Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

fintail

The illuminated star should be available as an accessory, if she still wants it.

Regarding road trips, I take one of at least a couple hours every couple months, and longer ones a few times a year. I'll be headed out to the coast again in a couple weeks, then a longer trip through eastern WA in about 6 weeks.

breld

The wife and I love driving. Oftentimes, that's how we entertain ourselves on the weekends. A couple weekends ago we headed up to a small mountain town (Georgetown) on a whim. We walked around for an hour or so, but it was the drive that we enjoyed.

We try to do at least one roadtrip each year too - personally, we love them, and we feel it keeps the kids grounded to "endure" being in the car for vacation. Our two-day each way, two-car excursion to California last year was very memorable.

ab348

This is really the opposite of CCBA, but today I took the Cutlass (about to be owned by me for 24 years!) out for a road trip, mostly to use up the last of the gas that I put in the tank w/stabilizer last fall so I could get fresh stuff into it. Drove it for a couple of hours to a place where we had a summer cottage when I was a kid in the '60s and early '70s, so the car was appropriate to the setting and it brought back some good memories.

This really was the first extended highway driving I did with it following the front end rebuild and alignment late last year, and it really did feel good, at least as good as these can get. The steering and handling cannot match a modern car even with that, but it was much more stable and confidence-inducing. If you were on a straight expressway 70-75mph is probably the maximum you'd want to go, and if there are any curves you probably wouldn't want to go that fast. But it was a gorgeous day, I had the windows all down for the old-style hardtop look, I had given it a good exterior cleaning with waterless wash before departing so it looked sharp, and all was well.

breld

fintail said:

The illuminated star should be available as an accessory, if she still wants it.

I mentioned that to her last night, and how I found a "DIY" video on how to install one. She replied that she already had seen it. I'm hoping the desire falls to the wayside.

Michaell

cdnpinhead said:

Do you guys ever drive these cars anywhere? For the longest time, going back to 1971, I've enjoyed cars, but more importantly I've enjoyed where they could take me. The drives I've done, even in rental drones, are memorable, and the cars only become important after I've taken some number of drives in them. Commuting in a daily driver is a non-event, though it's important to have a decent vehicle in which to do it.

Those of you who change cars like I change socks live in a very different world to the one I inhabit, but the question remains: do you enjoy driving these things anywhere? If so, why aren't we hearing much about it.

We took the Outback to Santa Fe over the Memorial Day weekend.

But, am getting antsy for another road trip. Want to take the Jetta out to CA to visit family. I've got plenty of room on the lease; as of today, I'm allowed to have 12,330 miles; I think I crossed 5800 on the odometer the other day.

2000-2500 for a round trip to CA and back should be no problem; it's been 5 years since I last drove out to CA.

28firefighter

Michaell said:

We took the Outback to Santa Fe over the Memorial Day weekend.

But, am getting antsy for another road trip. Want to take the Jetta out to CA to visit family. I've got plenty of room on the lease; as of today, I'm allowed to have 12,330 miles; I think I crossed 5800 on the odometer the other day.

2000-2500 for a round trip to CA and back should be no problem; it's been 5 years since I last drove out to CA.

Had a bit of a brain fart and read this as "We took the Santa Fe to the Outback over Memorial Day weekend." Sad thing is what struck me first is that I knew you didn't have a Santa Fe rather than the statement implying that you successfully drove it to Australia...

kyfdx

The results are in:

$106.91 for the oil change. They actually have a "special" on E46 models that reduces the price by $46.
(So, $153 normally.. ouch)

And.... the result of the "multi-point inspection". $ZERO!!

The car is well-maintained, but that is ridiculous.. lol

cdnpinhead

Thanks for the updates. We all posses vehicles for different reasons, so it's nice to hear about how they're used.

breld

28firefighter said:

Michaell said:

We took the Outback to Santa Fe over the Memorial Day weekend.

But, am getting antsy for another road trip. Want to take the Jetta out to CA to visit family. I've got plenty of room on the lease; as of today, I'm allowed to have 12,330 miles; I think I crossed 5800 on the odometer the other day.

2000-2500 for a round trip to CA and back should be no problem; it's been 5 years since I last drove out to CA.

Had a bit of a brain fart and read this as "We took the Santa Fe to the Outback over Memorial Day weekend." Sad thing is what struck me first is that I knew you didn't have a Santa Fe rather than the statement implying that you successfully drove it to Australia...

This has me cracking up outloud in my office.

breld

kyfdx said:

The results are in:

$106.91 for the oil change. They actually have a "special" on E46 models that reduces the price by $46.
(So, $153 normally.. ouch)

And.... the result of the "multi-point inspection". $ZERO!!

The car is well-maintained, but that is ridiculous.. lol

Wow! That's a great feeling to walk away from the mechanic with those results on such a classic BMW!

You better just rid yourself of it before something does happen - I'll stop by there on the way back from Dallas.

nyccarguy

Michaell said:

cdnpinhead said:

Do you guys ever drive these cars anywhere? For the longest time, going back to 1971, I've enjoyed cars, but more importantly I've enjoyed where they could take me. The drives I've done, even in rental drones, are memorable, and the cars only become important after I've taken some number of drives in them. Commuting in a daily driver is a non-event, though it's important to have a decent vehicle in which to do it.

Those of you who change cars like I change socks live in a very different world to the one I inhabit, but the question remains: do you enjoy driving these things anywhere? If so, why aren't we hearing much about it.

We took the Outback to Santa Fe over the Memorial Day weekend.

But, am getting antsy for another road trip. Want to take the Jetta out to CA to visit family. I've got plenty of room on the lease; as of today, I'm allowed to have 12,330 miles; I think I crossed 5800 on the odometer the other day.

2000-2500 for a round trip to CA and back should be no problem; it's been 5 years since I last drove out to CA.

5,800 miles? In how long? I've put just over 7,500 miles on my Infiniti in 5 months. That includes NOT driving it for 2 weeks in July while we were on vacation.

kyfdx

breld said:

kyfdx said:

The results are in:

$106.91 for the oil change. They actually have a "special" on E46 models that reduces the price by $46.
(So, $153 normally.. ouch)

And.... the result of the "multi-point inspection". $ZERO!!

The car is well-maintained, but that is ridiculous.. lol

Wow! That's a great feeling to walk away from the mechanic with those results on such a classic BMW!

You better just rid yourself of it before something does happen - I'll stop by there on the way back from Dallas.

Ha... if you take it now, I'll have to drive the '95 M3. I should have taken you up on the GTI.

That's two straight trips to my dealer, with no extra recommended repairs/maintenance. With the wife's 93K miles X3 and my 110K mile E46. That has to be some sort of record.

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

Michaell said:

cdnpinhead said:

Do you guys ever drive these cars anywhere? For the longest time, going back to 1971, I've enjoyed cars, but more importantly I've enjoyed where they could take me. The drives I've done, even in rental drones, are memorable, and the cars only become important after I've taken some number of drives in them. Commuting in a daily driver is a non-event, though it's important to have a decent vehicle in which to do it.

Those of you who change cars like I change socks live in a very different world to the one I inhabit, but the question remains: do you enjoy driving these things anywhere? If so, why aren't we hearing much about it.

We took the Outback to Santa Fe over the Memorial Day weekend.

But, am getting antsy for another road trip. Want to take the Jetta out to CA to visit family. I've got plenty of room on the lease; as of today, I'm allowed to have 12,330 miles; I think I crossed 5800 on the odometer the other day.

2000-2500 for a round trip to CA and back should be no problem; it's been 5 years since I last drove out to CA.

5,800 miles? In how long? I've put just over 7,500 miles on my Infiniti in 5 months. That includes NOT driving it for 2 weeks in July while we were on vacation.

375 days since I picked it up from the dealer.

Though, the wife is making noise that I ought to go into the office more frequently, just for some socialization. I love my dogs, but they are lousy conversationalists.

jpp75

nyccarguy said:

5,800 miles? In how long? I've put just over 7,500 miles on my Infiniti in 5 months. That includes NOT driving it for 2 weeks in July while we were on vacation.

I was telling @Michaell this morning that I've put almost 2,500 miles on the Touareg since July 17. While I'm technically still under where I could be on the lease that won't last long. In spite of all the test drives I've yet to find anything else I like better so most likely I'll just buy it out, get an extended warranty and enjoy it for a few more years.

Mr_Shiftright

kyfdx said:

The results are in:

$106.91 for the oil change. They actually have a "special" on E46 models that reduces the price by $46.
(So, $153 normally.. ouch)

And.... the result of the "multi-point inspection". $ZERO!!

The car is well-maintained, but that is ridiculous.. lol

Let me at it...I'll find things for you to spend money on!

stickguy

I had to start fostering dogs to gave someone to talk to.

On my lease, I might finally crack 20k with 2 months left. So got 16k miles to burn. Ouch. Really should have just bought something used instead. Oh well.

xwesx

I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I've put 12,000 miles on the Q7 since we picked it up on March 1....

BUT! Only 6,500 miles on the Forester (since 6/1).

xwesx

stickguy said:

I had to start fostering dogs to gave someone to talk to.

On my lease, I might finally crack 20k with 2 months left. So got 16k miles to burn. Ouch. Really should have just bought something used instead. Oh well.

Epic Road Trip.... in the works! I hope you have some vacation time saved up!

You could do a transcontinental like we did in 2013. We put nearly 12,500 miles on our Forester in under five weeks.

graphicguy

@breld.....you are amazing...truly amazing....all in a great way. You do what the rest of us want to do.

If it's a wagon you want, hard to argue with the one you bought. I've seen a couple of those out there in the wild. I like them.....A LOT!

Congrats!

stickguy

I'm going to Toronto this weekend. should have driven instead. 500 miles each way would be epic to me. Though we did just do run to NC. That's is about 440

stickguy

I also don't have vacation time to do that!

coldinohio

breld said:

Did a lot of phone chatting with the salesperson from the Mercedes dealership we visited on Saturday regarding the GLC.

So, my wife is most interested in a 2017 service loaner they have available for sale. Right color, right options. I can't remember the exact miles, but something around 4-5k.

MSRP is $51,685, and at the end of the day (literally), they came back with their best offer at $46,200. So what, about $5,500 off, a bit over 10%. They said it was the best they could do, since that was their cost - that may be, but I didn't really think their cost came into play on a used service loaner. Hard to judge what a fair deal on service loaners is - what do you all think?

In any case, they offered $3,400 off a new 2018. So if nothing else, a savings of $2k on that 2017 service loaner over a 2018 new one doesn't seem significant enough. We were shooting for $44k-ish on the loaner, but they certainly weren't interested.

We did find a 2016 w/13k miles at a Jeep dealer in Frisco, TX, listed at $38,800. Has all the options and colors the wife wants, so that seems like a deal we may pursue. I always knew we could get a better deal on used SUVs from a place like Texas as compared to Colorado - we may be testing that theory out.

Here's the listing:

2016 GLC

when we were shopping and bought the MB GLA, they had a new GLC; beautiful and great stereo- burmeister (as good as the acura ELS or audi B&O in my opinion

I am not sure what holdback is at MB; invoice is ~6% off MSRP

ab348

@breld , that price at the Dodge dealer seems pretty good for a 2016 GLC300. I checked up here and after taking in the exchange rate, the C$ equivalent to that was about the best I found.

breld

graphicguy said:

@breld.....you are amazing...truly amazing....all in a great way. You do what the rest of us want to do.

If it's a wagon you want, hard to argue with the one you bought. I've seen a couple of those out there in the wild. I like them.....A LOT!

Congrats!

Thanks! I didn't want to influence my wife's choice too much, but I was definitely rooting for the GLC over another X5 (even though it would have been a new generation than our last one). I'm excited to try out a new brand, and like you said, I really like the look of it. Has a little "Macan" in the look if you ask me (which, by the way, caught my wife's eye too - thankfully, they are still very much on the high side of the budget, even used).

ab348

kyfdx said:

The results are in:

$106.91 for the oil change. They actually have a "special" on E46 models that reduces the price by $46.
(So, $153 normally.. ouch)

And.... the result of the "multi-point inspection". $ZERO!!

The car is well-maintained, but that is ridiculous.. lol

Quite coincidentally, I did an oil/filter change on the Cutlass after I got home from my drive today. Did it in my garage, so the only cost was the jug of Castrol and a filter, which I bought a case of many years ago and still have some left. The car usually only gets one oil change a year but I forgot to do one before I put it away last year so it was overdue. Good to get it done.

xwesx

breld said:

Thanks! I didn't want to influence my wife's choice too much, but I was definitely rooting for the GLC over another X5 (even though it would have been a new generation than our last one). I'm excited to try out a new brand, and like you said, I really like the look of it. Has a little "Macan" in the look if you ask me (which, by the way, caught my wife's eye too - thankfully, they are still very much on the high side of the budget, even used).

Hah!

When I was looking at the 3.0 TDI early in the year, I briefly considered looking at Cayennes. But, the net clearance on the buyback would be very similar to the Audi, and the risk was much higher given the higher price point. They're really nice inside, but I honestly don't like much else about them.

breld

ab348 said:

@breld , that price at the Dodge dealer seems pretty good for a 2016 GLC300. I checked up here and after taking in the exchange rate, the C$ equivalent to that was about the best I found.

Yeah, on a nationwide cars.com search, this was one of the lowest priced ones, almost to the point that we were dismissing it. But when I took a closer look, it had all the equipment and options we wanted.

This isn't particularly unique to Mercedes, but we do find the luxury dealerships hold their own product in very high regard (which makes sense). Between their CPO program, and a captive audience who is already shopping there for that product, it often seems difficult to get a good buy on a used car at that brand's dealership.

So I'm counting on this being a gem that happened to have been traded in at a Dodge dealership that mostly just sees it as another used car. Hopefully there aren't any surprises when I get down there.

Funny enough, I suppose I had the opposite of that where I bought my slightly used Durango at a Mercedes dealership that was probably happy to see it go!

stickguy

one reason I like a few local used dealers that specialize in high lines. And brands that have long warranties. A BMW or MB at a serious discount, with 2 or so years of BtoB warranty left, works well to me. No worries about not getting CPO for an extra $5K or some such large amount.

stickguy

here is just one example. I love the colors. Equipped the way I want it. Not sure if I would like this model, not having driven one (I know they are not the highest regarded model MB), but would probably be just fine with it. Pretty good discount from new I assume, and 3+ years left on the basic warranty.

So I would buy this over the same car CPO if it was $thousands more.

http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2017-mercedes~benz-cla-certified_cla250_4matic_sport_awd_camera_navigation-used-16676264.html

breld

That's a sharp car for sure! I've never driven one, but did test out a GLA when they first came out. I assume that's more similar than not.

fintail

I assume that CLA is a retired loaner - seems like too many options for a rental. Not the most beloved model, but maybe unfairly reviled. The woman who parks beside me at home has one, and loves it, no issues.

Michaell

fintail said:

I assume that CLA is a retired loaner - seems like too many options for a rental. Not the most beloved model, but maybe unfairly reviled. The woman who parks beside me at home has one, and loves it, no issues.

Ad states that it was an MB execs car

carnaught

Excuse me @breld and @coldinohio but as I said in my earlier post, it's Burmester, not Burmeister.

stickguy

Michaell said:

fintail said:

I assume that CLA is a retired loaner - seems like too many options for a rental. Not the most beloved model, but maybe unfairly reviled. The woman who parks beside me at home has one, and loves it, no issues.

Ad states that it was an MB execs car

yup. They seem to get a fair number of those. Always less than 1 YO and really loaded.

I might go check this one out if I was ready now. But, will just check out what they have at the time!

just a couple more weeks and make the last ever RDX payment! and 6 weeks til the Sonata lease is over.

fintail

Exec in a CLA? I dunno about that. I thought "exec car" was a euphemism for a demo or loaner

sda

ab348 said:

This is really the opposite of CCBA, but today I took the Cutlass (about to be owned by me for 24 years!) out for a road trip, mostly to use up the last of the gas that I put in the tank w/stabilizer last fall so I could get fresh stuff into it. Drove it for a couple of hours to a place where we had a summer cottage when I was a kid in the '60s and early '70s, so the car was appropriate to the setting and it brought back some good memories.

This really was the first extended highway driving I did with it following the front end rebuild and alignment late last year, and it really did feel good, at least as good as these can get. The steering and handling cannot match a modern car even with that, but it was much more stable and confidence-inducing. If you were on a straight expressway 70-75mph is probably the maximum you'd want to go, and if there are any curves you probably wouldn't want to go that fast. But it was a gorgeous day, I had the windows all down for the old-style hardtop look, I had given it a good exterior cleaning with waterless wash before departing so it looked sharp, and all was well.

You know how much I like your '68 Cutlass. Funny story. My grandmother who was a widow at a young age special ordered her '68 Cutlass S. It was fairly well equipped, 350, auto, ac, ps, pb, rear window defogger ( a fan that blew on the back glass), am radio, tinted glass, etc. She ordered it with light metallic blue, almost silver, with oyster white interior. When she finally got it her mom asked, why didn't you get a red one?? This is a picture taken around '76 when I visited my grandmother in St. Pete, FL. For those of you familiar, she bought it at Bert Smith Olds in St Pete, same as where my parents bought their '63 Olds Dynamic 88.

corvette

xwesx said:

I really want to get a dashcam into my dailies so I can record some of the down-the-road time. Particularly on road trips, it could be a lot of fun to review and store some of that stuff. Immediately, the Q7's blizzard in Utah last spring, as well as the run through Stevens Pass in Washington, come to mind.

I have a dashcam in the Tahoe, but it only records about a four hour loop before overwriting the old stuff. I'm undecided on adding one to the Mustang, as it'd probably be as likely to provide damaging evidence as it would be to vindicate me. Also, picture quality isn't great. Had a situation a few months ago where I needed a good picture of a pedestrian I drove by, and couldn't get that at all from the footage.

slorenzen

My dad's last car before he died, was a '68 442. Sadly, he only had the car for maybe 6 months before he died.

BEAUTIFUL car.

425 cubic inch, 375 hp.

Fully loaded, which is nothing compared to current cars, but SO FAST!

Loved that car, and dearly miss it...

corvette

stickguy said:

I'm going to Toronto this weekend. should have driven instead. 500 miles each way would be epic to me. Though we did just do run to NC. That's is about 440

Good luck! I don't think you could pay me enough to cross the US-CAN border in a car again after the experience I had last year driving from Seattle to Vancouver. Sent to secondary screening and interrogated like a criminal at both crossings, especially the crossing into Canada. I understand border patrol agents have a job to do, but people with no criminal history are not likely to be criminals!

I had no issues making a road trip to Quebec in 2008, so security has definitely gotten a lot more paranoid.

corvette

fintail said:

Exec in a CLA? I dunno about that. I thought "exec car" was a euphemism for a demo or loaner

Yup. Like "program car." More like "subsidized lease program car!"

fintail

Subsidized lease program for the salesmen and techs who work at the dealer, no doubt (I know MB offers big perks in that regard). I doubt those cars are babied.

"Program car" to me also says cars that are loaned out for sports tournaments and the like.

corvette said:

fintail said:

Exec in a CLA? I dunno about that. I thought "exec car" was a euphemism for a demo or loaner

Yup. Like "program car." More like "subsidized lease program car!"

fintail

Peace Arch can be tough. Poor traffic management, huge crowds. The border guards have to deal with endless idiots, and I think they let their bad days show through, as there's little recourse to be had against them. Also, I think many might have tried to be cops, but couldn't for whatever reason (not always a high bar), so you might get what you pay for.

Vehicle border crossings are a big reason why Nexus/Global Entry is worth the investment. Just wave a card and proceed.

corvette said:

Good luck! I don't think you could pay me enough to cross the US-CAN border in a car again after the experience I had last year driving from Seattle to Vancouver. Sent to secondary screening and interrogated like a criminal at both crossings, especially the crossing into Canada. I understand border patrol agents have a job to do, but people with no criminal history are not likely to be criminals!

I had no issues making a road trip to Quebec in 2008, so security has definitely gotten a lot more paranoid.

Sandman6472

Doing a road trip from Chicago down to Ft. Lauderdale in October it seems. Will rent from Hertz since I am an employee there and get a decent discount. Depending on when the wife needs to be back in town, leaving Tuesday about 11 or so and will get home either Thursday night, Friday afternoon or Saturday morning. I took almost the whole 2 weeks off but she's still waiting to see what her boss will let her take. We combined our Hilton Honors points tonight and have like 96,000 so hotels should cost us next to nothing. Mapquest has us going through Indiana, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida...a bit over 1300 miles. Just hope my spine holds out!
Got to drive a newer E300 at work today and thought it was an excellent vehicle though too big for my tastes. So far, out of all the MB products I've driven, like the GLA the best and something I could enjoy as my d d. Found one and might go see it this week. That and the 320i/328i are the only two that actually float my boat right now. If found one of either that was the right color and price, think I'd jump on it and not look back. First time I've thought that way since December of 2014, when I bought the Golf. I knew eventually I'd drive a few that would make me want to sign on the dotted line. So, will keep my eyes open for one that just might work.

The Sandman

stickguy

most likely, the way it is listed, is a corporate owned car. Zone reps, etc. get those, so a CLA makes sense. Have seen loaded C and E also. Might be personal preference!

My neighbor used to be a Subaru zone service guy, and a friend worked in service training for Hyundai, and they both got corporate cars to use. Not sure exactly how long they kept them, but 6 months maybe? Could be some sort of pool cars too I guess. At least they were probably maintained right!

Sandman6472

My first vehicle was my grandpa's 1967 Olds Cutlass Supreme four door. He passed in 1971 when I was senior in high school and since my grandma never learned to drive and my mom bought it for them, I was given the keys and used it during my senior year instead of the bus. Worked for me! Car sat unused my freshman year except for when we came home for break or when my folks used it for an errand. They lived on a golf course and gave up one vehicle for a golf cart. Sophmore year, they told me to take it to school and it was mine until it was sold in 1977 for a 1976 Japanese Opel. Now that vehicle was possessed by the devil but that's another story.
The Olds served us well and went from being turquoise to navy blue and finally light brown with the black full vinyl roof being kept. Must admit, the brown was a great choice for that vehicle specially with the '63 Olds hubcaps I purchased at a used hubcap store. They came from either an 88 or 98 Olds and transformed the whole look of that beast. Always hated the standard hubs that came on the Cutlass Supreme as they were too plain. The newer older hubcaps were absolutely beautiful!!!

The Sandman

qbrozen

breld said:
I will agree 100% with the complaints about the lack of volume knob. Such a little thing (or absence of a little thing) is incredibly annoying. But, of course, a relatively minor thing overall.

WHAT?! And you still own it? You are obviously looking for your next vehicle, though. I will take Oct 14th in the pool.

stickguy

that would never bother me. I hate the touchscreen but never use it for volume. I just thumb the volume control on the steering wheel instead.

corvette

fintail said:

Vehicle border crossings are a big reason why Nexus/Global Entry is worth the investment. Just wave a card and proceed.

I (now, finally) have Global Entry/TSA Precheck, for me only, so it only works well if I'm traveling solo. Don't plan to travel to Canada often enough to get Nexus, nor do I live near one of the enrollment centers (I think). The people in Vancouver were super friendly, but the process of getting there was not.

ab348

sda said:

You know how much I like your '68 Cutlass. Funny story. My grandmother who was a widow at a young age special ordered her '68 Cutlass S. It was fairly well equipped, 350, auto, ac, ps, pb, rear window defogger ( a fan that blew on the back glass), am radio, tinted glass, etc. She ordered it with light metallic blue, almost silver, with oyster white interior. When she finally got it her mom asked, why didn't you get a red one?? This is a picture taken around '76 when I visited my grandmother in St. Pete, FL. For those of you familiar, she bought it at Bert Smith Olds in St Pete, same as where my parents bought their '63 Olds Dynamic 88.

That would be a great color combo. Aside from the A/C, the equipment wouldn't be far off mine. It actually had the same blower rear defogger in it when I got it, which didn't work very well - lots of noise, not much clearing. A few years later when I replaced the package tray I took it out because I figured it was an aftermarket item. Turns out it was a GM piece, so likely dealer installed.

My friend who moved to the boonies bought his '71 Cutlass SX down in St Pete's in 1986. It was also purchased new at Bert Smith Olds and for years he had the old dealer vanity plate on the front. I see they now sell Subarus.

ab348

fintail said:

Exec in a CLA? I dunno about that. I thought "exec car" was a euphemism for a demo or loaner

The GM dealer here kills 2 birds with one stone by having signs on every one of those type of cars on their lot that say "Executive Demo".