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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

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  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,291
    In the spirit of that article about the Tahoe I bought, I did my own little send off to Mom's S80:

    Mom's Volvo S80 wasn't the best Volvo we've ever had, nor the nicest (the S80 lacked heated seats, which became a disappointment for Mom, as the previous two Volvos were so equipped), but it's the one we had the longest. So many memories with this one. The S80 replaced a 960 which had electrical problems. Ironically, this one would also be sold when it had similar electrical problems and I suggested my parents not take it on any long trips.

    Mom commuted to work in this car for several years. When my late grandmother was undergoing cancer treatments at Vanderbilt, Mom stayed with her in Nashville for an extended period, and the S80 became my second car for a while. During that time, on many occasions, the S80 carried me to my classes at Western and to work in Glasgow. It took me to Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati to visit friends and decompress. It chauffeured my girlfriend around Bowling Green and on trips to Louisville. Years later, it took me to the BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg to collect the car I ordered. I borrowed it often when my daily driver was out of service. Although there was no Bluetooth, we drove it on trips to Indianapolis and Chicago, and I streamed music using a cassette adapter. It took my parents and I to countless weddings, funerals, Easters, Christmases, and other family functions.

    Having only put 77,000 miles on it in in 15 years, age rather than wear took its toll. The paint was shiny, the car drove well, and it still got compliments. It was worth far more than its book value to me, but, unfortunately, there isn't room in my fleet for the S80. When a failed alternator left Mom stranded, that was the end of the story, and I can't blame her for getting rid of it. I hope it gives the new owner the same good memories it did us. Goodbye, old friend!
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,501
    Welcome back, NYC! Did you tour El Morro? Was in PR a long time ago, I found that the national sound of San Juan was the car alarm... But, a lovely place, did El Yunque, too. The Ferrari dealer sold the i8, probably to the dude I was talking to after his test drive. Phew, that was close!
    Thanks @laurasdada. Yes, we did take a cab to Old San Juan for the day. El Morro was our first stop there. It's an amazing feat of architecture and engineering that dates back to the 1500s. El Yunque was beautiful too. We enjoyed the trip as a whole. Lots of rest & relaxation. Drinks at lunch and dinner were good too.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • tbirdmarcotbirdmarco Member Posts: 3,838
    @pensfan83 relibitelly of really anything does not scare me at all! all luck realy! nice list you have there on cars you might be getting if you don't go the root of getting your grandmothers 09 Sanata!
  • tbirdmarcotbirdmarco Member Posts: 3,838
    @andres3 hear you on that but would get so bord of the same thing over and over just me!
  • tbirdmarcotbirdmarco Member Posts: 3,838
    @andres3 congrads to your parrants on there new car!
  • tbirdmarcotbirdmarco Member Posts: 3,838
    @corvette nice send off for your moms s80 what the jirny you all had with that car!
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,419
    Probably not much more than 10K above a loaded Camry hybrid - maybe worth it for the refinement, prestige, dealer experience, and maybe resale.
    andres3 said:

    The parents decided on a brand new Lexus ES300h. Turns out the ES wasn't too big for them after all, and they got the Hybrid tech and mileage they were seeking for mostly city driving; $43K + taxes & fees.

    When a brand gives you absolutely trouble-free reliability and durability, it is hard to go elsewhere I think.

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,218
    Was in Puerto Rico when we lived up in Westchester a couple of times as a kid, in '67, it was our bar mitzvah gift from our folks. Did the fort and San Juan but then stayed on the other side of the island in St. German at the university there. Went back in '68 and again in St. German, spent time in Ponce and Mayaquez. Great beaches and hot weather when it was winter back in New York. Going on a teen tour both times with friends made both trips just that much better.
    Was a fun experience that we still speak about when I see those old friends! Always fun to go somewhere without the folks at that age.

    The Sandman :)B)

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,786
    Hey @Mr_Shiftright and @roadburner - here's a listing for you guys to look over. I figured I should turn this one over to the experts...

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd

  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,827
    tifighter said:
    Hey @Mr_Shiftright and @roadburner - here's a listing for you guys to look over. I figured I should turn this one over to the experts...
    Interesting find. Clearly well cared for and owned by someone passionate about the car. 
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,501
    That clown shoe Z3 i posted a few weeks ago is still available.  

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,786


    tifighter said:

    Hey @Mr_Shiftright and @roadburner - here's a listing for you guys to look over. I figured I should turn this one over to the experts...

    Interesting find. Clearly well cared for and owned by someone passionate about the car. 

    Yeah, my impression as well.

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,356
    I love that 2002. Seems like a fun, usable car.

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

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,737
    tifighter said:
    Hey @Mr_Shiftright and @roadburner - here's a listing for you guys to look over. I figured I should turn this one over to the experts...
    Interesting. I'm just not sure on value of a run of the mill 2002 that has been modified and has rust starting. $20k seems quite pricey to me. 

    '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

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,778
    qbrozen said:


    tifighter said:

    Hey @Mr_Shiftright and @roadburner - here's a listing for you guys to look over. I figured I should turn this one over to the experts...

    Interesting. I'm just not sure on value of a run of the mill 2002 that has been modified and has rust starting. $20k seems quite pricey to me. 

    Yeah... seems like a lot for a "fake" ti

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  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,331
    kyfdx said:

    qbrozen said:


    tifighter said:

    Hey @Mr_Shiftright and @roadburner - here's a listing for you guys to look over. I figured I should turn this one over to the experts...

    Interesting. I'm just not sure on value of a run of the mill 2002 that has been modified and has rust starting. $20k seems quite pricey to me. 
    Yeah... seems like a lot for a "fake" ti

    I can't reach the site but basically mods won't hurt the value if they are done right. Probably the most valuable US spec cars are the 1972-1973 tiis. Least valuable are the 1974-up cars with the "diving board" bumpers and any car with an automatic. An '02 with good mechanicals and decent paint is worth at least $4000.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 262,362
    corvette said:

    That is a sharp color combo!

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

  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,827
    Really like that Q5. Looks sharp. 
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,737
    tifighter said:
    Hey @Mr_Shiftright and @roadburner - here's a listing for you guys to look over. I figured I should turn this one over to the experts...
    Interesting. I'm just not sure on value of a run of the mill 2002 that has been modified and has rust starting. $20k seems quite pricey to me. 
    Yeah... seems like a lot for a "fake" ti
    I can't reach the site but basically mods won't hurt the value if they are done right. Probably the most valuable US spec cars are the 1972-1973 tiis. Least valuable are the 1974-up cars with the "diving board" bumpers and any car with an automatic. An '02 with good mechanicals and decent paint is worth at least $4000.
    This one is a regular 2002 "restored to tii specs." But then lists a bunch of mods that were not tii spec.

    '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

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,737
    corvette said:
    Pretty

    '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

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    edited July 2017
    qbrozen said:


    tifighter said:

    Hey @Mr_Shiftright and @roadburner - here's a listing for you guys to look over. I figured I should turn this one over to the experts...

    Interesting. I'm just not sure on value of a run of the mill 2002 that has been modified and has rust starting. $20k seems quite pricey to me. 
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Yeah, it is pricey. It's not a "real" Ti (they were never sold in the U.S. anyway) and it's not a Tii (which would be a bargain at that price) and one has to wonder why a seller would ask a premium price and not deal with something like a balky shift mechanism and cracked windshield. Can you think of two worse things to mess up a test drive?

    But I get it. Someone is tired of putting money into it.

    It would be a nice car to own at the right price. I thinking about $12K--$13K is all the money here, given the needs and it not being real. And that price presumes the rust is mostly cosmetic and very localized.

    I'd also want to know if the heater fan motor works, as that is a monster to repair.
  • pensfan83pensfan83 Member Posts: 2,767
    Great color combo on the Q5, very rich looking.
    1997 Honda Prelude Base - 2022 Acura MDX Type S Advance - 2021 Honda Passport Sport - 2006 BMW 330Ci ZHP
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    My fav color combo in a car with a roof.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,331

    qbrozen said:


    tifighter said:

    Hey @Mr_Shiftright and @roadburner - here's a listing for you guys to look over. I figured I should turn this one over to the experts...

    Interesting. I'm just not sure on value of a run of the mill 2002 that has been modified and has rust starting. $20k seems quite pricey to me. 
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Yeah, it is pricey. It's not a "real" Ti (they were never sold in the U.S. anyway) and it's not a Tii (which would be a bargain at that price) and one has to wonder why a seller would ask a premium price and not deal with something like a balky shift mechanism and cracked windshield. Can you think of two worse things to mess up a test drive?

    But I get it. Someone is tired of putting money into it.

    It would be a nice car to own at the right price. I thinking about $12K--$13K is all the money here, given the needs and it not being real. And that price presumes the rust is mostly cosmetic and very localized.

    I'd also want to know if the heater fan motor works, as that is a monster to repair.

    The heater fan is more of an issue with aftermarket A/C; Without A/C it's a 2 day/weekend DIY job at most, although I usulally can do it in a day. Disconnect two heater hoses, slide the console back, remove the heater control face plates, unscrew the controls, and remove two nuts and the heater box is out. The key is making sure everything works properly before bolting it back up.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,737
    tifighter said:
    Hey @Mr_Shiftright and @roadburner - here's a listing for you guys to look over. I figured I should turn this one over to the experts...
    Interesting. I'm just not sure on value of a run of the mill 2002 that has been modified and has rust starting. $20k seems quite pricey to me. 
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yeah, it is pricey. It's not a "real" Ti (they were never sold in the U.S. anyway) and it's not a Tii (which would be a bargain at that price) and one has to wonder why a seller would ask a premium price and not deal with something like a balky shift mechanism and cracked windshield. Can you think of two worse things to mess up a test drive? But I get it. Someone is tired of putting money into it. It would be a nice car to own at the right price. I thinking about $12K--$13K is all the money here, given the needs and it not being real. And that price presumes the rust is mostly cosmetic and very localized. I'd also want to know if the heater fan motor works, as that is a monster to repair.
    Good to know my radar is still functioning. Was thinking exactly the same thing on value. Mostly because any other pseudo-collectible vehicle in the same situation would be worth that much. (Meaning a lesser model redone as a clone of a more desirable model and still having needs)

    '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

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,737
    Did somebody say Maserati?

    https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/708071518/overview?aff=share_other

    That is seriously tempting, although I can't even begin to imagine the cost to maintain in that 80k-100k part of its life I'd likely own it for.

    '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

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,778
    Audi has the best interiors

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  • tbirdmarcotbirdmarco Member Posts: 3,838
    @tifighter interesting finde! on that 2002 beamer!
  • tbirdmarcotbirdmarco Member Posts: 3,838
    @corvette love the interior color of that q5 cant tell the exterior color much tho looks black to me!
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,291
    edited July 2017

    @corvette love the interior color of that q5 cant tell the exterior color much tho looks black to me!

    It does look almosts black in the photos. It's Azores Green. In the right sunlight, it's pretty stunning!
  • tbirdmarcotbirdmarco Member Posts: 3,838
    @corvette glad it is not just me! when it comes to the color! looking that way to me! lol lol sounds like an lovley color!
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,688
    LOVE that color combo on the Q5! Agreed with other comments here about that.

    I don't agree with @kyfdx regarding Audi interiors. My Q7 has wonderfully comfortable seats, but space usage is complete crap, and the dash is quite blah - ranks right up there with Volvo in my opinion.

    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,287
    Speaking of nice color combos, Mike Joy, the voice of Nascar on Fox and the Barrett-Jackson auctions on Velocity, just bought this pretty '66 Mustang:

    http://bringatrailer.com/listing/1966-ford-mustang-33/

    From the days when cars came in colors inside and out.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,356
    this is not a bad looking little buggy. Below the magic $3k threshold for a spare beater car. I always kinda liked these. Just needs a moonroof!

    http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2006-mazda-tribute-i-used-16649981.html

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

  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,786
    For what it is worth, that 2002 is now showing as sold.

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd

  • rayainswrayainsw Member Posts: 3,192
    edited July 2017
    FWIW - I saw a segment on CNBC about this - AI bots used
    in automotive sales - and found it interesting. The company & the product:

    https://www.conversica.com/how-it-works-artificial-intelligence-email-inbound-marketing-ai/

    AI Bots
    Eric Chemi,reporter
    If you're looking for a car, "Jenny" or "Ashley" may e-mail you a deal from a dealership. But if you're looking for a date, you're out of luck. Reporter Eric Chemi finds auto dealers are using artificial intelligence bots so "lifelike" in their text responses that prospective buyers think they're communicating with a real person
    2022 X3 M40i
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,356
    i assume that when I am on the dealer sites looking at stock, and the chat windows keep popping up with a name and picture (usually a younger woman), odds are no one is back there. especially at 10:00 on a Sunday night!

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,356
    so, after all the Porsche talk the last few days while I was on vacation, I lost track of the good and bad years. But this one, I love the colors on it. How much of a roulette wheel spin is this one?

    http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2003-porsche-911_carrera-certified_911_c2_6_speed_coupe-used-16668230.html

    I also like the colors on this Boxster, and I think it is after the years that are bad? Just the wrong number of petals.

    http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2010-porsche-boxster-certified_boxster_tiptronic_automatic_convertible-used-10575960.html

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

  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,287
    I just stumbled onto this Porsche at a most unlikely used car lot in a town of a few thousand people about an hour north of here. Can't imagine why they would have this in stock - it may be a consignment.

    https://www.zacksautosales.ca/certified/Porsche/1996-Porsche-911-06bef4910a0e08bd583f20eb4331f9d1.htm?tcdvehicleid=06bef4910a0e08bd583f20eb4331f9d1&ddcref=facebookdpa&tcdcmpid=518828

    It looks lovely, but the price, even in worthless Canadian dollars, is breathtaking. Works out to about $72K USD.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,501
    My Dad's Tahoe has some light cosmetic damage from careless hit & run incidents in parking lots.  With my Griots's Garage 6" Random Orbital & Machine Polish 3 I helped him rid his Tahoe of some unsightly blemishes:


    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,501
    Problem area #2:


    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,419
    I like 993 Targas, but I think I am in a small club. Nice car, but price seems optimistic.

    Canuckbuck has gained about 10% in the past few months, so it's not as bad as it could be.
    ab348 said:

    I just stumbled onto this Porsche at a most unlikely used car lot in a town of a few thousand people about an hour north of here. Can't imagine why they would have this in stock - it may be a consignment.

    https://www.zacksautosales.ca/certified/Porsche/1996-Porsche-911-06bef4910a0e08bd583f20eb4331f9d1.htm?tcdvehicleid=06bef4910a0e08bd583f20eb4331f9d1&ddcref=facebookdpa&tcdcmpid=518828

    It looks lovely, but the price, even in worthless Canadian dollars, is breathtaking. Works out to about $72K USD.

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,419
    I guess it's true, that will buff right out :)
    nyccarguy said:

    My Dad's Tahoe has some light cosmetic damage from careless hit & run incidents in parking lots.  With my Griots's Garage 6" Random Orbital & Machine Polish 3 I helped him rid his Tahoe of some unsightly blemishes:

  • tbirdmarcotbirdmarco Member Posts: 3,838
    @ab348 love that mustang. like the first two years the most of the first jenaration want one one day to put next to my thunderbird!
  • tbirdmarcotbirdmarco Member Posts: 3,838
    @rayainsw interesting article!
  • tbirdmarcotbirdmarco Member Posts: 3,838
    @nyccarguy nice nice!
  • tbirdmarcotbirdmarco Member Posts: 3,838
    @ab348 nice Porsh
  • tbirdmarcotbirdmarco Member Posts: 3,838
    @stickguy love the cars you posted above and the color combos to! bigtime!
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,688
    Bradd, that's an impressive improvement! One shiny beast, that's for sure. Nice work!
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
This discussion has been closed.