Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

fintail

Sounds like the Bellevue Cadillac dealer, who actually adds that stuff as a second sticker.

tifighter said:

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...

fintail

Yep, even dealt with the same salesman as his current car.

28firefighter said:

Bought from the dealer in Issaquah?

tifighter

fintail said:

Sounds like the Bellevue Cadillac dealer, who actually adds that stuff as a second sticker.

tifighter said:

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...

But everyone wants those Vogue tires, so they're probably providing the people with a needed service, right?

roadburner

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?

I will check next week- Monday I'm doing PR at a charity golf scramble but I should know something on Tuesday.
How long a lease term? Miles per year? Any money down(never a great idea)?

stickguy

36 month, figure 12K/year (not sure what BMW pushes, but 10K would work if terms better). No money down, I usually pay the tax/DMV stuff on the side.

breld

Apparently it's a popular time for used luxury SUVs in Colorado. There were 2 used X5's we wanted to look at and 2 used GLCs - all four had been sold either last night or this morning, prior to our arrival at the respective dealerships. Bummer. But shame on us for not calling ahead.

We spent the most time checking out and getting familiar with the GLC at the Mercedes dealer. They had a leftover 2017 for $4,500 off MSRP. But it didn't have a sunroof, and I think that's exactly why it was still around. They also knock that same amount off of service loaners for sale (2017 models with a few thousand miles) - they had a couple worth considering, but just didn't feel like that great of a deal.

My wife requested that this one be transferred to our local Carmax dealer to check out (since they transfer AWD vehicles for free to Colorado). I suspect she may end up with this GLC.

2016 GLC300

Michaell

breld said:

Apparently it's a popular time for used luxury SUVs in Colorado. There were 2 used X5's we wanted to look at and 2 used GLCs - all four had been sold either last night or this morning, prior to our arrival at the respective dealerships. Bummer. But shame on us for not calling ahead.

We spent the most time checking out and getting familiar with the GLC at the Mercedes dealer. They had a leftover 2017 for $4,500 off MSRP. But it didn't have a sunroof, and I think that's exactly why it was still around. They also knock that same amount off of service loaners for sale (2017 models with a few thousand miles) - they had a couple worth considering, but just didn't feel like that great of a deal.

My wife requested that this one be transferred to our local Carmax dealer to check out (since they transfer AWD vehicles for free to Colorado). I suspect she may end up with this GLC.

2016 GLC300

I thought she was looking for a "color"?

breld

That gray qualifies compared to the black, silver and white most commonly offered. Though she does like the white.

qbrozen

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

Looks nice. Makes far more sense than new.

benjaminh

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

I like that car.

stickguy

I really do too. If it is still there in 2 months, and gets price slashed to move, could be a winner! When we get back from out trip over labor day, might take a run out that way to check it out.

my guess is it is a slower mover because of the hatch, and odd color. Both of which are selling points to me. Really only missing the sport seats to be perfect, but I really need to try out the base ones for myself.

stickguy

qbrozen said:

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

Looks nice. Makes far more sense than new.

it certainly does. I know this is the wrong thread, but is that a good price for one of these?

stickguy

breld said:

Apparently it's a popular time for used luxury SUVs in Colorado. There were 2 used X5's we wanted to look at and 2 used GLCs - all four had been sold either last night or this morning, prior to our arrival at the respective dealerships. Bummer. But shame on us for not calling ahead.

We spent the most time checking out and getting familiar with the GLC at the Mercedes dealer. They had a leftover 2017 for $4,500 off MSRP. But it didn't have a sunroof, and I think that's exactly why it was still around. They also knock that same amount off of service loaners for sale (2017 models with a few thousand miles) - they had a couple worth considering, but just didn't feel like that great of a deal.

My wife requested that this one be transferred to our local Carmax dealer to check out (since they transfer AWD vehicles for free to Colorado). I suspect she may end up with this GLC.

2016 GLC300

The weird guy across the street from me got one of those early this year, to replace a white GLK. Same gray color. Looks really sharp. I have sat in them and liked it a lot. I recall reading a review that raved about how good it was (pretty sure it won a comparison test in one of the big car rags).

graphicguy

Michaell said:

No idea why this appeals to me.

I've always liked those....throwback to big and powerful American iron. Drove one whe they re-surfaced a few years ago. Not a track car, but a big, fast cruiser with a nice stereo.

benjaminh

stickguy said:

I really do too. If it is still there in 2 months, and gets price slashed to move, could be a winner! When we get back from out trip over labor day, might take a run out that way to check it out.

my guess is it is a slower mover because of the hatch, and odd color. Both of which are selling points to me. Really only missing the sport seats to be perfect, but I really need to try out the base ones for myself.

At that price, my guess is that someone is going to snap up that rare BMW hatchback pretty soon. Seems priced to sell imho, although I admit I don't know the prices on used BMWs. But it's about 50% off of msrp, and it's only 2 model years old. That hatchback makes it almost unique. I don't think I've ever actually seen one of those on the road.

stickguy

you might have, but didn't notice. They look similar enough that in passing the differences don't register.

Michaell

graphicguy said:

No idea why this appeals to me.

I've always liked those....throwback to big and powerful American iron. Drove one whe they re-surfaced a few years ago. Not a track car, but a big, fast cruiser with a nice stereo.

I found a white one with 40000 miles for about $23k

pensfan83

Michaell said:

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.

The Fusion Sport is basically a smaller version of the SHO with power delivery immediate and satisfying. Unfortunately that's where the fun stops, at least for me.

And we share the same taste in color choices. My 2011 Fusion Sport was white over black leather with contrasting stitching...it grew to be one of my favorite combos.

Michaell

pensfan83 said:

Michaell said:

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.

The Fusion Sport is basically a smaller version of the SHO with power delivery immediate and satisfying. Unfortunately that's where the fun stops, at least for me.

And we share the same taste in color choices. My 2011 Fusion Sport was white over black leather with contrasting stitching...it grew to be one of my favorite combos.

The last white car I owned was a '99 Ford Expedition - there was a whole lotta white on that thing.

Though, living in Denver, where they use gravel instead of salt on the roads in the winter, it would be tough to keep clean.

I've got a couple years to figure it out.

suydam

I believe in Southern California every family is required to have at least one white vehicle. I gave in when I moved here. It was crazy even to think of owning a white car in the Ohio countryside, though some do.

stickguy

I need to update my shopping list (looking list?) asked the wife if OK to stop yesterday, and she said yeah, where are we going, and I had trouble deciding! Kinda picking now based on logistics of where we happen to be or be going.

tjc78

Michaell said:

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.

The Fusion Sport is basically a smaller version of the SHO with power delivery immediate and satisfying. Unfortunately that's where the fun stops, at least for me. And we share the same taste in color choices. My 2011 Fusion Sport was white over black leather with contrasting stitching...it grew to be one of my favorite combos.

The last white car I owned was a '99 Ford Expedition - there was a whole lotta white on that thing. Though, living in Denver, where they use gravel instead of salt on the roads in the winter, it would be tough to keep clean. I've got a couple years to figure it out.

The question is how much of that white flaked off?  In that era the Ford forums call it "Ford Fail White". Most all flaked right off. 

nyccarguy

part of what I like about our Pilot is that it's boxy shape provides cargo space as well as headroom in the 3rd row.

nyccarguy

Is this considered copyright infringement?

Michaell

tjc78 said:

Michaell said:

pensfan83 said:

Michaell said:

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.

The Fusion Sport is basically a smaller version of the SHO with power delivery immediate and satisfying. Unfortunately that's where the fun stops, at least for me.

And we share the same taste in color choices. My 2011 Fusion Sport was white over black leather with contrasting stitching...it grew to be one of my favorite combos.

The last white car I owned was a '99 Ford Expedition - there was a whole lotta white on that thing.

Though, living in Denver, where they use gravel instead of salt on the roads in the winter, it would be tough to keep clean.

I've got a couple years to figure it out.

The question is how much of that white flaked off?  In that era the Ford forums call it "Ford Fail White". Most all flaked right off. 

Actually, I have decent memories of the Expo. It was a lease, XLT trim with the 4.6 V8. Not terribly fast, but reliable. Took it on a road trip to CA, sans 3rd row seat.

breld

stickguy said:

breld said:

Apparently it's a popular time for used luxury SUVs in Colorado. There were 2 used X5's we wanted to look at and 2 used GLCs - all four had been sold either last night or this morning, prior to our arrival at the respective dealerships. Bummer. But shame on us for not calling ahead.

We spent the most time checking out and getting familiar with the GLC at the Mercedes dealer. They had a leftover 2017 for $4,500 off MSRP. But it didn't have a sunroof, and I think that's exactly why it was still around. They also knock that same amount off of service loaners for sale (2017 models with a few thousand miles) - they had a couple worth considering, but just didn't feel like that great of a deal.

My wife requested that this one be transferred to our local Carmax dealer to check out (since they transfer AWD vehicles for free to Colorado). I suspect she may end up with this GLC.

2016 GLC300

The weird guy across the street from me got one of those early this year, to replace a white GLK. Same gray color. Looks really sharp. I have sat in them and liked it a lot. I recall reading a review that raved about how good it was (pretty sure it won a comparison test in one of the big car rags).

Personally, I hope my wife goes with the GLC. We've considered Mercedes before but never felt compelled enough to pull the trigger. I think the GLC is very elegant, inside and out.

@fintail - since this would be our first foray into the brand, any words of wisdom as to what options/packages we should target on a GLC? Like what are those things that are "must-haves" on an MB, both from our personal perspective and resale.

As far as pricing, not that we're considering brand new, but it does seem discounts are pretty modest on the GLC still - maybe a couple grand. Again, they're taking $4,500 off low mile service loaners. And one of the better deals we're considering is a 2016 w/18k miles - based on what I can tell, it stickered for $49-50k new, and it's being offered at $39,900. It's only a year and a half old, so plenty of warranty left.

corvette

Here's a great (but lengthy) article in The Atlantic about Google's self-driving car program:

https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2017/08/inside-waymos-secret-testing-and-simulation-facilities/537648/

fintail

I like the GLC - closest thing we get to a C wagon. Performance should be adequate, and the engine isolated enough in that type of structure.

I don't know about resale, I suppose nav and parktronic would be big, along with some kind of sunroof. From my own personal desires, I want lighting package because it looks cool and is fun to play with, probably parktronic as I park in tight areas, definitely nav and keyless-go, pano if possible. Of course, the more toys the better. The nannies like blind spot can be helpful in these days of thick pillars and tall beltlines.

I see the Carmax car has nav, pano, blind spot, keyless-go, but doesn't have lighting package. I decoded the VIN, and per the decoder, the car has the acoustic glass option, which is pretty uncommon - but I can't vouch for the accuracy of the decoder (I use this site) . The wood in the Carmax car is nice looking.

breld said:

@fintail - since this would be our first foray into the brand, any words of wisdom as to what options/packages we should target on a GLC? Like what are those things that are "must-haves" on an MB, both from our personal perspective and resale.

corvette

Weird. The Murano never showed up on the website of the dealer where I traded it. Either they sold it right away without having to market it or an employee claimed it for themselves or a relative.

ab348

Thanks to @breld mentioning it, I investigated the GLC on the M-B Canada website today. Up here it looks like you have to buy an $8800 option package if you want a sunroof. That fluffs up the price. Nice vehicle though, especially the interior.

Michaell

The GLC has been quite popular. The lease numbers are only just average, maybe a bit worse, compared to the competition.

Mr_Shiftright

corvette said:

Here's a great (but lengthy) article in The Atlantic about Google's self-driving car program:

https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2017/08/inside-waymos-secret-testing-and-simulation-facilities/537648/

I would bet Google that none of their cars could successfully negotiate Highway 880 in Oakland without killing hundreds of people. Between massive potholes, many merge-exit "mousetraps", lightning-fast changes in lane lines and exits, and enormous tractor trailers bearing down on the entire catastrophe, I would be very impressed to see a self-driving car get through that without just stopping and starting to cry.

stickguy

speaking of that, might be accurate. At some point, if get too many conflicting inputs to handle, the default might just be to stop in place. Has to do something, right?

Michaell

Mr_Shiftright said:

corvette said:

Here's a great (but lengthy) article in The Atlantic about Google's self-driving car program:

https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2017/08/inside-waymos-secret-testing-and-simulation-facilities/537648/

I would bet Google that none of their cars could successfully negotiate Highway 880 in Oakland without killing hundreds of people. Between massive potholes, many merge-exit "mousetraps", lightning-fast changes in lane lines and exits, and enormous tractor trailers bearing down on the entire catastrophe, I would be very impressed to see a self-driving car get through that without just stopping and starting to cry.

You could probably say that about traffic in LA, Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, NY, Boston ....

I think there is a long way to go, and a lot of mistakes to be made, before this is widely accepted

stickguy

yeah, just too many trouble spots. In very limited applications maybe, but no way a driverless car could find my house, and successfully get me through Philly and out the Schuylkill expressway to some old hilly neighborhood.

xwesx

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/

Interesting. That happened with my Fiesta. Several of the lug nuts basically glued themselves to the wheel, such that I had to destroy a couple to remove them. And, the way those things are set up, the nuts are sort of recessed into the wheel, so it was very, very difficult to get at them.

I got smart, though. I started using Sil-Glyde on all of my lugs, as well as placing a little on the base of the Fiesta's nuts (where it comes in contact with the wheel). No more issues!

corvette

Saw your edit, never mind! 

stickguy

if looking at actual nice, fancy, luxo type cars with serious price tags, and looking new, this is still one of my favorites. Got every feature I want, fast, great seats, and I absolutely love this color combo. Could probably haggle a pretty decent deal on one later in the year, and would not have a problem keeping one for a long time. plus I know the wife likes them!

https://www.eliteacura.com/inventory/new-2018-acura-tlx-3-5-v-6-9-at-p-aws-with-technology-package-front-wheel-drive-sedan-19uub2f58ja002909

Michaell

stickguy said:

if looking at actual nice, fancy, luxo type cars with serious price tags, and looking new, this is still one of my favorites. Got every feature I want, fast, great seats, and I absolutely love this color combo. Could probably haggle a pretty decent deal on one later in the year, and would not have a problem keeping one for a long time. plus I know the wife likes them!

https://www.eliteacura.com/inventory/new-2018-acura-tlx-3-5-v-6-9-at-p-aws-with-technology-package-front-wheel-drive-sedan-19uub2f58ja002909

Sharp car - I keep hearing that the new 2018 Accord Touring may cut into the TLX sales, as the Accord will have more tech available. But, no V6 and no AWD.

stickguy

I don't need AWD (and that TLX doesn't have it) and frankly would rather have a turbo 4 than a big V6. So yeah, that is why I was so interested in seeing the Accord (and the pricing).

pensfan83

With Pittsburgh's topography I'm simply not willing to forgo having at least one AWD/4WD vehicle in the stable and that stinks because it limits my options. From everything I've read about the Accord it checks every box for us and is priced substantially less than the options currently on the table.

stickguy

we do have an AWD CUV already. My current car in 3 winters has never seen the snow. And the weather around here really does not require AWD, though you couldn't convince a BMW or MB dealer of that, based on what they stock!

qbrozen

stickguy said:

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

Looks nice. Makes far more sense than new.

it certainly does. I know this is the wrong thread, but is that a good price for one of these?

$23k at the block. So fair enough price as is. May go quick.

stickguy

Well it has been there a while. I think they have had it for 3 months.

Michaell

stickguy said:

we do have an AWD CUV already. My current car in 3 winters has never seen the snow. And the weather around here really does not require AWD, though you couldn't convince a BMW or MB dealer of that, based on what they stock!

I've lived in Colorado for 24 years, and have had a FWD DD for every one of them. And, I delivered pizzas for 8 years with FWD. Got stuck a handful of times, but generally no issues.

Wife, however (who is a native), must have AWD, even though we both agree there are about 10 days a year where you really need it.

graphicguy

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

if looking at actual nice, fancy, luxo type cars with serious price tags, and looking new, this is still one of my favorites. Got every feature I want, fast, great seats, and I absolutely love this color combo. Could probably haggle a pretty decent deal on one later in the year, and would not have a problem keeping one for a long time. plus I know the wife likes them!

https://www.eliteacura.com/inventory/new-2018-acura-tlx-3-5-v-6-9-at-p-aws-with-technology-package-front-wheel-drive-sedan-19uub2f58ja002909

Sharp car - I keep hearing that the new 2018 Accord Touring may cut into the TLX sales, as the Accord will have more tech available. But, no V6 and no AWD.

Oh Yeah!!!!! Love it!

I really like that saddle interior.

Not sure what an Accord would have that the TLX didn't on the tech side, however. Accords will be less performance oriented. And, that's coming from a person who really likes Accords.

fintail

The AWD thing is just as strong in Seattle, but even funnier, as snow is rare here. But people want it for the off chance that they will want to go on a random ski trip, no mention that the last time they went skiing, Daddy Bush was in office. It works for the outdoorsy image that everyone desperately yearns to have here.

Michaell

fintail said:

The AWD thing is just as strong in Seattle, but even funnier, as snow is rare here. But people want it for the off chance that they will want to go on a random ski trip, no mention that the last time they went skiing, Daddy Bush was in office. It works for the outdoorsy image that everyone desperately yearns to have here.

We had friends here in CO who owned two consecutive FWD Santa Fes. Wife and I thought it was crazy, but after some thought, it sort of made sense. Less weight, better mileage.

But, likely got killed at trade in.

stickguy

I would grab one used at a distress price if I could find one.

pensfan83

stickguy said:

we do have an AWD CUV already. My current car in 3 winters has never seen the snow. And the weather around here really does not require AWD, though you couldn't convince a BMW or MB dealer of that, based on what they stock!

We've decided against getting an SUV/CUV for now. My wife convinced me I should stick with a sedan and when we replace her Nissan we'll target the used market for a 1-2 year old SUV/CUV like an X3 or Q5. Since we intend to keep her car around for at least another 12-18 months and I'm set to start a new 3 year lease next month the timing would result in our car purchases being spaced out a bit, which would be my preference.

For that reason I'm pretty much locked into an AWD TLX A-Spec or another A4.