Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Mr_Shiftright

Michaell said:

@breld - I found a Type R for you ....

http://jalopnik.com/someone-already-wants-to-part-with-their-poor-2017-hond-1797721166

This sentence makes no sense:

"Most new dealer models are going for far more than the $33,900 MSRP, but this sad soul is listed for a whopping $55,000. It’s hard to say for certain if the seller will make a profit on it, considering that dealers are selling the car for around double the MSRP in some cases."

corvette

Beautiful place, sb55. I have it bookmarked. People have told me to visit Vermont, but I'm not sure when I will work it in. 

qbrozen

Mr_Shiftright said:

"Most new dealer models are going for far more than the $33,900 MSRP, but this sad soul is listed for a whopping $55,000. It’s hard to say for certain if the seller will make a profit on it, considering that dealers are selling the car for around double the MSRP in some cases."

It confused me a bit, too. But I believe what the author is trying to convey is that we don't know what the seller paid. If he/she paid double, $55k would be a big loss.

Mr_Shiftright

Ah, ok, THAT makes sense. It should have read "considering that dealers SOLD the car for around double MSRP"

You'd have to be a real doofus to take a $13K hit though.

andres3

suydam said:

Every time I get a car with a new feature I love it! The Volt has everything but heated seats (no big deal in SoCal), moonroof and power driver's seat. If I miss those I can just hop in the Encore for awhile.
Until now I never had a car with Nav. While Google maps is fine, the Nav in the Volt is excellent and much easier to see. It also has BLIS, backup cam, and parking sensors, another new to me feature that I really love. I also like having all the info about oil life, fuel and charging info, and tire pressure on my iPhone app. Better stereo also a must have. Thank G-d when I was younger and poorer I never knew what I was missing because I could never have afforded it. Our first car with even ABS wasn't till 2001.

Meh... my '14 S4 didn't have a back-up cam and I never backed into anything or any objects. It didn't have all the latest and greatest safety nannies, but the accident I had in it would not have been prevented by any of them unless they could read the Lexus' inputs.

Granted, safety features are only needed when you need them.

I do like back up cams, but knowing how much hit & run is committed on our roadways, I feel a front and rear dash cam is more important than some of the other safety nannies.

breld

Michaell said:

@breld - I found a Type R for you ....

http://jalopnik.com/someone-already-wants-to-part-with-their-poor-2017-hond-1797721166

That poor soul will not come anywhere near that asking price, so for his/her sake, I hope they were one of the fortunate ones to obtain a Type R at MSRP.

The market seems to be softening quickly, which is not surprising. Whereas ADMs from $10k-20k were common a month ago, $5k seems to be the norm right now, and unfortunately, a lot of buyers are excited to buy at that $5k markup.

So...that's the first and maybe second wave of "gotta-have-it-right-now" buyers. I have no doubt the population of those buyers will soon be fulfilled (or lose interest), and we'll get to a straight-up MSRP market. Maybe even some modest discounts after 6-12 months, but I don't think they will be steep.

breld

For my own Type R search, I blasted out e-mails to a dozen or so dealers in the midwest yesterday. About half of them responded with generic e-mails simply stating the vehicle has been sold; a few others stated either significant markups or an auction process. And then a few actually called me on the telephone to discuss pricing.

There's at least one strong lead that I'm working with in hopes of getting a Type R within the next month or two.

fintail

At work and home, I park in relatively densely populated garages - the rear camera helps me be more precise. The auto-dipping passenger mirror (I always back in, as one should in such places) also helps. I want to be close to a pole or wall to lessen the chances of being dinged or scraped from the side by another car. The birds eye view parking additions to normal parking sensors are even better

Some of the other nannies haven't amazed me yet. I set off the lane departure warning a bit (tight cornering lines). Blind spot warning would be handy for a lot of people, I think.

I definitely plan on keeping a dashcam in my daily driver from now on, and might put one in the old car - I bought a cheapo on amazon, and it started smoking on the first try, maybe the car rejected it (it is a 12V system, so good there).

andres3 said:

Meh... my '14 S4 didn't have a back-up cam and I never backed into anything or any objects. It didn't have all the latest and greatest safety nannies, but the accident I had in it would not have been prevented by any of them unless they could read the Lexus' inputs.

Granted, safety features are only needed when you need them.

I do like back up cams, but knowing how much hit & run is committed on our roadways, I feel a front and rear dash cam is more important than some of the other safety nannies.

qbrozen

breld said:

That poor soul will not come anywhere near that asking price, so for his/her sake, I hope they were one of the fortunate ones to obtain a Type R at MSRP.

The market seems to be softening quickly, which is not surprising. Whereas ADMs from $10k-20k were common a month ago, $5k seems to be the norm right now, and unfortunately, a lot of buyers are excited to buy at that $5k markup.

So...that's the first and maybe second wave of "gotta-have-it-right-now" buyers. I have no doubt the population of those buyers will soon be fulfilled (or lose interest), and we'll get to a straight-up MSRP market. Maybe even some modest discounts after 6-12 months, but I don't think they will be steep.

Only problem is if Honda holds true to its limited production number, in which case I don't see the market softening or discounts happening. If what I have read is true, the waiting lists already far exceed this year's production.

andres3

qbrozen said:

breld said:

That poor soul will not come anywhere near that asking price, so for his/her sake, I hope they were one of the fortunate ones to obtain a Type R at MSRP.

The market seems to be softening quickly, which is not surprising. Whereas ADMs from $10k-20k were common a month ago, $5k seems to be the norm right now, and unfortunately, a lot of buyers are excited to buy at that $5k markup.

So...that's the first and maybe second wave of "gotta-have-it-right-now" buyers. I have no doubt the population of those buyers will soon be fulfilled (or lose interest), and we'll get to a straight-up MSRP market. Maybe even some modest discounts after 6-12 months, but I don't think they will be steep.

Only problem is if Honda holds true to its limited production number, in which case I don't see the market softening or discounts happening. If what I have read is true, the waiting lists already far exceed this year's production.

I don't trust production quotas. I've heard everything from "they'll make as many M2's as they can sell" to "you'll be lucky if you get put on a waiting list."

breld

Well, my understanding is 6,300 for the U.S. between now and spring of 2018. And they are talking about other variants in coming years (i.e., grand touring model, track model, etc.), so I don't get the sense it will be terribly limited, particularly for the kind of car it is and the fairly narrow niche it serves. But...for the time being (probably until the end of the year or when winter hits), supply is definitely short.

From my efforts yesterday and today:

• I'm working with a dealer in Fargo, ND on an upcoming allocation. The sales manager informally offered $1,500 over MSRP. I told him I was sticking to MSRP for now, since I'm 6th on the list at Honda of Lincoln at MSRP. Truth be told, I'm tempted at their offer, or maybe offering $1,000 over.
  
• A Wisconsin dealer has an incoming unit expected in November for $3,000 over MSRP.
  
• Just got off the phone with a dealer in Kentucky that is offering their in-stock unit at $2,500 over, but that includes a handful of accessories that retail for about $1,200 or so.
  
• And, one in North Carolina initially said they were at $5,000 over, but they also called me back pretty quickly to see if I would meet them in the middle at $2,500 over.
  

So...I'm starting to get pretty tempted. The wife, of course, is wondering why I haven't secured the one in Kentucky yet. $2,500 over (and probably would take $2,000) and at least they're including some accessories.

breld

Well, I don't suppose anyone will be surprised that I struck a deal quicker than expected.

After finding out the one I was offered at $1,500 over MSRP was now taken from someone in Texas who offered $4,000 over, I got a bit more aggressive with the one in Kentucky.

They have about $1,500 of accessories on it (retail pricing of course) - ones that I like, but probably wouldn't necessarily choose to put on myself. But, I offered $1,750 over MSRP with those accessories, and I was quite surprised when they accepted it.

All in all, a better deal than the $1,500 over without any accessories from the other dealer, and the best part is this one is in stock and ready for delivery.

tbirdmarco

@sb55 go for it! yes does count as an punch! yes injoy it whail you are hear don't leave anything for anyone! lol lol lol

tjc78

breld said:

Well, I don't suppose anyone will be surprised that I struck a deal quicker than expected. After finding out the one I was offered at $1,500 over MSRP was now taken from someone in Texas who offered $4,000 over, I got a bit more aggressive with the one in Kentucky. They have about $1,500 of accessories on it (retail pricing of course) - ones that I like, but probably wouldn't necessarily choose to put on myself. But, I offered $1,750 over MSRP with those accessories, and I was quite surprised when they accepted it. All in all, a better deal than the $1,500 over without any accessories from the other dealer, and the best part is this one is in stock and ready for delivery.

Yes! Awesome, you flying out and driving home?

ab348

breld said:

Well, I don't suppose anyone will be surprised that I struck a deal quicker than expected.

So, what's leaving the herd? GTI?

xwesx

@breld - Other than getting it sooner, what is the advantage of this versus just waiting on the Lincoln dealer at MSRP?

Michaell

xwesx said:

@breld - Other than getting it sooner, what is the advantage of this versus just waiting on the Lincoln dealer at MSRP?

My guess - and, I had lunch with @breld today - is that the car in Kentucky is an approved color.

Road trip!

xwesx

Michaell said:

xwesx said:

@breld - Other than getting it sooner, what is the advantage of this versus just waiting on the Lincoln dealer at MSRP?

My guess - and, I had lunch with @breld today - is that the car in Kentucky is an approved color.

Road trip!

I'm always down for an excuse for a road trip!

pensfan83

That's awesome. Congratulations! 

Sandman6472

As another 62 year old, just do it!! Funny, wife just walked past my laptop and saw the VW Eos I am looking at. She says, "you're not looking to buy that are ya?" I just said I'm looking at cars I like and left it at that. Trust me, she'll ask me 3 or 4 more times this weekend about the Eos. Do want to drive it but with no back-up camera, it's like going backwards. It's got the same connection that I have now, no usb port, but I've gotten around that problem, so a lateral move. Has the aux connection which I don't have and also has SAT radio, again a lateral move. Almost 6K less miles at 27.3K miles which is a good thing. Love the moonroof/drop top combo but all those electronics could spell trouble later on. Great color combo for down south but really need to drive it. If it's still on their lot next Wednesday, will give it a drive and go from there. If I bought it and kept the Golf, she'd probably file the divorce papers...maybe not such a bad move on my part!!!
Stick, drove next to an almost identical C Class today but it was a C250. Stunning color combo and something I could love I think also. But not sure I'm ready to jump into MB or BMW ownership at this juncture to be honest, drive just too many miles to work. Would rather wait till I retire to go that route to be honest.
Decisions, decisions!!! All I know is I'd like the Eos as a toy to compliment my Golf or sell the Golf for a MB/BMW and call it a day.

The Sandman

Sandman6472

I am at 40 quarters for social security now but will probably wait till 65 or 66. Since I'm a civil service retiree already, will only get a fraction unfortunately...that law really needs to be changed as it's a bit unfair to us civil service folks. Wonder if I could get something off my wife's ssi since she's been working a lot with a much higher pay rate. Need to go down to the social security office and see what's what. Plan still is to stay the course at Hertz until December 2018, will be 64 then, and call it a day. All depends upon my health, if my spinal issues get worse, then the plan will be modified.
Also very fiscally conservative here though I do have a somewhat small stake in a couple of stocks. They pay decent dividends so hate to sell them at this point. If they go down to a certain point, then I'll have to do some selling but right now, staying the course. We live way below our means and have been in our home 30 years now, no mortgage luckily. But still think any purchase a lot just to make sure it feels o k. I have no issue having a third vehicle here, just means always having one outside. And my thinking is to split the week between both if I did get the Eos. But must drive it first and see if I like the 2.0T engine, gets worse mpg's than what I have now but if the fun factor is there, then I don't care. Just not sure if it's really worth pissing the other half off!!
Or, do I just wait a couple of years and just get one of what I want???

The Sandman

kyfdx

breld said:

Well, I don't suppose anyone will be surprised that I struck a deal quicker than expected.

After finding out the one I was offered at $1,500 over MSRP was now taken from someone in Texas who offered $4,000 over, I got a bit more aggressive with the one in Kentucky.

They have about $1,500 of accessories on it (retail pricing of course) - ones that I like, but probably wouldn't necessarily choose to put on myself. But, I offered $1,750 over MSRP with those accessories, and I was quite surprised when they accepted it.

All in all, a better deal than the $1,500 over without any accessories from the other dealer, and the best part is this one is in stock and ready for delivery.

Dropping off the GTI at my house on the way?

28firefighter

Congrats, @breld!

Also eager to hear which one goes. 

qbrozen

xwesx said:

@breld - Other than getting it sooner, what is the advantage of this versus just waiting on the Lincoln dealer at MSRP?

Bird in the hand...

qbrozen

breld said:

Well, I don't suppose anyone will be surprised that I struck a deal quicker than expected. After finding out the one I was offered at $1,500 over MSRP was now taken from someone in Texas who offered $4,000 over, I got a bit more aggressive with the one in Kentucky. They have about $1,500 of accessories on it (retail pricing of course) - ones that I like, but probably wouldn't necessarily choose to put on myself. But, I offered $1,750 over MSRP with those accessories, and I was quite surprised when they accepted it. All in all, a better deal than the $1,500 over without any accessories from the other dealer, and the best part is this one is in stock and ready for delivery.

Is the paperwork signed yet? What color?

corvette

breld said:

Well, I don't suppose anyone will be surprised that I struck a deal quicker than expected.

After finding out the one I was offered at $1,500 over MSRP was now taken from someone in Texas who offered $4,000 over, I got a bit more aggressive with the one in Kentucky.

Congrats, breld! 2017 or 2018?

Eight punches for you in the past year... I owe you a beer if you're in the Louisville area!

roadburner

Congrats, breld- is the dealer in Louisville?

stickguy

So, what color is this one?

breld

So - thank you for the kind words and congrats. To address questions...

I received the buyer's order on the Type R with no surprises - reflects exactly the price discussed. MSRP + $1,750, but including the following accessories:

• Cargo tray
  
• Wireless charging "pad"
  
• A few ambient lighting kits (on the inside trim - not lighting up the bottom of the car or anything )
  

I don't think the retail cost of those accessories adds up to much over $1k, even with installation (on the interior lighting), but considering the overall markup is about the best deal I can find elsewhere right now on an in-stock unit, and those others aren't including any sort of accessories in exchange, I decided to go ahead with this offer. I am going to my bank tomorrow to see about wiring the money.

Advantage to buying this one now versus waiting for Honda of Lincoln at straight-up MSRP? Nothing other than getting it now instead of waiting. Patience is a virtue I apparently don't have when it comes to a car.

It's the Polished Metal Metallic, which was among my top three choices. I would have been happy with the Blue, White or this Gray. The only other two colors, Black and Red, were pretty much no-go's for me.

I'll probably have it shipped out from Kentucky, and will look into those options. We're considering flying out and driving back, but it's a bit of a stretch, and figuring in the cost of airfare doesn't really save much money.

And yes, the GTI will go on the selling block immediately. @kyfdx - now's your chance!

stickguy

He's all talk I bet. So prove me wrong! Too bad not a few months from now, or I could lowball you too on the VW.

That is a real nice color on that car. Mutes the wildness just a bit.

breld

Thanks @stickguy - while the white or blue were my top choices, the gray is a close second, and I do agree it mutes the look a bit.

Almost just blends in with all the other cars on the road now.

breld

Anyone have recommendations for an auto shipper?

tifighter

breld said:

Anyone have recommendations for an auto shipper?

I don't, but whoever you end up choosing, be sure to open up a tab...

Congrats!

Michaell

tifighter said:

breld said:

Anyone have recommendations for an auto shipper?

I don't, but whoever you end up choosing, be sure to open up a tab...

Congrats!

@breld and @kyfdx - happy to drive the GTI out for you, then fly home from CVG.

I've been itching for a road trip.

EDIT - 1200 miles from Denver to Cincinnati; easy two day drive.

Sandman6472

Sat in one the other day at our Honda location in the exact same color. Stunning vehicle and it does mute the weirdness a bit. Sure wish I had a spouse like you that let's you indulge in your passion, hell, she's got the same passion it seems to! Think y'all will really enjoy this new addition to your fleet but wonder how much y'all pay for auto tags each year! I went on Wednesday to get a new placard a few months early. While there, I also renewed my plate for another two years which cost a bit over $70 with the placard being free. Colorado must have a separate booth just for your family!!
Anyways, congrats on the new addition!

The Sandman

kyfdx

Frontier has non-stops from Denver to CVG, and I think they are pretty cheap. Fly here, and I'll take you to go get the Civic. Then, I'll fly out to Denver and drive the GTI home.

graphicguy

@breld....You are "da MAN"! I am humbled to be in your presence.

What part of KY is it? Walt and I will make a trip with you....maybe even get IMID to join us.

Big Congrats!

breld

So far, I'm getting quotes right around $1k for enclosed shipping, $250 less for open transport.

Wife was looking at airfare options, and seemed about the best she could find was a bit under $200.

The dealership is in Paducah, KY.

So I don't know, between the $400 airfare (if we both went), at least one hotel night, and the cost of boarding our dogs, the shipping is looking pretty attractive.

I was, by the way, looking at several Ohio dealerships - too bad that didn't work out.

breld

corvette said:

breld said:

Well, I don't suppose anyone will be surprised that I struck a deal quicker than expected.

After finding out the one I was offered at $1,500 over MSRP was now taken from someone in Texas who offered $4,000 over, I got a bit more aggressive with the one in Kentucky.

Congrats, breld! 2017 or 2018?

Eight punches for you in the past year... I owe you a beer if you're in the Louisville area!

2017. Eight punches? Oh boy - I like to think it all resets at the new year ( though I suppose that's not much better).

carnaught

@breld, congrats to the Grand Poobah. Nice car!

28firefighter

Congrats, @breld! We're not worthy, we're not worthy. 

ab348

How does the collection of sales tax and fees happen when you buy a car out of state? Do you pay KY tax upon delivery or does tax get collected when you register it at home?

cdnpinhead

For what it's worth, when I bought the Forester in CO, I paid nothing to the state beyond a fee ($25 I think) for the 2-month temporary tag. Then it was on me to register it in AZ, at which time I paid the sales tax for the city I live in -- sales tax rates vary all over the metropolitan Phoenix area. Other than a 25-minute visit to a DMV office, pretty much a non-event.

kyfdx

ab348 said:

How does the collection of sales tax and fees happen when you buy a car out of state? Do you pay KY tax upon delivery or does tax get collected when you register it at home?

If you are out of state, you can buy the car in KY, without paying tax. Then, pay tax when you register it in your home state.

breld

Well, went to the bank this morning to get the wire done for the Type R purchase. Funds obviously won't be transferred until Monday, but I'd say I can consider the car mine.

The salesperson I talked to was very much on the up and up, but on a Type R forum last night, there was some chatter on others calling the dealership on "my" car, so it made me a bit nervous that someone would swoop in with a higher offer and the dealer would renege on mine.

As it turns out, someone had offered a few hundred less than mine and was declined, so I suppose that makes me feel good about my accepted offer.

corvette

Another punch pending... Stay tuned! 

ab348

@breld, before it goes away, how about a quick summary of your impressions of the GTI? It is on my list - there is actually a demo on a lot here that I hope sticks around for a while - and everyone who has one seems to like it, but I remain interested in first-hand impressions..

qbrozen

Where do you live? I didn't get any quotes that high to ship halfway across the country. Even 3/4 across country was in the $600-$700 range. I thought I kept the name of the one place I got the best info from but now I can't find it.

there is a site where you can put the job up for bidding. Uship.com maybe?

kyfdx

Just checked. There is a non-stop to Denver, leaving 0530, tomorrow morning. Arrives at 0634. Just $89, one way. I can be home by Monday afternoon with the GTI, with an overnight stay on the way back.

Mr_Shiftright

Too bad it wasn't in CA. I often go to COLO, so could drive it there for you. I promise I wouldn't go over 3500 rpm. Trust me.