Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

tbirdmarco

nyccarguy

tbirdmarco

found an few things on bring an trailer going to post them! look everyday sighned up for the emails!

tbirdmarco

@tjc78 sounds good to me!

tbirdmarco

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1991-chevrolet-camaro/?utm_source=dailymail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2017-08-26

tbirdmarco

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1986-nissan-300zx-7/?utm_source=dailymail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2017-08-26

tbirdmarco

that last one above the 300zx is next town over from me wish had the space for nother car! like it!

tbirdmarco

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2008-honda-s2000-5/?utm_source=dailymail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2017-08-26

qbrozen

Marcothecarguy1986 said:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1986-nissan-300zx-7/?utm_source=dailymail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2017-08-26

WHOLE lot of miles left in this one. Had nearly 170k on the one I owned for a little while and it ran great. Not particularly quick cars, however.

qbrozen

Marcothecarguy1986 said:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2008-honda-s2000-5/?utm_source=dailymail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2017-08-26

How could someone own that car for 8 yrs and only drive it 15 miles. That's just silly.

ab348

qbrozen said:

Well your budget suddenly shot through the roof!

Yeah. It could be a long couple of months here as @stickguy examines every car for sale on every lot in the country.

stickguy

I assume that blue one, new MSRP ( though I guess 2018s out now) is closer to 50 than 40. I get serious sticker shock at that dealer. So would either go a little earlier (2015 or 2016), or lease new. My hope is a killer service loaner lease at around Christmas time. But now would work too.

roadburner

stickguy said:

I could live with this 3 series. might go take it for a spin tomorrow.

http://www.bmwofmtlaurel.com/used/BMW/2017-BMW-3+Series-Mount-Laurel-e5e4560c0a0e09901d86ad66d5097336.htm

I actually like this one better. could live with the black interior I guess. Like the red accents, love the sport seats, and it is a 330!

http://www.bmwofmtlaurel.com/certified/BMW/2017-BMW-330i-Mount-Laurel-1d7f0f110a0e0ae8294096d1b694027e.htm

Sport seats have been standard in every 3er and 4er save the 320i for a few years. If you get the Luxury Package you can get the standard seats at no charge, but I can't imagine why you'd want to.

The 330i is nice but I'd pass on xDrive. The "Hi-Fi" sound system is just okay, but swapping in Bavsound drivers(for less than $600!) fixes that

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

@stickguy - I know you don't like black guts, but BMW Sport Seats are awesome.  The red stitching is cool.  What's the deal with that?  Is it a "Sport Package" car or do they still do the "Sport Line?"  Or did someone goof and order the Sport Seats as a standalone option?  @roadburner?

See above.

stickguy

I would jump on an S drive. Or a stick. Both of which are rare as hens teeth around here.

Mr_Shiftright

28firefighter said:

I'm strangely OK with this approach for dealing with the Type R hype. Basically Honda of Kirkland is donating all proceeds above MSRP to charity. 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/152672674729

It looks good in black actually. Takes some of the edges off.

Mr_Shiftright

qbrozen said:

Marcothecarguy1986 said:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1986-nissan-300zx-7/?utm_source=dailymail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2017-08-26

WHOLE lot of miles left in this one. Had nearly 170k on the one I owned for a little while and it ran great. Not particularly quick cars, however.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cant' get much cleaner. No, not very fast--too heavy at this point in the car's platform development. Also they made a boatload of them, (almost 1/4 million!) so they aren't rare, and hence, not very valuable. Probably $6K is average market, so add something for low miles.

xwesx

.

Mr_Shiftright

xwesx is thinking about writing something....?

Michaell

Mr_Shiftright said:

xwesx is thinking about writing something....?

Invisible ink.

Michaell

Michaell said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

xwesx is thinking about writing something....?

Invisible ink.

Or he changed the font color to white.

Mr_Shiftright

Ah, Alaskan white out--I remember those.

Michaell

No idea why this appeals to me.

ab348

Michaell said:

No idea why this appeals to me.

I didn't know they still made a SHO. Can't be many around. Is the twin-turbo engine the same as what they use in the Police Interceptors?

Michaell

ab348 said:

Michaell said:

No idea why this appeals to me.

I didn't know they still made a SHO. Can't be many around. Is the twin-turbo engine the same as what they use in the Police Interceptors?

Yep, 365HP of AWD American bad-assedness. Gigantic, however, and probably handles corners like a 60's muscle car.

My local CarMax has this one, and a black one with similar miles and price.

roadburner

Michaell said:

ab348 said:

Michaell said:

No idea why this appeals to me.

I didn't know they still made a SHO. Can't be many around. Is the twin-turbo engine the same as what they use in the Police Interceptors?

Yep, 365HP of AWD American bad-assedness. Gigantic, however, and probably handles corners like a 60's muscle car.

My local CarMax has this one, and a black one with similar miles and price.

I know you wouldn't be buying an SHO to use as a track car, but a few years ago an instructor friend brought his new Taurus SHO company car(replete with the so-called "Performance Package") to the an HPDE where I was also instructing. After just five laps he pulled into the pits with the brakes smoking so bad that the corner workers thought the car was on fire...

Michaell

roadburner said:

Michaell said:

ab348 said:

Michaell said:

No idea why this appeals to me.

I didn't know they still made a SHO. Can't be many around. Is the twin-turbo engine the same as what they use in the Police Interceptors?

Yep, 365HP of AWD American bad-assedness. Gigantic, however, and probably handles corners like a 60's muscle car.

My local CarMax has this one, and a black one with similar miles and price.

I know you wouldn't be buying an SHO to use as a track car, but a few years ago an instructor friend brought his new Taurus SHO company car(replete with the so-called "Performance Package") to the an HPDE where I was also instructing. After just five laps he pulled into the pits with the brakes smoking so bad that the corner workers thought the car was on fire...

I've toyed with attending an HPDE here in Denver (the local SCCA sponsored one a few Saturdays ago), but haven't had the courage to pull the trigger. Probably better to do it in my Jetta with 150HP than in something as large and powerful as the SHO.

Mr_Shiftright

roadburner said:

Michaell said:

ab348 said:

Michaell said:

No idea why this appeals to me.

I didn't know they still made a SHO. Can't be many around. Is the twin-turbo engine the same as what they use in the Police Interceptors?

Yep, 365HP of AWD American bad-assedness. Gigantic, however, and probably handles corners like a 60's muscle car.

My local CarMax has this one, and a black one with similar miles and price.

I know you wouldn't be buying an SHO to use as a track car, but a few years ago an instructor friend brought his new Taurus SHO company car(replete with the so-called "Performance Package") to the an HPDE where I was also instructing. After just five laps he pulled into the pits with the brakes smoking so bad that the corner workers thought the car was on fire...

Well his mistake was just driving it too fast

pensfan83

They have a few SHOs on the lot at the Ford dealer I am currently at. Judging by how grimey the exterior is and the amount of surface rust on the rotors it's fair to say they have been sitting there quite a while. I'm willing to bet they drive similar to the Fusion Sport but with more ponderous handling.

fintail

I never had one, but I thought they were a relatively honest vehicle. My friend is out right now. He also mentioned he might purchase rather than lease. However, I know he can't stand to have a car for more than 4-5 years, and with the way some of the cars he likes depreciate, I think leasing is better for him. It has to be cheaper to lease a Lincoln or Cadillac than trade it in every 5 years.

Marcothecarguy1986 said:

@fintail cant wate to hear mor on your frends car hunting story! hopefully he does not call you so early in the morning! same hear felt the same about the pryer jen pathfinder and the jen like you had before that one to!

Sandman6472

Would love to lease but we drive too many miles right now. But like Stick, have my heart set on a 3 Series next time around and think it should just about fit on my side of the garage.
Just made the plane reservation for Chicago and got a dynamite one-way price from Ft. Lauderdale to Midway. The wife and I will be driving a rental back to Florida while the rest of the crew flies back home. She's taking the train up to D.C. and then out to Chicago as she won't fly. Not crazy about driving over 1300 miles home, but what can I do. Luckily I'm taking about 12 days off so we should be fine. Will leave on a Tuesday mid morning and get to Lauderdale either Friday or Saturday depending on where we stop. Have never been in most of those states so should be nice. Last time we were in Chicago, we stayed out by Skokie/Willmette near family but this time we're doing downtown in Lincoln Park. After making the plane arrangements earlier, it finally seems real. Should be a fun time for our family!

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Our oldest moved today and their new apartment isn't that big so the movers brought her furniture here and we'll store it for the next year until they buy something. Right now, there's stuff everywhere and we're just trying to get things situated. We're donating some of her old stuff plus some of ours but they can't come till Thursday. Once that happens, it'll be less crowded with stuff and we'll all sleep better. Right now, stuff thrown in every corner except the garage as I refuse to make it a storage unit! Luckily our living room was pretty empty and since we never use the dining room, have things in there also. The movers came about 8:45 and we just now finished placing everything and putting the donations in the front hallway. We're all exhausted and taking much needed hot showers before we crash!

The Sandman


( Amazing what us parents do for our kids! But so worth it!!)

mjfloyd1

Had some car therapy with the 63 corvette last Thursday. Adjusted drum brakes all around and saw suspicious fluid on passenger front wheel bearing so both front wheel bearings and seals were replaced. Also replaced shocks. Still have a few things to do but I suspect that I'll always have a project... Alternator just rebuilt two weeks ago. Also noticed dry rot on the inside of the tires so new tires ordered

corvette

I guess those of us who have Fords need to check for swollen nuts:
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2017/08/looks-like-ford-problem-nuts/

roadburner

corvette said:

I guess those of us who have Fords need to check for swollen nuts:
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2017/08/looks-like-ford-problem-nuts/

I absolutely despise those externally threaded lug nuts that GM used to secure the hubcaps on their trucks; the hubcap had captive fake lug nuts which threaded over the real lug nuts- which meant that you had to do twice the work.

fintail

My friend did it - just signed papers on another MKZ. One with more options than his current car, MSRP 54K or so, I think. He says he got about 20% off MSRP, which I suppose on something like that is not too crazy. Here's the kicker - he bought it, didn't lease it. I told him he'll need to keep it for at least 5 years to really get the money out of it vs leasing. I think mileage restrictions really irritate him.

Interesting things - the car is not local, and is being delivered in a few days. It is green (jade) on green, sounds like a really unusual car. He is kind of like me in that he wants something that won't have a twin in traffic.

tjc78

roadburner said:

I guess those of us who have Fords need to check for swollen nuts: http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2017/08/looks-like-ford-problem-nuts/

I absolutely despise those externally threaded lug nuts that GM used to secure the hubcaps on their trucks; the hubcap had captive fake lug nuts which threaded over the real lug nuts- which meant that you had to do twice the work.

My 99 S10 had those.  Hated them too. 

tjc78

fintail said:

My friend did it - just signed papers on another MKZ. One with more options than his current car, MSRP 54K or so, I think. He says he got about 20% off MSRP, which I suppose on something like that is not too crazy. Here's the kicker - he bought it, didn't lease it. I told him he'll need to keep it for at least 5 years to really get the money out of it vs leasing. I think mileage restrictions really irritate him. Interesting things - the car is not local, and is being delivered in a few days. It is green (jade) on green, sounds like a really unusual car. He is kind of like me in that he wants something that won't have a twin in traffic.

Just came from the mall. They had a burgundy MKZ with a 48k sticker.  Wife said "that would be nice if we didn't need an SUV". 

qbrozen

Michaell said:

No idea why this appeals to me.

I have always liked them. Would want a better color combo however.

Michaell

pensfan83 said:

They have a few SHOs on the lot at the Ford dealer I am currently at. Judging by how grimey the exterior is and the amount of surface rust on the rotors it's fair to say they have been sitting there quite a while. I'm willing to bet they drive similar to the Fusion Sport but with more ponderous handling.

That would be my guess, too. I do like the smaller size of my Jetta, but the rush of power from SHO might become intoxicating.

Michaell

qbrozen said:

Michaell said:

No idea why this appeals to me.

I have always liked them. Would want a better color combo however.

Yeah, I wouldn't mind white over black.

28firefighter

fintail said:

My friend did it - just signed papers on another MKZ. One with more options than his current car, MSRP 54K or so, I think. He says he got about 20% off MSRP, which I suppose on something like that is not too crazy. Here's the kicker - he bought it, didn't lease it. I told him he'll need to keep it for at least 5 years to really get the money out of it vs leasing. I think mileage restrictions really irritate him. Interesting things - the car is not local, and is being delivered in a few days. It is green (jade) on green, sounds like a really unusual car. He is kind of like me in that he wants something that won't have a twin in traffic.

Bought from the dealer in Issaquah?

stickguy

finally got a chance to drive a new 3 series today. 2017 330xi. Pretty nice. Dealer seems to have a lot of stock so most likely can deal hard. all seemed to be equipped about the same (premium, parking assist, navi, cold weather). Minor options varied, so depending on color, most had MSRP of 49.5 - 50,5K. Steep, so as always, likely only makes sense to lease.

did not get into #s, since not sure I would go that way, and it would have taken a while to deal with my car too (as a "trade in"). Saleslady was very nice though. And no pressure. Said that right now that residual was 63% (good), and buy rate MF was .00151 (so what, about 3.9%? Not so good). I did not ask about MSDs since was not looking to do anything at the moment. So, at that MF, unless there is a huge discount, not likely to get a payment that is worth doing. But, doesn't hurt to ask!

they did have a nice X1, which is comparatively a much better deal. Sticker of $41.2K, with navi, pano roof, BU camera/park distance control. Just the base seats, which just seemed so small compared to the sport seats. Surprisinly roomy. Cargo space probably comparable to the RDX so could actually replace it if desired. Not sure I could buy one without the nice seats though!

they did actually have a couple of 330s with BLIS. pretty rare, but out there. Though the 3 sedan does have very good visibility, so not a huge deal I guess. Other than that, has everything I could really need.

driving, it was nice. sweet engine. Gets to speed quick, and you really have to watch it. nice handling, especially compared to the Sonata! Ride a tad stiff/jiggly. Not sure if related to PSI being set high, having the 18" tire upgrade (most on lot were 17" which I would get), or just being run flats. But a decent trade off for the handling.

overall, a nice car. Would really enjoy having one, but will really come down to price. Hard to justify paying $450=500/month on a lease when I could get something else that would also be nice for $300 or less. A GLI? Accord sport? TLX? all options at various prices.

so yeah, it is nice. Can see why people like them. But darned expensive!

stickguy

Hey RB, just curious, what would be a realistic lease payment on a 2017 3 series? One like I described, assume MSRP of 50K even. 2017 model. And tax, tags, etc. paid on the side so just the payment on the car?

ab348

Michaell said:

pensfan83 said:

They have a few SHOs on the lot at the Ford dealer I am currently at. Judging by how grimey the exterior is and the amount of surface rust on the rotors it's fair to say they have been sitting there quite a while. I'm willing to bet they drive similar to the Fusion Sport but with more ponderous handling.

That would be my guess, too. I do like the smaller size of my Jetta, but the rush of power from SHO might become intoxicating.

Cadillac ATS, baby!

Michaell

stickguy said:

Hey RB, just curious, what would be a realistic lease payment on a 2017 3 series? One like I described, assume MSRP of 50K even. 2017 model. And tax, tags, etc. paid on the side so just the payment on the car?

Head over to the 3-series lease thread.

No MSD program from BMW; was suspended a few months ago.

.00151 is the buy rate, this month. The MF has been creeping up the last few months, too.

Getting more expensive to lease a BMW.

Michaell

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

Hey RB, just curious, what would be a realistic lease payment on a 2017 3 series? One like I described, assume MSRP of 50K even. 2017 model. And tax, tags, etc. paid on the side so just the payment on the car?

Head over to the 3-series lease thread.

No MSD program from BMW; was suspended a few months ago.

.00151 is the buy rate, this month. The MF has been creeping up the last few months, too.

Getting more expensive to lease a BMW.

@stickguy - whoops, just noticed you posted over there. Answered your questions.

tifighter

I went and test drove a used 17 Toyota 86. These have been out for awhile, but I'd never driven one and hadn't even given them much thought. To cut to the chase, this thing makes a barrel of monkeys seem a little staid. Supposedly. the 17's have revised suspension settings and a shorter gear ratio; I never drove the earlier one so I can't compare. But it didn't seem that slow to me; it felt noticeably faster than my last NC Miata. Sharper steering as well. Ride vs handling compromise seemed about right to me. Anyway, I was pretty impressed.

The dealer wanted to give me numbers to have for reference, and printed out a sheet with over $6K of 'extras' like the etching, paint protection, etc. Made me chuckle, until I realized that every now and then, they probably get someone to actually bite...

stickguy

after looking at the eye watering stickers, and high lease payments, on a 2017, would probably be better off with this. another 20K off what might get a 2017 for, and it has more than a year left of BtoB warranty, plus powertrain. Love the colors. Only flaw is no sports seats, but it is about the price of a loaded civic.

http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2015-bmw-3_series_gran_turismo-certified_328i_xdrive_gt_awd_gran_turismo_navigation-used-16403552.html

Michaell

stickguy said:

after looking at the eye watering stickers, and high lease payments, on a 2017, would probably be better off with this. another 20K off what might get a 2017 for, and it has more than a year left of BtoB warranty, plus powertrain. Love the colors. Only flaw is no sports seats, but it is about the price of a loaded civic.

http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2015-bmw-3_series_gran_turismo-certified_328i_xdrive_gt_awd_gran_turismo_navigation-used-16403552.html

Love the colors on that.

Given the stretched wheelbase, I wonder how different the driving dynamics are compared to the sedan?

stickguy

probably steers about the same, but has a slightly smoother ride.

I have always been a sucker for this style of hatchback. Still miss my 1991 Mazda 626LX 5 door. My favorite seats of any car I have owned.