Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Sandman6472

Those little Versa's are pretty sparse on power goodies and they don't drive as nice as the Soul's do. Please rethink this before you pull the trigger because I also think within a few weeks, you'll be unhappy and possibly hearing "I told you so's" from your other half. Sometimes just doing nothing is the best way to go.
In a similar situation here. I really do like that newest BMW I saw the other day but something deep down is telling me to let it go at this time. Big reason why I didn't test drive it yesterday on my n/s day when I was so close to the dealership. As much as I'd love to own it, it's not the right vehicle at this moment. Keeping my current Golf is the more logical thing to do so I've taken the 320i off the table. Plus, I don't want to listen to my wife going on and on about what was I thinking. Just ain't worth all that to me right now!

The Sandman

suydam

At least look at a Versa Note while you're there and compare. Night and day difference.

roadburner

stickguy said:

fintail said:

Yikes. I assume you're OK xwesx, and the crumple zones fulfilled their duty.

that they did. Don't think that one is fixable.

It'll buff right out!
Glad all is well...

28firefighter

So, thinking ahead a bit - the GTI is not going to be a forever car, unfortunately. I'll need to get something bigger but also something I'm not worried about getting roughed up a bit by junior as he gets older (and the dog as she continues to think she is a puppy). There is also a better than not possibility that when we inevitably need to buy a bigger house, my commute is going to get worse so I'm going to want something I don't mind spending time in.

My Dad and I were talking about the 1993 Lexus LS400 that he had for a while when I was kid and how much he loved it - just that it wasn't practical over an extended period for our purposes (he needed AWD to navigate the unplowed streets of Center City Philadelphia to get to his office in winter). I realized that the 2007-2010 Lexus LS460 probably has more tech and luxury than many contemporary counterparts today in the price range. A quick look reveals you can get one with under 100k miles for in the $15k-$23k range depending on options, source etc. It would have tons of space, the safety gizmos I want, the power I want (4.6 V8 with 380 HP), and at a magical price point. Also it would have the awesome Mark Levinson sound system.

Normally I'd say getting a 10 year old luxury barge is a bad idea, which I'd think is true if it were a BMW/Mercedes/Audi, but the Lexus is known for its reliability. I could spend more, but is there a reason to?

Crazy idea?

iluvmysephia1

Now you guys have me really curious to drive a 2017 Nissan Versa S. To see how bad it really is. My 2011 Kia Soul base 5-speed does track pretty well. 

Like sandman says, doing nothing may very well be the best thing ta do here. And enjoy my Soul.

stickguy

around here, there are no crazy ideas. But this one is certainly unique.

maybe go 1/2 way. Get an ES350. I really like those. Plenty of power, lots of goodies, smooth and comfy, but less of a barge and better MPG most likely. To me, an ideal lousy commute car!

fintail

Those LS seem to be a used car bargain. Due to the current one being around for so long, they look relatively "new", have tons of toys, are no doubt durable, but have definitely depreciated. I am not into all Lexus, but I'd try one for an iso-tank.

ab348

28firefighter said:

So, thinking ahead a bit - the GTI is not going to be a forever car, unfortunately. I'll need to get something bigger but also something I'm not worried about getting roughed up a bit by junior as he gets older (and the dog as she continues to think she is a puppy). There is also a better than not possibility that when we inevitably need to buy a bigger house, my commute is going to get worse so I'm going to want something I don't mind spending time in.

That last part of your comment makes me ask: are you saying you don't like spending time in the GTI? I always thought they were a comfortable car.

28firefighter

No no, not at all. I like the GTI quite a bit - though I do wish it had more granular seat controls (since I have the base S, they're manual seats). I was more saying that I do not want to sacrifice any of that comfort when moving to something bigger.

28firefighter

stickguy said:

around here, there are no crazy ideas. But this one is certainly unique.

maybe go 1/2 way. Get an ES350. I really like those. Plenty of power, lots of goodies, smooth and comfy, but less of a barge and better MPG most likely. To me, an ideal lousy commute car!

That is actually the car that got me thinking about it - but then I started looking at the pricing and, if I had my druthers, I'd rather have the LS. It seems they depreciate far more and I really want that V8 if I went down a path like this...

houdini1

iluvmysephia1 said:

Now you guys have me really curious to drive a 2017 Nissan Versa S. To see how bad it really is. My 2011 Kia Soul base 5-speed does track pretty well. 

Like sandman says, doing nothing may very well be the best thing ta do here. And enjoy my Soul.

Yes, definitely give it the "butt" test. Edmund's has a review of the 2017. No rave review, but they certainly did not trash it. Sort of mid pack, but the price you are looking at makes it look a lot better. Your butt will know !!

corvette

28firefighter said:

So, thinking ahead a bit - the GTI is not going to be a forever car, unfortunately. I'll need to get something bigger but also something I'm not worried about getting roughed up a bit by junior as he gets older (and the dog as she continues to think she is a puppy). There is also a better than not possibility that when we inevitably need to buy a bigger house, my commute is going to get worse so I'm going to want something I don't mind spending time in. My Dad and I were talking about the 1993 Lexus LS400 that he had for a while when I was kid and how much he loved it - just that it wasn't practical over an extended period for our purposes (he needed AWD to navigate the unplowed streets of Center City Philadelphia to get to his office in winter). I realized that the 2007-2010 Lexus LS460 probably has more tech and luxury than many contemporary counterparts today in the price range. A quick look reveals you can get one with under 100k miles for in the $15k-$23k range depending on options, source etc. It would have tons of space, the safety gizmos I want, the power I want (4.6 V8 with 380 HP), and at a magical price point. Also it would have the awesome Mark Levinson sound system. Normally I'd say getting a 10 year old luxury barge is a bad idea, which I'd think is true if it were a BMW/Mercedes/Audi, but the Lexus is known for its reliability. I could spend more, but is there a reason to? Crazy idea?

When the lease on my A4 was ending several years back, I found an attractively priced used LS430 at a dealer online.  Didn't even go look at it, which was probably a mistake. 

houdini1

28firefighter said:

So, thinking ahead a bit - the GTI is not going to be a forever car, unfortunately. I'll need to get something bigger but also something I'm not worried about getting roughed up a bit by junior as he gets older (and the dog as she continues to think she is a puppy). There is also a better than not possibility that when we inevitably need to buy a bigger house, my commute is going to get worse so I'm going to want something I don't mind spending time in.

My Dad and I were talking about the 1993 Lexus LS400 that he had for a while when I was kid and how much he loved it - just that it wasn't practical over an extended period for our purposes (he needed AWD to navigate the unplowed streets of Center City Philadelphia to get to his office in winter). I realized that the 2007-2010 Lexus LS460 probably has more tech and luxury than many contemporary counterparts today in the price range. A quick look reveals you can get one with under 100k miles for in the $15k-$23k range depending on options, source etc. It would have tons of space, the safety gizmos I want, the power I want (4.6 V8 with 380 HP), and at a magical price point. Also it would have the awesome Mark Levinson sound system.

Normally I'd say getting a 10 year old luxury barge is a bad idea, which I'd think is true if it were a BMW/Mercedes/Audi, but the Lexus is known for its reliability. I could spend more, but is there a reason to?

Crazy idea?

FF, I have a 2010 LS AWD that I bought as a CPO in 2012. It is my second LS, and both of them were and are trouble free. They just work. About a year ago I had the "newer car" itch and drove a 2015 LS. A little different interior (I actually like mine better) but other than that they look the same and drive the same. I wanted to like the newer one a lot more, but just did not and found no compelling reason to trade up.

If you take a test drive, put the ect in Power mode. This mainly changes the shift modes and gives you a more brisk drive without hurting mpg. Also choose the Sport or Normal mode for the suspension. Comfort mode it too soft. Many people don't put a lot of miles on these cars so if you look around you can find one with low miles and a good price. Great cars.

28firefighter

houdini1 said:

FF, I have a 2010 LS AWD that I bought as a CPO in 2012. It is my second LS, and both of them were and are trouble free. They just work. About a year ago I had the "newer car" itch and drove a 2015 LS. A little different interior (I actually like mine better) but other than that they look the same and drive the same. I wanted to like the newer one a lot more, but just did not and found no compelling reason to trade up.

If you take a test drive, put the ect in Power mode. This mainly changes the shift modes and gives you a more brisk drive without hurting mpg. Also choose the Sport or Normal mode for the suspension. Comfort mode it too soft. Many people don't put a lot of miles on these cars so if you look around you can find one with low miles and a good price. Great cars.

I actually would not want anything newer than a 2010 in the LS because I really dislike the interactive infotainment system in the newer Lexus products, whereas the old is much more my speed. But like you said, I just don't see the point in getting one that is newer - they're fundamentally the same with minor improvements.

I'm going to milk the GTI train as long as I can because I really do love it, but like everyone else here, I'm always contemplating the next step...

iluvmysephia1

Yes, definitely give it the "butt" test. Edmund's has a review of the 2017. No rave review, but they certainly did not trash it. Sort of mid pack, but the price you are looking at makes it look a lot better. Your butt will know !!

You're right, Houdini. This isn't quite over.

I don't want one in black but one in gunmetal, white or silver would work. The white ones have black door handles! I'd have to paint them white. The gunmetal Versa S door handles blend right in, black over grey.

stickguy

Almost at a milestone. Got the loan statement today for the RDX, and payoff balance is below $3,000 now. When we make the last payment on 9/15, will be all ours! Will be pleasant not making that payment every month. And 3 weeks later make the last lease payment on the sonata, another boon to cash flow.

Even better, 3 months after that, last tuition payment is made. That will really help 2018 cash flow!

There is finally a light at the end of the tunnel that isn't a train.

nyccarguy

I'm seeing some very low mileage 2013 G37x & 2014 Q40 AWD CPO in the low $20K range. They also use the same size 225/55 R17 tires that my Subaru uses so no need to ditch the new snow shoes.

stickguy

Nice cars. I would have grabbed one (a 2012 I think with 20k miles) 2 years ago if I hadn't just leased my car. Was about $21,000 at the time. Screaming deal and even had surround view and navi. Ah well. Life is about timing.

tifighter

You say you want a V8 with a manual transmission? Step right this way...

ab348

tifighter said:

You say you want a V8 with a manual transmission? Step right this way...

Or maybe one of these? Chevy SS Manual

stickguy

tifighter said:

You say you want a V8 with a manual transmission? Step right this way...

I did not realize that they ever made a stick one of these. Heck, these days, seems like they don't even offer a stick (or you can't find one) in the real Porsches!

28firefighter

I just sent that to my Dad, @tifighter. He loves the Cayenne and I think a GTS manual would make him lose his mind.

xwesx

28firefighter said:

I just sent that to my Dad, @tifighter. He loves the Cayenne and I think a GTS manual would make him lose his mind.

Trying to send him to the looney bin once and for all, are you?

fintail

An 8 year old highline Cayenne would be a good garage mate for a 15 year old MB S600 - the pair could pay a Medina mortgage for your local indy shop owner.

tifighter

28firefighter said:

I just sent that to my Dad, @tifighter. He loves the Cayenne and I think a GTS manual would make him lose his mind.

I was surprised to see the manual for sure, although I've seen one before with the V6. But I haven't seen a GTS manual before. Tell him you'll pick him up at the airport.

28firefighter

tifighter said:

28firefighter said:

I just sent that to my Dad, @tifighter. He loves the Cayenne and I think a GTS manual would make him lose his mind.

I was surprised to see the manual for sure, although I've seen one before with the V6. But I haven't seen a GTS manual before. Tell him you'll pick him up at the airport.

He says its too expensive for what it is; Typical situation - trying for a premium at sale time because it is "rare" and killed the last owner on trade because no one wanted it.

tbirdmarco

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hzoHPq9SwZw

tbirdmarco

@xwesx o no hope no one got injered

tbirdmarco

@iluvmysephia1 go for it if that is what you want! good luck on your upcumming exzame

andres3

xwesx said:

Hahaha; thanks for the laughs, guys! My wife and children were in the car, and all are okay (as is the other driver).

Sadly, this was the "good" Subaru - our 2010. You can see my 2008 in the background of the photo - the rollover damage is evident even from a distance.

So, what happened? Well, my wife was taking the kids home after some in-town classes and errands. She came upon a vehicle on the shoulder with hazards on, inching forward slowly. She slowed to about 30 mph (this was in a 50mph zone) and began to pass. As she did so, the driver whipped a u-turn immediately in front of her.

She actually has pretty amazing reflexes, and has avoided a couple of collisions in the past that most people (including me, to be honest) likely would not have managed. However, this time around the other driver was moving in the same direction as her evasion, and simply did not even notice she was there. They ended up connecting in the oncoming lane in a sort of deflected T-bone pattern (she hit his car just in front of the driver door), where she punted his car down the road (still in the oncoming lane), and he punted hers into the snow bank as you see in the photo.

It was pretty extensive damage to both cars - neither one driveable afterward. His was a just-purchased (about three weeks ago) 2005 Kia Sportage (actually really nice shape despite its age). Damage on our car includes suspension mangled on the front right corner, as well as damage to the radiator and power steering system. The car still runs and I was able to back it out of the snow bank to aid loading it on the wrecker, but it is one messed up puppy. With the deployed airbag, I expect damages are likely around $10K (assuming no frame rail damage), which means its a total.

I might have to fight with the insurance on valuation, but if they aren't willing to meet me at a reasonable price for it, I'm going to have to dig out all my stock parts and tear it down to salvage my investments. That thing is way more car than a typical Forester. If my wife ends up wanting another car like it (3rd gen Forester), then so much the better...

Imagine if that was your former TDI before you did the buyback. I suppose it runs under its own power still, but you might be accused of "bad faith" like those that stripped their VW's before the buyback.

Mr_Shiftright

Yeah, that car is toast---it was hit at the worst possible angle. Great news that no one was injured, though.

Remember if the insurance company settles up with you, they own the car---so you'll have to buy it back from them at about 10-13% of the settlement price if you want to strip parts off it. You also get sales tax and license fees, so there's about 10% "bonus" over their offer. Make sure their quote does, or does not, include tax and license.

stickguy

just get the parts swapped before it goes off to the junkyard. Would help if it goes to a bodyshop temporarily where you have friends.

nyccarguy

As always, I've been all over the map in the past couple of days (Accord Sport, EXL V6, Base TLX, Civic Sport Hatchback, Q50, CPO G37x...). All roads seem to point in one direction.

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

As always, I've been all over the map in the past couple of days (Accord Sport, EXL V6, Base TLX, Civic Sport Hatchback, Q50, CPO G37x...). All roads seem to point in one direction.

Yeah ... sticking with the Legacy!

:laughing:

nyccarguy

Michaell said:

nyccarguy said:

As always, I've been all over the map in the past couple of days (Accord Sport, EXL V6, Base TLX, Civic Sport Hatchback, Q50, CPO G37x...). All roads seem to point in one direction.

Yeah ... sticking with the Legacy!

:laughing:

I'm going to take a serious look at a Q50 AWD 3.0 Turbo.

stickguy

and your wife is going to take a close look at a JMonroe special edition cast iron fry pan to take upside your head!

Now me, I could take a look at one later in the year! Because I can already predict how this is going to go.

first, I decide to try the 1 car for both of us plan. Which will get real old real quick. But will hold out until the princess comes home in mid-december with the Jetta (after being home the whole week of Thanksgiving). So I will make it until the week after christmas.

then I will decide to go cheap, and get a $200/month lease. Until I start looking at options, and doing the "it's just another $10/month" dance a few times, and decide instead that the killer deal on something like this infiniti, or a service demo BMW for just about $300 or a smidge over will just be so much nicer to have!

so my prediction is, unless I find a screaming deal on something interesting used, I will end up leasing something the week after Christmas. Quite possibly a new years eve present to myself!

kyfdx

Needs advice:
https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/44726/general/x/which-new-car/p1?new=1

Michaell

stickguy said:

and your wife is going to take a close look at a JMonroe special edition cast iron fry pan to take upside your head!

Now me, I could take a look at one later in the year! Because I can already predict how this is going to go.

first, I decide to try the 1 car for both of us plan. Which will get real old real quick. But will hold out until the princess comes home in mid-december with the Jetta (after being home the whole week of Thanksgiving). So I will make it until the week after christmas.

then I will decide to go cheap, and get a $200/month lease. Until I start looking at options, and doing the "it's just another $10/month" dance a few times, and decide instead that the killer deal on something like this infiniti, or a service demo BMW for just about $300 or a smidge over will just be so much nicer to have!

so my prediction is, unless I find a screaming deal on something interesting used, I will end up leasing something the week after Christmas. Quite possibly a new years eve present to myself!

I almost want to save this post and see what you get by the end of the year.

stickguy

one for Bradd. Alternative to a Q50. lots of room and even more HP!

http://www.royalautogroups.com/vehicle-details/2015-ford-taurus-sho-awd-nav-rvc-prem-pkg-tech-pkg-silver-certified-sedan-b8599f08d6bc1945869b7e0b6ca0b952/

Or if you want a G37, low miles on this one. I'd look if it had a different color interior.

http://www.royalautogroups.com/vehicle-details/2013-infiniti-g37-sedan-awd--premium-pkg-rvc-heated-seats-silver-certefied-sedan-0fe3980796d2744586a3098796522cc3/

Michaell

stickguy said:

one for Bradd. Alternative to a Q50. lots of room and even more HP!

http://www.royalautogroups.com/vehicle-details/2015-ford-taurus-sho-awd-nav-rvc-prem-pkg-tech-pkg-silver-certified-sedan-b8599f08d6bc1945869b7e0b6ca0b952/

Or if you want a G37, low miles on this one. I'd look if it had a different color interior.

http://www.royalautogroups.com/vehicle-details/2013-infiniti-g37-sedan-awd--premium-pkg-rvc-heated-seats-silver-certefied-sedan-0fe3980796d2744586a3098796522cc3/

I could live with that G37 - given how few miles I drive, a high mile off lease car would work for me. Just gotta keep the payments budget friendly.

stickguy

same here. If my job/driving needs don't change by the time I buy, a great deal on something with higher miles could do just fine. And MPG won't be a huge priority.

Michaell

stickguy said:

same here. If my job/driving needs don't change by the time I buy, a great deal on something with higher miles could do just fine. And MPG won't be a huge priority.

It's just that the inner frugalness in me could prevent that from happening. Even something used around $20K will result in a car payment much higher than my lease payments have been.

graphicguy

nyccarguy said:

Michaell said:

nyccarguy said:

As always, I've been all over the map in the past couple of days (Accord Sport, EXL V6, Base TLX, Civic Sport Hatchback, Q50, CPO G37x...). All roads seem to point in one direction.

Yeah ... sticking with the Legacy!

:laughing:

I'm going to take a serious look at a Q50 AWD 3.0 Turbo.

Would love to hear your impressions. I think you'll like it. Don't forget to try it in all driving modes (I have mine on the personal setting).

28firefighter

It sounds like someone in here has the bug real bad.

stickguy

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

same here. If my job/driving needs don't change by the time I buy, a great deal on something with higher miles could do just fine. And MPG won't be a huge priority.

It's just that the inner frugalness in me could prevent that from happening. Even something used around $20K will result in a car payment much higher than my lease payments have been.

Oh, I'm as cheap as they come, no worries there. If I buy used, it mist like will be cheap. If I'm getting a large payment, might as well get new or lease! Not interested in taking on another $500 or more monthly nut.

Could give me an excuse to swim in the old toy car pool again (like a few years back when I had the $2,500 integra).

Michaell

stickguy said:

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

same here. If my job/driving needs don't change by the time I buy, a great deal on something with higher miles could do just fine. And MPG won't be a huge priority.

It's just that the inner frugalness in me could prevent that from happening. Even something used around $20K will result in a car payment much higher than my lease payments have been.

Oh, I'm as cheap as they come, no worries there. If I buy used, it mist like will be cheap. If I'm getting a large payment, might as well get new or lease! Not interested in taking on another $500 or more monthly nut.

Could give me an excuse to swim in the old toy car pool again (like a few years back when I had the $2,500 integra).

My problem is I've had poor luck buying used. Just don't have the gene that allows me to tell trash from treasure.

stickguy

I think I do, but my gut, while usually good, is not infallible.

suydam

I've had pretty good luck. My rules are 1) pick a car with good reliability ratings and 2) have it checked by a mechanic first. With used I always went for practicality and seldom for fun. Exception: the '90 Mazda 626 MT hatch I bought for my college age son. That car was a hoot! But I figured it would be reliable too.

nyccarguy

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

same here. If my job/driving needs don't change by the time I buy, a great deal on something with higher miles could do just fine. And MPG won't be a huge priority.

It's just that the inner frugalness in me could prevent that from happening. Even something used around $20K will result in a car payment much higher than my lease payments have been.

That's what I have trouble wrapping my head around as well. The loan payment on the $22K used G37X will most likely be more than the lease payment on a 36/15K lease payment on a brand new Q50.

@qbrozen - what year is your EX? How many miles are on it? Any issues pop up yet?

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

same here. If my job/driving needs don't change by the time I buy, a great deal on something with higher miles could do just fine. And MPG won't be a huge priority.

It's just that the inner frugalness in me could prevent that from happening. Even something used around $20K will result in a car payment much higher than my lease payments have been.

That's what I have trouble wrapping my head around as well. The loan payment on the $22K used G37X will most likely be more than the lease payment on a 36/15K lease payment on a brand new Q50.

@qbrozen - what year is your EX? How many miles are on it? Any issues pop up yet?

And both are outside of my budget.

Did somebody say Bring a Trailer? I found this:

http://bringatrailer.com/listing/2003-bmw-525i-2/

Granted, a RWD BMW in CO isn't a smart decision, but I have to admit it appeals to me. Simple, relatively inexpensive (current bid is $3K), stick shift, inline 6.