Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

mjfloyd1

rayainsw said:

I will be 68 this summer. I am still working - full time. My Mom just passed - she was 95. I am hoping [ fingers crossed ] to move to something like 3/4 time, here at the same company I have been with for over 13 years. - Ray Still hoping to feed the CCBA habit - semi-regularly, for a while ...

Sorry to hear about your mom's passing. 

fintail

By begging, I mean stuff like "what can I do to get you into this car today", or "I'll club a baby seal to make a better deal". There's a reason salespeople, in some industries especially, have negative stereotypes around them.

houdini1 said:

If you guys think "begging" is a successful sales technique, you are correct in that you would make very poor salespeople.

graphicguy

Marcothecarguy1986 said:

@graphicguy on other news how is the mustang doing. do you get to drive it a lot?

Had it out last weekend and will again this weekend as the weather's getting nicer (60s this weekend). Even with the top up, it's a blast. It's loud. It's brash. It's faster than most cars. But, current GTs and Camaros will beat it in a stop light war. However, it gets respect wherever I drive it. People are always honking and giving me a thumbs up when I drive it.

It's got a CD AND A CASSETTE PLAYER. When's the last time you saw that? I bought one of those bluetooth gizxmos that streams phone calls and iTunes from my iPhone through the Mach Stereo, so I'm all set on the entertainment front

It can sit for a month and it fires right up when I start it.

You have to pay attention when driving it. There are no traction control (thank goodness) nannies, nor any lane assists. It's just a loud DOHC V8, hand built, on an aged chassis, with a 5-speed and a heavy clutch. I can
smoke'm (tires) at will.

When the weather gets about 10 degrees warmer, I'll start putting the top down, and then the fun really begins. I'll have it out every weeken.

I was thinking of maintenance I have to do to it this Spring, and can't think of anything other than to do an oil change (every 3K miles) and a tire rotation. It's all original, and everything works, so there's not much more to do. The top is showing some slight wear. But, it doesn't leak, so not sure there's anything I need to do to it just yet. The dash lights are a bit dim, but I don't know if that's the way they really were 20 years ago. Or, maybe the bulbs have dimmed over the last several years. If it's not too much work, I might replace the dash backlights.

It's been a true joy to own so far.

graphicguy

Ray...that's just a drop dead, gorgeous car. I know you'll really enjoy it.

Michaell

Today marks the 6 month anniversary of my leasing the Jetta - well, day 182, so close enough.

I should have right at 6000 miles on it by now - I actually have just over 2900.

I've filled it up 8 times in 6 months. I'm averaging just over 29 MPG so far, in mostly city or suburban driving, and my gas costs are running about 7 cents a mile. My average price of the fill-ups is $2.01 for 87 octane, which is considered mid-grade here in Colorado.

Ownership experience has been good so far - only one unscheduled trip to the dealer, to fix a squeaky drivers side window.

And, I think my lease payment has finally been sorted out ... the last two months, the bill has been the same amount: $226.01.

No real gripes about anything. It's competent, quiet, quick on its feet (turbocharging at altitude is a plus!), and does everything I want it to. I prefer driving it over the wife's Outback and the daughter's MINI. Just the right size.

I can see leasing another VW when the lease on this is up, based on my experience so far. Jetta Sport? Passat R-Line? Suppose it depends on what my budget is.

rayainsw

My 340i 2016 – a few random thoughts and impressions - part 1
The 340i is roughly 500 pounds lighter than the Charger.
This lighter weight is evident in most every aspect of performance & feel – acceleration and handling, as I wrote earlier, quite specifically. The Edmunds instrumented performance test results [ link at the end, in case anyone wants to read it ] reports a quarter mile time almost exactly the same as the published quarter mile times for the 2007 Corvette I had. 12.7 seconds is rather impressive for a 4 door sedan with such excellent fuel mileage, I think. Edmunds long term example has AWD [ mine is RWD ] but for me, the acceleration thrust and feel once moving is much more important than 0 to xx MPH – or even 0 to xxx MPH. Edmunds is the only instrumented test I have seen of the 8-speed auto. My RWD might post closer to 13 flat, without the traction advantage of AWD at launch – and that’s just fine with me.
So – for me, the 340i provides very satisfying acceleration. Check.
A few related observations:
The RPM at cruise [ a somewhat illogical, but strongly held priority of mine ] is much lower than the Q50 I recently drove and reported on here – and scratched off my ‘short list’.
65 MPH = 1,500 RPM.
This, plus the lighter weight, results in an EPA highway number of 33 MPG. The Charger’s EPA highway number is 25. So, the BMW is over 30% better. The EPA ‘combined’ number for the BMW is 26 MPG, the Charger’s is 19. Over 35% better. I typically see 19 – 20 average MPG in my [ awful ] commute plus the rest of my typical weekly driving. I expect to see between 25 and 27 MPG average in the 340i.
Will report once I have a few data points – for those who care.
More when I have time. Any specific questions, please post & I’ll try to answer here?
- Ray
Back to work now . . .
https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/3-series/2016/long-term-road-test/2016-bmw-340i-performance-tested.html

ab348

@rayainsw - Kudos on getting such a lovely vehicle. What was the motivation? Is this an addition or a replacement for the Charger?

PS - you need to update your signature now.

rayainsw

Hmmm... I did edit my Profile -
and it shows the BMW there???
Odd.
Anyway: Motivation - a genetic predisposition toward CCBA ?
More seriously, the Charger will hit 36,000 miles within
the next couple of weeks - and that is the end of the
36,000 mile B2B wty.
- Ray
The BMW has a longer B2B...

Michaell

rayainsw said:

Hmmm... I did edit my Profile -
and it shows the BMW there???
Odd.
Anyway: Motivation - a genetic predisposition toward CCBA ?
More seriously, the Charger will hit 36,000 miles within
the next couple of weeks - and that is the end of the
36,000 B2B wty.
- Ray
The BMW has a longer B2B...

Why not lease?

suydam

You have to update the signature line.

rayainsw

The BMW is a 36 month lease.

28firefighter

rayainsw said:

The BMW is a 36 month lease.

Are you planning to keep the Charger?

rayainsw

No - the Charger will be sold - I just do not have the time right
now to deal with the sale...
Work and Family have filled my every waking hour....
- Ray
[ sigh ]

Michaell

rayainsw said:

The BMW is a 36 month lease.

Ah, excellent. Thanks for clarifying.

This means you'll be in the market in 2020.

If not before.

sda

rayainsw said:

The BMW is a 36 month lease.

Beautiful car, enjoy!

kyfdx

I have a major purchase to report!

New summer rubber for my BMW!

Now, a six week wait to actually swap them on to the car.

Michaell

kyfdx said:

I have a major purchase to report!

New summer rubber for my BMW!

Now, a six week wait to actually swap them on to the car.

While it's not a terribly sexy purchase, I'm sure it will transform the way your car rides and handles.

Care to share the details with us? Brand, store, etc.? Anything interesting about the order or purchase we ought to know?

carnaught

rayainsw said:

No - the Charger will be sold - I just do not have the time right
now to deal with the sale...
Work and Family have filled my every waking hour....
- Ray
[ sigh ]

@rayainsw, you ought to see what a cash offer at Carmax, or through Autotrader would be.

qbrozen

kyfdx said:

I have a major purchase to report!

New summer rubber for my BMW!

Now, a six week wait to actually swap them on to the car.

I bought new cheap all seasons for the EX35 (but the reviews are positive). They arrived yesterday. Not sure if I'll get to mount them this weekend. Stock is 225/55/18 and I bought 245/50/18 instead. They are Nankang AS-1. Cost me a hair under $300 for the set. Pondered going with summer rubber, but decided to cheap out this time around.

xwesx

qbrozen said:

I bought new cheap all seasons for the EX35 (but the reviews are positive). They arrived yesterday. Not sure if I'll get to mount them this weekend. Stock is 225/55/18 and I bought 245/50/18 instead. They are Nankang AS-1. Cost me a hair under $300 for the set. Pondered going with summer rubber, but decided to cheap out this time around.

Wow! Under $300 for a full set of 18" tires? That's fantastic! What sort of a lifespan do you expect them to have?

stickguy

Short on that car!

I was at Mavis tire today. I think they had some of that brand on display as their budget tires.

As suspected, I had a small nail in my tire, leading to a slow leak. And man, is TPM a wonderful feature! Gave me the early warning needed to avoid potential badness. Luckily they could inside patch it. That, new TPM kit ($2.99 for new rubber seals/gadgets), and remount and balance and good to go, wallet $25 lighter. Might have been free at dealer but did not have time to hassle with that.

kyfdx

Last set I bought was Michelin Pilot Super Sports. At the time, about $1100. Worth every penny.. they might be the best all-around performance tire, ever.

Costco has them on sale for $900. I'd have to renew my $55 membership, though, so figure $955. I was just about decided on it, but decided to check out my options, by looking at one performance category lower. On TireRack, that's Ultra High Performance (vs Max Performance).

One of the top rated in that category was Firestone FireHawk Indy 500. About 60-65% of the price of the Michelins. Costco didn't carry them, but we have a local Firestone Auto Center. Checked out the website, and they give complete quotes. $540 (on the car, out the door). Pretty much what I expected. But, what's this? $100 off coupon for President Day, as long as you spend $500. Stopped down to verify pricing, and it's $432 total!

Dropped off my summer set, and picked them up this morning. At an over $500 savings, I'll take my chances.

(staggered 18" tires. 255/35-18, 225/40-18)

stickguy

Certainly cheap for that size. Will they put them on the car for you when time comes, or is that a DIY project?

kyfdx

stickguy said:

Certainly cheap for that size. Will they put them on the car for you when time comes, or is that a DIY project?

Yes, they will swap them out. (about April 1st).

We usually do that at a friend's house (two cars), but will let the retailer do it, when it's free.

rayainsw

" rayainsw said:
The BMW is a 36 month lease.
= = =
Ah, excellent. Thanks for clarifying.
This means you'll be in the market in 2020."
Or, perhaps a bit sooner -
with a typical BMW 'pull-ahead' deal...?
- Ray
Always planning ahead...

Michaell

rayainsw said:

" rayainsw said:
The BMW is a 36 month lease.
= = =
Ah, excellent. Thanks for clarifying.
This means you'll be in the market in 2020."
Or, perhaps a bit sooner -
with a typical BMW 'pull-ahead' deal...?
- Ray
Always planning ahead...

The pull ahead program isn't always available from BMW.

But, you may be able to end your lease early, depending on the numbers.

28firefighter

I seem to recall reading somewhere (maybe from @roadburner, but I don't think so), that generally you can do a pull ahead up to 3 months, sometimes there are programs for longer, unless a dealer chooses to exercise their right NOT to take in a car.

andres3

kyfdx said:

Last set I bought was Michelin Pilot Super Sports. At the time, about $1100. Worth every penny.. they might be the best all-around performance tire, ever.

Costco has them on sale for $900. I'd have to renew my $55 membership, though, so figure $955. I was just about decided on it, but decided to check out my options, by looking at one performance category lower. On TireRack, that's Ultra High Performance (vs Max Performance).

One of the top rated in that category was Firestone FireHawk Indy 500. About 60-65% of the price of the Michelins. Costco didn't carry them, but we have a local Firestone Auto Center. Checked out the website, and they give complete quotes. $540 (on the car, out the door). Pretty much what I expected. But, what's this? $100 off coupon for President Day, as long as you spend $500. Stopped down to verify pricing, and it's $432 total!

Dropped off my summer set, and picked them up this morning. At an over $500 savings, I'll take my chances.

(staggered 18" tires. 255/35-18, 225/40-18)

Hmmm... isn't the Indy 500 a very new tire? I imagine the "good" reviews are limited in their sample size right now?????

Either way, the savings seems to have made it worth the risk, but like you, I think the Michelin PSS are the best all around performance tire. In fact, I liked them so much, I put Sport Cup 2's on the TTS, which is one reason I didn't want to continue daily driving it with a long commute blocked and impeded by dozens of Toyotas every day.

breld

kyfdx said:

Last set I bought was Michelin Pilot Super Sports. At the time, about $1100. Worth every penny.. they might be the best all-around performance tire, ever.

Costco has them on sale for $900. I'd have to renew my $55 membership, though, so figure $955. I was just about decided on it, but decided to check out my options, by looking at one performance category lower. On TireRack, that's Ultra High Performance (vs Max Performance).

One of the top rated in that category was Firestone FireHawk Indy 500. About 60-65% of the price of the Michelins. Costco didn't carry them, but we have a local Firestone Auto Center. Checked out the website, and they give complete quotes. $540 (on the car, out the door). Pretty much what I expected. But, what's this? $100 off coupon for President Day, as long as you spend $500. Stopped down to verify pricing, and it's $432 total!

Dropped off my summer set, and picked them up this morning. At an over $500 savings, I'll take my chances.

(staggered 18" tires. 255/35-18, 225/40-18)

Wow! That's an incredible price.

andres3

I love $100 rebates or discounts when the starting price is already competitive. There's a local tire store chain that does 3 tires, get one free. Problem is, their 3 tires cost more than most charge for 4! At best it ends up being equal, which is a downright scam.

One time Discount ran a holiday $100 rebate that meant they were beating Tire Rack by $100 for 3 days only. No strings attached. I've noticed those two companies are very competitive and go back and forth depending on the tire as to who will beat the other price wise. Costco seems to undercut them both though on a limited selection. Tire Rack isn't as cheap as they used to be, and inflation for UPS delivery has been somewhere around 100% in the last 10 years I think.

qbrozen

xwesx said:

qbrozen said:

I bought new cheap all seasons for the EX35 (but the reviews are positive). They arrived yesterday. Not sure if I'll get to mount them this weekend. Stock is 225/55/18 and I bought 245/50/18 instead. They are Nankang AS-1. Cost me a hair under $300 for the set. Pondered going with summer rubber, but decided to cheap out this time around.

Wow! Under $300 for a full set of 18" tires? That's fantastic! What sort of a lifespan do you expect them to have?

400 wear rating, so I think they should last quite a while ....although the way i drive cuts the life of any tire exponentially.

kyfdx

andres3 said:

kyfdx said:

Last set I bought was Michelin Pilot Super Sports. At the time, about $1100. Worth every penny.. they might be the best all-around performance tire, ever.

Costco has them on sale for $900. I'd have to renew my $55 membership, though, so figure $955. I was just about decided on it, but decided to check out my options, by looking at one performance category lower. On TireRack, that's Ultra High Performance (vs Max Performance).

One of the top rated in that category was Firestone FireHawk Indy 500. About 60-65% of the price of the Michelins. Costco didn't carry them, but we have a local Firestone Auto Center. Checked out the website, and they give complete quotes. $540 (on the car, out the door). Pretty much what I expected. But, what's this? $100 off coupon for President Day, as long as you spend $500. Stopped down to verify pricing, and it's $432 total!

Dropped off my summer set, and picked them up this morning. At an over $500 savings, I'll take my chances.

(staggered 18" tires. 255/35-18, 225/40-18)

Hmmm... isn't the Indy 500 a very new tire? I imagine the "good" reviews are limited in their sample size right now?????

Either way, the savings seems to have made it worth the risk, but like you, I think the Michelin PSS are the best all around performance tire. In fact, I liked them so much, I put Sport Cup 2's on the TTS, which is one reason I didn't want to continue daily driving it with a long commute blocked and impeded by dozens of Toyotas every day.

It is relatively new (18 months?), but TireRack actually tested it, and it came out on top in it's category. They liked it a lot.

tbirdmarco

@Michaell whow hoping for the best for her.

tbirdmarco

@corvette what year is your Morano forget. have you changed the trans flewid or culent yet. going to have my brother do that in his altama that he got last may soon. car has under 30000 miles on it so has sum time and all other flewids to.

tbirdmarco

@graphicguy glad the mustang is doing grate! glad you do take out almost every weekand. change oial every 3k miles or 6 munths. have to do that on my t bird soon have had the car over one year have not done it yet bad me. but it is not on the road yet still bad me. also going to change the trans flewide and cullent and flush out the break system. happy Friday injoy your weekand.

tbirdmarco

happy Friday all. have an good upcumming weekand to all.

tbirdmarco

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVhuQNnBkb0&sns=em

corvette

Marcothecarguy1986 said:

@corvette what year is your Morano forget. have you changed the trans flewid or culent yet. going to have my brother do that in his altama that he got last may soon. car has under 30000 miles on it so has sum time and all other flewids to.

2012 with 64,000 miles. I haven't changed the CVT fluid or coolant yet and probably won't. It is under CarMax warranty for four more years. 

iluvmysephia1

Well, I'm still trying to talk myself out of pursuing a 2017 Toyota Yaris iA. It is a carrot to me - a nice gift or reward for studying and passing a difficult medical exam. The Mrs. will not want it, for sure.

Jay Wolfe Toyota of KC has three stick shift iA's on sale through the end of February for only $14,975. That is about as low as you're going to find a new iA for.



The above is an iA in Toyota's Chromium/045P paint. They have one in this color and two in Pulse (red). Gonna drive over there after work in the morning so I can get a bead on where the dealership is. Apparently it's near KC International Airport.

iluvmysephia1

I did sign up for an extra 4 hours of work today that will be every week. That will bring in $538 more dollars every month into the iluvmysephia1 coffers. Of that, my argument will be that I will take $200 of that and pay it extra to the monthly iA payment. See? It's all adding up correctly.

I luv the front-on view of the iA. I know, it's those 3/4 view looks that make ya go "eww!"

Looking at the car sitting in KC traffic, I notice the little iA. It stands out in my mind. And then when I stare at it - which admittedly isn't for very long, KC drivers like ta keep you moving along with them, I get a "oh, that looks good" effect going in my brain. That, my car-loving Jay Leno-likes, bodes well for...me.

I try to follow the little car's path as long as surrounding traffic will let me. Which is about 4 seconds...They will honk, I've found out!

iluvmysephia1

The above Toyota Yaris iA color is named Pulse. Two of the 6-speed iA's at Jay Wolfe Toyota in Kansas City are this color. My mission, should I choose to accept it, is to decide if I want a Pulse or a Chromium-colored 2017 Toyota Yaris iA. 

I'm not certain I like them in this shade of red.

andres3

corvette said:

Marcothecarguy1986 said:

@corvette what year is your Morano forget. have you changed the trans flewid or culent yet. going to have my brother do that in his altama that he got last may soon. car has under 30000 miles on it so has sum time and all other flewids to.

2012 with 64,000 miles. I haven't changed the CVT fluid or coolant yet and probably won't. It is under CarMax warranty for four more years. 

have you had to use the CarMax warranty yet?

tbirdmarco

@kyfdx Man thaught for an minit you baught an car. I was getting all excited to read all about it. lol lol

tbirdmarco

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=d3PCRF6kN84

tbirdmarco

@corvette nice love that jenaration of maranno and the first jenaration to as whell. new one is ok to.

tbirdmarco

@iluvmysephia1 nice I a go for it think we would all say the same thing in hear lol lol. if that is an car you like and want. do like the red my selfe but what ever color you chose that will work for you go for it. injoy your weekand.

tbirdmarco

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ac4Vwq66rec

corvette

andres3 said:

have you had to use the CarMax warranty yet?

No. It's been very dependable so far. I miss the way the Yukon drove but not the constant stream of expensive repairs.

iluvmysephia1

Hey, Marcothecarguy1986! Thanks for the encouragement. My wife will love you for it! It will be a challenge to both decide that I want to go through with it, first, then to work a deal we can live with. We really sweat bullets when buying a car, man.

fintail

That Scion is so normal from the sides, then a screaming leering face. What's in the sake over there?