Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Mr_Shiftright

That is. Needs about a 10% price reduction though, even accounting for low miles and custom features.

corvette

breld said:

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

  This cracked me up for some reason.  

qbrozen

breld 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.

TOTALLY AGREE! Do I really NOT want to check out the 328xi and C300? My EX would run circles around both and has half the miles, so it really doesn't make any sense whatsoever, other than the fact that we truly are addicts.

kyfdx

breld said:

This is cool.
Z4 coupe

I can't get past not getting an M model. I'm putting about 100 miles per week on, now.. I could definitely make that work.

breld

corvette said:

breld said:

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

  This cracked me up for some reason.  


Yeah, it's a slippery slope. I can almost feel when I've passed the point of no return mentally. One of these days I'll mature enough to pull back, but I can't say it's really happened yet (you all are witness to that).

Michaell

breld said:

corvette said:

breld said:

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

  This cracked me up for some reason.  

Yeah, it's a slippery slope. I can almost feel when I've passed the point of no return mentally. One of these days I'll mature enough to pull back, but I can't say it's really happened yet (you all are witness to that).

Yeah, we spent about a bazillion dollars just talking at lunch today, between houses and cars and such.

andres3

stickguy said:

Michael, I may do the same thing. Send lease back and don't replace right away. Only reason to do right away is if leasing another hyundai to save on turn in fee. Just need about 6 weeks payment free to offset that! Putting me around New Year's Eve to shop for a killer end of year deal.

Is there any leeway on the lease back end "buy or lease again from us or pay up fees"? I mean, it would be reasonable if they gave you 14 days or something to go car-less, but still reap the benefits of having been a loyal customer.

I know we technically were not VW owners for 24 hours, but we still got the VW loyalty rebate on a recent purchase.

stickguy

maybe. I have not asked. I know I can go early. Pretty sure though when I turn it back I have to pay, and not thinking a few weeks later they would rebate it.

andres3

sda said:

nyccarguy said:

sda said:

I sat in a VW Atlas on Monday. The launch edition,though lacking some features has the panoramic sunroof and lists for $33.5 about $35k with shipping. I could live with that as it gets very expensive as more features and you progress thru the higher trim levels. The conservative but strong styling is a plus. The Pilot has a larger third row seat and can seat 8 total in the interior where most, including the Atlas seat 7. The sales person said, and I witnessed all were sold, and there was a waiting list for those being trucked in. Will be interesting to see longer term how they sell. The enhanced 6/72k warranty is a real plus.

It is always good to hear your thoughts on 3 row SUVs since we've both got the Pilot. With 92,500+ miles, the Pilot continues to suit our needs as a family of 5 perfectly (aside from the fact that it isn't blue and doesn't have a power lift gate). Just this past weekend, I was able to load up the 5 of us (Mom & Dad up front, Son #1 & #2 in the 3rd row, Princess in the 2nd row) plus enough toys and gear for a full day at the beach, & still had plenty of space to pick up my wife's cousin.

I noticed the steering wheel shakes above 65 mph. My mechanic said to have the tires balanced 1st, then he'll check the front end to see if any of the tie rods are in need of replacement. This lead me to an "Only in New York" moment.

My mechanic tells me to have the tires balanced at this tire shop not too far from him. They also happen to be a certified Tire Rack installer and get excellent Google reviews. I call the tire shop yesterday and Tony tells me they don't open until 8:30 am. I tell him I have to be at work at 7:30 am and ask if there is a night drop. Tony tells me "no, but leave the keys with Juan at the bodega next door." So I found a parking spot on the street 3 cars in front of this tire shop, dropped my keys off with Juan, jumped on the train 3 stops, then walked 10 minutes to work. From 7:30 to 8:30, there was a thought in the back of my mind that Juan was going to put my Pilot on a boat to Santo Domingo instead of giving it to Tony.

The wheels are currently off now and getting balanced. Tony calls me and tells me that my rear brakes are shot and need to be replaced as do the rotors. I tell him to hold off and will have my mechanic look at it this coming Monday. According to my records, I last had the rear brake pads replaced and rotors resurfaced on 7/2/2013 at 37,289 miles so it does seem appropriate that they are due for replacement. As always, my mechanic will ONLY put genuine HONDA parts on my car.

Our Pilot is a tick under 100k, 99433. We bought it as a CPO Honda with 50k. As part of the CPO process it had new brake pads and rotors resurfaced, new battery, filters, wiper blades, oil change. At 92k we were getting some pulsing from the brakes when they got warm. The front rotors were resurfaced but the brake pads were still thick and retained. At 92k I also replaced the tires with another set of Michelins, this time the Defender LTX. They are smooth and quiet. Timing belt is due next service.

Remember to keep an eye on the compliance bushings up front. They are liquid filled and are prone to fail. Honda has a TSB and will cover them to 10yr/120k IIRC. They are expensive to replace. Ours failed around 6 mo ago. They were replaced at no charge and that included a free alignment and loaner car.

I like how when Honda and Audi make mistakes they warranty those items to 10 years and/or 120K miles. Peace of mind, even if you never have to use it.

ab348

Interesting. Unlike my last lease with these guys where I had to call them to tell them my lease was up and did they want the car back, I got a call from the dealer where my ATS came from wondering what I was interested in when the lease ends at the end of October. This wasn't from the guy I dealt with (who is still there and with whom I spoke a few weeks ago just in passing) but from another sales rep. Poacher maybe? Anyway, I have an appointment to meet him there on Monday afternoon and will waste some of his time. Could be interesting if my guy is there too.

andres3

jeffb0101 said:

Thanks! I still kind of kick myself for not getting it when the car was new. However, never thought I would keep it this long.

Don't kick yourself... the chances of having a Honda warranty turn out to be worthwhile are about the same as having a lemon. As others have noted, they routinely extend warranties when parts are "known" to be fail-prone, when and if that ever happens..

corvette

breld said:

Yeah, it's a slippery slope. I can almost feel when I've passed the point of no return mentally. One of these days I'll mature enough to pull back, but I can't say it's really happened yet (you all are witness to that).

Having just gone through a heartbreaking breakup, the temptation to get some temporary relief by buying a new car or two is very real, especially when I had been hoarding cash in an effort to move closer to the lady I was in love with.

carnaught

corvette said:

breld said:

Yeah, it's a slippery slope. I can almost feel when I've passed the point of no return mentally. One of these days I'll mature enough to pull back, but I can't say it's really happened yet (you all are witness to that).

Having just gone through a heartbreaking breakup, the temptation to get some temporary relief by buying a new car or two is very real, especially when I had been hoarding cash in an effort to move closer to the lady I was in love with.

Sorry Man, that's rough. A new car might help you through it, though.

stickguy

so, was chatting with the wife tonight. Might have a new plan. Thanks to some unknowns (such as how soon we sell the house, and where we go) might not make sense to lock into something new, especially on a lease. So, if I am still working from home (so barely need a car), time for plan B.

That would be find something on the cheaper side to sit in the garage and serve as a spare car. Probably something in the $3k-$5K range, tops. Ideally something fun. or at least interesting, or useful. Probably won't put a lot of miles on it, so will be pretty flexible.

Then whenever it isn't needed, or I finally feel like getting a "real" car, I just sell it and move on.

only downside is actually having to shop for and find one. Probably need to put QB on that duty..

Sandman6472

Q, curious why you want to get rid of the EX35? Seems like the perfect vehicle for you guys. Y'all have 4 between the two of you which I think is great personally, but is it really necessary at this time? Guess I missed a bit because you mentioned the IRS. That must be difficult to have the IRS on your tail. Sure hope things work out for the best.

The Sandman

corvette

carnaught said:

corvette said:

breld said:

Yeah, it's a slippery slope. I can almost feel when I've passed the point of no return mentally. One of these days I'll mature enough to pull back, but I can't say it's really happened yet (you all are witness to that).

Having just gone through a heartbreaking breakup, the temptation to get some temporary relief by buying a new car or two is very real, especially when I had been hoarding cash in an effort to move closer to the lady I was in love with.

Sorry Man, that's rough. A new car might help you through it, though.

Thanks, you guys are the best enablers I could ask for!

Sandman6472

C, absolutely get yourself a toy to deal with the sadness of your new situation, agree it might lift your spirits again. And such things do happen and maybe a sign from above that it just wasn't meant to be. I don't know but have been in your position when I was younger. Thought she was it and talked about going to that next level but, wasn't meant to be. Couple years later, met someone when I wasn't even looking. Long story short, we will celebrate 36 years of marriage and have 3 wonderful kids with one wedding this year and one I think next.
So, go treat yourself to something now and trust me, when G-d closes a window...he opens a door eventually. Do not think you'll be single long!

The Sandman

28firefighter

So sorry, @corvette. That's absolutely brutal. We're here with you. 

nyccarguy

Sorry about the breakup @corvette.  Feel free to unload on us!

stickguy

some quick local browsing. This should probably cure me of my latest flights of fancy.

Nice price. But dang, someone liked to drive. Lotta miles on a 2011, but has the right number of pedals!

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/6159709448.html

cheap enough. and it is a Toyota

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/6159666942.html

and with that, I now realize the CL has gotten even worse, and I should probably stay off of there! on to dealers that I trust, so there goes selection or budget!

stickguy

so, what can you get from a reputable dealer, and not need a shower after shopping? Let us see!

I always loved these. Miles a bit high, but seems clean. Reasonably cheap.

http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2003-mazda-protege5-5dr_wagon_manual-used-16317875.html

If I want to spend a bit more and be more adventurous. At least leaves plenty of room in the garage.

http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2004-mini-cooper_hardtop-certified_mini_cooper_s_6_speed_hatchback-used-16454299.html

this is way off the grid. Doubt I would enjoy it though.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-1992-lexus-sc_400-2dr_coupe_automatic-used-16464261.html

qbrozen

I actually like the SC idea. Would still prob be more fun than that base Impreza. It is old, though.

stretch the budget and scoop up that S40 T5 I posted. 55k miles, AWD, and 230hp turbo for only $7k is tough to beat.

qbrozen

sandman_6472 said:

Q, curious why you want to get rid of the EX35? Seems like the perfect vehicle for you guys. Y'all have 4 between the two of you which I think is great personally, but is it really necessary at this time? Guess I missed a bit because you mentioned the IRS. That must be difficult to have the IRS on your tail. Sure hope things work out for the best.

The Sandman

Yeah, we goofed a couple years back and they caught it. Got slapped with an $11k bill. It happened during the whirlwind of moving and renting out the old house, so it is completely my fault. Oh well. Anyhoo, my thought was to pull half of it out of the Infiniti by downgrading. I'm having 2nd thoughts, though. Chances are I'd be back in the black come Fall and be looking to upgrade again, so I'm going to try to ride it out. 

Actually, I had to spend about 3 hours driving my dad's Legacy today and it reminded how great my car is and how difficult it is for me to find something I'm comfortable in.

Michaell

@corvette sorry to hear about your relationship situation. I'll go against the grain and suggest you stay put, vehicle wise, until your emotions are more even keeled.

But, take a trip and make some good memories. Heck, come to Denver - now that there are three regulars here, we'll keep you busy test driving and talking shop. Scratch the itch without the long term financial commitment.

Sandman6472

Glad I married a CPA, all I do is give her my tax forms when they come in, and she does the rest. Took an H R Block intro class a few years back after I retired from the post office, her suggestion, and without her help, would never have passed. It was then that I got to see how really smart she is...I knew she had a pretty good brain upstairs but, it really came through then! Could I do a tax return now? Doubtful but, I know what it all means so when I look at ours every year, I really know now what it all means.
I was always a saver when I was a kid but, had some debt when we got married, nothing much but owed a couple thousand on a car loan. When we got home from our honeymoon, she informed me that "we don't have any debt from now on" and we paid off the outstanding balance then and there. And besides our mortgage, which of course we paid off about 20 years early, we've been debt free. I also now think before I buy something. Give myself at least 48 hours to think and decide if it's really necessary...and if I then think it is, I buy it. Luckily, our kids are also savers and debt adverse and I thank her for that. We may not have all our wants, but all our needs are always met!

The Sandman

qbrozen

We're about the opposite. A great deal of debt. They only thing I typically avoid, however, is carrying credit card balances. But cars and houses? Yup, owe a lot on those. I don't consider either bad debt necessarily because there is something of value there that you can always sell and erase the debt. 

roadburner

I use a CPA to prepare my taxes. Only been bothered by the IRS twice, once when they wanted proof of my charitable deductions and once when some drone at the IRS misread a form.

kyfdx

corvette said:

carnaught said:

corvette said:

breld said:

Yeah, it's a slippery slope. I can almost feel when I've passed the point of no return mentally. One of these days I'll mature enough to pull back, but I can't say it's really happened yet (you all are witness to that).

Having just gone through a heartbreaking breakup, the temptation to get some temporary relief by buying a new car or two is very real, especially when I had been hoarding cash in an effort to move closer to the lady I was in love with.

Sorry Man, that's rough. A new car might help you through it, though.

Thanks, you guys are the best enablers I could ask for!

Sorry to hear that.. I'd wait on the car thing. No point in having regrets on two fronts.

At the risk of sounding like my mother: Plenty of fish in the sea.

corvette

Thanks again for the support. I've already unloaded plenty with a handful of close friends, so I think I'm good there. Baruth wrote a great Acura review on TTAC the other day that included the following wisdom, and it applies perfectly to my situation: You cannot want something for someone they do not want for themselves.

And I'm not going car shopping--I don't even know what I would be looking for!

I do plan to take a trip to NYC in the fall, as I haven't been there since I was a kid. Denver is also a great idea, I'd love to go back there, but that may be 2018 or later.

jpp75

@corvette Hang in there, having gone through a similar situation recently I know it's not easy. A car may not be the answer but it doesn't hurt to look.

tbirdmarco

@corvette sorry to hear that man. new car mite be the thing to chear you up. we are all hear for you!

jpp75

stickguy said:

so, was chatting with the wife tonight. Might have a new plan. Thanks to some unknowns (such as how soon we sell the house, and where we go) might not make sense to lock into something new, especially on a lease. So, if I am still working from home (so barely need a car), time for plan B.

That would be find something on the cheaper side to sit in the garage and serve as a spare car. Probably something in the $3k-$5K range, tops. Ideally something fun. or at least interesting, or useful. Probably won't put a lot of miles on it, so will be pretty flexible.

Then whenever it isn't needed, or I finally feel like getting a "real" car, I just sell it and move on.

only downside is actually having to shop for and find one. Probably need to put QB on that duty..

How about this?

https://www.carsforsale.com/vehicle/details/21710230

roadburner

@corvette- sorry. BTDT a few times in my younger days.

tjc78

qbrozen said:

sandman_6472 said:

Q, curious why you want to get rid of the EX35? Seems like the perfect vehicle for you guys. Y'all have 4 between the two of you which I think is great personally, but is it really necessary at this time? Guess I missed a bit because you mentioned the IRS. That must be difficult to have the IRS on your tail. Sure hope things work out for the best.



The Sandman

Yeah, we goofed a couple years back and they caught it. Got slapped with an $11k bill. It happened during the whirlwind of moving and renting out the old house, so it is completely my fault. Oh well. Anyhoo, my thought was to pull half of it out of the Infiniti by downgrading. I'm having 2nd thoughts, though. Chances are I'd be back in the black come Fall and be looking to upgrade again, so I'm going to try to ride it out. 

Actually, I had to spend about 3 hours driving my dad's Legacy today and it reminded how great my car is and how difficult it is for me to find something I'm comfortable in.

My wife would have killed me... this year NJ caught us from 2013 when we had an extra property. Our accountant told me it was correct and when I looked back I did give him bad info. Luckily it wasn't much money.

tjc78

IIRC @stickguy had one of those for a short time.

tbirdmarco

@corvette you are welcome! take time for your selfe. good like others have said above to just look and test drive with out the financhial obligation sounds good to me!

Mr_Shiftright

stickguy said:

some quick local browsing. This should probably cure me of my latest flights of fancy.

Nice price. But dang, someone liked to drive. Lotta miles on a 2011, but has the right number of pedals!

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/6159709448.html

cheap enough. and it is a Toyota

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/6159666942.html

and with that, I now realize the CL has gotten even worse, and I should probably stay off of there! on to dealers that I trust, so there goes selection or budget!

180,000 miles? The car is pretty much used up. The problem with cars like this is that you never know when something big is going to cut loose on you, so you have to buy them as cheaply as possible.

js06gv

qbrozen said:

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.

If the Terrain is the one you posted a pic of, it has dual pipes coming out the back which means a V6.

stickguy

Yes, I did the Integra thing. A lot more miles than that one, but it was a stick. Not buying any sort of sporty/toy car without a manual trans!

The 180K? Yeah,, needs to be real cheap and pass the smell test. What helps me is I probably will put hardly any miles on it, so not spinning the roulette wheel too often.

stickguy

stopped at the Acura dealer this afternoon. They seemed to be doing a good business. Lots of customers floating around, and all the salesguys seemed to be busy. So we looked at what was outside (locked) since they did not deem fit to have a 2018 TLX in the showroom.

Did park next to a women that seemed to be taking delivery of a new 2018. She looked happy!

quick impression, it does look quite similar to the 2017, unless you see it from the front (which is what I was doing to determine the year). Interior looks nice, but again familiar. But, I liked the styling and interior anyway, so no worries there. I do like the new nose though. Big improvement IMO.

had a base 4 ($33,900 ish MSRP) and a loaded A spec (about $44k). Big spread. 4 base was well equipped, and they added on the safely nannies (auto break, lane watch) but for some reason, even with lane and roadway monitoring, they did not make standard the BLIS

benjaminh

stickguy said:

stopped at the Acura dealer this afternoon. They seemed to be doing a good business. Lots of customers floating around, and all the salesguys seemed to be busy. So we looked at what was outside (locked) since they did not deem fit to have a 2018 TLX in the showroom.

Did park next to a women that seemed to be taking delivery of a new 2018. She looked happy!

quick impression, it does look quite similar to the 2017, unless you see it from the front (which is what I was doing to determine the year). Interior looks nice, but again familiar. But, I liked the styling and interior anyway, so no worries there. I do like the new nose though. Big improvement IMO.

had a base 4 ($33,900 ish MSRP) and a loaded A spec (about $44k). Big spread. 4 base was well equipped, and they added on the safely nannies (auto break, lane watch) but for some reason, even with lane and roadway monitoring, they did not make standard the BLIS

Strange factoid--the new Civic actually has slightly more interior room than an Acura TLX. They are different classes of car, I realize....

tjc78

I think they don't make BLIS standard to make you go up a trim level.  It has to be a popular safety feature and one of the best IMO.  

stickguy

I know they did that in the past. But just odd that they now make active stuff standard (some sort of brake assist, lane assist, and run of the road protection). But not something simple like BLIS, especially since they have to have all the cameras, etc. going for that other stuff!

stickguy

I am oddly attracted to this one. Cheap for a 2013. Probably a hoot. 109K miles.

nothing could possibly go wrong here, could it?

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2013-mini-cooper_hardtop-2dr_coupe_s-used-16317659.html

I should really go drive this one at least, just to see if I like it!

stickguy

went looking for the Volvo S40 QB linked. Not a bad deal really for the money. Also stumbled upon this rare bird. Nice. Other than the miles and color. but below the $10K threshold. And I am a sucker for a stickshift.

http://www.torchlightmotors.com/2011-BMW-3Series/Used-Car/Parlin-NJ/9188724/Details.aspx

Here's the Volvo. Very red. Very low miles.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/703452289/overview/

Mr_Shiftright

stickguy said:

I am oddly attracted to this one. Cheap for a 2013. Probably a hoot. 109K miles.

nothing could possibly go wrong here, could it?

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2013-mini-cooper_hardtop-2dr_coupe_s-used-16317659.html

I should really go drive this one at least, just to see if I like it!

One-owner, clean carfax, price is very good. Watch out for clutch---noise on uptake or clutch engaging way down low--that's a $2,500 ++ repair. Give it a good lookover and play with all the knobs and switches. Watch for tepid AC as well. New compressor + labor is $1400. Repairs are very expensive on these cars. Fun drive!

kyfdx

stickguy said:

went looking for the Volvo S40 QB linked. Not a bad deal really for the money. Also stumbled upon this rare bird. Nice. Other than the miles and color. but below the $10K threshold. And I am a sucker for a stickshift.

http://www.torchlightmotors.com/2011-BMW-3Series/Used-Car/Parlin-NJ/9188724/Details.aspx

Here's the Volvo. Very red. Very low miles.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/703452289/overview/

Pros:

Integrated NAV screen, instead of the iPad Mini they stick in them now.
Sport
Stick

Cons:
High mileage
Never thought I'd say this, but I'd rather have the 4 cyl turbo, rather than the straight six that came in this one.

stickguy

this odd ball is cute. Miles a bit steep for a 14, but seems cheap. And I will average the miles out pretty quick.

not sure what the wife would think of this (though I can hazard a guess). But if it was a stick, I might bite! Though maybe that blue is just a tad much.

http://www.miniofmtlaurel.com/used/MINI/2014-MINI-Clubman-f4ccface0a0e0a176609e0035b6ebd7d.htm

stickguy

Ky, I actually really like the 2.0l engine too. A plus to me.

Shifty, if I actually was thinking of going down that path, I would take it to the local indy BMW/MB/Mini guy for a through PPI. I have no experience with these, and would not pick up little nuances most likely. But tepid AC probably would not be expensive. I just wouldn't turn it on!

qbrozen

js06gv said:

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.

If the Terrain is the one you posted a pic of, it has dual pipes coming out the back which means a V6.

It is a v6, but that year was still the 3.0, not the 3.6