Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

breld

@michaell - those tips do look nice! Easy and inexpensive upgrade!

breld

qbrozen said:

breld said:

So, the trade offer from Carmax left something to be desired, but it was nice to be able to look at a variety of vehicles and take a couple test drives.

The Infiniti JX35s appear to be good values given their level of equipment and presumed reliability. And then I drove it. Just did nothing for me - in all honesty, the Sedona is more pleasurable to drive (to be fair, the Kia is a pretty nice van). I don't know if it was the CVT or what, but it was just "blah."

I looked at a couple CX-9s too (previous gen of course) - maybe it's 'cause I've already owned one, but I didn't find them too exciting, even though I enjoyed ours while we had it. The new one I like a lot, but that's a different price point of course.

Then I drove an 80k mile 2014 Durango. I wouldn't consider one that miled up, but it's the only one they had. Funny, since I would think @qbrozen and I have more similar tastes than not, but I absolutely loved the Durango. Completely different feel from the Infiniti, being much more engaging to drive with a very responsive drivetrain (it was the V-6). It was very reminiscent of the German SUVs I've driven, including the X5 we had, which makes sense given its MB roots. I was particularly impressed with how tight this one felt, what with 80k miles on the clock.

And the one I drove was a pretty basic SXT model with "just" the V-6. So I'm pretty excited about the prospect of finding one with less miles, but knowing that I was very pleased without jumping up to an upper trim level or the Hemi.

Diff'rent strokes. Lots of people like the Durango. You are driving a Kia, sooo... ;b
Seriously, though, as I mentioned after my trip home in the Durango, getting into our Town & Country afterwards felt like climbing into a top-tier luxo car. Way better seats, better sound insulation, smoother ride, etc. just make sure you test drive it extensively.

Interesting that the T&C was so much nicer, particularly coming from the same brand. I'll definitely make sure to get enough test drive time in - thanks for the heads up.

And hey! The Kia is a darn nice minivan!

28firefighter

fintail said:

Those dealer stickers...glad they are rarely seen in this area.

Agree. Just plate frames for us. 

tjc78

I even get rid of those. I'm slacking though, the Enclave had the sticker gone the minute I got it home. The Elantra still has it, will be gone next wash (once the salt and snow is gone).

tjc78

Anyone drive a new MDX yet? Been checking them out online and looks nice. Nicely equipped too, with the middle (Tech) package. The advance package seems of little value for what it costs.

I told the wife she has to check it out when we go to the car show in a few weeks

cdnpinhead

If the Forester that we're about to buy from a Denver dealer has a dealer sticker on it, I'll probably leave it on, since we spend time every summer in Winter Park. With the AZ plates, it'll look less like I'm one of the flatlanders who come up from TX or AZ with no connection to the place. I lived in Grand Junction from 1953 to 1958, so claim some grandfather rights, relative to the demographic that currently occupies and/or visits the state.

ab348

tjc78 said:

Anyone drive a new MDX yet? Been checking them out online and looks nice. Nicely equipped too, with the middle (Tech) package. The advance package seems of little value for what it costs.

I told the wife she has to check it out when we go to the car show in a few weeks

This review was surprisingly tepid:

http://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2016/12/2017-acura-mdx-review-canada-winter-test.html

stickguy

tjc78 said:

Anyone drive a new MDX yet? Been checking them out online and looks nice. Nicely equipped too, with the middle (Tech) package. The advance package seems of little value for what it costs.

I told the wife she has to check it out when we go to the car show in a few weeks

we will be in Philly too, the first Saturday. Can't wait! Even bringing the wife this year, since I in theory have a punch do in 2017. And she needs to see options, since some of my plans schemes involve her car!

She likes the MDX. I could probably bring home a blue one without even showing her, and not get in trouble. Sounds nice, and I like the interior from sitting in them. Roomy. About the only thing negative that concerns me is the shaky 9 speed tranny.

tjc78

We are doing the show one night during the week, haven't decided yet.

The Infiniti QX60 is a CVT and the Acura a nine speed, both not ideal. Still anxious to see the 2018 Enclave.

qbrozen

I finally removed the dealer plate frames and sticker a couple of days ago.

Michaell

stickguy said:

Ah. added chrome tips, not just washed?

I do draw the line at spending money at upgrades!

I put them on at the car wash. Instructions for the tip installation recommended the car be clean.

I used to mind about the dealer stuff. But, it's leased, so I don't mind.

Michaell

I could get a GLI badge and stick it on.

28firefighter

Michaell said:

I could get a GLI badge and stick it on.

You should get a Bora badge. That used to add at least 20hp to the old MkIV Jettas!

fintail

An "///M" badge or "Type R" badge would be nice.

I'd make the absence of a dealer sticker to be a condition of delivery. I can usually deal with plate frames, if they are subtle.

stickguy

The stickers don't bother me. Unless it was some horrid color or something, I just leave it on. and free plate frames are better than having to go and buy my own!

Mr_Shiftright

suydam said:

The Cruze is surprisingly more expensive than it should be.

Compared to what, do you think?

qbrozen

Plate frames are completely unnecessary though. No need to have any.
the sticker is a bit of a pain and took me about 20 mins but not worth risking someone else trying to remove and maybe damaging the paint.

stickguy

Tonight's entry in the 4 figure sweepstakes. One of these would probably be fun. Miles a bit too steep on this one though.

http://www.subaruofcherryhill.com/used/Infiniti/2007-Infiniti-G35+Sedan-Cherry+Hill+NJ-780a1c5f0a0e0adf3e0eb2a5fe290691.htm?searchDepth=17:54

breld

One of my projects this morning was putting the final touches on the garage at the new house.   When we moved in, one of my goals was to get this garage into nice shape, all organized and tidy.  Much easier to do when you're starting from scratch.

It started with having the walls painted and putting on a nice floor coating before even moving in.  Then I installed the improved version of our dog kennel that I posted pics of a few months back.  On Black Friday, I treated myself to a nice new tool cabinet and some wall cabinets.  

With only a single light bulb installed by the builder, it was super dim in there, so last week I installed a couple LED shop lights.

And today, I installed some Elfa shelving.  

So happy with the results!  

sda

I can't justify spending near 10k on a car with 120k. I will say that cars hold up much better than ever before. Not long ago a car with that kind of mileage would look worn out, torn seats, faded paint, just tired. This car, and not an exception, looks very nice and good for many more miles.

roadburner

I left the plate frame on the i3, as it promotes my current employer...

breld

Hmm, I'm thinking I should check something like this out too.

Highlander XLE

More affordable than I thought - probably give up some age and miles vs a Durango, but obviously worth it on resale, and higher mileage shouldn't be a problem.

May be more along the "pleasant" side of driving dynamics than "engaging" but certainly worth a look.

28firefighter

breld said:

Hmm, I'm thinking I should check something like this out too. Highlander XLE More affordable than I thought - probably give up some age and miles vs a Durango, but obviously worth it on resale, and higher mileage shouldn't be a problem. May be more along the "pleasant" side of driving dynamics than "engaging" but certainly worth a look.

The XLE trim leases incredibly well (or at least was) but it is due to security deposits and ultra high residuals. That's the kind of lease you'd need to ride out. 

suydam

sda said:

I can't justify spending near 10k on a car with 120k. I will say that cars hold up much better than ever before. Not long ago a car with that kind of mileage would look worn out, torn seats, faded paint, just tired. This car, and not an exception, looks very nice and good for many more miles.

I bought a Camry for my daughter in college. I think it had 90k on it and cost near $8500. She drove it for 6 years, all through college, first job, and grad school, and we sold it for around $3500 when she moved to a city where she didn't need a car. It was a great car for her.

Michaell

breld said:

Hmm, I'm thinking I should check something like this out too.

Highlander XLE

More affordable than I thought - probably give up some age and miles vs a Durango, but obviously worth it on resale, and higher mileage shouldn't be a problem.

May be more along the "pleasant" side of driving dynamics than "engaging" but certainly worth a look.

That's nice. I guess not every vehicle in your stable has to be 'sporty'. You'd still have the 4-series, the wife's MINI and an unspecified "fun car" for that.

henryn

breld said:

Hmm, I'm thinking I should check something like this out too.

Highlander XLE

More affordable than I thought - probably give up some age and miles vs a Durango, but obviously worth it on resale, and higher mileage shouldn't be a problem.

May be more along the "pleasant" side of driving dynamics than "engaging" but certainly worth a look.

3 years old, 51k miles, and $29k ? I had no idea Highlanders were that expensive.

qbrozen

stickguy said:

Tonight's entry in the 4 figure sweepstakes. One of these would probably be fun. Miles a bit too steep on this one though. http://www.subaruofcherryhill.com/used/Infiniti/2007-Infiniti-G35+Sedan-Cherry+Hill+NJ-780a1c5f0a0e0adf3e0eb2a5fe290691.htm?searchDepth=17:54

Oooo... Manual/nav. Miles don't bother me so much on these but that price is pretty ridiculous. They probably gave about $3k for it.

sda

Very nice garage. I did something similar when we moved into our house. Caution, however, your wife may want to start moving kitchen items and steal your shelves! 1/3 of ours are now dry goods, paper towels, tp, detergent, etc.

carnaught

Breld, very nice and neatly organized garage. How 'bout a neon car sign or two?

houdini1

breld said:

One of my projects this morning was putting the final touches on the garage at the new house.   When we moved in, one of my goals was to get this garage into nice shape, all organized and tidy.  Much easier to do when you're starting from scratch.

It started with having the walls painted and putting on a nice floor coating before even moving in.  Then I installed the improved version of our dog kennel that I posted pics of a few months back.  On Black Friday, I treated myself to a nice new tool cabinet and some wall cabinets.  

With only a single light bulb installed by the builder, it was super dim in there, so last week I installed a couple LED shop lights.

And today, I installed some Elfa shelving.  

So happy with the results!  

Very nice ! What floor coating did you use. Almost looks like polished concrete to my eye. Very shiny. Maybe just wet?

kyfdx

I am not letting my wife see this garage.

corvette

breld, if you can get in the attic above the garage, it should be relatively easy to add new electrical boxes for overhead lighting. At my old house, I had two 8-foot fluorescent strips in the middle of the garage. That provided excellent light, although it was somewhat uneven due to the only lights being in the middle of the garage.

breld

Thanks all for the compliments in the garage.  I was just so pleased with it that I had to share.

@houdini1 - it was a rustol-eum "rocksolid metallic" kit from Home Depot.  It was probably twice as expensive as the more basic stuff we've used in the past, but it seems much stronger and looks great.  It has the iridescent look that does appear wet.  It actually is a wee bit slick when wet which probably isn't the best thing, but it feels nice (not gritty and easy to clean).  

breld

corvette said:

breld, if you can get in the attic above the garage, it should be relatively easy to add new electrical boxes for overhead lighting. At my old house, I had two 8-foot fluorescent strips in the middle of the garage. That provided excellent light, although it was somewhat uneven due to the only lights being in the middle of the garage.

I would indeed prefer a more integrated look for the lighting.  The original intention was to replace the single bulb fixture with a large LED fixture, but it was cheaper to get the shop lights that plug in, use two of them, and replace the bulb fixture with one with a plug.  I told my wife it looked a bit ghetto, but she did remind me that it's the garage.  

stickguy

garage is the most important room in the house. We all know that.

simple solution. Get some of that plastic C channel conduit like you use to hide the wires for a wall mount TV. Cut it to the right length, and it will cover almost the entire wire. Will look much better, and be really cheap.

breld

Good idea - I may do that.

Spent the last hour or so browsing the Carmax lot - all their cars are unlocked, even today when they're closed. Seems peculiar, but it's nice for poking around. Actually, when I closed one of the doors, the lockbox opened up to reveal the keys.

Got to sit in a lot of different SUVs. The new model Highlander has a nice interior. One of the Enclaves I sat in was nice as well. Spent some time in the CX-9 again - for the value I may consider one after all. 2015 Touring models with very reasonable miles for low $20k's.

Couldn't resist looking at the sporty cars on the way out:



Seemed like pretty good deals - 2015 FR-S w/17k miles for $17k; 2015 Mustang GT w/Premium and Performance w/ only 2k miles for $31k.

28firefighter

So. Last night driving home from dinner in the GTI, I didn't see a pothole on the highway and took it 65mph. Made a lot of noise but I didn't think anything of it. Noticed the car was vibrating horribly this morning when I took it out. Dropped it off at firestone. Turns out I did quite a number and knocked it way out of alignment. Luckily no bent rims. Also, they found a nail in my left front tire. $180 later I'm having the tire repaired and bought lifetime alignments. I'm calling it a cheap fix given that a bent rim or blown tire on top of the alignment would have been WAY more expensive.

corvette

I'm shocked there's not a sidewall bubble on the tire that took the pothole.

28firefighter

corvette said:

I'm shocked there's not a sidewall bubble on the tire that took the pothole.

Funny you said that. The tire with the nail is the one that took the pothole. They found a sidewall bubble when they took it off. It has to be replaced.

So, one tire and install, one alignment and $375 later. 

sda

28firefighter said:

corvette said:

I'm shocked there's not a sidewall bubble on the tire that took the pothole.

Funny you said that. The tire with the nail is the one that took the pothole. They found a sidewall bubble when they took it off. It has to be replaced.

So, one tire and install, one alignment and $375 later. 

Grrrr

tjc78

@Breld. I'd give the Enclave a shot, it really is a wonderful vehicle. We love ours and it swallows up tons of stuff and people. I've had three adults and three car seats along with two strollers and still room to spare. It's also extremely quiet with laminated glass and extra insulation the Traverse and Acadia don't have.

MPG stinks, but it is a 4500 lb 290 HP SUV.

Like I said in the other thread tech is a bit lacking but most of the current safety stuff is there. Ours doesn't have forward collision alert but I think the one trim above ours does.

28firefighter

sda said:

corvette said:

I'm shocked there's not a sidewall bubble on the tire that took the pothole.

Funny you said that. The tire with the nail is the one that took the pothole. They found a sidewall bubble when they took it off. It has to be replaced.

So, one tire and install, one alignment and $375 later. 

Grrrr

The only good thing is I signed up for lifetime alignments at Firestone. I'll be sure to make them regret selling it to me. 

corvette

I think the busted tire explains the vibration more than the alignment problem. Are you sure the GTI won't get bought back?

28firefighter

corvette said:

I think the busted tire explains the vibration more than the alignment problem. Are you sure the GTI won't get bought back?

Pretty positive. It has been totally fine now for about two months. I think they'll give me cash, if anything. 

Michaell

Greetings from soggy Northern California. Rain and more rain predicted for the next several days. Reminds me of my trips to Seattle.

Ended up getting a Santa Fe Sport as my rental. AWD, which is nice. 37,000 miles, which isn't. Blue with black interior. XM is active, and the controls are really similar to the departed E-GT. No rear view camera, which is slightly bothersome.

If the rain lets up, I'll get a picture.

nyccarguy

stickguy said:
Bradd, good timing on getting the snow tires. now you can report back on how big a difference they make!

Ironically enough, I was off from work. My wife is working all weekend. I took the Legacy & it's new snow shoes to my son's 6:50 am hockey practice. Roads were down to the blacktop. I came home as it started snowing, so my wife took the Legacy to work with her (2.5 or so miles away).

I had the 3 kids & the Pilot for the rest of the day. We stayed home most of the day. I worked on the boys' pinewood derby cars with them. Spent some time coloring with my daughter.

We were supposed to play a team from New Haven yesterday at our rink. They cancelled due to inclement weather. Not wanting to waste the ice time, my son's team called for a scrimmage. OK! Load em up in the Pilot & off we go. 6" of unplowed roads was nothing for the Pilot. It's 4WD system made hills coming home from the rink seem flat.

When we got home from the rink, my wife had just pulled in. I ordered dinner, hopped in the Legacy, and off I went. I felt the difference of the snow tires immediately. Take off out of my unplowed driveway was instantaneous & drama free. I detoured through some unplowed side streets, stopped in the middle of a hill, & took off again. The car is steady & surefooted around turns. They definitely drive like they are digging into the snow & not driving on top of it. I'm impressed.

nyccarguy

js06gv

@breld I have to say, given the speed at which you seem to get bored with a number of very nice and exciting vehicles, I wouldn't give a transportation appliance like a Highlander more than one week in your garage! I'd advise against it. I may be biased toward Kia vehicles as I've had a couple and like them a lot, but I'd venture to guess that even your Sedona is a more fun drive than a Highlander.

stickguy

We test drive a highlander before getting the RDX. Drove like a truck. We did not care for it. Nice and big inside though.

nyccarguy

@breld - the garage looks fantastic! So does the 428xi Grand Coupe that occupies it (on a temporary basis).