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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)
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Can't say as we are jumping on the car buying bandwagon anytime soon either.......there's a $35k firewood processor in our near future which kind of puts the kabash on a new car.
I had one as a loaner for several days last spring when my TL 6-speed was in for repairs (red-light runner took off my front bumper) When I went to return it, the dealer asked me what it would take for me to "upgrade" to the RL. I told him it wasn't an upgrade - and I meant it. My TL 6-speed is a lot more fun to drive. Noticably quicker, better handling IMO, much better braking (thanks to the 6-speed's Brembos). Not to mention a 6-speed gearbox that is as good as any sedan's.
I'm not sure what techno do-dads or amenities that the 2006 RL has that the TL doesn't, other than the traffic based nav system. Which was very inaccurate in the DC area, I might add. We have the Bluetooth, voice activated Nav, DVD sound system, etc. But what is immediately apparant that the RL does have is an extra 600+ lbs of heft - without a noticably larger interior. If anyone says the RL is a fun to drive car, I have to question, as compared to what? A Buick maybe, a Lexus ES/LS maybe not, and a BMW 5-series, not in a million years.
The new BMW 550i 6-speed is indeed an upgrade to the TL 6-speed. But the 4,000 lb Acura RL with a slushbox isn't, IMO. So, if you really must buy a new Acura, get a TL 6-speed and put the savings in your kid's college fund.
There, is that what you needed?
I am at 6 months and looking forward my one year coin and hoping to get to the two year coin before I buy something else.
If i can make it to 2 years I will be right on my average.
The L300 was purchased somewhere in mid-month, three years ago ... now has 43K on it and serves as my daughter's mobile locker. I try to keep the outside clean, but the inside will need a good detailing when she turns it back over to me next summer. Looks good (seeing has how it has lived outside for the past 18 months), runs strong, and the dent resistent panels come in handy in the high school parking lot.
The Focus was purchased on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, two years ago. Now has 34K on it and serves as my daily driver. Just put new shoes on her last weekend (Falken Ziex) and we'll see how they do in the unpredictable weather here in Colorado. Other than that, she's done everything we've asked of her and returned ~30MPG in the process. Will probably get sold next summer when the daughter goes off to college.
The VUE was purchased on the Saturday after Thanksgiving last year. Now has something like 14-15K on it ... wife loves it to death. Nothing that 250HP can't solve, though I am worried that the crappy Bridgestone OEM tires are going to wear out quickly. There have been lots of bad tales told on various Saturn forums about these tires; specifically, their tendency to aquaplane at the drop of a hat. I've told the wife that if that should start to happen, to let me know and we will put new tires on it immediately. The problem is that they are an odd size (235/65-17, I think) and there aren't too many choices for a direct size replacement. Other than the concern over the tires, there really hasn't been a problem with the VUE.
Saturn service is as good as advertised, IMHO.
I think I'm out of the market for the time being, though I will always be tempted to look and see what's available.
PS. Son also bought his 2001 Saturn L200 on the same day we bought the VUE last November. Needed some major transmission work within 8 weeks of purchase, but now it runs like a top (2.2L 4 banger with a 5-speed). He just drove it to St. George, UT (approximately 650 miles).
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If I had $40 (to 50)K to blow right now, I'd be looking at: a mint condition used low-mileage 911, or new corvette. In 4 doors, I still like the idea of a mint condition used low-mileage bmw E-39 530i for in the low $20's probably--I find it hard to believe it wouldn't better most Japanese cars, esp. with the SPP. Just my 2 cents.
I would love a white TL 6-speed with ebony leather but Gee wants a RWD/AWD car so that's a no go.
Sure do love the MDX though!!!
The good news is that my wife might be willing to replace her Odyssey with my G35, but that means I would have to buy an SUV or a wagon or something useful for hauling dogs and various crap.
I also wouldn't be surprised if Carmax would go a little higher than what Terry says - sometimes they will really pay up.
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Since I burned out my 1991 Olds Bravada in '99 at 168k miles, I have owned a '99 ML320, a 2000 E320 Wagon, a 2002 RX 300, a 2004 Lincoln Aviator and a 2004 E320 Wagon. Also in there was a '04 325i convertible, which I still possess (along with the 04 E wagon.)
I have also helped a number of friends find their vehicles and deals.
I think I have found my place here.
Am now considering --ok, have placed an order for -- an 06 Benx R350. I have very rational reasons for all of this wanderlust, in addition to just enjoying the hunt, but sure have taken a beating in the court of friends and family public opinion.
My wife has gotten passed being alarmed, and is now mostly amused. Don't spend much on other recreations besides cars and houses (got 3 a those
Public opinion only matters if you're a politician or thinking of becoming one. Like you, I can keep the small stuff mostly under control, but big-ticket items are one of my main vices.
Based upon your past selections (all station wagons and SUV's except the 325i) I have to believe that another form of "recreation" has been to produce at least a few kids to occupy all of those seats??
Regarding the R350/500, a funny story. This past weekend I packed my wife and two daughters in our 911 S Cabriolet to go to Annapolis for lunch. As we were leaving the DC area, we pulled up to a light next to an R500. My 7 year old, very observant, exclaimed "Look, a Mercedes mini-van". To which my wife, a longstanding fan of the Mercedes wagon, added, "boy that's not very attractive". I shut them up before the driver rolled down his window, looked down at us and said, "Wow, I didn't think you could fit a family of four in a 911". He had his wife and one kid in the R500. They had the big sunroof(s), but I could see more than a bit of envy of our open air 911 on a nice sunny 65 degree November Saturday.
So unless you are going to pack a lot of kids in that Mercedes "mini-van", may I offer an alternative that wouldn't cost a boatload more, but be a lot more fun to drive? The bonnet will hold a case or two of red wine and you can commute between your houses in record time. It might actually be fun enough that you can take a year or two reprieve form your affliction!
As for the decision on the R, it's not totally about scratching the itch. Yes, I have 2 young'uns, and we ferry them, friends and a host of household goods to and from the city just about every weekend. Our E wagon is always just about maxed out. I have always been a fan of the minivan concept, but have HATED the way they drive and handle, especially on the Taconic Parkway in NY. I think the R is a good compromise between wagon, van and SUV.
Also,I have found that I can stuff several cases of good claret in the boot of my 325Cic, even with the mrs. and ragamuffins in tow.
I think I am at that point also, i almost don't want to disappoint her in what I am thinking about next. Or the flip side , don't let her know what I am thinking and explain to her the reason why we needed another car later.
I like your foray into the world of German cars. If my pockets were a little deeper I would love to a 3 convertabile and a Mercedes mini-van.
I think I am staying pat for now with my Mercedes cousin Mini-van(Chrysler T&C) and smaller version of the E wagon(Mazda 6 wagon).
Unless that power ball hits my number. :shades:
Another trick with the wife (OK, SO for the women members, I know we have at least 2!) is to get them something first. Once we got her a new Odyssey last year, she was out of the market for the next 10 years. So, any car shopping would have to be for me, since I won't be taking anything away from her.
I also make sure she knows my eye is wandering again, and thrwo some names out there. This gives her the option of checking it out (become involved in the process). She now usually passes, which I take to meen that I can decide for myself.
Of course, there is always looking going on, so I doubt she can tell the serious threats from the flak, but that's her problem!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Now I just have to locate one, and work out a decent deal for my current car. I would love to get a deal done this month, but I have a feeling it may have to be a Christmas present for myself, based on what's in the dealer pipeline.
I love the looking/shopping/negotiating part.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I have an R350 on order with an upstate NY dealer for 4% off MSRP to be built in january. Got a call today from a local - but not NYC - dealer whom I approached when originally shopping offering an R350 for $500 over invoice (about 6% off MSRP from my calculations) plus any MB incentives in place at time of delivery (late January/early February.) Sounds too good to pass up, no?
The deposit on the upstate car is refundable. Should I go back to the original dealer and renegotiate? Should I feel remorse :confuse:
Hmmmm.....decisions.
Been over a year for me too..........the thought is there all the time, but I refuse to act on it. I've yet to find another truck I like as well as my Titan. Now I wouldn't mind finding a sportier car to drive, maybe one with AWD, but Zippy is doing pretty good at 50k miles. I don't drive nearly as much as I did, so wouldn't mind having a nicer car. *smacks back CCB thoughts* Nope, I'll be happy with what I have......*sigh*.
Was just about ready to pull the trigger on a deal for a Hyundai Sonata a few weeks ago, but a moment of clarity came over all of us and we decided not to do the deal.
Shame, actually -- the Sonata is a very nice car. We didn't drive the V6 but the 4-cyl was peppy enough. Lots of room inside, nice standard features and a warranty that won't quit. Had two offers from two different dealers:
$17,235 for a 4-cylinder GL and $18,195 for a V6 GLS. On top of that, the dealer with the V6 deal wanted to give us $8500 for the Focus.
But, like I said, logic prevailed and we decided to put everything on hold. It's quite likely that the daughter won't need a car when she goes off to college next fall, so the Focus will get sold outright sometime next summer.
However, the itch persists.
albell: 1% of MSRP is what, $500? So you're talking about a $1000 difference (approximately) between the two offers. Could you go back to the upstate dealer with whom you have the deposit and tell them about the second offer? Perhaps they could match it?
BTW, how far upstate are you talking about? My dad was born and raised in Peekskill.
Also, there was (and still is, I believe) $1500 in rebates on the 4-cyl and $2000 on the V6 ($1K straight rebate, $1K for financing with Hyundai). The prices offered included those rebates, so the 4-cyl was $150 over invoice and the V6 was offered right at invoice, according to the numbers I found at Edmunds.
I didn't run the numbers for the LX V6 (top model trim w/ leather), but the only option I would have wanted was the sunroof - I suspect that I could get one for probably $21-22K after rebates, which isn't too bad of a deal since I paid $24K for my L300 3 years ago with 50 less horsepower.
I'd say do one of 2 things: 1. get your deposit back, & place order with 2nd dealer, or 2. Tell dealer #1 your situation, & see if they'll match the other deal. Again, you have a "refundable" deposit.....go ahead & feel a bit guilty if you wish, & donate 10% of the savings to a good charity; they need it more than any M-B dealer. Just my 2 cents.
*Should I feel remorse*
*the difference in the present value of the deals is about $1200, plus downside protection on incentives*
I can't stop looking into when the toyota FJ cruiser will be available although I am in an 04 tundra doublecab and we just got my wife an 02 Honda Accord. I need to get a new car soon. I have a large drive way/garage, why not fill it up?
Why do I have to live such a burden? Is there medication for this disease?
We're all enablers, even those of us "on the wagon" - we vicariously live through others on this forum.
The fact that you would even ask the question is evidence enough to me that you are an upstanding guy.
There is no need to apologize for wanting to get a good deal. If I were you, I'd go back to the Albany dealer and explain that you were called and offered the $1,200 better deal. You'd prefer to do business with them, so they don't need to beat it, but you'd like them to match it.
In both cases, this is an "order", so if the nearby dealership can live with a $500 over invoice deal, the Albany one should be able to.
P.S. Since my 911 temptation fell flat, how about the Range Rover Sport? Probably not as utilitarian as the R350, but one of the best looking interiors I have seen in any SUV and damn nice performance, even in the non-supercharged model. Sorry, after buying a TL, MDX and 911 in the last 18 months, I have no intention of spending any more of my money. But it's fun to tempt others.
I think I am done with SUV's, even one as sparkling as the RR Sport. My BMW lease is up in 16 mos, and I'm looking forward to boning up on all the drop tops coming out until then. After the R, I am done until then. Really. I mean it. :shades:
I seem to have fallen into the habit of buying my co-workers old cars - often in non-running condition.
About 6 months ago bought a 91 Mazda 626 (I have a thing for older Mazda's - just one aspect of my sickness) loaded (but non-turbo) edition with a 5 speed. Kinda beaten up (kids) with 142K miles and numerous deferred maintenance issues. My co-worker had given up on it when the drivers window would no longer close. Then her husband shattered the window trying to force it closed. She parked it in her garage for 8 months until she decided to sell her house - then she had to get rid of it. Of course by then it did not run - so no one was interested in it.
I bought it for $300, put a new battery in it and did a basic tune up and fluid change in her driveway. It started right up and I drove it home (50 miles) with no problems. Since then have probably put another $500 in it (and too much of my own time). Been using it as a parts getter and lifeboat.
Kinda feel a little guilty about this transaction, but hey it's a 14 year old car that has been beaten on and still has a few issues after my fixes above.
Thoughts on the guilt aspect of CCBA? Or the family/spouse related guilt?
Then there is car #2 - purchased two weeks ago from another co-worker. A 1997 Maxima SE loaded with 162K miles in immaculate condition (dealer maintained since new). Co-worker overheated the car on the way home and had it towed in to a service station (that I had warned her did not sound reputable based on her prior experiences). They refill the radiator and do a pressure test - diagnosis blown head gasket due to the car continuing to overheat (but only at speed - not at idle).
They want $3300 to install a used motor. I am advising her all along that this does not sound like a blown head to me, but a cooling flow issue. Advise her to get a second opinion at a radiator shop nearby.
By this point she has full blown new car fever and has told the mechanic that she may be willing to sell the car as is. He offers her $600. I tell her that if she is going to go that route that I will double his offer to $1200. Again, advising her that I think she has a general cooling system problem - not a major engine issue. And further, that if I had some time with the car I could likely fix it for her for a few hundred in parts.
She buys a new car, gives up on the Maxima and sells it to me for $1200. Before I buy it, I tell her I am concerned that she will be mad if I fix it cheaply/easily. She says she is not concerned.
$300 (radiator, hoses, thermostat) and 2 hours later I have it back on the road.
Feeling guilty, I tell her that I think I have it fixed and tell her what I did/what it cost.
Her response? "Good for you! Better you than some unscrupulous mechanic!"
Still feeling kinda guilty driving such a nice car that I got from such a nice lady/friend for $1500.
Should I feel guilty? Or is this just my overactive "southern gentleman" gene kicking in?
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
We had a mechanic look at Kermit (our skidder) and the Dodge promptly started having starting issues. Mechanic fixed it for $20 (battery cable issue). Had Kermit hauled out of the woods yesterday and down to the mechanic. Now the Dodge doesn't want to put out any heat......can't figure out what's going on with it. Is this a sign?? Is the Dodge jealous of Kermit?? LOL, those two darn things keep us in the poor house. :sick:
Hubby is talking about replacing the Dodge next year with an F-550. He's tired of the gas guzzling V10 and is paranoid with no warranty on a 7 year old truck.
Unfortunatly the Dodge isn't worth anything to a dealer, at least that's what they are telling us. Most of them say they don't want it (from a couple months ago when we looked). What to do with a regular cab 1999 Ram 3500 V10 with 42k miles on it?? Kind of a strange duck me thinks.
Argh.....just when I think we have the CCB habits licked! Least I'm happy with my 2.......3 more years and the Titan will be mine (after paying off the residual on the lease), Zippy should be paid off in that time as well.
What surprised us is how well our 04 Accord compared to the 05 RL. Sure the RL is nicer and AWD but either the RL is overpriced or the Accord is one darn nice car for the price.
Of course we still have the Lexus. We were going to sell it to Carmax for $5500 but decided that we could probably get more money for it by selling it private owner. It really is immaculate for the age and mileage. Terry in RWTIV said we could probably get $7500-$8000 selling it ourselves which would put $2000 more in our pocket.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Heck, I think she should be darned happy to get $1200 for a busted 160k mile ANYTHING.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
'05 or '06? how many miles?
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I think we both won on the Maxima deal - but I think she is pretty bitter at the mechanics whom misdiagnosed the issue.
But hey, you roll the dice and take your chances. And I tried to advise her to seek a second opinion.
As a separate question, does anyone feel guilt/angst in relation to their significant other for scratching their CCBA itch?
My wife is pretty understanding - she calls me a "car slut" - but the fleet keeps growing. There are only two of us (no kids) and now there are five cars.
Probably about time to trim the herd and sell off the mazda 626 I mentioned in post #4623. Just seems a shame as it will likely run and provide basic transport for quite a bit longer.
Thanks, Mike
I'm starting to think, with the mix of cars you guys have now, all leaning towards the practical or luxury side, why not get a "fun" car? Used Z4? Used E46 bmw convertible? New Mini? etc. Something in the low $20's where you could also keep the Accord? (i.e., how does a $40K RL really "fit" in your fleet full of Honda/Acura/Lexus products already)? I guess I'm just seconding the decision you made not to buy it.....
anon - i'm with woody on this. You've got the lexus and the accord (both sedans), the MDX (family hauler) and the Civic si (? - commuter). If you want to expand the fleet, get a used S2000, or, if you want to really spend that $40K, a used NSX. That ought to look good in the driveway.
My fleet is not that impressive in specifics - just in total #.
Here is the rundown:
1) 1973 VW Squareback Type III - Current Status: non-running project car - I've had it about 10 years (8 of those it has been garaged waiting for me to swap the engine).
2) 2002 PT Cruiser - Wife's daily driver - bought new - driven 30K miles a year - currently has about 110K miles & (knock on wood) no problems yet.
3) 2001 Mazda B3000 Pickup - My former daily driver and now the home project hauler - leased new and lease is almost up (current mileage 50K).
4) 1991 Mazda 626 - just a beater that i bought off a co-worker in non-running condition - using it as a parts getter and life when #2 or #3 are undergoing repairs. Current mileage 143K.
5) 1997 Nissan Maxima SE - bought of a co-worker two weeks ago - 162K miles but in very good condition/well maintained. This one will likely become my daily driver once I am sure it is reliable.
Now, what I need is a convertable. Maybe I can find a nice clean gen 1 Miata? Really like the looks of the new Solstice.
But I am an accountant - and therefore cheap - & the thought of the first year depreciation would keep me up nights!
Our happy little family of two owns a 2004 Lexus RX330 with 50,000 miles, a 1998 Passat GLS V6 with 125,000 miles and a 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid that we gleefully purchased just two days ago. The Honda is now the baby of the family at 135 miles. I still mourn the trade of our 1999 Volvo S80 T6, but it was time for that one to leave the nest.
And, already, I am thinking ahead to the next "new addition", I mean car purchase . . .
So glad to have found this forum for us and others like us.