Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

sda

kyfdx said:

ab348 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Just a gentle nudge. We aren't in a court of law.

But we DID especially create a conversational topic in order to keep CCBA somewhat "clean" of clutter, so why not use that tool?

I only chimed in here because @Michaell started it, and being a Mod, figured it must have been OK.

Me, too...

Throwing your moderator or fellow member under the bus is not very nice.

ab348

But it's his own bus. He threw himself there...

corvette

Automotive related: I've always loved the music on these two ads. At the time this car was launched, the website for the M also played the same music in the background.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oDr9_WJTew



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diSmkhQH0BA

Sandman6472

The Spark I drove was an automatic and when the front tire exploded on the expressway, took out part of the front bumper for over $12.5K in repairs alone. The looks of the new one are very nice but it's really just a city vehicle, that's where it shines. On the highway, not so much. Don't weem to have any newer ones in the fleet anymore though I saw a new batch of Nissan Versa Notes and regular Versa's being pdi'd this afternoon so they could be put into service next week. Also about 40 or so Rogue's, the fleet model with some being "AWD" also. I like the Rogue, a nice comfortable CUV even though it does have the CVT tranny. SO far, the only CVT that reacts like a regular automatic is the Honda Civic's. Drove one on Tuesday and it shifted just like a regular auotmatic plus it was actually fun to drive! Will point my kid in that direction in the next year as I think it'll be perfect for her, that, or the new Elantra. Another good small vehicle.

The Sandman

ab348

I always liked the music in this Canadian commercial for the Regal from a few years ago:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jOXK34e0P0

nyccarguy

@xwesx - good luck dealing with the insurance company.  Someone I do business just had an accident in his 2014 Mazda 3.  Someone came out of a parking lot, hit the Mazda 3 the front Driver's 1/4 panel, then sent the Mazda into an elevated train pillar.  The front right 1/4 panel and the hood were damaged as well.  The car has close to 100K miles on it and the ins company fixed it.

stickguy

Sandy, next year my daughter needs a new car (after she graduates) and the Civic and Elantra will be high on the list if she is looking at sedans. Along with Mazda 3. Though at this point, I think she may lean towards a compact CUV like the rogue sport, or mazda CX3. gonna be fun looking!

fintail

Ah 2005, back when push button start was a big deal.

Iluv - look at a Versa Note too, I think they at least look better than a sedan.

Sandman6472

Drove a couple of Tiguan's today and this is what I should've bought back in 2013. Perfect size, sit up a bit, probably no more than 172"...the perfect vehicle for me. Shame that the mpg's are somewhat dismal compared to what I get out of the Golf. But for a commuter vehicle, the Golf's just about perfect for that so might as well just keep it until I retire 2.0. Since I've been using the "S" mode to start out from a dead stop, acceleration is much improved with no hesitation to speak of. Seems to hold the shifts a bit longer which gives the feeling of more power I guess. All I know is that it works and will keep on using it. I do shift back into "D" after I get going at a good clip so I can use less petrol just moving along with traffic. Luckily about 25 of the 29 miles I drive each way are expressway, though it seems to take the same time both morning and evening, give or take 30 minutes. Try to leave the house by 6:45 so I miss the bulk of the traffic going south on I-75 into southern Broward County. Wish the commute was smaller but my attempts for a transfer closer to home haven't come to fruition as of now. Maybe it's just not meant to be at this point.

The Sandman

stickguy

sandy, my princess loves the Tiguan. But like you, I was shocked to see how poor the EPA mileage ratings are. Lower than my 270 HP RDX.

new model hopefully rates better, though it is also going to be at least 10 inches longer.

iluvmysephia1

Iluv - look at a Versa Note too, I think they at least look better than a sedan.

The Nissan Versa Note does look good. I prefer the sedan...It takes me back to the Mrs. and I and our vacation to Hot Springs, AR, in 2016. Hard to believe that was already about ten months ago. I had my Akita Chow on a leash and was roaming around the motel grounds....spotted a Versa sedan. Latest-gen styling. Boeing blue color. It drew my eye...Dude, you've seen a Versa sedan before....wait...have I?

I tugged on the Chow's leash and led her over to the Nissan Versa sedan. Liked it immediately on the walk-around of the subcompact Japanese sedan. Liked it ever since. The Spark has Android Auto, which I wish the Versa had.

This Exam is a monster...My potential prize will not be an easy one to earn, Mr. Bond.

iluvmysephia1

Guys, it's your local Sleep Tech. checking back in. I've searched around for local Nissan Versa S sedans for sale in the KC Metro. I'm pleased ta report that Stateline Nissan nearby the Sleep Lab I work at (that I'm right now at working) has no less than ten Versa S 5-speed sedans available for only $9,811. That is the price after a Stateline Nissan discount. Not like Youngblood Nissan of Springfield, MO's, deal, where the sedans are selling for $9,999 and that price is after discounts that not everyone gets. 

Everyone gets the Stateline discounts. I don't see how I can beat that. I am glad we had that little Chevy Spark discussion. I was very concerned about their dinky size for freeway travel. With the Versa S sedan, the winds can blow it around a tad on the freeways because of its skinny tire footprint. Some have openly lambasted that point, calling it blankety-blank. I could see that being true given the car's light weight of around 2,379 lbs. However, that is not a big enough deterrent. 

There are seven blue ones Nissan calls Graphite. There's three Fresh Powder ones (white). Those ten Versa S' are selling for $9,811. There is one Graphite Versa S selling for only $9,511. All 11 cars are 5-speed manuals.

The trade-in is what will make or break this deal in Kansas City. That's figuring on me passing this Exam, of course, too.

qbrozen

Have you driven one yet?

sda

iluvmysephia1 said:

Guys, it's your local Sleep Tech. checking back in. I've searched around for local Nissan Versa S sedans for sale in the KC Metro. I'm pleased ta report that Stateline Nissan nearby the Sleep Lab I work at (that I'm right now at working) has no less than ten Versa S 5-speed sedans available for only $9,811. That is the price after a Stateline Nissan discount. Not like Youngblood Nissan of Springfield, MO's, deal, where the sedans are selling for $9,999 and that price is after discounts that not everyone gets. 

Everyone gets the Stateline discounts. I don't see how I can beat that. I am glad we had that little Chevy Spark discussion. I was very concerned about their dinky size for freeway travel. With the Versa S sedan, the winds can blow it around a tad on the freeways because of its skinny tire footprint. Some have openly lambasted that point, calling it blankety-blank. I could see that being true given the car's light weight of around 2,379 lbs. However, that is not a big enough deterrent. 

There are seven blue ones Nissan calls Graphite. There's three Fresh Powder ones (white). Those ten Versa S' are selling for $9,811. There is one Graphite Versa S selling for only $9,511. All 11 cars are 5-speed manuals.

The trade-in is what will make or break this deal in Kansas City. That's figuring on me passing this Exam, of course, too.

I know the appeal and how you can get drawn in by a new car and a low price. Done that more than once and regretted it. Test drive and really think about this one. The Versa is nicely styled yet you give up PW, PL, CC, a decent audio system, and get a plain and bare bones interior. My fear as I've shared before is that you and perhaps even more importantly, the Mrs. will quickly have buyer's remorse. You know the saying "Unhappy wife, unhappy.." Go pass that exam!

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

Have you driven one yet?

No.  They will probably offer him a cup of coffee as trade in for his Kia Soul with a stick

qbrozen

I can't imagine buying a new car with crank windows. 

stickguy

I have gotten really spoiled. I can't imagine buying a car without comfort access (whatever you call not needing to take the fob out) and push button start. Crank windows would never happen.

And even worse in Iluv's situation, because that is their only car, and will be used for travel. Different story if they had a nice once for long distance use, and this was just for him solo around town. In that case, get whatever cheap thing you want!

I would bet the stirppo purchase will fall apart at the wife stage. Even if not due to spending money, but the "you can buy a car but not this one" test.

sda

stickguy said:

I have gotten really spoiled. I can't imagine buying a car without comfort access (whatever you call not needing to take the fob out) and push button start. Crank windows would never happen.

And even worse in Iluv's situation, because that is their only car, and will be used for travel. Different story if they had a nice once for long distance use, and this was just for him solo around town. In that case, get whatever cheap thing you want!

I would bet the stirppo purchase will fall apart at the wife stage. Even if not due to spending money, but the "you can buy a car but not this one" test.

X2

corvette

Yeah, if cheap is the criteria, just keep the Soul. You can probably swap in a new audio system with Android Auto if that's one of the motivators for a new car. 

Sandman6472

Seriously, please drive it before you commit to anything! Drive Versa's at work, both the hatch and the sedan, both nice vehicles but think you'll both be disappointed after coming out of your Soul. The Kia is a bigger and better vehicle and think it better to wait, save more $ and get something similar to the Soul if not another one. I understand the want of a smaller vehicle, I totally get that but going that small is not the wisest choice. Great for a first car like it was for my oldest's first but even now, as she's looking for her next vehicle, she's thinking Civic, Corolla, Elantra size for the little extra room, the great mpg's but because they all have the latest tech now which she must have. Even all those safety nannies will become standard on smaller vehicles soon, something that might be far off in the sub-compact category.
Just choose wisely because this is a vehicle that y'all will keep for a number of years. And trust me, the worst is buyers remorse within weeks when you know you bought the wrong vehicle. Been there...done that and at least for me, will never put myself in that position again! Even now, as much as I want to upgrade to a 320i or CLA, holding myself back and keeping the Golf because right now, it works for my situation and driving. Come another couple of years when I stop working altogether, that will be my optimum time to buy something newer. Now, I just keep saving so I can pay cash for it.
Good luck in whatever y'all decide but think, really think about everything before you commit!

The Sandman

tjc78

fintail said:

Ah 2005, back when push button start was a big deal. Iluv - look at a Versa Note too, I think they at least look better than a sedan.

When I got my 2006 Avalon I remember Toyota included push button start only on the Limited Model.  I scored a deal on an XLS that had all the equipment I wanted but had a regular key. 

Our 2015 Enclave doesn't have it (not available at any trim level) but yet the Elantra does.   My wife told me whatever I get her next it better had have keyless.  

Speaking of replacing the family truckster I've bookmarked some of the leading discussions for some of the vehicles I'm interested in.  I can't get over how poorly the Pilot is leasing right now.  I'm seeing 48k sticker for 700 month... guess Honda is selling all they make.  

Michaell

tjc78 said:

fintail said:

Ah 2005, back when push button start was a big deal.

Iluv - look at a Versa Note too, I think they at least look better than a sedan.

When I got my 2006 Avalon I remember Toyota included push button start only on the Limited Model.  I scored a deal on an XLS that had all the equipment I wanted but had a regular key. 

Our 2015 Enclave doesn't have it (not available at any trim level) but yet the Elantra does.   My wife told me whatever I get her next it better had have keyless.  

Speaking of replacing the family truckster I've bookmarked some of the leading discussions for some of the vehicles I'm interested in.  I can't get over how poorly the Pilot is leasing right now.  I'm seeing 48k sticker for 700 month... guess Honda is selling all they make.  

The Honda mythology lives!

My Jetta has push button start but I still need to use the fob to lock and unlock the doors.

One thing I discovered - every window has both auto down and auto up.

graphicguy

Corvette....it amazes me that Infiniti spends next to nothing on advertising for the replacement to the M, the Q70.

I had forgotten those existed until I wandered into the showroom.

corvette

Had a brake flush done this morning. I'm pretty sure they didn't remove the wheels from the car (there was a coating of gunk and brake dust and there are no handprints on the dirty wheels, as there normally are when someone has removed and installed them). Just watched a video on Wynn's brake flush machine, and evidently you can flush brakes without removing wheels. I never knew that!

Mr_Shiftright

I think it depends on access to the bleeders. Some cars/some wheels might be a nuisance.

suydam

When you drive the Versa try out both the hatch and the sedan. I think the hatch drives much nicer, kinda fun even. Especially with a stick. And more room for your dog. More maneuverable than the Soul for sure. The sedan is more of a plodder. If you're replacing a car there has to be something extra it has besides just being newer. And get the midlevel trim. That's an interior both of you could live with.

tjc78

Is it really necessary to flush the fluid? It's a sealed system. I know the only time I've done anything with brake fluid is if I had a caliper replaced. My 04 MGM had the original stuff in it and the brakes were fine. At 100k when I sold it the front pads were due (second set) and the rear pads were original with decent meat on them.

roadburner

tjc78 said:

Is it really necessary to flush the fluid? It's a sealed system. I know the only time I've done anything with brake fluid is if I had a caliper replaced. My 04 MGM had the original stuff in it and the brakes were fine. At 100k when I sold it the front pads were due (second set) and the rear pads were original with decent meat on them.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic; it will always absorb water. That lowers the boiling point of the fluid and can also cause damage to the ABS system as well as other components. My street cars get a brake fluid change every two years- the track cars every six months. It's cheap insurance.

Mr_Shiftright

One of the best things you can do for your car.

nyccarguy

I do a drain & fill on brake fluid every 2 years.  Even though the system is sealed, there is still moisture build up.

ab348

We've had that discussion on here before. Some manufacturers specify periodic brake fluid changes, others do not. Whether it adds significantly to overall brake system life is uncertain.

nyccarguy

@tjc78 - Pilots don't lease cheap.  Honda has no reason to inflate the residual or make the money factor super cheap because the Pilots are selling well.  For $700 a month, you could buy your Pilot & drive it until the wheels fall off or trade it in after 3 years and have some equity.

Have you checked out the Explorer?  Or maybe a Kia Sorrento?

My best friend recently looked into a Lexus GX470.  When they go to talking payments, the salesman asked him if he would take a 42 or 48 month lease instead of 36 months.  He (being the CCBAer) said he'd rather have a 24 month lease.   The dealer told him they have such high resale and they don't make that many of them that even if he decides he doesn't like the color, he can bring the truck back to get out of the lease after 12 months.

rny421

Marcothecarguy1986 said:

@rny421 whair in new York do you live my older brother lives up there near lake Jorge 45 minits or so from Albany. nice up there. I am on long island.

I'm in Rochester. A good friend of mine lives in Long Island, in Hempstead. I've been to Lake George many times, it's very nice. NY does have a lot to offer between the Adirondacks, Finger Lakes, NYC, etc.

andres3

stickguy said:

I have gotten really spoiled. I can't imagine buying a car without comfort access (whatever you call not needing to take the fob out) and push button start. Crank windows would never happen.

And even worse in Iluv's situation, because that is their only car, and will be used for travel. Different story if they had a nice once for long distance use, and this was just for him solo around town. In that case, get whatever cheap thing you want!

I would bet the stirppo purchase will fall apart at the wife stage. Even if not due to spending money, but the "you can buy a car but not this one" test.

Crank windows? I can't even stand it when manufacturer's cheap-out and can't even follow in Audi (and even lowly VW's footsteps) and give me 4 auto-up-down one touch window control. Why limit it to the driver or front windows only; I want all 4 windows open quickly at times, and closed quickly too, without making my hand stay in position for a long time.

rayainsw

The Charger is gone.
My local Carmax offered me $22K this morning.
I was pleased!
- Ray
Need to update my sig.

graphicguy

rayainsw said:

The Charger is gone.
My local Carmax offered me $22K this morning.
I was pleased!
- Ray
Need to update my sig.

Cool....did you even try to sell it on your own? What do you think the private seller price would have been?

tbirdmarco

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4soI9ufdLZ8

28firefighter

graphicguy said:

The Charger is gone. My local Carmax offered me $22K this morning. I was pleased! - Ray Need to update my sig.

Cool....did you even try to sell it on your own? What do you think the private seller price would have been?

I see 2015 chargers selling in the mid to upper 20s, so I think he did pretty well. 

iluvmysephia1

What I might do is wait for the Kia Rio for 2018 ta come out in a 6-speed stick form. The Mrs. loves Kia's and...I may have less bruising to mend from, too. The 2018 Kia Rio would be a cool car to drive in KC, me thinks.

BTW - Seattle and Washington State highway engineers - ya out there? Listen up - study how Kansas City did their highway system!!!! I'm not kidding. You don't sit in traffic sniffing exhaust here...You...Drive at freeway speeds!

Besides my birth city's awesome Seahawks, the future Sonic's team destined ta come back, and those beautiful waterways and green trees and blue water, Seattle has...Ahhhh!!!! High RE prices and too much sitting in traffic. I'll stay in KC Chiefs land over what was my homeland for the first 43 and 2/3's years of my life.

tbirdmarco

@iluvmysephia1 wow no idea 5 speeds wher so popular. depends whair you live. hear tuff to find. like others have said. drive it first good comuter car but for you the wife and the dog and only having one car really think about it other bigger choices you all will be a lot mor happier with. just my to sence lol lol

tbirdmarco

@rny421 you are way up mor. yes lake Jorge is very nice whent since I was an little kid and now that my older brother and his kids live upthere still going. yes new York does have a lot to offer. your frend is about 20 minits from me maby an bit less cool. he is in the same county as me.

tbirdmarco

@rayainsw nice you did grate. glad it is gon. nice car it was and so is the one you have now.

fintail

I don't think I would get a new car without keyless either. I am very used to it now. Might as well get an 80s/90s MB if I am going to get something without such gadgets. It has been pretty common on MBs since the mid 00s though.

700/month is insane on a Pilot lease, might as well buy it. My E, which stickered for 20K+ more, is a bit less (albeit and end of year/end of series deal).

tjc78 said:

When I got my 2006 Avalon I remember Toyota included push button start only on the Limited Model.  I scored a deal on an XLS that had all the equipment I wanted but had a regular key. 

Our 2015 Enclave doesn't have it (not available at any trim level) but yet the Elantra does.   My wife told me whatever I get her next it better had have keyless.  

Speaking of replacing the family truckster I've bookmarked some of the leading discussions for some of the vehicles I'm interested in.  I can't get over how poorly the Pilot is leasing right now.  I'm seeing 48k sticker for 700 month... guess Honda is selling all they make.  

suydam

There are some things I must have on a new car and some that if it has one but not another I can deal.
My '14 Encore doesn't have push button start but it has a power driver's seat and a moonroof, so okay. My Volt has push button start but no power driver's seat or moonroof. Again, okay. Both of them have all 4 automatic windows.
What I can't do without any more is Rear Cross Traffic Alert and blind spot detection. And with the Volt, I'm pretty sold now on the parking sensors.

corvette

ab348 said:

We've had that discussion on here before. Some manufacturers specify periodic brake fluid changes, others do not. Whether it adds significantly to overall brake system life is uncertain.

I'm not that worried about components corroding (I'm not likely to own the car that long), more worried about the fluid boiling when I need to stop. But, I don't drive my car on a track, and the CVT provides a lot of engine braking, so things are probably less likely to overheat anyway. Nissan says to change the brake fluid every two years, and I'm betting the original owner never had it done. Judging by the condition of the air filter and pollen filter, I don't think they ever changed those in 3 years and 50,000 miles, either.

iluvmysephia1

I'd change the cabin filter immediately.

tjc78

 @roadburner and @Mr_Shiftright
I guess if/when I stop leasing I will actually change the fluid.  

@nyccarguy
I am looking / have looked at all the SUVs in the class.  The one requirement is captains chairs in the middle row with no console in between (or small enough that you can get into the rear).  Not a huge fan of the Explorer.  Right now the Santa Fe looks like a nice package and fully decked out (45kish) leases look like high 4s with just first payment down.  

My Enclave was 47 and change and I'm at 514.  I wasn't entirely thrilled with that lease, but compared to others it was good. 

Sandman6472

Starting to make some plans for the upcoming wedding of our son in Chicago in October. Did a Mapquest search and seems that it would take us just over 20 hours to drive there. Seems reasonable as we'll need a vehicle there. The wife agrees that we need to rent as our vehicles are just too small. I say minivan but she says midsize, a Sonata size, which I can deal with since there will only be three of us driving while the other two flying. Hotel we plan on charges for parking, flat fee to not use the vehicle, $10 more if we take it in and out during the day. Ludicrous if you ask me but guess in the city, this is normal. Still, a bit crazy as we're used to having free parking most of the time.
Mapquest has three different routes but all seem pretty straight forward. Figure a bit over two days driving as there'd be three of us to split the driving. Just not sure if using Uber and flying might make more sense since I'm the only one who can take a full two weeks off. Son's fiance has a car but feel funny asking her to move us around town as we'll be there from a Thursday/Friday till the following Tuesday morning. Saw pics of the hotel online and looks to be a pretty nice place luckily but since the wife is a bit particular, the kid did real good finding the hotel. He also has a local restaurant they frequent doing the rehearsal dinner that we are hosting. Still a bit early, but will be making the hotel reservations within the month, after tax season, so we're not shut out that long weekend.

The Sandman

suydam

You might check to see if there is a parking garage near the hotel. Their rates are often lower than hotel rates. I did that in Center City (Philadelphia) and the garage was half the price! No in and out fees either.

28firefighter

suydam said:

You might check to see if there is a parking garage near the hotel. Their rates are often lower than hotel rates. I did that in Center City (Philadelphia) and the garage was half the price! No in and out fees either.

We do this when we go to Portland for the weekend. Portland public garages are no more than $10/day max on weekends starting after 5pm Friday. No in/out privileges of course. 

We leave the car and use public transit/Uber to get around. $30 for the whole weekend vs. $47 a night at the Westin.