason you'd want a stiffer rear bar without touching the front. I'd caution about going overboard or you will wind up with a very twitchy rear. As others have said, it won't change tire wear. It doesn't change you alignment at all, it merely reduces body roll on that end of the car. When you upgrade the rear only, it keeps the back more upright while the front leans onto the outside tire, making it dive into a corner easier. Take that upgrade too far and you wind up with oversteer. You are looking to make it as neutral as possible.

imidazol97

qbrozen said:

on a swaybar upgrade - I am assuming the Audi has bad understeer, yes? That is the only reason you'd want a stiffer rear bar without touching the front. I'd caution about going overboard or you will wind up with a very twitchy rear.

The rear bar added will make the car "follow the contour" of a road better. It will stay closer to parallel to a road that rolls like some secondary roads here do where the berm edge goes up and down while the left wheels are on a more level portion. Adding a bar used by the company with the same front sway bar size should be safe. If the rear bar is used on a performance package from factory with a larger sway bar, you may get more stiffening than expected.

Something else to think about is the rubber bushings on the end/end links of the sway bar on the front, and maybe on the rear. On some cars I've had putting in an available tougher bushing allowed less movement before the front (and rear) bars started resisting a difference in flex in the left and right wheels. That makes a car feel better.

Reading forums where performance-oriented people make mods to the sway bars will give help. But remember they are after performance, and making changes in size of bar or bushings can change smoothness of the ride.

stickguy

A milestone coming up. On Sunday, it will be exactly 1 year since I leased the Jetta. Time flies. Will have somewhere between 8,800-9,200 miles then. So getting some use. Better than my car, about to hit 20 months at barely 11,000 miles

Heck, the RDX turns 4 in September, and that currently is sitting on about 34k. We need to get out more.

au1994

stickguy said:

A milestone coming up. On Sunday, it will be exactly 1 year since I leased the Jetta. Time flies. Will have somewhere between 8,800-9,200 miles then. So getting some use. Better than my car, about to hit 20 months at barely 11,000 miles Heck, the RDX turns 4 in September, and that currently is sitting on about 34k. We need to get out more.

Lol, sounds like my moms car. Dad got her a new Passat a year ago and it now has a whopping 4800 miles on it.

stickguy

It helps when my wife and I, combined, do less than 20miles/week commuting on average.

nyccarguy

My Mom's Cayenne turns a year old this weekend. She just took it in (they picked it up) for its 20,000 mike service.

ab348

qbrozen said:

On that pickup - seems like a lot of dough for a long bed 1970. At least it has the right engine, 4bbl carb, and dual exhaust. I'd prefer a cloth seat, personally.

Yeah, if it was a short bed I would be all over it.

The neighbor has had it for at least 5 years and I don't think I have seen him drive it more than a handful of times. It spent all its time, including winters, parked at the top of his driveway. In winter it was left covered with snow until spring. He has no garage so it has always lived outside. That would be a bit of a concern. It was raining here all day yesterday and this morning but is clearing up now. Once things dry out I may go and take a closer look. What I suspect I will find is a vehicle with a lot of little issues. We will see.

Still, given the price of a used Ford Ranger or whatever, this is probably a better investment for an occasional driver/hauler.

au1994

My dad is a big guy, 6'2", and is on his second Enclave. That's what they use when they go some where together, which is often since they are both retired.  It's the road trip car too. He just got this one a couple of months ago and I'm not sure how many miles on the previous. It was only about 2 years old though.

Mr_Shiftright

qbrozen said:

On that pickup - seems like a lot of dough for a long bed 1970. At least it has the right engine, 4bbl carb, and dual exhaust. I'd prefer a cloth seat, personally.

On car debt - my CTS payment is really really high. I could easily have 2 reasonable cars for the same amount. We are also paying quite a chunk on the T&C. The 2 payments together are more than what we used to pay on the mortgage for our first house back in 2000-2004. But I have gone down this road before. Way back when, I dumped my G35x to eliminate payments, then bought a $2k car, sold that and bought a $7k car, traded that on a $15k car with $180 payment, traded that on a $24k car with... I forget but I think $300 payment, traded that on a $26k new car at $400/mo, and then on a $49k car... well, you can imagine the payment. I made each decision to go up, so probably going down would only start the cycle over again. We make a very good living, but at some point you start to think "hey, wouldn't it be nice to NOT work one day??"

on a swaybar upgrade - I am assuming the Audi has bad understeer, yes? That is the only reason you'd want a stiffer rear bar without touching the front. I'd caution about going overboard or you will wind up with a very twitchy rear. As others have said, it won't change tire wear. It doesn't change you alignment at all, it merely reduces body roll on that end of the car. When you upgrade the rear only, it keeps the back more upright while the front leans onto the outside tire, making it dive into a corner easier. Take that upgrade too far and you wind up with oversteer. You are looking to make it as neutral as possible.

Yep, bigger rear sway bar will direct the car to less understeer/more oversteer. I was never a big fan of modifying only one sway bar, but for normal street driving I don't think that would be a problem. But if you had a car that already had a reputation for being tail-happy, like say a Honda S2000, it probably wouldn't be a good idea.

kyfdx

Seems like a decent idea on a front driver, though.. They usually have understeer issues.

Sandman6472

Looking to put the rear sway bar on the Golf, leaving the A3 alone. Not sure I really need it but just want to make it drive a bit better, that's all. Not wanting to go crazy here. So feel like it's a 50/50 chance of improvement, would rather have a 75/25 chance and would definitely do it. Now, Road has me thinking if I should even do this!!!


The Confused Sandman

Mr_Shiftright

You have to experiment. Understeer is a safer bet for most drivers, so you don't want to eliminate too much of it. Track cars have totally different needs of course. I'd imagine on an AWD car with a modified front sway bar you'd get a lot of PUSH then.

graphicguy

imidazol97 said:

qbrozen said:

on a swaybar upgrade - I am assuming the Audi has bad understeer, yes? That is the only reason you'd want a stiffer rear bar without touching the front. I'd caution about going overboard or you will wind up with a very twitchy rear.

The rear bar added will make the car "follow the contour" of a road better. It will stay closer to parallel to a road that rolls like some secondary roads here do where the berm edge goes up and down while the left wheels are on a more level portion. Adding a bar used by the company with the same front sway bar size should be safe. If the rear bar is used on a performance package from factory with a larger sway bar, you may get more stiffening than expected.

Something else to think about is the rubber bushings on the end/end links of the sway bar on the front, and maybe on the rear. On some cars I've had putting in an available tougher bushing allowed less movement before the front (and rear) bars started resisting a difference in flex in the left and right wheels. That makes a car feel better.

Reading forums where performance-oriented people make mods to the sway bars will give help. But remember they are after performance, and making changes in size of bar or bushings can change smoothness of the ride.

Imid...are the "V" models holding value better than the regular CTSs?

breld

qbrozen said:

On car debt - my CTS payment is really really high. I could easily have 2 reasonable cars for the same amount. We are also paying quite a chunk on the T&C. The 2 payments together are more than what we used to pay on the mortgage for our first house back in 2000-2004. But I have gone down this road before. Way back when, I dumped my G35x to eliminate payments, then bought a $2k car, sold that and bought a $7k car, traded that on a $15k car with $180 payment, traded that on a $24k car with... I forget but I think $300 payment, traded that on a $26k new car at $400/mo, and then on a $49k car... well, you can imagine the payment. I made each decision to go up, so probably going down would only start the cycle over again. We make a very good living, but at some point you start to think "hey, wouldn't it be nice to NOT work one day??"

Well put - that's pretty spot on with how I feel too. I've gone through that cycle a couple times - going with my Passat a few years ago that didn't last long and traded it on the 535xi. Then went back "down" to the Mazda3, which was subsequently traded for the S4.

So, I fully recognize for myself that reducing or eliminating car debt only works if I can at least somewhat commit to whatever car I'm getting. Functionality is half of it, and enthusiasm for the car is the other - that's why I may split those things and eventually go for a 3-row SUV and a Miata again.

Michaell

I may be back in the market sooner rather than later. More to follow...

stickguy

The commute from hades. Tends to mess up car plans.

nyccarguy

@breld

Well said. I'm currently in the "down" part of the cycle. 328xi with a $572 per month lease payment to my $25K Legacy with its very manageable $405.07 finance payment. It is functional, comfortable, & affordable. I'm just not enthusiastic about it.

qbrozen

For fun, I called the bank to find out what I owe on my CTS. I'm about $7k negative right now. ha.

Sandman6472

This is the key I've found, one has to be enthusiastic with what one has aa a d d, that and the income to afford it. I've had a few vehicles that I tolerated because of our circumstances, one can not spend a whole lot on vehicles while raising a family, paying off a mortgage and the every day expenses of life. As ones family income rises. one is able to have better vehicles, and more of them...this forum is an example of that. And for car lovers like us, all the pieces have to fit to be able to sustain "the habit".
My Tucson was "functional and comfortable", it checked all the buttons except...it was boring. But I was planning to keep it for the time being and live with it. But once the A3 entered the picture, that was that. If the wife had gotten the Mazda3 or the Forte, doubt I would've traded as soon as I did because I was o k living with a boring vehicle. Once the A3 was in the garage, I wanted to have the same "fun" on a daily basis and after a few days, I went to check out the VW products, thinking the Jetta would be the logical choice, never even thinking about the Golf. But the "garage test" showed me that it was a tad too long so back we went to the dealership and got into a Golf. Drove on back to the house and it fit, perfectly. And the rest is history.
And having the funds in the bank was the final piece for me. I told the wife what my plans were, I didn't have to ask which was a great feeling, and even though she questioned the logic here, it was totally up to me here. And am finally enthusiastic about what I drive...finally!!

The Sandman

stickguy

I drive so little now, really shouldn't care about 2nd care. The road trips is what messes me up. The RDX will remain, as either primary or secondary wheels, when I replace the sonata. I just prefer the sedan for traveling. And, more goodies.

I actually may shake things up, and ditch them both, getting a snazzy wagon type (V60, CX9, GLC) for primary and trip duty, and a cheap 2nd car for me. Will be harder sell to the wife, getting her to believe it will be for her!

sda

breld said:

qbrozen said:

On car debt - my CTS payment is really really high. I could easily have 2 reasonable cars for the same amount. We are also paying quite a chunk on the T&C. The 2 payments together are more than what we used to pay on the mortgage for our first house back in 2000-2004. But I have gone down this road before. Way back when, I dumped my G35x to eliminate payments, then bought a $2k car, sold that and bought a $7k car, traded that on a $15k car with $180 payment, traded that on a $24k car with... I forget but I think $300 payment, traded that on a $26k new car at $400/mo, and then on a $49k car... well, you can imagine the payment. I made each decision to go up, so probably going down would only start the cycle over again. We make a very good living, but at some point you start to think "hey, wouldn't it be nice to NOT work one day??"

Well put - that's pretty spot on with how I feel too. I've gone through that cycle a couple times - going with my Passat a few years ago that didn't last long and traded it on the 535xi. Then went back "down" to the Mazda3, which was subsequently traded for the S4.

So, I fully recognize for myself that reducing or eliminating car debt only works if I can at least somewhat commit to whatever car I'm getting. Functionality is half of it, and enthusiasm for the car is the other - that's why I may split those things and eventually go for a 3-row SUV and a Miata again.

I have also gone thru that cycle. Sold, bot a lesser expensive car, found an excuse to upgrade, repeat cycle. I have had my Accord a record 32 months and I am just yearning for a different car. Promised my wife, and she is holding me to it (firmly) I would hold off. The longest I've ever had a car was 1978-84 when I had my '76 Sunbird V6. College years and new job after college=no money.

corvette

I declined GAP coverage when I refinanced the Murano (and got a refund on the original coverage) because I ran the numbers. There wouldn't be any significant negative equity if it were totaled because I would get a prorated refund on the extended warranty and because insurance has to pay the retail value of a comparable used car, as opposed to the trade-in value. Big difference between the very small negative equity on a total loss vs. much larger negative equity if I traded it in today. 

breld

With the ever-increasing amount of time I'm running around loaded up with kids sports equipment, I am appreciating the ease of doing that with the X5 or minivan. Add to that the times when we need the extra seating capacity of the van, and I find myself driving my "fun" car less and less. As practical as the S4 is, being a decent sized 4-door, I nevertheless tend to leave it at the work garage many a weekend and other times in favor of the van or SUV.

And that's how it will be for the next several years. So that's why my mind is focused on what kind of SUV type vehicle I would really enjoy for my primary car. And preferably, a 3-row one so that need is fulfilled too. It'd be great to consolidate to a point that we don't need the minivan anymore, but being halfway through a Kia lease doesn't really bode well for exit options.

So...

• I like the X5 and could just keep that for now. Could also find a newer one with warranty coverage, and get one with a 3rd row (though those are pretty small seats) while I'm at it.
  
• Like the Q7 quite a bit, previous and current versions. Used ones still command a high price though.
  
• XC90s are nice and may not hold their value as well as the Audi, but will be a little while before used ones show up on the market.
  
• CX-9 is likely my choice for the non-luxury brands. Seems downright cheap compared to the Audi and others.
  

Given we're likely "stuck" with the van for another year and a half, there's really no urgency. May as well use that for the utility vehicle. And for that matter, I still do like the Sedona.