Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

qbrozen

I did not realize you could get a 3rd row in the Durango.

kyfdx

ab348 said:

This just appeared on BaT and I figured it would be of interest to some here:

1998 BMW M3 convertible

Automatic convertible.. the anti-enthusiast model.

nyccarguy

tommister2 said:

@nyccarguy our 2012 Pilot has about 55k miles on the original brakes. It passed VA state inspection this month. Any idea why you are burning through rear brakes? Just seems odd. Does your mechanic see this often?

I think it is one way that manufacturers cut corners.  Our Pilot and our former TSX chewed through rear brakes long before the fronts.  Same with the Legacy I just traded in.  The majority of the action the Pilot sees is local driving.  It isn't unusual for me to see 13-14 mpg.  When I had them changed at the 37K mark, I was surprised as well.  I asked the dealer about it & he said:  that's what happens when they put brakes the size of Oreo cookies on the rear of a behemoth like the Pilot.  

stickguy

I had that on my Accord. At about 40K IIRC rears were shot. Fronts like new. Not sure if I found reports online, or it was the guy at the tire store that did the brakes told me, but there was apparently a known problem with the calipers sticking (or some such issue) that led to pads dragging. In my case, I think the outer pad was good, but the inner was shot? Something that indicated a problem, not just normal wear.

The RDX is pushing 40K, and the brakes all around have plenty of life left, according to the inspection report I just got last week.

stickguy

I like these. Just a nice looking car, and perfect size for me. Also like the colors on this one. Probably too miled up, but price is not horrible I guess. and one advantage to not putting many miles on. Can start high, and still get a lot of years out of it!

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2010-mercedes~benz-c~class-4dr_sedan_c_300_luxury_4matic-used-16449789.html

fintail

That's not leather in the C-class. Bumper is missing the tow hook cover. Those cars have proven to be fairly solid though, and AWD is nice, miles just a little high. Use it as a negotiation item.

kyfdx

Advice needed, please:

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/45651/mazda/cx-9/help-deciding-between-3-cars#latest

qbrozen

No sport pack and no manual, but a great color combo and miles aren't bad:
http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/1B4889D6

kyfdx

qbrozen said:

No sport pack and no manual, but a great color combo and miles aren't bad:
http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/1B4889D6

Nice low miles

qbrozen

I'll be up in Parsippany today so I may have to stop in.

stickguy

Nice colors. From a few others I've seen price seems decent. I could live with something like that.

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

No sport pack and no manual, but a great color combo and miles aren't bad:
http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/1B4889D6

I'm sure you saw the dirty car fax, then traded in a month later, right? Looks well maintained by owner #2 though.

Mr_Shiftright

nyccarguy said:

I agree that not everyone wants a highlander or a pilot.  But as you all mentioned, this is a crowded and very competent class.  Where does it fit in?  

You want a smooth ride, reliable as the sun, and insane reliability?  All which translate into excellent lease payments.  Highlander

You want more room than the highlander?  The anti-minivan of the segment?  Pilot.

Badass looks?  Available V8?  Durango or bust.

Something different?  With a gorgeous interior that drives smaller than it is?  CX9.

Never count out GM either.

so now you have the VW die hards who will buy the Atlas?  Who else?  It's not the cheapest.  Not the biggest.  Not the fastest.  Doesn't get the best fuel economy.  The 6 year warranty doesn't mean squat to those who lease.  

What are they going to do when Subaru comes out with their Ascent?

Well the Camry made good on the principle of being good at most everything and excelling at nothing, so perhaps this is the marketing vision for the Atlas; however, CUV/SUV buyers are feature-crazy, and they read reliability reports.

I think the first few out of the gate usually win the race. I'm expecting Atlas sales to be tepid.

thebean

sda said:

A pic from about a year ago, still looks the same. Wife says she will drive the wheels off this one and I may lose a digit if I try to trade it.

Now that's a smart woman.  Hang on to her!

breld

qbrozen said:

No sport pack and no manual, but a great color combo and miles aren't bad:
http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/1B4889D6

I like it - if I find a nice example with the sport and manual, I may pick one up. I've said it before, but back then, the 3-series offered a distinct driving feel from its competitors. Nothing wrong with the current one - I really liked my 428 - just not quite as distinctive.

qbrozen

nyccarguy said:

No sport pack and no manual, but a great color combo and miles aren't bad:
http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/1B4889D6

I'm sure you saw the dirty car fax, then traded in a month later, right? Looks well maintained by owner #2 though.

I did not open that. Thanks for pointing it out. Yes, 2nd owner maintained the hell out of it. And since it was CPO'd, the damage probably wasn't bad. At least I know which corner to look closely at. I have to say they did price it accordingly. $11.5k is auction value if clean, which would put retail at $14k. Subtract my 20% rule for the dirty carfax for $11.2k net. Only $800 less than they are asking.

nyccarguy

@qbrozen - I know you are 6'5". I don't know how comfortable you'd be in an E90. I fit fine, but I'm 5'10" 155 lbs

Sandman6472

Personally, liked both the 3 and t he C though leaning towards the 3. That 128i that Carmax had listed is history which I'm not surprised. But really would prefer another turbo 4 in the next vehicle. Luckily, am not in any hurray here to do anything.

The Sandman

qbrozen

nyccarguy said:

@qbrozen - I know you are 6'5". I don't know how comfortable you'd be in an E90. I fit fine, but I'm 5'10" 155 lbs

I fit just fine in my e82. That did have sport seats, however.

Anyway, decided, due to traffic, to not stop there but instead head to the place in S River with the JGC and C class. I did not even talk to a salesman. I found the place pretty suspicious. The C class for example had four different tires on it. The other C class sitting next to it has bald tires. And many other vehicle throughout the lot where are undergoing some form of repair.

nyccarguy

That's sure sign to R U N!

stickguy

yeah, places like that I won't go to. Life is too short.

qbrozen

there is a place in Avenel with a 2011 Terrain with 3.6 and 72k miles as well as a dark red 328xi with 60k, so that is a likely stop if I can find the time.

stickguy

are you really getting either one of those for much less (after taxes, etc.) than you will net for the Infiniti?

qbrozen

Yes. I'm looking for $17k on the EX and OTD $12k or less on the others. 

I guess the dealer made a mistake on the GMC. The 3.6 was not available in 2011, from what I have read.

qbrozen

Love this color.
http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/1B0B9C40

Here is the dark red 3.
http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/1B328445

and the Terrain. Yes, I think I can get it for $12k OTD.
http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/1B47FCCA

This is still in the back of my mind. I also have never seen this color combo before.
http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/1B11CBFE

qbrozen

I have always been attracted to these.
http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/1B40CE29

interesting outlier.
http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/1B33997B

stickguy

you find all kinds of oddballs. I need you to find me a car at the end of the year!

I like the red on the 3. Seems pricey for a 2009, but miles are not bad.

I am not a 300 fan, but color is nice. I really prefer the Infiniti. I always liked those. A bit bigger than I care for, but great interior on those.

I don't care for any of those SUVs. Especially the hummer, but I know you like them.

qbrozen

Asking price is about right on that bimmer. Fair purchase price would be $11k.

biggest attractions to the 400H are the hybrid and Lexus halos. I drove one once and didn't like it much but I'd be willing to give it another shot. I really hate the taillights but maybe there is an aftermarket fix. 

Michaell

qbrozen said:

Asking price is about right on that bimmer. Fair purchase price would be $11k.

biggest attractions to the 400H are the hybrid and Lexus halos. I drove one once and didn't like it much but I'd be willing to give it another shot. I really hate the taillights but maybe there is an aftermarket fix. 

My sister bought a 400H a few months ago. She loves it. Dark blue over grey leather.

Michaell

Oh, and while the wife and I were in Santa Fe, the daughter was looking at Infinitis on line.

Turns out she's not looking at the QX30, but we think the QX50.

stickguy

I know where she can pick up a nice EX37. Same thing.

stickguy

This is nice. Absolutely my favorite color combo on one. Nicely equipped. With the new models out today, I wonder if I walked in and said get it to $300/mo on a lease if they could do it?

https://www.acuraturnersville.com/inventory/new-2017-acura-tlx-3-5-v-6-9-at-p-aws-with-technology-package-front-wheel-drive-sedan-19uub2f52ha007047

28firefighter

stickguy said:

This is nice. Absolutely my favorite color combo on one. Nicely equipped. With the new models out today, I wonder if I walked in and said get it to $300/mo on a lease if they could do it?

https://www.acuraturnersville.com/inventory/new-2017-acura-tlx-3-5-v-6-9-at-p-aws-with-technology-package-front-wheel-drive-sedan-19uub2f52ha007047

Only one way to find out!

Michaell

stickguy said:

I know where she can pick up a nice EX37. Same thing.

She doesn't do used.

Michaell

stickguy said:

This is nice. Absolutely my favorite color combo on one. Nicely equipped. With the new models out today, I wonder if I walked in and said get it to $300/mo on a lease if they could do it?

https://www.acuraturnersville.com/inventory/new-2017-acura-tlx-3-5-v-6-9-at-p-aws-with-technology-package-front-wheel-drive-sedan-19uub2f52ha007047

Likely not on the V6.

4-cylinder? Perhaps.

nyccarguy

Michaell said:

I know where she can pick up a nice EX37. Same thing.

She doesn't do used.

I didn't either until March 27, 2017

qbrozen

Cheap.
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/share/176749271

ab348

qbrozen said:

interesting outlier.
http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/1B33997B

Used Lexus 400H/450H prices for cars 10 or so years old are depressed because of the risk of needing the batteries replaced which is a big bill apparently.

sda

stickguy said:

This is nice. Absolutely my favorite color combo on one. Nicely equipped. With the new models out today, I wonder if I walked in and said get it to $300/mo on a lease if they could do it?

https://www.acuraturnersville.com/inventory/new-2017-acura-tlx-3-5-v-6-9-at-p-aws-with-technology-package-front-wheel-drive-sedan-19uub2f52ha007047

I like the espresso brown interior. It is different than the blah beige, gray and black that is so common and what I have in our cars. The espresso looks good with the white, black and brown exterior. IIRC I don't think it is offered with other colors.

graphicguy

28firefighter said:

stickguy said:

This is nice. Absolutely my favorite color combo on one. Nicely equipped. With the new models out today, I wonder if I walked in and said get it to $300/mo on a lease if they could do it?



https://www.acuraturnersville.com/inventory/new-2017-acura-tlx-3-5-v-6-9-at-p-aws-with-technology-package-front-wheel-drive-sedan-19uub2f52ha007047

Only one way to find out!

I like that interior. Agree with 28FF....only one way to find out. I'm going to test drive (not buy) a 2018 TLX tonight.

fintail

Man, the published lease offer on that TLX is pretty awful, my E doesn't cost much more than their quoted price.

stickguy

qbrozen said:

Cheap.
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/share/176749271

Those are a hoot to drive. Miles are low. But I suspect you will find it too tight inside. Worked great for my 5'2" daughter though.

stickguy

Fin, those numbers are meaningless. About like listing MSRP at this point.

qbrozen

I think I'm going to attempt to hold onto my car. We'll just see how things go. I sent the IRS more than half the money. I do have the added expense of a babysitter starting in 2 weeks when school is out, which will run me about $5k for the summer by itself. If I can put off the gov'ment till Sept, then I can start paying them off.

fintail

I wonder if posting inflated MSRPs and wacky lease prices actually hurts sales - scares off timid shoppers.

graphicguy

fintail said:

I wonder if posting inflated MSRPs and wacky lease prices actually hurts sales - scares off timid shoppers.

Having been an Acura fan for a while, I've wondered the same thing. I've never known Acuras to lease particularly well....especially compared to the lease support BMW and Mercedes, for example, offer. Given the good resale of Acuras (and all Honda products, for that matter), I would think leases would be really good on Acuras. Not to be, though. Although, I know the deals on 2017s seem to be really good right now.

Mr_Shiftright

stickguy said:

This is nice. Absolutely my favorite color combo on one. Nicely equipped. With the new models out today, I wonder if I walked in and said get it to $300/mo on a lease if they could do it?

https://www.acuraturnersville.com/inventory/new-2017-acura-tlx-3-5-v-6-9-at-p-aws-with-technology-package-front-wheel-drive-sedan-19uub2f52ha007047

I suspect they'd ask you to throw a little more money at it up front. I saw a lease offer at $329/month with $1559 up front, so you're not too far off here.

breld

qbrozen said:

I think I'm going to attempt to hold onto my car. We'll just see how things go. I sent the IRS more than half the money. I do have the added expense of a babysitter starting in 2 weeks when school is out, which will run me about $5k for the summer by itself. If I can put off the gov'ment till Sept, then I can start paying them off.

Probably the right thing to hold on to the EX, but not as fun for us!

Good luck pulling back on the search - I'm not very good at doing so once I start.

Michaell

Mr_Shiftright said:

stickguy said:

This is nice. Absolutely my favorite color combo on one. Nicely equipped. With the new models out today, I wonder if I walked in and said get it to $300/mo on a lease if they could do it?

https://www.acuraturnersville.com/inventory/new-2017-acura-tlx-3-5-v-6-9-at-p-aws-with-technology-package-front-wheel-drive-sedan-19uub2f52ha007047

I suspect they'd ask you to throw a little more money at it up front. I saw a lease offer at $329/month with $1559 up front, so you're not too far off here.

So, really $372/mo before tax, assuming all the other costs are paid up front.

breld

This is cool.
Z4 coupe