Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

qbrozen

Those are the tiles. As low as $2/sqft on Amazon. The rolled stuff is 17' x 7.5' for $130, so a hair over $1/sqft.

tbirdmarco

@Michaell nice! racking up the miles!

tbirdmarco

@sandman_6472 nice nice! that is def sum nice cars! you did drive yesterday!

tbirdmarco

@breld you are so welcome man! so wow the darango is an keeper! GTI give like you said an few munths maby one week deff not in to next year! lol lol

tifighter

Paging @fintail Could you please tell us/mostly me about the potential ownership proposition of this modest red roadster? I'll get my popcorn and handkerchief.

fintail

I've seen this car in person, as it is sitting at the dealer not far from me. It has been there for at least a month, I saw it there last weekend. It needs a good detail now, as the grime seems to accumulate at that location.

Pros: rare color, rare model, fairly timeless style, general powertrain should be solid, when everything is right, it should be amazing to drive

Cons: early run R230 with quite old feeling ICE, potential ABC issues and top issues, high general maintenance and running costs of high spec cars. Depending on mileage driven, I would expect at least a couple grand a year in repairs outside of maintenance.

I'd be quite leery of it, and definitely seek a good PPI. It won't be cheap to run, and when things break, hold on to your wallet, but when sorted, it should be jet engine smooth and quite fast for a boulevardier.

tifighter said:

Paging @fintail Could you please tell us/mostly me about the potential ownership proposition of this modest red roadster? I'll get my popcorn and handkerchief.

Mr_Shiftright

Wasn't there a recall on the ABC system on the R230? Would be good to check that this was done. I seem to recall lots of AC problems, and various oil leaks.

fintail

Being from the dealer, if there was a recall, I would hope it was addressed. But definitely something to check on. That era of MB could be prone to AC issues too. You'd want it gone over with a fine tooth comb.

qbrozen

Price is high. Most recent at auction was March and it was in Seattle. Had 45k miles, black, and got $16.5k. I think this one would be more like $14k. 

jpp75

Had the pleasure of meeting up with @michaell and @breld and Mrs. @breld for lunch and car fun today.

@breld sent me this last night and suggested I should try it since I've always had a soft spot for them and wanted to try the diesel:

https://www.schompbmw.com/inventory/certified-used-2014-bmw-x5-xdrive35d-awd-sport-utility-5uxks4c55e0j93706

We met for lunch then went over to the dealer. This was my first experience at Schomp, overall a good operation. They are one price, one person and one hour. Meaning if you like the car and the price the "salesperson" handles all the paperwork, etc and the goal is to have you on your way one hour from the time you agree to purchase.

@Michaell and I took it out for a drive while the brelds looked around the lot. The colors were better in person, the "white" leather is a nice touch as the rest of the interior is a black, so it's a nice contrast. We took it on a quick drive and I definitely loved this engine. Outside it doesn't have any hint of diesel "clatter" and is super smooth. The instant torque when you hit the gas is perfect for this type and size of vehicle, it will definitely push you back in your seat. It has instant "go" whereas the Touareg is adequate at accelerating from say 30 - 60 but definitely not quick. I did find the X5 drove "softer" than the Touareg and the steering definitely wasn't as tight. The salesman had me switch it to Sport mode which helped a bit but not enough and also made the throttle way too touchy. There was also more road noise but that is likely due to the run flat tires, which were another negative. In the end while I loved the torque and power the softer drive, run flats and the lack of some features I "prefer" (adaptive cruise and cooled seats) weren't enough to sway me.

After the drive Mrs. @breld was nice enough to let me do a quick drive in the new Beetle with the top down, a snazzy little ride and quite peppy. Ironically as soon as we pulled out I could feel how much better the VW steered and handled, quite a nice purchase that I'm sure she'll enjoy.

@Michaell and I then swung by a GMC dealer on the way back to his car to check out a Canyon. The dealer experience was definitely "different" but ended up better than we expected when we first walked in. Our salesman was nice, relatively quiet and didn't know a lot about the vehicle other than the basics but was overall fine. We drove an SLT V6 first, overall a nice package, it drove very similar to the Touareg from an acceleration standpoint, adequate but nothing overly impressive. You can still tell it's a truck from a ride/handling standpoint but it's nothing you couldn't live with. The truck had 3 miles on it when we drove off, as we got on the highway about 2 - 3 miles away the Check Engine light came on, however I didn't notice any driveability issues because of that. I mentioned it to the salesman and he didn't have much to say other than "they always check the oil and water when they first come in so I don't know what it could be" it was clear he didn't really understand what the light meant.

Next we took the DuraMax diesel version out, same truck/trim, etc. There was a huge difference in this smaller (2.8L I think?) 4-cyl diesel compared to the 3.5 in the BMW, moreso than I would have expected. It definitely had a four cylinder "buzz" to it, louder than most and while not overly bothersome it was always there. The turbo lag from a start was very noticeable, pushing the accelerator from a start took a good 1 - 1/2 seconds to really produce any noticeable movement, then the torque would kick in and start moving. Nothing earth shattering but good enough, although it does seem it would struggle when towing.

In the end the V6 would be the way to go, great looking trucks, decent ride and nice interiors. The check engine light was a bit concerning, but we decided to give them the benefit of the doubt in case it was a loose gas cap. Lack of a sunroof, push button start and adaptive cruise (not available on any model at any price) were definite deal breakers but I can see the appeal of these midsizers.

All in all a good day with some fun drives.

corvette

I love the colors on that X5. Wheels look a little small.

jpp75

corvette said:

I love the colors on that X5. Wheels look a little small.

I think they were 18" wheels. @breld and I were discussing that an M sport package (or whatever they call it on that model) would probably solve some of the driving dynamic issues.

Michaell

I sat in this @stickguy special today

https://www.schompbmw.com/inventory/certified-used-2014-bmw-3-series-320i-xdrive-awd-4dr-car-wba3c3c50ek200415

By comparison, there was a new 320i without the sport package that had a $45k sticker price.

Also saw a Civic Si live and in person today. While I still think it's overstyled in the front and the rear, the shape between the A and C pillars is not bad. It was a more muted color, which I thought helped as well. I think I still prefer the GLI.

stickguy

Michaell said:

I sat in this @stickguy special today

https://www.schompbmw.com/inventory/certified-used-2014-bmw-3-series-320i-xdrive-awd-4dr-car-wba3c3c50ek200415

By comparison, there was a new 320i without the sport package that had a $45k sticker price.

Also saw a Civic Si live and in person today. While I still think it's overstyled in the front and the rear, the shape between the A and C pillars is not bad. It was a more muted color, which I thought helped as well. I think I still prefer the GLI.

holy moly I love this one. Perfect colors. Sport seats. Pretty good price for low miles CPO. I could certainly live with it.

though for the same price, sticker before discounts, hard to pass up on a Civic Si.

breld

Definitely a fun afternoon with @jpp5862 and @Michaell. I took a closer look at the 2-series they had in the showroom. A used one is definitely on my short list now. A 228 would be fine if it had the sport package, though it may just be easier to find a m235i.

That 320i @michaell sat in was really nice. As was the X5 @jpp5862 drove, though it was light on options.

Alas, no one bought a car today.

Michaell

holy moly I love this one. Perfect colors. Sport seats. Pretty good price for low miles CPO. I could certainly live with it.

though for the same price, sticker before discounts, hard to pass up on a Civic Si.

What's funny is that the Si has more HP than the 320i. And a stick shift.

And, as I was telling both @jpp5862 and @breld, I'm finding it hard to justify the money for a CPO BMW when I can get the same equipment and HP (roughly) on a new Jetta Sport, GLI or Passat SE.

It's that inner Puritan in me, I swear.

qbrozen

Depends on how much value you place on RWD

And of course I would expect the bimmer to have a more upscale feel.

stickguy

plus, HP is not the only consideration. Probably not even near the top of the list, as long as it has enough to get by with!

Michaell

qbrozen said:

Depends on how much value you place on RWD

And of course I would expect the bimmer to have a more upscale feel.

Probably 95% of the BMWs for sale in Colorado are Xdrive

tbirdmarco

@jpp5862 glad you all had an nice afternoon yesterday looking at sum nice used cars! nice x5

qbrozen

Michaell said:

Depends on how much value you place on RWD

And of course I would expect the bimmer to have a more upscale feel.

Probably 95% of the BMWs for sale in Colorado are Xdrive

Ok, lemme put it another way: depends how much you value NOT FWD. :b

tifighter

Today's wacked CL ad is especially confusing. I don't even know where to start...

Michaell

qbrozen said:

Michaell said:

qbrozen said:

Depends on how much value you place on RWD

And of course I would expect the bimmer to have a more upscale feel.

Probably 95% of the BMWs for sale in Colorado are Xdrive

Ok, lemme put it another way: depends how much you value NOT FWD. :b

Every one of my daily drivers have been FWD. Have had lots of AWD SUVs, but the wife has been the primary driver of those.

I suppose I really need to test drive one to compare it against the other cars I've tested.

stickguy

that has to be 1 of 1. and a big, "what the heck were you thinking?" car.

not sure what is odder. Cutting the roof off, or apparently swapping in a Mazda rotary engine (cycle, rotor, close enough!)

would have liked to see a picture of that engine bay.

tifighter

stickguy said:

that has to be 1 of 1. and a big, "what the heck were you thinking?" car.

not sure what is odder. Cutting the roof off, or apparently swapping in a Mazda rotary engine (cycle, rotor, close enough!)

would have liked to see a picture of that engine bay.

Agreed. The asking price is the icing on the cake.

fintail

At least one extra digit in that price, maybe two.

ab348

stickguy said:

that has to be 1 of 1. and a big, "what the heck were you thinking?" car.

not sure what is odder. Cutting the roof off, or apparently swapping in a Mazda rotary engine (cycle, rotor, close enough!)

would have liked to see a picture of that engine bay.

A local guy I know did pretty much the opposite. Took an older RX-8 convertible, and dropped a Dodge truck V-8 into it. I saw the engine bay, it wasn't pretty.

tbirdmarco

@tifighter wow that is sum add yes one of one! that is for shore!

nyccarguy

Michaell said:

I sat in this @stickguy special today

https://www.schompbmw.com/inventory/certified-used-2014-bmw-3-series-320i-xdrive-awd-4dr-car-wba3c3c50ek200415

By comparison, there was a new 320i without the sport package that had a $45k sticker price.

Also saw a Civic Si live and in person today. While I still think it's overstyled in the front and the rear, the shape between the A and C pillars is not bad. It was a more muted color, which I thought helped as well. I think I still prefer the GLI.

I'm not a fan of the 320i at its price point and brand new, but with 16K on the clock with the right color combo/options at less than $25K, it is hard to go wrong. I would take this over a new GLI with FWD and more HP. I'd HAVE to drive it back to back with a 220 hp GTI to make a more educated decision.

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

Michaell said:

I sat in this @stickguy special today

https://www.schompbmw.com/inventory/certified-used-2014-bmw-3-series-320i-xdrive-awd-4dr-car-wba3c3c50ek200415

By comparison, there was a new 320i without the sport package that had a $45k sticker price.

Also saw a Civic Si live and in person today. While I still think it's overstyled in the front and the rear, the shape between the A and C pillars is not bad. It was a more muted color, which I thought helped as well. I think I still prefer the GLI.

I'm not a fan of the 320i at its price point and brand new, but with 16K on the clock with the right color combo/options at less than $25K, it is hard to go wrong. I would take this over a new GLI with FWD and more HP. I'd HAVE to drive it back to back with a 220 hp GTI to make a more educated decision.

I'd agree with you - @nyccarguy. Perhaps a back-to-back comparison is warranted.

Maybe I'm just not getting what this whole "premium" thing is about.

stickguy

One thing I can guarantee is if my wife gets a vote, the GLI won't be winning.

Mr_Shiftright

Here's an interesting LEASE CHART from Car & Driver that breaks down leases into cost-per-mile. I thought it was quite interesting how two cars advertised at $199/month lease offer, could have vastly different cost-per-mile numbers.

You might have to use the + function in the PDF format to see the numbers more clearly.

corvette

The Tahoe is probably the only vehicle I will ever own that's had an article published about it specifically: 

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2017/07/the-end-of-the-affair/

andres3

ab348 said:

Michaell said:

Speaking of warranty extensions, I got a letter from Subaru this week.

The warranty on the CVT has been extended to 10 years / 100,000 miles. From what I can gather, this is purely preventative.

Well, they're not doing that out of the goodness of their corporate heart. I suspect they have had enough problems with them to force their hand.

Well, how come Chrysler never issued those letters. God knows they had enough problems with various models. Is it "Pure Evil" in their heart that prevents them despite a forced hand?

xwesx

corvette said:

The Tahoe is probably the only vehicle I will ever own that's had an article published about it specifically: 

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2017/07/the-end-of-the-affair/

Ya, that's pretty unique!

I couldn’t shake the man’s hand.

Missed opportunity!

nyccarguy

corvette said:

The Tahoe is probably the only vehicle I will ever own that's had an article published about it specifically: 

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2017/07/the-end-of-the-affair/

So now you know your Tahoe's history? That's far out cool.

xwesx

On Saturday, I finished the spring replacement and flushed the power steering fluid on my wife's Forester. I still have some more work to do, but at least my back is starting to feel a little better. More tolerable, anyway.

andres3

roadburner said:

xwesx said:

roadburner said:

Michaell said:

The guy who manages my sprinklers has a V6 Mustang with a custom Flowmaster exhaust. I didn't have the heart to criticize him for his choice.

I occasionally encounter a 2005(I think) V6 Mustang on the way to work. All blacked out, loud exhaust. He thinks he's fast but I hope to have the opportunity to reeducate him when the opportunity presents itself.

In the I3, no less....

I probably could; from 0-30 it's the fastest BMW in the current lineup.

AWD?

roadburner

andres3 said:

roadburner said:

xwesx said:

roadburner said:

Michaell said:

The guy who manages my sprinklers has a V6 Mustang with a custom Flowmaster exhaust. I didn't have the heart to criticize him for his choice.

I occasionally encounter a 2005(I think) V6 Mustang on the way to work. All blacked out, loud exhaust. He thinks he's fast but I hope to have the opportunity to reeducate him when the opportunity presents itself.

In the I3, no less....

I probably could; from 0-30 it's the fastest BMW in the current lineup.

AWD?

Nope; RWD only.

andres3

tifighter said:

Original sticker was $24.8. Of course we all know these don't sell at sticker. Still, seems like a fun toy for weekends and the occasional auto-x and HPDE event. Cut it loose after a year with 10k miles; seems like you wouldn't lose that much.

HPDE events are both expensive and far out of town where I live. Therefore, anything unreliable would be a disaster waiting to happen for me.

roadburner

andres3 said:

roadburner said:

xwesx said:

roadburner said:

Michaell said:

The guy who manages my sprinklers has a V6 Mustang with a custom Flowmaster exhaust. I didn't have the heart to criticize him for his choice.

I occasionally encounter a 2005(I think) V6 Mustang on the way to work. All blacked out, loud exhaust. He thinks he's fast but I hope to have the opportunity to reeducate him when the opportunity presents itself.

In the I3, no less....

I probably could; from 0-30 it's the fastest BMW in the current lineup.

AWD?

Also, both the electric motor and the gas engine are located in the rear.

andres3

Michaell said:

nyccarguy said:

Michaell said:

I sat in this @stickguy special today

https://www.schompbmw.com/inventory/certified-used-2014-bmw-3-series-320i-xdrive-awd-4dr-car-wba3c3c50ek200415

By comparison, there was a new 320i without the sport package that had a $45k sticker price.

Also saw a Civic Si live and in person today. While I still think it's overstyled in the front and the rear, the shape between the A and C pillars is not bad. It was a more muted color, which I thought helped as well. I think I still prefer the GLI.

I'm not a fan of the 320i at its price point and brand new, but with 16K on the clock with the right color combo/options at less than $25K, it is hard to go wrong. I would take this over a new GLI with FWD and more HP. I'd HAVE to drive it back to back with a 220 hp GTI to make a more educated decision.

I'd agree with you - @nyccarguy. Perhaps a back-to-back comparison is warranted.

Maybe I'm just not getting what this whole "premium" thing is about.

Go compare the Interior of the Camry to the ES 350 and that'll be a good hint about premium.

For performance, try a back to back with the Golf R vs. GTI.

Michaell

andres3 said:

Michaell said:

nyccarguy said:

Michaell said:

I sat in this @stickguy special today

https://www.schompbmw.com/inventory/certified-used-2014-bmw-3-series-320i-xdrive-awd-4dr-car-wba3c3c50ek200415

By comparison, there was a new 320i without the sport package that had a $45k sticker price.

Also saw a Civic Si live and in person today. While I still think it's overstyled in the front and the rear, the shape between the A and C pillars is not bad. It was a more muted color, which I thought helped as well. I think I still prefer the GLI.

I'm not a fan of the 320i at its price point and brand new, but with 16K on the clock with the right color combo/options at less than $25K, it is hard to go wrong. I would take this over a new GLI with FWD and more HP. I'd HAVE to drive it back to back with a 220 hp GTI to make a more educated decision.

I'd agree with you - @nyccarguy. Perhaps a back-to-back comparison is warranted.

Maybe I'm just not getting what this whole "premium" thing is about.

Go compare the Interior of the Camry to the ES 350 and that'll be a good hint about premium.

For performance, try a back to back with the Golf R vs. GTI.

I've tested the GTI - and loved it. Can't imagine what another 80+ HP and AWD would be like.

I sat in the 3-series on Saturday - it was nice, compared to my bare bones Jetta, but when I think about it to the GLI I test drove, there wasn't a huge difference, to me.

Although, if the 3-series has the HP-meter like @abacomike's 7-series, I might be more tempted.

andres3

I think my Mother is going to look wide and far for a IS350 lightly loaded (MSRP 46K) and try to get them down to $40K sale price.

She may divert to a ES 350, but I think if she drives it she'll realize it's too big. A CPO or Carmax IS 350 would do the job. Pretty rare car with the 3.5L V6 though. She may have to order a new one to get what she wants (she's picky about colors inside and out).

Both of my parents experience with Lexus and Toyota has been so good reliability wise that they are heavily biased towards them.

Michaell

Good thing our Outback lives in the garage, and that I don't belong to the local Subaru club:

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/crime/colorado-subaru-club-member-our-cars-are-being-stolen-all-over-the-denver-metro-area

Mr_Shiftright

What more sincere form of flattery than Grand Auto Theft?

Michaell

Mr_Shiftright said:

What more sincere form of flattery than Grand Auto Theft?

My BIL had a late 80's or early 90's Toyota pickup. Lightly modified, lived in San Diego. Made the last payment on it, then had it stolen a month or two later.

Found it stripped in an empty lot close to the US-Mexico border.

He was devastated, but bought an Acura Integra with the insurance money.

breld

roadburner said:

andres3 said:

roadburner said:

xwesx said:

roadburner said:

Michaell said:

The guy who manages my sprinklers has a V6 Mustang with a custom Flowmaster exhaust. I didn't have the heart to criticize him for his choice.

I occasionally encounter a 2005(I think) V6 Mustang on the way to work. All blacked out, loud exhaust. He thinks he's fast but I hope to have the opportunity to reeducate him when the opportunity presents itself.

In the I3, no less....

I probably could; from 0-30 it's the fastest BMW in the current lineup.

AWD?

Also, both the electric motor and the gas engine are located in the rear.

So @roadburner, what has been your experience thus far on the average range of the i3?

When we were out lot browsing this past weekend with the other Denver area contingents, wife and I were impressed with the value the used i3's seem to offer. But with our 30 mile each way commute, we may have some range anxiety.

stickguy

my local used guy that specializes in BMWs has a bunch of 2014 I3s now. Pretty sure they all have the range extension option (aka an engine) so no range anxiety required.

only 1 of 7 cracks 20K miles, and that has a whopping 31K. Might be a record on one of these! Prices not too bad, seem to be about the same as a basic 320i?

http://www.eimports4less.com/used-bmw-i3/

nyccarguy

Michaell said:

What more sincere form of flattery than Grand Auto Theft?

My BIL had a late 80's or early 90's Toyota pickup. Lightly modified, lived in San Diego. Made the last payment on it, then had it stolen a month or two later.

Found it stripped in an empty lot close to the US-Mexico border.

He was devastated, but bought an Acura Integra with the insurance money.

That is my biggest fear with our Pilot.  It's paid off, I've maintained it to last a lifetime, and I'd be pissed if something ever happens to it.  Not because I love it so dearly, but because I don't want to go out and spend another $40K on an equivelant replacement 3 row SUV.