Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

28firefighter

tifighter said:

The BMW was driveable, I guess, so they took off. I haven't heard anything about them being caught at this point. Given the car is only 6 mos old, I can't imagine it will be a total. So I guess I will have to suppress the CCBA urge for a bit longer. Later, I did drive down the direction the car bolted towards and found plastic bits from their bumper cover and foglight parts etc on the road. But didn't see much more, unfortunately. Unreal. I think the big question will be if the impact pierced into the battery pack, which is under the rear seat. I don't think it did, but the jury is still out.

Oh jeez. Where at?  I was stuck due to an accident last night in Capitol Hill at rush hour.

Glad you're OK. Did you get a license plate on the Bimmer?

tbirdmarco

@tjc78 NIce on the new car punch good luck with it.

rny421

graphic guy said:

Saw a Satrun SKY Redline in the parking lot at Costco this weekend. I remember Bob Lutz saying GM could produce a car from the ground up in 36 months, and the Solstice and Sky were the results. Not sure I remember reading much about how well they drove, other than the turbo Sky (Redline) was the one to get.
Sharp when they were introduced. Still sharp today. Wouldn't mind having one. Aside from the fact that Saturn bit the dust, is there any reason these cars are "duds"?

I have one! It's a 2007 Redline 5-speed. I bought it from the second owner with only 22k miles on it in 2013. It's definitely small and impractical, but for $15k, it serves to scratch my itch for fun on a budget! We can't take it much farther than a weekend trip because the trunk is literally non existent. We each can pretty much only pack one small duffel bag.

All in all, it's pretty fast, and a fun convertible for not too much money!

stickguy

good timing Tom, getting the new MPG mobile just in time for the gas tax increase.

stickguy

evening cruising of the listings, and a few more domestic big sedans with low miles. IOW OldFarmer specials.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2000-pontiac-bonneville-4dr_sedan_sle-used-15673879.html

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2007-chevrolet-impala-4dr_sedan_ls-used-15684970.html

tjc78

Yes, it was good timing.
What was GM ever thinking with those AC vents in the Bonneville? , If the previous owner flushed out the Deathcool (or already did the intake gaskets) that is a bullet proof drivetrain and a good deal.

corvette

Nice Michelin tires on that Bonneville, assuming they all match. 

graphicguy

tifighter said:

The BMW was driveable, I guess, so they took off. I haven't heard anything about them being caught at this point. Given the car is only 6 mos old, I can't imagine it will be a total. So I guess I will have to suppress the CCBA urge for a bit longer.

Later, I did drive down the direction the car bolted towards and found plastic bits from their bumper cover and foglight parts etc on the road. But didn't see much more, unfortunately. Unreal.

I think the big question will be if the impact pierced into the battery pack, which is under the rear seat. I don't think it did, but the jury is still out.

TI...glad you're "OK" (aside from the a$$hat who hit you).

graphicguy

rny421 said:

graphic guy said:

Saw a Satrun SKY Redline in the parking lot at Costco this weekend. I remember Bob Lutz saying GM could produce a car from the ground up in 36 months, and the Solstice and Sky were the results. Not sure I remember reading much about how well they drove, other than the turbo Sky (Redline) was the one to get.
Sharp when they were introduced. Still sharp today. Wouldn't mind having one. Aside from the fact that Saturn bit the dust, is there any reason these cars are "duds"?

I have one! It's a 2007 Redline 5-speed. I bought it from the second owner with only 22k miles on it in 2013. It's definitely small and impractical, but for $15k, it serves to scratch my itch for fun on a budget! We can't take it much farther than a weekend trip because the trunk is literally non existent. We each can pretty much only pack one small duffel bag.

All in all, it's pretty fast, and a fun convertible for not too much money!

Thanks, RNY! More curious than serious about one. I had forgotten about them until I saw one the other day and remembered how good I thought they looked.

Did a little shopping looking around....decent ones running between $!0K and $13-$14K around OH, IN, KY with moderate mileage. Not even remotely on the front burner of my current "car wants", though.

andres3

graphicguy said:

Saw a Satrun SKY Redline in the parking lot at Costco this weekend. I remember Bob Lutz saying GM could produce a car from the ground up in 36 months, and the Solstice and Sky were the results. Not sure I remember reading much about how well they drove, other than the turbo Sky (Redline) was the one to get.

Sharp when they were introduced. Still sharp today. Wouldn't mind having one. Aside from the fact that Saturn bit the dust, is there any reason these cars are "duds"?

From what I remember they were pretty much panned by the car press as poor handlers with lots of design flaws.

andres3

tjc78 said:

Worked in Moorestown for years, now stuck in the middle of no-where (well as much as that can be in NJ).

We drive about 60 miles for an amazing deli (Harold's in Edison), but not a taco!

@nyccarguy interesting story.

I'm liking the Elantra more than I ever thought. I've put about 170 miles on it and so far the trip computer is saying 32. I've never had anything get close to that kind of mileage. The Enclave doesn't break 17 and the Grand Marq stayed in the low 18s.

Averaging very close to 29 MPG in the new Optima 1.6T now. Got its first oil change called for at an absurd 3,000 miles, every 5,000 miles thereafter. Although I like the good mileage for a bigger mid-size sedan, it's just no S4 or TTS.

It saves me money over driving the S4, but I'd rather have the S4. When my new ultra lightweight 19's wrapped in Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires come in, I might appreciate the frugality of the Kia more, which allowed me to justify spending so much on a set of wheels and tires for the TTS. Unfortunately it seems that they had to order the OZ Racing wheels straight from Italy (made in Italy; none on the shelves of the USA unfortunately), and the boat is slow, so I will be doing Buttonwillow HPDE the weekend before Thanksgiving without them

On the bright side, the OEM 20" wheels are light for their 20" x 9 size, and the Yokohama V105's are a true competitor to Michelin Super Sport tires (though I think the Super Sports are probably a tad better).

sda

Averaging very close to 29 MPG in the new Optima 1.6T now. Got its first oil change called for at an absurd 3,000 miles, every 5,000 miles thereafter. Although I like the good mileage for a bigger mid-size sedan, it's just no S4 or TTS.


What is your daily commute like? I would think the mpg would be higher than that unless you have a brutal stop and go, creep forward drive. It does take some cars 5k or so to fully break in and mpg improves.

andres3

sda said:

Averaging very close to 29 MPG in the new Optima 1.6T now. Got its first oil change called for at an absurd 3,000 miles, every 5,000 miles thereafter. Although I like the good mileage for a bigger mid-size sedan, it's just no S4 or TTS.


What is your daily commute like? I would think the mpg would be higher than that unless you have a brutal stop and go, creep forward drive. It does take some cars 5k or so to fully break in and mpg improves.

There is some stop and go, but not completely brutal (maybe I have a high tolerance built up). There are some hills and inclines. There is also the fact that we in San Diego County have pretty much trained both drivers and the CHP to allow 80-85 MPH in the fast lane. I have a heavy right foot and I use it. I'm sure a more conservative driver could probably eek out another couple miles per gallon. I also have a mix of some short trip and city type driving as well. Also, traffic engineers should generally be fired in the County of San Diego, particularly in Escondido; they can't time traffic lights correctly to save their lives or jobs.

kyfdx

Another German V-8. Cheap!

https://porscheofkingsautomall.com/inventory/Mercedes-Benz+Clk-Class+Cincinnati+Ohio+2009+Obsidian+Black+Metallic+873590

Mr_Shiftright

I was going to say: "You know, a lotta car for the money"....but then I looked at the mileage. I can see the Mercedes factory in Stuttgart already aiming the Electronic Immobilizer Ray at it. (If you ask them about the EIR, they just wink).

kyfdx

Even with those miles, it's a lot of car for $12K asking. I'm sure it would be trouble free.

Mr_Shiftright

My attitude to cars like this? "Look but don't touch". If it were under 60K miles, it might be tempting.

kyfdx

Mr_Shiftright said:

My attitude to cars like this? "Look but don't touch". If it were under 60K miles, it might be tempting.

But, then it would be $18.900, or more..

Mr_Shiftright

With a German car, the most expensive one is the cheapest

Sandman6472

Got to drive another 2016 CLA 250 today and it's the one, with a hole in the roof of course. Great brakes and moved nicely in heavy traffic. I'm sold and think I could give up the hatchback for one of these. Thinking the GLA 250 will be a thirsty beast, a few mpg's less than a Tiguan I'm thinking and those are at 21/26. Do like the Tiguan though and found a couple red over beige 2016's with miles in the teens for around $21K...not bad. And that 2013 1 Series is still at the BMW store so might go give it a look see tomorrow as I'm getting off around noon. This one is white over black but prefer the white over coral one that got away. If this one drives the same, heavy, I'll finally know that it's just not for me. It's a looker though and the perfect size but probably not practical right now with our lifestyle. Have the funds to just buy the thing but the wife would go nuts if I got a toy even though think she'd actually like it once she got behind the wheel.
So, if time permits, will go over and check it out.

The Sandman

rny421

andres3 said:

From what I remember they were pretty much panned by the car press as poor handlers with lots of design flaws.

Full disclosure: I have no professional training, but it handles well enough for me, and I have frequently driven some high performance cars over the years (2010 CTS-V, 2011 BMW M6, 2012 Corvette, 2016 Mustang GT - My father's collection - I think he should join CCBA!).

From what I've read, I know it doesn't handle like the Miata, but in my opinion it looks better, and it's a tad quicker. Not to mention, I could not have bought anything else within the same year, condition, mileage, and power for what I bought the Sky for. It's definitely not practical, and has its shortcomings, but it works for me!

ab348

andres3 said:

From what I remember they were pretty much panned by the car press as poor handlers with lots of design flaws.

Well, most of the car press back then would never praise a GM car, period.

rny421

graphicguy said:

Thanks, RNY! More curious than serious about one. I had forgotten about them until I saw one the other day and remembered how good I thought they looked.

Did a little shopping looking around....decent ones running between $10K and $13-$14K around OH, IN, KY with moderate mileage. Not even remotely on the front burner of my current "car wants", though.

You can always put it on the front burner though . I think I mentioned this before, but I don't have a problem driving within a 6 hour radius to get a car. I did that with my Sky, and the S60. Even with the cost of a one way rental car, fuel, and tolls, I ended up saving some money on both. It's do-able in a long day, or you can make a weekend out of it! Although, I travel quite a bit for work, so I'm used to it.

stickguy

OK. Found the perfect car for QB, to go along with his pending SUV. I am sure he will fit just fine, if he scrunches up a bit.

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/5869260380.html

stickguy

Hmm. I like this oddball for some reason. Probably slow as dirt, but looks pretty nice for the asking price. Wonder what could get it for?

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/5880011459.html

Probably more practical than this, though I always wanted one of this vintage. But an orange short bed step side, Walker Evans special.

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/5860595884.html

iluvmysephia1

You can always put it on the front burner though . I think I mentioned this before, but I don't have a problem driving within a 6 hour radius to get a car. I did that with my Sky, and the S60. Even with the cost of a one way rental car, fuel, and tolls, I ended up saving some money on both. It's do-able in a long day, or you can make a weekend out of it! Although, I travel quite a bit for work, so I'm used to it.

rny421 - Ugh, it just shows the passion for the car you're pining for. I love cars like Jay Leno does but have the money of Joe Six Pack, minus a few beers outta the six-pack! So I'm always pining for some small econo-rig of some sort that's hopelessly outta my range.

But the idea of traveling ta go get a rig you're pining for? Oh, that's what it's all about. I totally get it. A car enthusiast is pretty easy ta spot. Hey, I just thought of an idea ta jump careers over. Shush...I can't share it - you'll all wanna do it!

qbrozen

stickguy said:

OK. Found the perfect car for QB, to go along with his pending SUV. I am sure he will fit just fine, if he scrunches up a bit. https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/5869260380.html

Pretty cool. Would be even better if it wasn't silver

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

Hmm. I like this oddball for some reason. Probably slow as dirt, but looks pretty nice for the asking price. Wonder what could get it for?

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/5880011459.html

Probably more practical than this, though I always wanted one of this vintage. But an orange short bed step side, Walker Evans special.

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/5860595884.html

Completely stock except for the GUN LOCKER! Love it!

stickguy

I will be all set if I finally move down south.

imidazol97

ab348 said:

andres3 said:

From what I remember they were pretty much panned by the car press as poor handlers with lots of design flaws.

Well, most of the car press back then would never praise a GM car, period.

I don't think it's a case of "back then." Try "now." I was reading a review of the then new '16 Malibu by a NY Times car "expert." He mocked the inserts where the running lights can go on some models.

I wonder if he mocks the plastic inserts on the rear of the Civic that look like fake exhaust ports?

tjc78

The press has generally been "kinder" to GM lately. In all fairness their products are better than they have been in years and deserve it.

Look at the Boneville @stickguy posted and compare it to a current Impala or LaCrosse. Not even close.

kyfdx

stickguy said:

I will be all set if I finally move down south.

I really like that Colorado for the money.. 4 cylinder and a stick will really knock the price down, if you can live with it (and, I could).

stickguy

I don't go very fast, and this would be purely for putting around town, doing chores. Not hauling big loads or towing. If I had to replace my car right now, would give a look.

henryn

If that Colorado were in my neck of the woods, I would go look at it over my lunch break. Because it would not last one full day in this part of the world.

stickguy

My wife would kill me if I brought it home. Twice if I stopped at the shelter for a new dog on the way back.

I don't think it will last long here either.

Mr_Shiftright

stickguy said:

OK. Found the perfect car for QB, to go along with his pending SUV. I am sure he will fit just fine, if he scrunches up a bit.

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/5869260380.html

Not bad if you live near the Fire Department.

Mr_Shiftright

nyccarguy said:

stickguy said:

Hmm. I like this oddball for some reason. Probably slow as dirt, but looks pretty nice for the asking price. Wonder what could get it for?

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/5880011459.html

Probably more practical than this, though I always wanted one of this vintage. But an orange short bed step side, Walker Evans special.

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/5860595884.html

Completely stock except for the GUN LOCKER! Love it!

Colorado doesn't look bad at all---reason it's cheap of course is that it doesn't have the extended cab and it's a dinky 4 cylinder, so make sure your trips are downhill both ways.

The '86 Chevy looks mighty rough. You could do much better for that money. The gun locker is there probably because his state law requires it, if carrying a sidearm, so that it cannot be accessed while driving. Or maybe just to be safe.

nyccarguy

Here's one you don't see everyday:

kyfdx

RHD. nice

nyccarguy

yes. RHD! The guy was telling me he constantly gets pulled over when his front passenger is talking on the phone.

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

yes. RHD! The guy was telling me he constantly gets pulled over when his front passenger is talking on the phone.

Obviously more than 25 years old to have been imported.

Looks like the sedan version of the GT-R.

ab348

What is a "Cefiro"?

Michaell

ab348 said:

What is a "Cefiro"?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_Cefiro

Looks like a Maxima / I35 clone.

mjfloyd1

Did you notice that the Lotus Espirit had a rebuilt title...Run away

Sandman6472

Stopped by the BMW store and saw the '13 1 Series, has a sunroof. Took a drive and it's such a heavy vehicle no wonder it has a 6 cylinder under the hood. Just over 30K and asking $25,595. A real looker but even though I'd do it in a minute, the wife will veto it real quick. Then stopped by at VW and saw that Volvo has taken over the used car building, must've been a recent thing because as of 3 weeks ago, it wasn't there. Did find the two red 2016 Tiguans but decided to pass on the test drive at this juncture. As much as it would be nice to sit up a bit higher and get that sweet 2.0T engine, timing is just a bit off. Might try back the week before New Years and see if they're still on the lot and then take a test drive. I do like the bigger engine but hate the somewhat low mpg figures, 21/26 ain't that great for a raised up Jetta in my mind. Looks good in the red over beige combo though and their asking price isn't crazy for a 2016 model, low $21's. Might take a run over to CarMax and get my rig appraised and then see what I can do. But still loving my Golf and after the recall, I swear the mpg's are up just a bit! I can live with that.
The Sandman

roadburner

andres3 said:

From what I remember they were pretty much panned by the car press as poor handlers with lots of design flaws.

A Pontiac Solstice GXP turned a 3:15.7 at VIR during the 2007 Car and Driver Lightning Lap; to put that in perspective, that was faster than a 2015 GTI, a 2014 Focus ST, a 2008 R32, and a 2008 WRX STI.

Mr_Shiftright

Yep, the GXP is the one to have and will be the future collectible.

Mr_Shiftright

mjfloyd1 said:

Did you notice that the Lotus Espirit had a rebuilt title...Run away

Maybe those devilish Dellorto carburetors---they like to catch fire.

graphicguy

roadburner said:

andres3 said:

From what I remember they were pretty much panned by the car press as poor handlers with lots of design flaws.

A Pontiac Solstice GXP turned a 3:15.7 at VIR during the 2007 Car and Driver Lightning Lap; to put that in perspective, that was faster than a 2015 GTI, a 2014 Focus ST, a 2008 R32, and a 2008 WRX STI.

Wow...no wonder it intrigued me. Obviously, something like that wouldn't be a daily driver...just a weekend toy.

stickguy

funny. I saw 2 Solstices (Solsti?) today. one lives up the street. Odd situation, family has twin boys (both pretty tall) that just started freshman year of college. 2 years ago, when they turned 17 and could drive, they bought a Solstice (might actually be a sky) with of all odd things Lambo doors on it. And they somehow shared it and used it to drive to HS. I guess no chance of taking anyone else with you.

then this afternoon, I past a silver one just driving around. Definitely a Pontiac.