Are you a current Michigan-based car shopper? A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/2 for details.

Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

1124812491251125312543236

Comments

  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,206
    stickguy said:

    well, I don't think I can see myself driving this, but if you want a drop top, this one based on year and miles seems to actually be a pretty good deal. Cheap enough.

    https://www.subaruofcherryhill.com/used/Volkswagen/2009-Volkswagen-New+Beetle+Convertible-Cherry+Hill+NJ-723640930a0e0ae8284806090e740060.htm?searchDepth=36:36

    Just buy yourself a pretty new dress to wear while driving it, no worries. ;)

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 261,356
    ab348 said:

    stickguy said:

    well, I don't think I can see myself driving this, but if you want a drop top, this one based on year and miles seems to actually be a pretty good deal. Cheap enough.

    https://www.subaruofcherryhill.com/used/Volkswagen/2009-Volkswagen-New+Beetle+Convertible-Cherry+Hill+NJ-723640930a0e0ae8284806090e740060.htm?searchDepth=36:36

    Just buy yourself a pretty new dress to wear while driving it, no worries. ;)
    I needed a laugh at the end of the day. Thanks, @ab348 !

    Edmunds Price Checker
    Edmunds Lease Calculator
    Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!


    MODERATOR

    2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige

  • benjaminhbenjaminh Member Posts: 6,487
    pensfan83 said:

    Received this email from the sales manager at the Ford dealer I am visiting Friday. After doing some research on the car I've cooled on it a bit so we'll see if a test drive brings me around or eliminates it from consideration.

    Steve,

    Bryan let me know you will be here Friday morning to look at one of our Fusion Sports. We are very proud of the Fusion Sport and think you will be very pleased with what you see and drive. Bryan explained to me you are just starting the process of looking for your next vehicle and that you would not be prepared to commit to a purchase. Assuming the vehicle meets and exceeds your expectations, and I believe it will, I want to take this opportunity to let you know I will do whatever I can to get you into the Fusion Sport. I am aware your current lease does not end for another 3 months however I think we can make a very competitive offer for your Audi. We are very appreciative of the business your parents, and most recently your brother from what Bryan tells me, have provided to us over the years and I am pleased you are giving us the chance to earn your business as well.

    Please make sure you ask for me on Friday morning when you arrive as I have a genuine interest in seeing you leave in a Ford vehicle and I'm confident in our ability to convince you that is the right decision. In the interim please do not hesitate to contact me at the number below if you have ANY questions, concerns, or need additional information on leasing.




    Nice note imho.

    I think all dealers from all makes are desperate to get rid of their midsize cars. If you decide to do it, you should be able to swing a great deal.

    I just looked it up, and the Fusion Sport has 325 hp. Wow.

    Just to state the obvious, the Fusion doesn't have the refinement of the Audi. Heck, it doesn't have the refinement of an Accord. Still, it's a good car for the money.

    2018 Acura TLX 2.4 Tech 4WS (mine), 2024 Subaru Outback (wife's), 2018 Honda CR-V EX (offspring)
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,197
    Too bad they don't make the Eos anymore. Novel idea, a drop top with a sunroof. Could work for many folks I'd guess.

    The Sandman :)B)

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,439
    stickguy said:

    well, I don't think I can see myself driving this, but if you want a drop top, this one based on year and miles seems to actually be a pretty good deal. Cheap enough.

    https://www.subaruofcherryhill.com/used/Volkswagen/2009-Volkswagen-New+Beetle+Convertible-Cherry+Hill+NJ-723640930a0e0ae8284806090e740060.htm?searchDepth=36:36

    This is just wrong on so many levels

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,096
    edited June 2017
    nyccarguy said:

    stickguy said:

    well, I don't think I can see myself driving this, but if you want a drop top, this one based on year and miles seems to actually be a pretty good deal. Cheap enough.

    https://www.subaruofcherryhill.com/used/Volkswagen/2009-Volkswagen-New+Beetle+Convertible-Cherry+Hill+NJ-723640930a0e0ae8284806090e740060.htm?searchDepth=36:36

    This is just wrong on so many levels
    Bradd....agree with you. Plus, why does it look like it has 100+K miles on it?
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,878
    I think if I was going for a convertible, I'd have to go Camaro or Mustang. I didn't mind when Toyota had the Solara convertible or MB/BMW has some nice offerings but $$$$

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • jpp75jpp75 Member Posts: 1,535
    breld said:

    Here's an interesting listing.

    5 series wagon M-sport manual

    I drive right by there on my commute, let me know if I should stop and check it out. :smile:
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,720
    qbrozen said:

    Wow. Only 3500 miles a year. Fin, anything really wrong with these 280s?

    http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=458520563

    I just looked this one up. 1 owner, no accidents. The selling dealer paid $9300 for it just 3 weeks ago. Wonder if that price is for real. They have it listed elsewhere for near $11k.

    '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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,223
    Call and buy it. Then you will know.

    They have a lot of nice stuff, and even most of the prices seem good. No idea how trustworthy they are of course.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,720
    I received the title to the Infiniti in the mail yesterday. Is it a sign?

    '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

  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 261,356
    qbrozen said:

    I received the title to the Infiniti in the mail yesterday. Is it a sign?

    If you get the title / registration papers / plates, it's time to trade.

    Edmunds Price Checker
    Edmunds Lease Calculator
    Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!


    MODERATOR

    2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,439
    In CT, the bank holds the title until you pay the car off

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,223
    3 more payments, and HMC will send me the title to the Acura. Will be nice finally being out from under that payment. Even better in 6 months, when I am done with college tuition too! Might finally get the nice car for myself I always wanted.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 261,356
    stickguy said:

    3 more payments, and HMC will send me the title to the Acura. Will be nice finally being out from under that payment. Even better in 6 months, when I am done with college tuition too! Might finally get the nice car for myself I always wanted.

    Uh huh. Sure. :smile:

    Believe it when I see it.

    Edmunds Price Checker
    Edmunds Lease Calculator
    Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!


    MODERATOR

    2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige

  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 261,356

    Edmunds Price Checker
    Edmunds Lease Calculator
    Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!


    MODERATOR

    2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I volunteer! But they aren't going to like what I plan to do. :p
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Michaell said:
    Might be a good idea to stop abusing customers with Smart cars.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,369
    There's a car sharing service (I forget the name, their logo is hexagons) around here with a fleet of X3s and 3ers, they don't appear to be basic either.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,720
    nyccarguy said:

    In CT, the bank holds the title until you pay the car off

    I'm pretty sure that is the same everywhere.

    '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

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,878
    edited June 2017
    stickguy said:

    3 more payments, and HMC will send me the title to the Acura. Will be nice finally being out from under that payment. Even better in 6 months, when I am done with college tuition too! Might finally get the nice car for myself I always wanted.

    You sound like me with Daycare....$1200 a month buys a nice car!

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,223
    wow. gone up since my day. Though maybe that is 2 kids. Mine were spaced far enough apart that we only had 1 in at a time. Summer day camp (somehow we ended up sending them to the fancy one that cost more) was also brutal.

    $1,200 a month, not really far off from college cost!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 264,169
    qbrozen said:

    nyccarguy said:

    In CT, the bank holds the title until you pay the car off

    I'm pretty sure that is the same everywhere.
    Here, the lien is recorded on the title, but the bank doesn't hold it. When you pay it off, bank gives you notarized release, and you take that to the DMV, and the state sends you a new title without the lien.

    Edmunds Price Checker
    Edmunds Lease Calculator
    Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!

    Edmunds Moderator

  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 261,356
    edited June 2017
    tjc78 said:

    stickguy said:

    3 more payments, and HMC will send me the title to the Acura. Will be nice finally being out from under that payment. Even better in 6 months, when I am done with college tuition too! Might finally get the nice car for myself I always wanted.

    You sound like me with Daycare....$1200 a month buys a nice car!
    [pet peeve mode on]
    Sorry, the folks at the center where your kids go don't care for 'days', they care for children.

    Therefore, it's childcare.

    The hazards of being married to someone who has been in the early childhood field for 35 years.
    [pet peeve mode off]

    Edmunds Price Checker
    Edmunds Lease Calculator
    Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!


    MODERATOR

    2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,226

    Michaell said:



    CLA. The Mercedes Jetta! 
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,878

    stickguy said:

    wow. gone up since my day. Though maybe that is 2 kids. Mine were spaced far enough apart that we only had 1 in at a time. Summer day camp (somehow we ended up sending them to the fancy one that cost more) was also brutal.

    $1,200 a month, not really far off from college cost!


    2 kids, 3 days a week.  It would be almost 2k for 5 days

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,878

    Michaell said:

    3 more payments, and HMC will send me the title to the Acura. Will be nice finally being out from under that payment. Even better in 6 months, when I am done with college tuition too! Might finally get the nice car for myself I always wanted.


    You sound like me with Daycare....$1200 a month buys a nice car!


    [pet peeve mode on]
    Sorry, the folks at the center where your kids go don't care for 'days', they care for children.

    Therefore, it's childcare.

    The hazards of being married to someone who has been in the early childhood field for 35 years.
    [pet peeve mode off]


    Agreed!  Our place prefers to be called a school, and I have to say they do a lot of teaching. 

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,720

    kyfdx said:

    In CT, the bank holds the title until you pay the car off


    I'm pretty sure that is the same everywhere.


    Here, the lien is recorded on the title, but the bank doesn't hold it. When you pay it off, bank gives you notarized release, and you take that to the DMV, and the state sends you a new title without the lien.


    Ah. Interesting. I wonder why the difference in procedure. Especially since I think having a loan or lease from a bank in your home state and ONLY in your home state is probably rare.

    '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

  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 261,356
    tjc78 said:



    Michaell said:


    tjc78 said:

    stickguy said:

    3 more payments, and HMC will send me the title to the Acura. Will be nice finally being out from under that payment. Even better in 6 months, when I am done with college tuition too! Might finally get the nice car for myself I always wanted.



    You sound like me with Daycare....$1200 a month buys a nice car!


    [pet peeve mode on]

    Sorry, the folks at the center where your kids go don't care for 'days', they care for children.



    Therefore, it's childcare.



    The hazards of being married to someone who has been in the early childhood field for 35 years.

    [pet peeve mode off]


    Agreed!  Our place prefers to be called a school, and I have to say they do a lot of teaching. 

    Is it a chain, privately run, or affiliated with a church?

    My wife's philosophy has always been play-based. Kids get enough structured education when they enter elementary school.

    Technically, early childhood is from 0-7 years of age.

    Edmunds Price Checker
    Edmunds Lease Calculator
    Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!


    MODERATOR

    2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,878
    edited June 2017
    Privately run. They have a mix throughout the day (educational, outdoor play and free play inside).   My daughter is still in the baby room, so obviously it is quite different than my 3 year olds class.  He comes home with drawings, and worksheets (tracing lines, etc). 

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,206
    Michaell said:
    I've never quite understood the difference between car share outfits and rental car agencies.

    Around here the news media treats the car share operation almost like a public service.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,794

    fintail said:

    There's a car sharing service (I forget the name, their logo is hexagons) around here with a fleet of X3s and 3ers, they don't appear to be basic either.


    ReachNow - owned by BMW. 
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,794
    Don't get me started on childcare costs. In metro Seattle costs for an infant run anywhere from $1700-$2700/month. That is assuming you can nab a spot. 

    We are paying $2100/month. 
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,223
    wow. I should quit my lousy job, and just dog and child sit instead. Pays good!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,369
    Ah yeah that's it, and X1 not X3. IIRC their rates aren't bad, but I don't want the sign on the side of my car. I see them a bit on the eastside.

    re: childcare, my sister was the director at a 2-location "learning center" before she went back to school to get another degree. It is indeed a money factory. Her biggest perk is that she was able to take my niece there.


    ReachNow - owned by BMW. 

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,226
    edited June 2017




    tjc78 said:





    Michaell said:



    3 more payments, and HMC will send me the title to the Acura. Will be nice finally being out from under that payment. Even better in 6 months, when I am done with college tuition too! Might finally get the nice car for myself I always wanted.






    You sound like me with Daycare....$1200 a month buys a nice car!






    [pet peeve mode on]


    Sorry, the folks at the center where your kids go don't care for 'days', they care for children.





    Therefore, it's childcare.





    The hazards of being married to someone who has been in the early childhood field for 35 years.


    [pet peeve mode off]






    Agreed!  Our place prefers to be called a school, and I have to say they do a lot of teaching. 




    Ugh, my coworker adopted an infant and sent him to childcare. The childcare refers to itself as a school and sends home certificates saying he's learned about Spanish or art. Sorry, but a three month old doesn't go to "school."  She says she's going to sue them if he's not speaking Spanish in a few months.  :D
  • tbirdmarcotbirdmarco Member Posts: 3,838
    @qbrozen yes sighn go for it! lol lol.
  • tbirdmarcotbirdmarco Member Posts: 3,838
    @Mr_Shiftright Go for it! you never no! lol lol lol.
  • tbirdmarcotbirdmarco Member Posts: 3,838
    @qbrozen thaught the same thing. got the title to my sisters jeep witch we got back in jan since it is under my name! have an few years of payments still.
  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,794



    Ugh, my coworker adopted an infant and sent him to childcare. The childcare refers to itself as a school and sends home certificates saying he's learned about Spanish or art. Sorry, but a three month old doesn't go to "school."  She says she's going to sue them if he's not speaking Spanish in a few months.  :D


    Haha!  We get pictures and comments of things he's doing throughout the day. I love the pictures of him "doing arts and crafts."  No. My kid is 4 months old. He tries to eat the glitter on his hands after his teachers take his handprint. I know he is learning from the sensory experience, so I get it, but the phraseology is hysterical. 

    We use "school" to describe his childcare situation now so when he hears us talking about it as he becomes more aware, that's what he connects it with. Supposedly it makes the transition from early childhood education to Kindergarten easier.

    I'll let you know in 5ish years. 
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 261,356
    Y'all are good parents. The social aspect of attending a school (program, center/centre, whatever) is as important as any skills they learn.

    But, as institutionalized testing begins earlier and earlier, I'm afraid it will eventually show up in pre-K classrooms as well.

    Let kids be kids! Let 'em have fun! Show them the real world, and keep the screens out of their hands at that age.

    Edmunds Price Checker
    Edmunds Lease Calculator
    Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!


    MODERATOR

    2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige

  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,614
    We did without a lot in order for my wife to be a full-time mother to our children. Our son must have thought it was worthwhile, since he and his wife are doing the same thing.

    Different strokes. . .
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,197
    Ditto, my wife stayed home until the youngest was in kindergarten but they all went to our religious pre-school at a young age. She wanted them to interact with other kids early and also start learning. Being that they are all within 3 years of each other, made sense to me. All I had to do was work and pay for it all!

    The Sandman :)B)

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • suydamsuydam Member Posts: 5,054
    Most folks can't afford the loss of one income nowadays.
    '24 Kia Sportage PHEV
    '24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,223
    not in this area, especially if you have a house too. Unless the one salary is a big one (doctor, lawyer, etc.).

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,794
    Not where we live, either. Plus my wife's (and my own) earning ability far outstrip the cost of childcare, so fiscally it doesn't make sense for one of us to stay home. I'd love to be able to make that business case. 
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,878
    We are in the same boat.  Wife takes home well above the $1200 so is fiscally makes sense.  In addition she has 9 years in and is continuing to move up so leaving would have hindered her career.  It's a really tough choice to make either way.   I'm thankful my mother is semi retired and can watch them at home two days a week so they get the best of both worlds.  

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,439

    stickguy said:

    not in this area, especially if you have a house too. Unless the one salary is a big one (doctor, lawyer, etc.).


    That's not always the case either.  A good friend of ours is a Pediatrician.  He's one of 4 partners in his very successful practice.  I'm sure he makes a nice living, but they are far from "rolling in dough."

    A friend of my wife's husband is an Ortho Surgeon.  Not taking anything away from the guy, because HE WORKS.  He's also one of the most humble people you'll ever meet.  His house is like Wayne Manor.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,439

    tjc78 said:

    We are in the same boat.  Wife takes home well above the $1200 so is fiscally makes sense.  In addition she has 9 years in and is continuing to move up so leaving would have hindered her career.  It's a really tough choice to make either way.   I'm thankful my mother is semi retired and can watch them at home two days a week so they get the best of both worlds.  


    Having family to help has been a huge part in raising our children.  Once a week for the last 10+ years, my Mom drives an hour to watch/play with our kids and so does my Wife's Mom.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD

This discussion has been closed.