Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

nyccarguy

I know the miles are high, but these seem bulletproof for your sister @qbrozen

https://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/cto/6038651748.html

nyccarguy

@stickguy - this has your name written all over it.  Except it's not blue with a beige interior 

https://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/cto/6061054114.html

Michaell

@nyccarguy - good luck with the new (to you) car delivery tomorrow. Here's hoping nothing goes sideways at the dealer.

jeffb0101

True, but they usually get what I tell them. 

qbrozen

nyccarguy said:

I know the miles are high, but these seem bulletproof for your sister @qbrozen

https://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/cto/6038651748.html

I am trying to keep it under 90k miles

qbrozen

jeffb0101 said:

I've been going through the same car SUV shopping for my parents. They are replacing my mom's 06 Armada, which was totaled last month. 

So so far the contenders are:

03 XC90 2.5t with 95k. In good shape for the year, but will have a PPI done by their mechanic. Oddly enough, it doesn't have the versatility package (3rd row, etc) that most sold down here do. $5,995

00 Lexus RX300 with 152k. Also in good shape, but it needs a new key and only the right speaker seem to be working. $5,995, as well. 

A new one that popped up is my friend's 09 Explorer XLT with around 140k on it. He will give it to me for $4,500.

This Explorer seems like the best way to go as far as parts availability and the ability for their mechanic to work on it.  Back when I had my XC90, the local indie Euro shop wouldn't touch it. 

I admit that car shopping for someone else does give me a bit of a rush!

I would only touch the XC90 if it is FWD.
And, IMHO, an Explorer with 140k does not have much life left in it.

cdnpinhead

Here's hoping @nyccarguy has the kind of delivery experience today that I had last month -- totally satisfactory and very pleased on the drive home.

stickguy

I like the Saab. Don't trust it, but still like it.

The XC90 can easily be converted into a FWD. just disconnect the prop shaft, problem solved.

Q, if you want a clean, under $6,000 SUV, and lowish miles, good luck with that. Can't she possibly live with a sedan? Maybe a wagon?

stickguy

The Passat I found is AWD, 80k miles, and on budget. That qualifies as a CUV these days too!

qbrozen

stickguy said:

I like the Saab. Don't trust it, but still like it.

The XC90 can easily be converted into a FWD. just disconnect the prop shaft, problem solved.

Q, if you want a clean, under $6,000 SUV, and lowish miles, good luck with that. Can't she possibly live with a sedan? Maybe a wagon?

A couple have popped up but are gone very quickly. I can push her up to $7k if need be.

And I'm not sure converting the XC90 is that easy. The problem that occurs is a leaking seal. Removing the shaft won't stop the leak.

stickguy

$7k helps. That Santa Fe I found was gone before they even posted a price.

stickguy

And that is the problem with used shopping, especially at lower price points. Becomes a full time job, and so much crap to sort through, with the gems going quickly.

stickguy

This one looks decent. Close on miles, sneaks into budget. Should be cheap enough to run.

http://www.turnersvilleautomall.com/detail-2005-chevrolet-equinox-4dr_awd_lt-used-16207343.html

jeffb0101

The XC90 is FWD.

kyfdx

Plus.. SUV. Those are way overpriced in the used market.

graphicguy

stickguy said:

And that is the problem with used shopping, especially at lower price points. Becomes a full time job, and so much crap to sort through, with the gems going quickly.

Yeah....but that's what we live for in this thread...

stickguy

kyfdx said:

Plus.. SUV. Those are way overpriced in the used market.

Yup. If that equinox I linked was an otherwise identical Malibu, instead of $6,500 it what be listed for what, $4,000?

qbrozen

I found her a bunch today just using truecar. She approves of all except the Trailblazer and Explorer.

https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-for-sale/listing/3G5DA03E85S529127/2005-buick-rendezvous/

https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-for-sale/listing/3G5DA03E93S560156/2003-buick-rendezvous/

https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-for-sale/listing/5NMSG73D39H319207/2009-hyundai-santa-fe/

https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-for-sale/listing/1FMCU027X9KA99418/2009-ford-escape/

https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-for-sale/listing/1FMDU84W23ZA26873/2003-ford-explorer/

https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-for-sale/listing/SHSRD78526U420141/2006-honda-cr-v/

https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-for-sale/listing/2CNDL73F466088385/2006-chevrolet-equinox/

stickguy

there is not trailblazed in the list. But would not want one or an explorer either.

of this bunch, I pick the white escape as the best option in terms of age, miles, price, and cost to run. Heck, I might look at that for myself if I needed something to tide me over temporarily.

Mr_Shiftright

Have you considered a Scion xA? Great little car actually. Might be a tad too "little" though, although you can cram a lot into it.

corvette

Of those, I like the Santa Fe. Maybe the Escape too. 

Good grief, I forgot how ugly the Rendezvous was. Platform mate with the Aztec (and some of the same styling cues). 

tifighter

@fintail Here's one for your amusement. If you're going to have a brown wagon...

qbrozen

stickguy said:

there is not trailblazed in the list. But would not want one or an explorer either.

of this bunch, I pick the white escape as the best option in terms of age, miles, price, and cost to run. Heck, I might look at that for myself if I needed something to tide me over temporarily.

ah, these 2 apparently didn't copy over:

https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-for-sale/listing/1GNDT13S932407214/2003-chevrolet-trailblazer/

https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-for-sale/listing/5NMSG13D77H017221/2007-hyundai-santa-fe/

qbrozen

Alright, how in the hell was I overlooked to be on this team? ;b

kyfdx

qbrozen said:

Alright, how in the hell was I overlooked to be on this team? ;b

Those are Edmunds employees. Are you looking for a job?

qbrozen

Always. The car shopping and job shopping never cease. I'd think they would have tried to recruit me by now. Sheesh!

fintail

Neat car - price is a bit dear for something with so much needs and heavy patina, but as a car, it is pretty cool. Slow and the definition of oddball, but cool.

A noted local MB specialist had a fairly immaculate W110 Universal he sold maybe 10 years ago for about that much - but you'd probably cross the 5 figure mark getting this car to be as nice as his.

tifighter said:

@fintail Here's one for your amusement. If you're going to have a brown wagon...

Mr_Shiftright

GEESH---he wants $20K and won't even fix the clutch and brake hydraulics? Might as well be selling a $20,000 pile of bricks. Even cobbling it together so that it would drive around the block would have been brilliant.

stickguy

Probably better than most of them, but still gonna be a costly resto. Once you start poking, it all comes apart, and probably a lot of hidden horrors. On the plus dude, seems to be all there!

That car is probably too slow to need brakes anyway. How about a nice modern engine retro mod?

fintail

This was the Universal I knew of locally. It was a pretty nice car, and completely roadworthy:

nyccarguy

Thank-you guys! I've been super busy at work today. I'm going to try and get out early so I can get to the car dealership. It is one of the perks when Dad is the boss. I'll post pics later tonight!

breld

Good luck @nyccarguy! Very excited for you!

Michaell

@breld - are you going back to the MB dealer to pull the trigger on the Hemi Durango?

breld

Since I'm considering dropping the bucks to "upgrade" the Durango, figured I should check out some other vehicles too ('cause, why not?).

Went to a Mazda dealer as they had a used Durango with the Hemi (a Citadel model), and I wanted to check out the CX-9 again. Durango was fine, but my gut told me that I really like the R/T model I've been considering. The Citadel model I looked at was white with a saddle interior, and being the "lux" model, had plenty of chrome to go around. Just didn't speak to me like the silver with black trim R/T.

The CX-9 drives really well. Transmission is super smooth; there's plenty of torque from the 2.5l turbo. It's "luxury-car" quiet even on the highway. Handles well for what it is. Fun to drive. Gets twice the MPG compared to the Durango.

But...the center console is high, which gives it a nice cockpit, enclosed feel. But it also provides a nice hard plasticky surface for my right knee to lean up against. Just could not get comfortable - tried shifting my leg around; tried adjusting the overall seat position. When I was telling the salesperson that I liked everything of how the car drove but I had one complaint, he finished my thought for me and said, "your knee." Apparently it's a fairly common complaint.

May sound like a little thing, but I've been in cars before where I couldn't get comfortable like that. It doesn't go away.

Michaell

breld said:

Since I'm considering dropping the bucks to "upgrade" the Durango, figured I should check out some other vehicles too ('cause, why not?).

Went to a Mazda dealer as they had a used Durango with the Hemi (a Citadel model), and I wanted to check out the CX-9 again. Durango was fine, but my gut told me that I really like the R/T model I've been considering. The Citadel model I looked at was white with a saddle interior, and being the "lux" model, had plenty of chrome to go around. Just didn't speak to me like the silver with black trim R/T.

The CX-9 drives really well. Transmission is super smooth; there's plenty of torque from the 2.5l turbo. It's "luxury-car" quiet even on the highway. Handles well for what it is. Fun to drive. Gets twice the MPG compared to the Durango.

But...the center console is high, which gives it a nice cockpit, enclosed feel. But it also provides a nice hard plasticky surface for my right knee to lean up against. Just could not get comfortable - tried shifting my leg around; tried adjusting the overall seat position. When I was telling the salesperson that I liked everything of how the car drove but I had one complaint, he finished my thought for me and said, "your knee." Apparently it's a fairly common complaint.

May sound like a little thing, but I've been in cars before where I couldn't get comfortable like that. It doesn't go away.

Yep, that's how I felt with the driver's door in the Q40 I drove on Saturday. Despite all the nice things about the car, that would annoy me every time I got behind the wheel.

stickguy

Nothing is worse than the floor goiter on an IS AWD. I have no idea how anyone can drive one.

breld

Michaell said:

@breld - are you going back to the MB dealer to pull the trigger on the Hemi Durango?

Considering it for sure.

I said on Saturday I'd do it for another $1k - no deal, so I'd guess they're serious about their offer. Salesperson called me this morning just to see what I thought, but had nothing additional to offer.

breld

Looked at the Miata RF again while at the Mazda dealership. Doesn't make much sense, but I just want one.

corvette

Apparently the Mercedes/Mini/smart car dealership near my office is planning to move out to the suburbs, as some of the other high-end makes have already done (or are in the process of doing). They have been out of room on their lot for a long time. Employee parking is off-site and a lot of their inventory is also at another location, even further off-site.

I've heard they're discussing leveling the dealership to build an apartment complex.

stickguy

better use of space resources it sounds like.

corvette

Yeah, the old location is in a good part of town and near a lot of amenities, just no available land (unless one of the nearby malls closes), plus the east end is where the newer housing developments and shopping centers are being built.

roadburner

corvette said:

Yeah, the old location is in a good part of town and near a lot of amenities, just no available land (unless one of the nearby malls closes), plus the east end is where the newer housing developments and shopping centers are being built.

My dealer is converting the old Fiat dealership down the street into a BMW CPO sales/service center. With the new store being built on Blankenbaker I'm not sure how it will work out.

andres3

Michaell said:

breld said:

Since I'm considering dropping the bucks to "upgrade" the Durango, figured I should check out some other vehicles too ('cause, why not?).

Went to a Mazda dealer as they had a used Durango with the Hemi (a Citadel model), and I wanted to check out the CX-9 again. Durango was fine, but my gut told me that I really like the R/T model I've been considering. The Citadel model I looked at was white with a saddle interior, and being the "lux" model, had plenty of chrome to go around. Just didn't speak to me like the silver with black trim R/T.

The CX-9 drives really well. Transmission is super smooth; there's plenty of torque from the 2.5l turbo. It's "luxury-car" quiet even on the highway. Handles well for what it is. Fun to drive. Gets twice the MPG compared to the Durango.

But...the center console is high, which gives it a nice cockpit, enclosed feel. But it also provides a nice hard plasticky surface for my right knee to lean up against. Just could not get comfortable - tried shifting my leg around; tried adjusting the overall seat position. When I was telling the salesperson that I liked everything of how the car drove but I had one complaint, he finished my thought for me and said, "your knee." Apparently it's a fairly common complaint.

May sound like a little thing, but I've been in cars before where I couldn't get comfortable like that. It doesn't go away.

Yep, that's how I felt with the driver's door in the Q40 I drove on Saturday. Despite all the nice things about the car, that would annoy me every time I got behind the wheel.

Can you or @breld just buy a silicone knee/elbow pad and adhere it to the spot you need to adhere it to?

Got me to thinking about my obsession with a good steering wheel. It seemed I just saw a rack of leather steering wheel aftermarket add-ons, and the leather quality wasn't bad, the price relatively low, and it got me to thinking whether an extra $1,000 or $2,000 in options was worth it just to get the better steering wheel.

tbirdmarco

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vB_YE3iRKVk

tbirdmarco

@jeffb0101 nice keep us all updated on what ends up going down on what car they do get.

tbirdmarco

@nyccarguy nice hope all gos whell tonight now. lol just ketching up from last night. cant wate to hear all about it.

tifighter

I'll admit it - I really dig this E30. It's all the money, but the condition doesn't disappoint.

nyccarguy

Punch my card @corvette

This evening I took delivery of a CPO Infiniti Q40 AWD
Obsidian Black with a Black Interior
7,468 miles on the odometer

Thank-you all for your help and support!  I simply love the car!  It is very handsomely styled.  The chrome accents compliment the black exterior nicely.  I keep looking back at it in the driveway.

Delivery was quick and easy.  Sign a few DMV forms with the salesman, went to take a look at the car outside.  The car is fantastic.  Inside and out.  We go back in.  Chat in his office for a few minutes and then it is off to meet "the business manager."  I politely declined the paint sealant, tire & wheel insurance, prepaid maintenance, & extended warranty.  Afterwards, the finance guy said I'm going to love the car.  He leased 4 of them himself and loved them.

Infiniti's CPO warranty doesn't seem to be as comprehensive as some other luxury car makes.  Since my car has less than 15,000 miles, the CPO warranty gives me 6 years or 75K miles of coverage from the original in service date.  The remainder of the factory 4 year 60K warranty is in effect until October 2018.  Then I get an additional 2 years of power train coverage or until I hit 75K miles.  Hopefully I won't have to use any of it.

Now the good part.  The car drives phenomenally.  Hydraulic power steering is perfectly weighted.  Handling is crisp and balanced.  The ride is taut, well controlled, smooth, and solid.  I love the cockpit like interior.  The power is incredible.  This is the 1st car I've ever owned with over 300 hp.  It is wonderful to have so much power under the hood. 

Some random numbers:

3/27 - the day I took delivery of my Infiniti
4/27 - the day I took delivery of my Prelude back in 2002
427 - the big block under the hood of my Dad's corvette.  
327 - the size of the small block offered in most C2 Corvettes like my Dad's
328 - The horsepower my Infiniti's 3.7L V6 pumps out
328 - the model BMW I leased before I bought my Subaru
30 - the months I owned my 2010 Acura TSX, leased my 2011 BMW 328xi, & owned my 2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium.
7,468 - the amount of miles put on my Infiniti before I took delivery.
47,656 - the amount of miles I put on my Legacy in the past 2 1/2 years

Enough blabbering, here are a few quick pics I snapped:

nyccarguy

nyccarguy