Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

corvette

I'm having the same issue as graphicguy. I go for my Global Entry interview at the Cincinnati office next month. I scheduled the interview almost a year ago! Tried to set up an interview in another city when I would be there, but couldn't get that to work. 

jpp75

tifighter said:

28firefighter said:

We have Global Entry and each have trusted traveler numbers. I enter it on every reservation so we get PreCheck on basically every flight. 

I'm GE and precheck as well, but now that precheck has been widened, I've decided to try Clear. Back to Zurich this week, so I'll give it the initial test.

Interested to hear your thoughts on Clear, with my move to Denver I'm intrigued by it. It's never made sense in the past because they weren't in enough airports. While TSA Pre isn't too bad at DIA the Clear line is always empty.

@michaell I used to use the "bridge" security checkpoint all the time since I usually fly out of Terminal A but lately the Pre Check line there has been closed.

tommister2

@xwesx Thanks for sharing your story with us. What an adventure! Hopefully the issue with your Audi is not too serious. 

fintail

I plan to go up to Whatcom County to do the in-person part of the process, as there are apparently no wait times - I have co-workers who have done it that way. Make a fun day of it, visit Bellingham while I am there.

I do worry about extra programs like Clear being created after GE etc - seems like it might be more about paying for an upgrade than anything else. Egalitarian, nah. Economy Comfort, more difficult when personal money is footing the bill. No doubt some contractors and well-connected types are building bigger mcmansions in northern VA.

kyfdx

In Mesa, the line for pre-check was longer than the regular line. Other than having to take off my shoes and jacket, I was better off (time-wise).

At CVG on the way out, pre-check line was much shorter, though. Breezed through.

stickguy

This is why I like to drive if it is an option!

graphicguy

corvette said:

I'm having the same issue as graphicguy. I go for my Global Entry interview at the Cincinnati office next month. I scheduled the interview almost a year ago! Tried to set up an interview in another city when I would be there, but couldn't get that to work. 

Not sure why Cincinnati Customs Office is so backed up. O'Hare is bigger by a magnitude of 3X as far as their airport. I can't imagine why Cincinnati is scheduling so far out.

Corvette...from what I can tell, the interview process is hit and miss regarding what they ask. Some have told me their agent did a "drill down" into minutia. Others had the kind of experience where the interview was a rubber stamp and the interview was little more than a formality.

Not really an acquaintance, but someone I know very casually told me he had a DUI on his record from over 10 years ago. But, his paperwork has been "in process" for over 2 months. He thinks it's because of the DUI, although he has no proof of that.

FINTAIL....I think you're right about Clear. It's a money play. It's not all that cheap, either. Whereas Global Entry is $100 for several years of clearance, Clear is either a monthly or yearly fee. Not sure of its longevity, given the amount of folks I am now seeing with TSA Pre-Check and GE, making Clear redundant.

houdini1

suydam said:

I love Southwest! I like being able to rebook without a fee. I have generally had pretty good experiences with them.

Back in the 70's and 80's I flew SW all the time...flying back then was fun. The SW Flight attendants would dump a big box of little packs of peanuts in the isle up front as the plane was taking off, and all the little packs would slide down the isle like they were on a conveyor belt and you could grab all you wanted as they slid past.

houdini1

qbrozen said:

SIGH!
best laid plans...

I was getting SO CLOSE to putting a classic car in my garage. Had a list written out of 22 vehicles at the upcoming KC Mecum auction end of month, and I ordered the catalog for the Palm Beach BJ auction in early April. I've priced shipping, checked out the finance companies, had the numbers in hand, etc.

Well, wouldn't you know it? Wife's sister calls today looking for a place to live with her toddler daughter. We spent today clearing out one of the bedrooms. Supporting 2 more people is obviously going to put a kink in the family finances. Guess my plans are on hold AGAIN. 

Good on you for helping out family !!

fintail

I've heard the wait in Seattle is months too, but up at the border, no wait. I'll drive 90 minutes to get it over with. I've never had more than a traffic ticket in my life, so I assume it is just held up in a paperwork bottleneck. I don't have any flights planned for many months, so no worries. I won't be buying Clear as I fly just a couple times a year. I also applied for Nexus for easier Canadian border crossings - why not, as there's no real expense once you are getting the rest of it. Definitely some marketing involved.

Oh, speaking of car shopping, a friend of mine's MKZ lease ends in 6 months. He's shopping already, but is all over the map.

graphicguy said:

FINTAIL....I think you're right about Clear. It's a money play. It's not all that cheap, either. Whereas Global Entry is $100 for several years of clearance, Clear is either a monthly or yearly fee. Not sure of its longevity, given the amount of folks I am now seeing with TSA Pre-Check and GE, making Clear redundant.

stickguy

My lease has 8 months left. I'm also all over the map. Gonna be a tough one.

Mr_Shiftright

corvette said:

fintail said:

I've flown from Seatac on Delta, Alaska, Jazz/Air Canada, Virgin, Lufthansa. Never really had an issue with any of them here.

Southwest was a complete cluster... Longest lines of any of the airlines I saw there. Security line was awful, too.

I call the security lines "Terrorist Theater". There has got to be a better way.

Mr_Shiftright

ab348 said:

qbrozen said:

Well, wouldn't you know it? Wife's sister calls today looking for a place to live with her toddler daughter. We spent today clearing out one of the bedrooms. Supporting 2 more people is obviously going to put a kink in the family finances. Guess my plans are on hold AGAIN. 

Tough break. Maybe you could buy a vintage motor home or Airstream and she could live in that.

It's OK. Whatever you give out in life comes back to you; whatever you deny to others will be denied to you.

thebean

Mr_Shiftright said:

Well, wouldn't you know it? Wife's sister calls today looking for a place to live with her toddler daughter. We spent today clearing out one of the bedrooms. Supporting 2 more people is obviously going to put a kink in the family finances. Guess my plans are on hold AGAIN. 

Tough break. Maybe you could buy a vintage motor home or Airstream and she could live in that.

It's OK. Whatever you give out in life comes back to you; whatever you deny to others will be denied to you.

No offense intended, but I'd love to see the numbers on this statement.  I had my share of family taking advantage of me until one day I had enough.  Since then, it's been, "no, I can't help you."  Wife is fully on board also, no matter if it's her family or mine.  

Mr_Shiftright

Well not to get too much off topic but the Buddhists have a cautionary statement that includes the word "idiot generosity". So yeah, there are limits.

tifighter

Regarding Clear, it just depends what airports you are using. The US airports I primarily use, besides SEA obviously, is SFO and JFK. The precheck lines here are often just as long as normal lines, and when you just cleared customs and have a tight connection to make, the time savings are worth something. I get a discount with DL status, and it is a company expense anyhow. I figure I'll give it try.

mjfloyd1

iluvmysephia1 said:

This one is still available at only $11,100. They're offering a 2011 Kia Soul in similar shape as mine for $10,995. It has 58,000 miles on it. I know they offer in trade less to buyers for their car than they offer the trade-in for sale, but, I think I've found the Kansas City Chevy dealer ta deal with who will actually deal. Nice. They look like they'll aggressivily work with you to come up with a deal both parties will be happy with.

Here's the 2017 Chevy Spark LS in Kalamata (metallic purple) that I have my eye on. It's not selling. Vantastic. I want many things the '17 Spark offers only one of them being Android Auto. Here's the exact car.

I am studying for the Big Medical Exam and take my test on Tuesday, March 21st. I first have to pass this test then I'll go car shopping. This will be a nice little car to drive - it has a tight 12' turning radius to quickly turn around in downtown KC when going to the Plaza. The corners of the car are stretched out over the earlier Spark's for optimum small car handling. I am enthused and interested!

I like this metallic purple color and I love the new Spark's body design. Gonna be a labor of love ta go after it.

Washing this car shouldn't take too long - the total square footage of this car's body is pretty
miniscule.

I've got to ask what this Big Medical Exam is???

stickguy

for a change, I may be in the market at the right place, right time. Pretty interested in a small CUV, and seems like they are popping up everywhere. I like the CX3, and the Rogue sport looks quite interesting. volvo XC40 will probably not be close to budget. Even the Kia Niro kinda fits (though might be too putt putt). Same for the Crosstek Subaru.

potentially lots of decisions, and I'm pretty sure the princess will be interested in one when the time comes.

qbrozen

I may still consider a purchase if I can find a nice enough car for cheap enough. I was previously willing to go up to $25k, but thinking now if I can keep it under $15k, I'd feel safe enough.

tbirdmarco

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WL8J5zEYIdk

tbirdmarco

@qbrozen you are welcome

tbirdmarco

@qbrozen sounds like an grate idea if you can. my t bird was $5000 not perfact but good driver car to go to shows with. anyway don't want an show car anyway not for me ever. so have frends or who ever wants to drive it for me. getting classic car inshorance in the next few weeks. finally getting it on the road after over an year and an half of having it lol lol.

tbirdmarco

I did luck out cause the guy who had it was not an car guy at all. his son had baught the car 6 years before and then whent off to college and must have laust intrest. and car was looking on and off this or the jenaration after this one to want that one to down the road.

graphicguy

qbrozen said:

I may still consider a purchase if I can find a nice enough car for cheap enough. I was previously willing to go up to $25k, but thinking now if I can keep it under $15k, I'd feel safe enough.

Hmmm....$15K. You're making it tougher, but I'm thinking we can come up with something.

graphicguy

Let's start here.....
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/lincoln/continental/1921429.html?refer=infinite-pro#&gid=1&pid=25

iluvmysephia1

mjfloyd1 - it's called a RPSGT exam. RPSGT stands for Registered Polysomnography Technician. I am a Certified Respiratory Therapist who is a Sleep Technician. Sleep work is accomplished under the large umbrella of Respiratory Therapy, so my Respiratory License for the State of Kansas covers me for the job. The RPSGT is the emblem that employers want their Sleep Techs to have, though. So I test on Tuesday, March 21st. If I fail, no new car for us. If I pass, we get a new car. Or a new to us house. Or a cool vacation to Branson, with a stop in Springfield ta buy a 2017 Nissan Versa S 5-speed stick sedan.

Best laid plans of mice and men.

qbrozen

graphicguy said:

Let's start here..... https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/lincoln/continental/1921429.html?refer=infinite-pro#&gid=1&pid=25

"We're gonna need a bigger garage."

Seriously, though, I think there are plenty of options in the sub $15k market. Tbirds are definitely on my mind, as are Dodge Darts and maybe possibly even a Studebaker. A local dealer has 2 of the above plus a 318 Charger. Just gotta find time to get over there. 

graphicguy

Would stretch my budget for this one...
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/pontiac/trans-am/1921289.html

corvette

iluvmysephia1 said:

Or a cool vacation to Branson, with a stop in Springfield ta buy a 2017 Nissan Versa S 5-speed stick sedan.

I visited Branson a couple years back. I may have been the youngest tourist there. I wasn't that impressed. Eureka Springs, Arkansas is neater but is definitely a sleepy small town. Lots of fun twisty roads near Eureka Springs. 

graphicguy

Save you some money on this one...
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/bmw/z3/1899561.html

Heard of these....first time I've seen one. It's a Vega. What could go wrong.....
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/chevrolet/cosworth-vega/1838313.html

Not sure why I clicked on this one. But, probably the only one still in existence.....
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/chevrolet/chevette/1926695.html#&gid=1&pid=18

xwesx

graphicguy said:

Would stretch my budget for this one...
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/pontiac/trans-am/1921289.html

Whew! That's the spittin' image of my mom's TA (sans the bird). Memories. For some reason, though, all I can smell is cigarette smoke every time I see one of those.

stickguy

I like them all. GG, you also managed to find a car listed at the dealer right by my house. If the weather ever clears up, I really need to take an afternoon and wander over there for a long browse!

I like the TA, but needs a stick. And have to get a chicken on there. Looks naked without it.

Z3 also intrigues me. Also, happily, within my budget! Been a long time since I drove one. IIRC, I can actually fit comfortably in one, can't say that about same vintage Miata.

ab348

xwesx said:

graphicguy said:

Would stretch my budget for this one...
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/pontiac/trans-am/1921289.html

Whew! That's the spittin' image of my mom's TA (sans the bird). Memories. For some reason, though, all I can smell is cigarette smoke every time I see one of those.

That's the same dealer that had the dubious '70/'71 Cutlass Frankenstein we talked about a few days ago. This one gives me a similar sort of light-headed feeling from the description.

corvette

Z3 is listed as a manual but has a PRND gate between the seats.

stickguy

Didn't look at Z3 pics. I hate when they do that.

QB, posted a bunch of local stuff over on the projects thread!

tifighter

There's a local Z3 for sale, 01 3.0L with the factory hardtop, 70k miles for $7k. It's a manual. The hardtop alone is $$$. No sport pkg, which was just seats and wheels in 2001. Still, if I hadn't already had one, I'd be all over it.

stickguy

this is a nice looking buggy. I could probably make do with one of these. Price is not too bad I guess? Seems pretty loaded up. Just sadly, as usual, no sports seats.

http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2014-bmw-x1-certified_x1_xdrive28i_awd_premium_tech_navi-used-15405480.html

this is nice too. My daughter has a fascination with these. Not sure I want to get back in bed with VW again though!

http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2014-volkswagen-tiguan-certified_tiguan_sel_2_0t_4motion_awd_suv_camera__navi-used-15783997.html

stickguy

Hmmm. This seems too cheap. At this price, would be getting a serious look-see. Not even 10 months old yet!

http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2017-volvo-s60-certified_s60_t5_dynamic_navigation-used-16175352.html

Edit: Found a flaw. Still a good deal, but missing the key Vision package. The slick dash (well, could get away without that), BLIS/rear cross path (really want that) and the deal breaker, at this price point, for the "safety company", they still make the back up camera optional. Hard to believe at this point, and damned near impossible to back up safely without one, given the terrible rear visibility.

graphicguy

Stick....I really like that dealership's inventory. Practically all their cars are interesting to me.

stickguy

they have really good reviews, and QB has some experience (people he work with I think) and gave them high marks. Prices tend to be reasonable, and nice stuff moves quick. And they appear to be very picky about what they stock, so I would not hesitate to buy something from them.

later in the year when I start actively shopping, wife and I will be making a road trip (it's about an hour from here) and making a day (well, half day!) looking at inventory. I'll just have to take her out to lunch someplace nice at the end.

iluvmysephia1

corvette - Eureka Springs, AR, is a cool little town. A really cool Arkansas highway is Highway 7 between Harrison and Hot Springs. The locals will push you - they know the roads well and they mean business.

The '11 Kia Soul handled the test very well. Surprised my bride didn't yelp in agony several times, though. Those Arkansas roads really twist and turn!

tbirdmarco

@qbrozen What years of the T bird would you be interested in? all of those other cars menchend very nice to.

tbirdmarco

home today for an snow day hear. like shore all others on the east coste. loving it!

Mr_Shiftright

graphicguy said:

Let's start here.....
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/lincoln/continental/1921429.html?refer=infinite-pro#&gid=1&pid=25

Too expensive to fix. He needs a car where he can go online, order a part from one of ten different vendors competing with each other, and have it sitting on his doorstep next day.

qbrozen

Marcothecarguy1986 said:

@qbrozen What years of the T bird would you be interested in? all of those other cars menchend very nice to.

The third gen (61-63) seems to be the sweet spot for me.

Mr_Shiftright

Do y'all think this new wagon from Buick (rebadged Opel) will be a success? Supposed to be coming for 2018.

houdini1

graphicguy said:

Let's start here.....
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/lincoln/continental/1921429.html?refer=infinite-pro#&gid=1&pid=25

Old Farmer would kill for that !!

28firefighter

Mr_Shiftright said:

Do y'all think this new wagon from Buick (rebadged Opel) will be a success? Supposed to be coming for 2018.

I like it a lot. Unfortunately I think it will hit the same resistance most station wagons seem to encounter domestically in that it isn't raised off the ground.

qbrozen

Mr_Shiftright said:

Do y'all think this new wagon from Buick (rebadged Opel) will be a success? Supposed to be coming for 2018.

If it could be a cheaper V90, it could be interesting; however, as we know, Americans don't like wagons. ;b

thebean

Mr_Shiftright said:

Do y'all think this new wagon from Buick (rebadged Opel) will be a success? Supposed to be coming for 2018.

I like that a lot, but I bet it won't do well here.  People have gotten used to high seating positions.  I wonder if the pending sale of Opel & Vauxhall will impact this introduction.