Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

nyccarguy

Water problems in the back yard.  Have to jump in the shower.  No punch...  tonight.

stickguy

you shouldn't have bought a house built on a sacred burial ground. Everyone knows that!

qbrozen

stickguy said:

all this Infiniti talk has me rethinking my plans. I discussed some of my schemes with my daughter today. She is on board for looking. She is my partner in that. She did point out other options, such as sharing a car next summer. anyway, plan of the moment is to find a used car for myself in the winter but one that if needed, can transfer over to the princess the following summer. Putting me back in the market. Or that I could keep for a while if she ends up moving to a different option for herself. Key will be picking a price point to stay under. Basically needs to be something that would be reasonable for a 1st car out of college for a new job, but that is good for potentially a 40 mile each way daily commute. so, for no particular reason, I picked $15,000. Seems fair. Criteria is slightly fluid. She wants Navi, but could just go cell instead if need be. Heated seats, but if cloth, negotiable. I want a moonroof and no hands entry and pushbutton start. So most likely, I just created an option pool of, approximately, zero options. But, will do what I can to cobble something together. Or hell, just up the budget to get into a G37! a few random options that could qualify. I couldn't make myself do it. and would be stuck, because she wouldn't take over the payments! http://www.turnersvilleautomall.com/detail-2014-toyota-camry-le-used-15966439.html Well, pretty new. But skimpy equipped. I ain't cheating myself! http://www.turnersvilleautomall.com/detail-2016-chevrolet-cruze_limited-4dr_sedan_automatic_lt_w_slash_1lt-used-16003786.html at least has a moonroof and bunwarmers. But I don't think either one of us wants this generation. http://www.turnersvilleautomall.com/detail-2013-hyundai-elantra-4dr_sedan_automatic_limited-used-16019573.html This is interesting. would work for me. http://www.subaruofcherryhill.com/used/Honda/2013-Honda-Accord+Cpe-Cherry+Hill+NJ-f8c8fc610a0e0ae73626230331b917cc.htm?searchDepth=4:30

I went to the trouble of making sure I got Navi in my EX and now I don't even use it because WAZE is so much more useful.

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

you shouldn't have bought a house built on a sacred burial ground. Everyone knows that!

I want to move to Israel or Arizona

nyccarguy

Here's a little bit more information than I posted before.  There is NO PUNCH to report.  If I was @breld, I'd have left there with a CPO Q40 AWD & and a QX50 Lease for Mrs. @breld.

My best friend leased an FX35 Sport and a QX56 way back when.  He LOVED both cars.  The salesman he dealt with became the sales manager, and eventually the General Manager of the entire dealership.  He's they've kept in touch over the years and my friend has sent him a few referrals along the way.

I get a text from Scott this AM asking me the details of my car.  He emails the GM of the dealer on my behalf telling him about my Legacy and that I'm interested in a G37x or possibly a lease on a new Q50.

I go after work to check out a few cars.  The GM comes out, tells me that he'll do the right thing by me when it comes time to crunch numbers.  1st here is our CPO salesman, Alen.  Pick out the car you like, we'll give you an honest evaluation of your trade, and we'll go from there.

nyccarguy

1st is the Black/Black 2013 G37x with 10,800 miles with an internet price of $21,800.  The car is nice on the outside.  Everything you'd expect from a CPO car from a luxury brand dealership.  The inside is nice too.  Salesman points out there is no navigation.  The car is spotless on the inside, but I noticed the leather on the driver's seat was a little hard.   There was also a faint "old car smell" to it.  NEXT!

I checked out the White Q40 they had with a Black Interior.  Nice car.  The pearl white paint is stunning.  Interior is perfect, no "old car smell," but is the @stickguy special with 40K miles.

Next it is out to the lot to take a look at a Silver Q40 with 14K miles on it.  Hard to see the exterior Condition in he dark.  The interior smells like a French Brothel.  Whoever sat in that car wore way too much perfume.

Then it was off to see the Black/Black Q40 with 7,500 miles.  No funky smell.  Fires right up.  Perfect interior.  I've got to go back and look at it in the light and take it for a spin.

They offered me $12K for my Legacy.  I owe $13K on it.  I'm waiting to hear what @qbrozen has to say and maybe I'll try to go in with a patented @graphicguy 1 shot offer.

sda

nyccarguy said:

1st is the Black/Black 2013 G37x with 10,800 miles with an internet price of $21,800.  The car is nice on the outside.  Everything you'd expect from a CPO car from a luxury brand dealership.  The inside is nice too.  Salesman points out there is no navigation.  The car is spotless on the inside, but I noticed the leather on the driver's seat was a little hard.   There was also a faint "old car smell" to it.  NEXT!

I checked out the White Q40 they had with a Black Interior.  Nice car.  The pearl white paint is stunning.  Interior is perfect, no "old car smell," but is the @stickguy special with 40K miles.

Next it is out to the lot to take a look at a Silver Q40 with 14K miles on it.  Hard to see the exterior Condition in he dark.  The interior smells like a French Brothel.  Whoever sat in that car wore way too much perfume.

Then it was off to see the Black/Black Q40 with 7,500 miles.  No funky smell.  Fires right up.  Perfect interior.  I've got to go back and look at it in the light and take it for a spin.

They offered me $12K for my Legacy.  I owe $13K on it.  I'm waiting to hear what @qbrozen has to say and maybe I'll try to go in with a patented @graphicguy 1 shot offer.

Do you have a Car Max or something similar where they can give you a bid on your Legacy, or perhaps your Subaru dealer would find it attractive?

nyccarguy

@sda - there is a CarMax about 1 hour & 20 minutes away from me (closer to @explorerx4). It's not in a direction I frequently travel. I never thought of seeing if my Subaru dealer will give me a "buy bid" on it.

graphicguy

Q....I spent quite a bit of time looking at a QX50, which for all intents and purposes is the EX3x. If ever there was a mid-size sport SUV, the EX/QX50 is it. Quick, comfy, handles well for the kind of vehicle it is. The one I saw was a dark cranberry with a saddle interior. Doesn't sound good in words, but in person, it was stunning. I really like those.

NYC......Oh....you are so in for a punch. If you get a chance, just drive the Q50 Signature and share your thoughts. I think those are a luxury car value king!

qbrozen

graphicguy said:

Q....I spent quite a bit of time looking at a QX50, which for all intents and purposes is the EX3x. If ever there was a mid-size sport SUV, the EX/QX50 is it. Quick, comfy, handles well for the kind of vehicle it is. The one I saw was a dark cranberry with a saddle interior. Doesn't sound good in words, but in person, it was stunning. I really like those.

NYC......Oh....you are so in for a punch. If you get a chance, just drive the Q50 Signature and share your thoughts. I think those are a luxury car value king!

Not sure it qualifies as mid-size, but, yes, I like it quite a bit. Ok, so 20mpg isn't exactly thrifty, but the fun factor helps.

28firefighter

I've got news for you, my GTI only gets about 20-23 MPG in the city; For those kinds of numbers I'd rather have V6 or V8 power.

Michaell

28firefighter said:

I've got news for you, my GTI only gets about 20-23 MPG in the city; For those kinds of numbers I'd rather have V6 or V8 power.

You know, when I read that, it makes me think I'd skip that car.

But, given how few miles I drive, I suppose I need to let go of MPG as a major factor in what I drive.

28firefighter

Michaell said:

28firefighter said:

I've got news for you, my GTI only gets about 20-23 MPG in the city; For those kinds of numbers I'd rather have V6 or V8 power.

You know, when I read that, it makes me think I'd skip that car.

But, given how few miles I drive, I suppose I need to let go of MPG as a major factor in what I drive.

I'm extraordinarily disappointed with the GTI fuel economy. I actually think it is a function of poor transmission programming more than anything, but similar to you, I don't actually drive that much; However, if I'm going to experience that kind of low fuel mileage, I'd want more HP.

stickguy

I walk past a QX50 exactly like that daily walking the dog. Very sharp

stickguy

Found another car that is probably a perfect budget fit. Assuming I can accept what it is, equipment is right. I kind of like it, doubt daughter would, but the price is right!

Is this still that DSG gearbox? I know warranty was extended but that could nix the deal. Not that I am buying now, so this is just a conceptual exercise. But not bad for $12k.

http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2014-ford-focus-certified_focus_se_hatchback-used-16067038.html

stickguy

I do such short hop driving that I am used to crappy mileage. But I still fill up maybe once a month. Haven't put gas in the Jetta since mid-January and that is still well over 1/2 a tank.

28firefighter

stickguy said:

Found another car that is probably a perfect budget fit. Assuming I can accept what it is, equipment is right. I kind of like it, doubt daughter would, but the price is right!

Is this still that DSG gearbox? I know warranty was extended but that could nix the deal. Not that I am buying now, so this is just a conceptual exercise. But not bad for $12k.

http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2014-ford-focus-certified_focus_se_hatchback-used-16067038.html

Hard pass. Sister has one of these and its a really clunky DCT transmission that is supposedly a ticking time bomb.

stickguy

That's what. Thought. Other than the hat, a great option. Too bad the same thing in say an Impreza limited would be many thousands more.

At least at the end of the year, the 2016 CX3s will be another year older, and somewhat cheaper!

breld

@nyccarguy - I know you're already considering it as is, but the Q50's aren't a whole lot more than the Q40s/G37s are they? Seems worth it to get into the new model.

Michaell

stickguy said:

I do such short hop driving that I am used to crappy mileage. But I still fill up maybe once a month. Haven't put gas in the Jetta since mid-January and that is still well over 1/2 a tank.

It'll be a month tomorrow since my last fill up of my Jetta. DTE is reading 20 miles, so I'm likely to fill it up either today or tomorrow.

qbrozen

28firefighter said:

Michaell said:

28firefighter said:

I've got news for you, my GTI only gets about 20-23 MPG in the city; For those kinds of numbers I'd rather have V6 or V8 power.

You know, when I read that, it makes me think I'd skip that car.

But, given how few miles I drive, I suppose I need to let go of MPG as a major factor in what I drive.

I'm extraordinarily disappointed with the GTI fuel economy. I actually think it is a function of poor transmission programming more than anything, but similar to you, I don't actually drive that much; However, if I'm going to experience that kind of low fuel mileage, I'd want more HP.

I used to get 29mpg in my '08 GTI (manual trans) in my daily commute. In a situation where I may have achieved 23 in that would probably translate to 16-17 in the EX.

breld

"Real" pics at my local dealer. As much as I like the easy quick-flip soft top, I do like the look of the RF model.

Miata RF

Mr_Shiftright

Honda Civic Type R sticking with FWD only

300+ HP solely to the front wheels--that should be interesting....

ab348

It seemed impossible, but Honda made the Civic hatch look even more overwrought with the Type R mods.

I guess the good news is with all that power going to the front wheels only, a lot of them will be off the roads fairly quickly as they get written off in single-car wrecks.

Mr_Shiftright

As the article states, it's been a long while since we had a Honda hot-rod. Maybe they're keeping it to FWD to keep the costs down---some of these AWD "hot hatches" are very pricey by the time you get them out the door.

Michaell

Mr_Shiftright said:

Honda Civic Type R sticking with FWD only

300+ HP solely to the front wheels--that should be interesting....

Waiting for the obligatory @stickguy comment about the rubber band tires - 30 series, in this case.

Mr_Shiftright

torque steer is a very unpleasant experience, especially when you have your wheels turned and waiting to enter a busy street where you have to hustle.

breld

Just checked in with the Audi sales manager who's seeing if he can get me the Q7 TDI from an Austin dealer.

Kinda frustrating - @michaell and I were in there a few months ago and chatted with him for awhile, and when he learns that I invariably have purchased a car since I last saw him, he is adamant that I can go through him to get whatever car I want; that his dealer can basically be a broker.

So...I figure I'll go through him to see if he can obtain this Q7. He has someone checking into it, but he's basically telling me that he's not sure if it's a good idea to buy one now - that they are thinking there will be plenty of inventory once current owners get the incentive and then trade them in, and there's also new 2015 models that will also be available once they get the "all-clear" to sell them.

That all may be true, but I think it's just more hassle for him than it's worth, and he'd rather sell me something out of his inventory. Which gets me back to the same place I'm always in - if he has something I like, I'm happy to go to him, but if what I want is somewhere else, I can just deal with it myself.

And...I told him I may be interested in doing it now to be the "eligible owner" for the diesel restitution. He goes on to say that will only be for the original owners, that you have to have owned it for 18 months, blah, blah, blah. I politely assure him otherwise - that I've read through the court documents and have even been through the process once.

He's a nice enough guy, but it still feels like I get some of the traditional sales tactic runaround.

stickguy

Make a deal, fly down, drive home. Only 910 miles. Not like buying in Houston and driving to Alaska!

Michaell

breld said:

Just checked in with the Audi sales manager who's seeing if he can get me the Q7 TDI from an Austin dealer.

Kinda frustrating - @michaell and I were in there a few months ago and chatted with him for awhile, and when he learns that I invariably have purchased a car since I last saw him, he is adamant that I can go through him to get whatever car I want; that his dealer can basically be a broker.

So...I figure I'll go through him to see if he can obtain this Q7. He has someone checking into it, but he's basically telling me that he's not sure if it's a good idea to buy one now - that they are thinking there will be plenty of inventory once current owners get the incentive and then trade them in, and there's also new 2015 models that will also be available once they get the "all-clear" to sell them.

That all may be true, but I think it's just more hassle for him than it's worth, and he'd rather sell me something out of his inventory. Which gets me back to the same place I'm always in - if he has something I like, I'm happy to go to him, but if what I want is somewhere else, I can just deal with it myself.

And...I told him I may be interested in doing it now to be the "eligible owner" for the diesel restitution. He goes on to say that will only be for the original owners, that you have to have owned it for 18 months, blah, blah, blah. I politely assure him otherwise - that I've read through the court documents and have even been through the process once.

He's a nice enough guy, but it still feels like I get some of the traditional sales tactic runaround.

Ouch. Guess 'working hard' isn't in his vocabulary. And, I remember that conversation.

When I was younger, my dad knew the GM of the local Toyota dealer and helped me get a deal on the used '85 Accord I picked up when I graduated college.

The GM eventually went on to own the local BMW/MINI franchise in the area. Dad continued to buy used cars from him, thinking he was getting the 'friends and family' deal. In retrospect, I doubt that was ever the case.

breld

stickguy said:

Make a deal, fly down, drive home. Only 910 miles. Not like buying in Houston and driving to Alaska!

Yeah, like I said, I have no problem dealing with an out-of-state dealer - I just thought I'd "throw a bone" to the local manager since he seemed so eager. With potential trade-ins though, I wouldn't really want to deal with that remotely.

And yes, Austin to Denver? Much better than Houston to Alaska!

breld

Here's the other funny thing - I did get an e-mail from the sales manager saying that the Austin dealer's on-line price is definitely high.

I replied, specifically saying I wasn't trying to be snarky, but I noted that they had an almost identical car on their lot I looked at a few months ago. It was priced almost exactly like this one in Austin.

stickguy

Princess would like this. Chop $4k off at year end, and could work.

http://www.faulknerhyundaiphilly.com/VehicleDetails/used-2016-Mazda-CX_3-AWD_4dr_Touring-Philadelphia-PA/2913581033

stickguy

This too. Cheaper at least.

http://www.faulknerhyundaiphilly.com/VehicleDetails/used-2014-Honda-Civic_Sedan-EX_CVT_Sedan-Philadelphia-PA/2933245393

Michaell

I like the CX-3 better. Less common, and the slightly elevated driving position compared to the Civic is nice.

I test drove the CX-3 some time back and really liked it.

nyccarguy

My CPO sales dude is off today. Nothing new to report.

carnaught

nyccarguy said:

My CPO sales dude is off today. Nothing new to report.

Us CCBA-ers are waiting.....can't get enough of this.

28firefighter

nyccarguy said:

My CPO sales dude is off today. Nothing new to report.

Usually a Sales Manager will intervene if they think you're serious...

nyccarguy

28firefighter said:

nyccarguy said:

My CPO sales dude is off today. Nothing new to report.

Usually a Sales Manager will intervene if they think you're serious...

I'm sure he would if I HAD to get this done today. I can't go test drive the car tonight because I have to attend a Boy Scout meeting with my son tonight. Tomorrow the wife is going out with friends, & Friday the dealership closes at 6:00 pm. I sent my salesman an email to see if I could set up an appointment to test drive the car on Saturday afternoon, since there is no way I can make it there by 6:00 pm on Friday night.

stickguy

I can smell where this one is going.

Michaell

I think if they came up on the trade value of the Legacy a little bit more, coupled with a discount from the asking price, will get the deal done. Bradd seems more motivated this go-around than most.

stickguy

Oh I'm sure if they took the $10k difference he would (I certainly would). Just wondering if the car will still be there! Seemed like a good deal. I liked the slightly higher miles white one they have though.

stickguy

seems like silly money for this. I kinda like them, but they were certainly unloved at the time. Are they really going for this much with large miles?

Pretty color though.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2005-subaru-baja-4dr_sport_automatic-used-16138653.html

Michaell

stickguy said:

seems like silly money for this. I kinda like them, but they were certainly unloved at the time. Are they really going for this much with large miles?

Pretty color though.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2005-subaru-baja-4dr_sport_automatic-used-16138653.html

Yeah, these have a cult following. Looks clean, but I agree that it seems way overpriced for 119K miles.

Mr_Shiftright

If the car is really sharp, he'll get that price. In fact, he could probably get more, being a dealer and offering financing. I would have priced it at $9995.

I'd appraise it at about $8K real world money.

Hey, don't shoot the messenger. I don't get it either.

tbirdmarco

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uvM3faIhiSE

tbirdmarco

@stickguy yes alwas fun the car shopping and looking.

tbirdmarco

@nyccarguy nice you stopped at the dealer. pending punch cumming lol lol

tbirdmarco

@jpp5862 thank you yes life is so fragel have to injoy every day and live in are means sum how lol. don't leave any money to anyone lol lol.

ab348

I spotted one of those Bajas on the road here yesterday, first one I have seen here in some time. I don't think they sold many of them up here for whatever reason.