Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

corvette

Cinci folks, you missed a great wine festival. There were also several food sponsors--Kroger gave out cheese and meat plates, quesadillas, and grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup, and the Midwest Culinary Institute had a big spread (above).

iluvmysephia1

Michael - thanks for the advice regarding the 2017 Chevy Spark. The dealer is McCarthy-Morse of Overland Park, which is handy because we're getting interested in possibly buying a house there in OP. It's a nice neighborhood with low crime and appreciating values.

I know my 2011 Kia Soul is a good rig...I won't trade unless it just knocks me off my feet. The Kalamata color from Chevy wouldn't turn most people's crank but I don't mind it. Metallic looks good in purple to me. But I agree, buying a cheap new car, just to buy a new car, isn't a "must do."

2017 Chevy Spark

I like the New World Order Chevy Spark styling a lot. Cute as a snug bug in a rug. Backup camera, OnStar, Android Auto, Intelligent accident avoidance, lane departure warning, etc.

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

stickguy said:

this one is nice. Like the equipment. Price seems OK for a 2014, but that obviously reflects the steep miles. Probably still too high, but as always, I can never judge that. Probably need to drop a couple grand more to make it worth while. Oh, and become a different color combo.

http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2014-bmw-3_series-certified_320i_xdrive_awd_sport_package_navigation-used-15881302.html

I like that car.  Especially for $17K.  Sport Seats are a plus.  Might be a good candidate for one of those warranty voiding chips that seem to be all the rage these days.  I wonder if it has the adaptive suspension.  Anyway to tell @roadburner?

No M Adaptive suspension- just sport seats and M Sport steering wheel. Professional Navigation is kind of rare in a 320i, but we have a couple.

stickguy

I luv, I would bet money that your wife would not want that car. Even though it is cheap.

I know from experience that if you are looking to splurge on yourself, make sure that your better half actually likes it too.

kyfdx

corvette said:

Cinci folks, you missed a great wine festival. There were also several food sponsors--Kroger gave out cheese and meat plates, quesadillas, and grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup, and the Midwest Culinary Institute had a big spread (above).

So, how is your head, today?

The BeerFest lasts three hours, but puts me out of commission for 24 hours. Thinking I might be too old for that.

jpp75

@michaell The kitchen looks great, hope you get the wrinkles ironed out quickly.

@nyccarguy Glad the basement is progressing, I know you're ready to have it done!

fintail

I figure 20% down, 800K mortgage = 1MM, I can probably get half an acre in the no-mans land between Bellevue and Issaquah, or maybe Kirkland or Newcastle, for that, even with a garagehouse that appears to be cheaply built. What a bargain it is here!

28firefighter said:

That house would go way more than $800k in your area unless you put it in Snohomish or down towards Federal Way. 

tifighter

Stopped by Griot's today to pick up a few things and was pleasantly surprised to see these-

A 250 GT Lusso ($$$$$), Schumacher's 2000 car and Lauda's 1975 car. They had other newer F cars, but these were the most interesting for me.

fintail

I wonder who those belong to.

laurasdada

So, that's where I left my Lusso!

graphicguy

corvette said:

Cinci folks, you missed a great wine festival. There were also several food sponsors--Kroger gave out cheese and meat plates, quesadillas, and grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup, and the Midwest Culinary Institute had a big spread (above).

WOW! Sorry I missed that. Have had the sinus grunge this weekend that just wouldn't go away!

nyccarguy

While the carpeting was being installed in the basement inn friday, Solar panels were put up on the roof.

stickguy

don't look too bad on your house. Kind of match the gray. Tend to clash with brown/tan brick like we have.

qbrozen

nyccarguy said:

While the carpeting was being installed in the basement inn friday, Solar panels were put up on the roof.

Are you having trees removed? Looks like about half your panels are being shaded.

tifighter

@nyccarguy Yes solar! We are super happy that we did it. How big is that array; guessing around 7.6 kW or so?

tjc78

@Michaell
@nyccarguy

 Both look great!

Funny remodel story.  I did my kitchen myself (full gut down to studs).  I certainly had help from my cousin and uncle but no contractors.  

Anyway, we went with the taller cabinets and fancy crown moulding for the tops.   Well, without telling my wife I also did crown moulding on the ceiling (just a touch I wanted) 

To this day, she thinks that moulding is the stuff I ordered with the cabinets. I had forgotten all about it except I was running an Ethernet line into my bedroom and found the boxes in the rafters.  OOPS!  Just as well, that moulding is a royal pain to install.  

On the car front been checking out the leasing forums on the MDX, Pilot and QX60.   I'm not thrilled with the prices I'm seeing, almost 600 for 47-50 k vehicles. I guess I'm too used to GM and Hyundai discounts and subsidized money factors.  

stickguy

people up the street have a black MDX as of yesterday, with temp tags on it. Thought it was new, but today they had it backed in, and it has an autolenders plate on the front. So they paid a lot for it!

I found the big Santa Fe to be a really nice package. If I was looking to upsize the family car, that would get a long look.

stickguy

parked at Shop Rite today 1 car over from a nice blue BMW 320i with tan interior, 17" wheels, and a temp tag. Really sharp. Pointed it out to the wife, and said I could get one of those, and it might be able to come in under (a slightly expanded) budget. She said she could live with one of those. I think she really wants it, but does not want to get her hopes up!

tjc78

I like the Santa Fe, I'm going to check it out.  When the Elantra is in for its first service I'm going to take one out.  Why not, right?  

stickguy

that is my theory. I never ask for a loaner when I am in for routine service. That is my hour to be held captive, looking at other cars! Next time in will be close to the end, so will really have incentive. By then the Ioniq should be on the ground too.

tjc78

Hmm... 44k with every option box checked.  Three rows and captains chairs in middle with no console in between. 

Just placed on the list for sure.  I've been in the "sport" but the regular seems much bigger. 

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

nyccarguy said:

While the carpeting was being installed in the basement inn friday, Solar panels were put up on the roof.

Are you having trees removed? Looks like about half your panels are being shaded.

No trees will be cut down.  I took this pic very late in the afternoon.  4:21 pm.  

28firefighter

tjc78 said:

@Michaell
@nyccarguy

 Both look great!

Funny remodel story.  I did my kitchen myself (full gut down to studs).  I certainly had help from my cousin and uncle but no contractors.  

Anyway, we went with the taller cabinets and fancy crown moulding for the tops.   Well, without telling my wife I also did crown moulding on the ceiling (just a touch I wanted) 

To this day, she thinks that moulding is the stuff I ordered with the cabinets. I had forgotten all about it except I was running an Ethernet line into my bedroom and found the boxes in the rafters.  OOPS!  Just as well, that moulding is a royal pain to install.  

On the car front been checking out the leasing forums on the MDX, Pilot and QX60.   I'm not thrilled with the prices I'm seeing, almost 600 for 47-50 k vehicles. I guess I'm too used to GM and Hyundai discounts and subsidized money factors.  

If you catch it right, the QX60 can be leased in the 400s with no money down. I saw them going that low back in November/December. 

sda

Michaell said:

@nyccarguy - looks good!

Well, our kitchen is finished. What an ordeal.

Monday, the installer was here about an hour - dropped off most of the materials, but had to go to the other side of town to get the rest of the materials and his tools. We agreed that he would show up around 8 on Tuesday.

Tuesday, no installer. Called our salesperson, called the state level project manager. Never found out why, but the original installed won't be completing my job. Project manager scrambles to find replacement installers (they're subcontractors).

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, the installer and his brother work 9-5. Decent progress is made.

Today, they were here from 9-8 to wrap everything up. My wife, who "doesn't do installation" was gone for the day (two movies, shopping, lunch, hair appointment). Which meant that yours truly, who's not allowed within 10 miles of a design decision, didn't notice when the wrong hardware was installed on the drawers (knobs instead of handles) and the doors above the microwave and refrigerator (handles instead of knobs). Wife comes home, chaos ensues.

Project manager should call Monday to develop a plan to get everything fixed (there was an incorrectly sized drawer face, as well, that needs to be replaced).

I'll take and post pictures in the morning, when it's light out.

To be continued ....

I got tickled by your statement that your wife arrived and "chaos ensues". You are so diplomatic!

Sandman6472

Like the alloys on the cream one behind, foggies also. Sure it'll cost more, possibly an LT or even a LTZ but if buying a Spark, would want the top of the line to get every goodie possible. Maybe y'all will love it but the Spark felt so slow to me and pretty small, too small for my purposes. I must say it did handle well in the accident but I wasn't traveling that fast due to the bad tire. But ripped that front bumper almost totally off and vehicle was undriveable, had to be towed. Was a bit rattled for about an hour but like any incident like that, one gets over it.
Speaking from experience when I bought the wrong vehicle and knew it within a few weeks, just isn't worth the hassle. I was lucky enough to get out of it but I could afford the loss even though it was a bit more than I wanted. Learned it's best to get what you really want upfront even if one needs to stretch the budget a bit. After awhile, the happiness will overshadow everything else...that's where I am now, so happy I no longer have the Tucson as it was just the wrong vehicle for me!

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Now that we're staying indefinitely, daughter got a job in Kendall, South Miami, might have to redo some of the kitchen as in July, been here 30 years! Was hoping to move across the state or more up north but not to be. Cabinets have seen better days and will need a new oven/stove and fridge sooner than later. Counter tops of course and possibly refacing the cabinets. But that'll need to wait until after the upcoming weddings.

The Sandman

tjc78

28firefighter said:

tjc78 said:

@Michaell
@nyccarguy

 Both look great!

Funny remodel story.  I did my kitchen myself (full gut down to studs).  I certainly had help from my cousin and uncle but no contractors.  

Anyway, we went with the taller cabinets and fancy crown moulding for the tops.   Well, without telling my wife I also did crown moulding on the ceiling (just a touch I wanted) 

To this day, she thinks that moulding is the stuff I ordered with the cabinets. I had forgotten all about it except I was running an Ethernet line into my bedroom and found the boxes in the rafters.  OOPS!  Just as well, that moulding is a royal pain to install.  

On the car front been checking out the leasing forums on the MDX, Pilot and QX60.   I'm not thrilled with the prices I'm seeing, almost 600 for 47-50 k vehicles. I guess I'm too used to GM and Hyundai discounts and subsidized money factors.  

If you catch it right, the QX60 can be leased in the 400s with no money down. I saw them going that low back in November/December. 

That's what I thought, but not currently.   I'm not doing anything until late December or even January so I have some time.  

Lots of options for SUVs in the 45 to 50 range that's for sure.  Current lease payment is 514 and that's the ceiling (no money out of pocket at signing other than first payment).  

Quick glance and the Santa Fe fully decked out is looking like mid - upper 4s at and MSRP of 44.   I'll take that.  Showed it to the wife and on looks it's approved.  

Michaell

tjc78 said:

28firefighter said:

tjc78 said:

@Michaell
@nyccarguy

 Both look great!

Funny remodel story.  I did my kitchen myself (full gut down to studs).  I certainly had help from my cousin and uncle but no contractors.  

Anyway, we went with the taller cabinets and fancy crown moulding for the tops.   Well, without telling my wife I also did crown moulding on the ceiling (just a touch I wanted) 

To this day, she thinks that moulding is the stuff I ordered with the cabinets. I had forgotten all about it except I was running an Ethernet line into my bedroom and found the boxes in the rafters.  OOPS!  Just as well, that moulding is a royal pain to install.  

On the car front been checking out the leasing forums on the MDX, Pilot and QX60.   I'm not thrilled with the prices I'm seeing, almost 600 for 47-50 k vehicles. I guess I'm too used to GM and Hyundai discounts and subsidized money factors.  

If you catch it right, the QX60 can be leased in the 400s with no money down. I saw them going that low back in November/December. 

That's what I thought, but not currently.   I'm not doing anything until late December or even January so I have some time.  

Lots of options for SUVs in the 45 to 50 range that's for sure.  Current lease payment is 514 and that's the ceiling (no money out of pocket at signing other than first payment).  

Quick glance and the Santa Fe fully decked out is looking like mid - upper 4s at and MSRP of 44.   I'll take that.  Showed it to the wife and on looks it's approved.  

The Santa Fe is very well equipped at that price point. Test drove a Sport, but not the extended length. I think that comes with the 3.3 V6 with something like 275 HP.

graphicguy

Bradd.......I known while I was in F&I, the offers looked decent. Not sure if you're leasing or buying, but here you go...

https://www.infinitiusa.com/offers

tjc78

It's actually 290 believe it or not and weighs in at just a touch over 4000 lbs. Should be pretty quick. Our Enclave is 288 HP and has plenty of punch and almost weighs 5000.

I'll report back once I test drive. Probably won't be until mid April as I still don't have 2000 miles on the Elantra.

Sandman6472

Got an email from the local VW/Audi indie dealer. Had somethings to deal with the slight turbo lag I experience. Went in just to see and they recommended a flash to the computer to make it much less noticeable but they weren't sure if it would void the warranty...and it was almost a $1000! Some sort of reflash the guy said. He suggested that I wait till I'm past the 3/36K warranty and do it then. My question is here, what else can be done to make it like, go away? What other options are there that aren't as costly that work as well? They had some sort of metal part to replace the factory plastic part dealing with this turbo lag but the guy kinda shook his head on that and suggested the reflash.
Have lived with this lag since new but it does get a bit tiresome after awhile behind the wheel. You guys who own German products, what options besides just living with it do I have? And do all turbo's suffer from this lag, the 2.0's and 3.0's?

The Confused/Unhappy Sandman :@

stickguy

all turbos have some sort of lag. On the new ones though it is minimal to not even noticeable. I don't see it on my jetta, but may just not even bother me.

You should have tried out an early SAAB turbo, or others from that vintage. Floor it, count to 3, then get punched in the back. Fun times.

The reflash is what often gets called "chipping". A few people here have done it (Roadburner for one), but I doubt you would get enough benefit to make it worth dropping that much money. That, and it will almost definitely void your warranty. If you want to start going down that route, a different car could be the answer!

stickguy

tjc78 said:

It's actually 290 believe it or not and weighs in at just a touch over 4000 lbs. Should be pretty quick. Our Enclave is 288 HP and has plenty of punch and almost weighs 5000.

I'll report back once I test drive. Probably won't be until mid April as I still don't have 2000 miles on the Elantra.

much different car. I'm not even sure it is just a stretch job, vs. a largely different platform. But nice V6, very roomy (well, by my standards) and supposed to drive nice. plus I just looked at the CR auto issue and it got perfect top green circles!

stickguy

interesting. I just read the review. Very positive. About the biggest issue (typical of the class) is cargo room behind the 3rd row. so really depends on if you need to seat 6 while carrying a lot of crap.

I was going to call it overly large, until I looked at the specs. Santa Fe is a whopping 2" longer, and .8" wider than my Sonata. Though I do think, every time I look at it from the side, that it really is long!

Hmm, maybe my wife would sign off on one of these? Heck of a lot cheaper than a BMW.

stickguy

dang. They even have the exact car I would pick. Wife even likes the color! I suspect they would work a strong lease deal on one of these. Even more so after Christmas.

http://www.burnshyundai.com/VehicleDetails/new-2017-Hyundai-Santa_Fe-Limited_Ultimate-Marlton-NJ/2875672493

nyccarguy

graphicguy said:

Bradd.......I known while I was in F&I, the offers looked decent. Not sure if you're leasing or buying, but here you go... https://www.infinitiusa.com/offers

You are evil . The national lease offer for a 3.0T Signature is $6,200 off sticker.  Hmmmm.

qbrozen

sandman_6472 said:

Got an email from the local VW/Audi indie dealer. Had somethings to deal with the slight turbo lag I experience. Went in just to see and they recommended a flash to the computer to make it much less noticeable but they weren't sure if it would void the warranty...and it was almost a $1000! Some sort of reflash the guy said. He suggested that I wait till I'm past the 3/36K warranty and do it then. My question is here, what else can be done to make it like, go away? What other options are there that aren't as costly that work as well? They had some sort of metal part to replace the factory plastic part dealing with this turbo lag but the guy kinda shook his head on that and suggested the reflash. Have lived with this lag since new but it does get a bit tiresome after awhile behind the wheel. You guys who own German products, what options besides just living with it do I have? And do all turbo's suffer from this lag, the 2.0's and 3.0's? The Confused/Unhappy Sandman :@

A reflash won't eliminate turbo lag. It will increase power, but it can't change the fact that it takes a certain RPM to produce enough exhaust gas to get the turbo vane spinning.

Sandman6472

Figured as much! Was just curious though. Thanks all.

The Sandman

graphicguy

qbrozen said:

sandman_6472 said:

Got an email from the local VW/Audi indie dealer. Had somethings to deal with the slight turbo lag I experience. Went in just to see and they recommended a flash to the computer to make it much less noticeable but they weren't sure if it would void the warranty...and it was almost a $1000! Some sort of reflash the guy said. He suggested that I wait till I'm past the 3/36K warranty and do it then. My question is here, what else can be done to make it like, go away? What other options are there that aren't as costly that work as well? They had some sort of metal part to replace the factory plastic part dealing with this turbo lag but the guy kinda shook his head on that and suggested the reflash.
Have lived with this lag since new but it does get a bit tiresome after awhile behind the wheel. You guys who own German products, what options besides just living with it do I have? And do all turbo's suffer from this lag, the 2.0's and 3.0's?

The Confused/Unhappy Sandman :@

A reflash won't eliminate turbo lag. It will increase power, but it can't change the fact that it takes a certain RPM to produce enough exhaust gas to get the turbo vane spinning.

Yeah...the most recent "schemes" for minimizing turbo lag has been either using dual turbos (one low pressure, one high pressure), using dual scroll turbo (similar to the dual turbos), or doing what Volvo has done, use a supercharger for low end and a turbo for the high end, in the same engine.

Not sure what Audi uses. They used to use supercharging in their V6 motors. Not sure what they use for the 4 cyl motors, though.

nyccarguy

tifighter said:

@nyccarguy Yes solar! We are super happy that we did it. How big is that array; guessing around 7.6 kW or so?

I'll have to look up how many kW our system is. There are also some panels on the back of the house that aren't in the photo.

nyccarguy

graphicguy said:

Bradd.......I known while I was in F&I, the offers looked decent. Not sure if you're leasing or buying, but here you go...

https://www.infinitiusa.com/offers

So I used the selling price from the regional lease deal on the Infiniti website along with the base lease rates and money factors given to me by @kyfdx & @Michaell for 39 month/15K per year leases. Looks like a lot of car for basically the same amount that I'm paying for the Legacy. I know it is leasing vs. financing, but in the end it is a car payment. Once I add the additional miles into my calculations, it comes out to an additional $100 per month.

That 2013 G37x with Premium Package and under 11,000 miles is starting to look mighty tasty.

tjc78

stickguy said:

dang. They even have the exact car I would pick. Wife even likes the color! I suspect they would work a strong lease deal on one of these. Even more so after Christmas. http://www.burnshyundai.com/VehicleDetails/new-2017-Hyundai-Santa_Fe-Limited_Ultimate-Marlton-NJ/2875672493

Same color outside as our Enclave.  I really want white next time but that's up to the boss.

There is a lot to like with the Santa Fe.  Space behind the third row is important but our double stroller isn't fitting in anything out there in the class with the third row up (except current Enclave/Traverse).  

I'm hoping for strong end of year deals.  Last payment in January so I could stretch into 2018 but figuring a last minute xmas week deal would off set the last payment. 

stickguy

That blue is my wife's favorite. Though burns I think has an identical unit in white that does look nice.

Isn't your oldest getting too big for a double soon, certainly a year from now? I remember ditching the stroller (even moving to a lightweight umbrella) was liberating. Though both my kids were peanuts, so I carried them a lot instead. And 4.5 years apart, so only 1 in stroller at a time.

Mr_Shiftright

andres3 said:

qbrozen said:

I am very very likely looking for a purchase soon. My renter finally came through with all the back rent, so my VW money is back in play. I do have some other things I'd like to pay off, though, and summer is right around the corner, which means big child care bills. Still... classic cars keep calling to me.

You only live once! At least that was my excuse for buying a brand new expensive Audi.

Unless you are a Buddhist buying an Audi. Then you might get 10,000 more chances.

stickguy

Bradd, what is the lease payment? Big miles like yours, and ballpark for a normal 10 or 12k lease? Asking for a friend.....

Actually, in your situation, IMHO, the low mile used makes sense. Buy it, and run it up to 150k taking the commuting abuse. At some point, can consider transitioning to the kids. Great way to go when you are putting 18-20k a year on. Finance for 3, or pay off in 3, then have a couple more no payment years before miles get high. Not thinks no taking that car to 150k is going to be a problem.

Mr_Shiftright

qbrozen said:

Too bad it is only a 350. 
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/5990314520.html

Still...might make a good starting point for some upgrades

They made a GS in the Riviera and that's worth a look.

nyccarguy

Damn.  I'm going to have to take a better look, but the G37 looks like it doesn't have such a big trunk.  I've got 2 kids who play hockey.  My little guy told me he wants to be a goalie next year.

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

Bradd, what is the lease payment? Big miles like yours, and ballpark for a normal 10 or 12k lease? Asking for a friend.....

Actually, in your situation, IMHO, the low mile used makes sense. Buy it, and run it up to 150k taking the commuting abuse. At some point, can consider transitioning to the kids. Great way to go when you are putting 18-20k a year on. Finance for 3, or pay off in 3, then have a couple more no payment years before miles get high. Not thinks no taking that car to 150k is going to be a problem.

I used the 50% Residual & .00006 money factor given to me by our hosts. Then I used the MSRP of $41,605 & Net Capitalized Cost of $35,403 off the Infiniti website. With 15,000 miles per year, the pre-tax payment came to $377.76 per month for 39 months. My sales tax rate is only 6.35%. After tax came to $401.75 plus about an extra $100 per month for extra miles ($.25 per mile over).

As I've said before (although it hasn't stopped me in the past), leasing gets expensive when you do a solid 20K per year. I really would like to make that G37X work. I'd just have to make sure to take the Pilot when I have to pickup from hockey practice.

Mr_Shiftright

Todays Tip for Thrifty Car Buyers:

When picking up your new Ferrari in a rainstorm, be sure not to romp on the gas until you've gotten used to the car's responses.

MSRP--About 325K +

Damage Estimate: $148K (so far---we're still calculating).

28firefighter

Ooof.

That poor work of art.