Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

28firefighter

Congrats, @ab348!

Michaell

@ab348 - I like that color combo of your new ATS.

If I get something to replace the Jetta, I'd really like to find something with a non-black interior. Those congacs and mahogany colors are quite sharp.

Not in the market until 2019 - maybe.

Michaell

Oh, and I hit this milestone while running errands this evening

breld

Congrats @ab348 on the ATS!

breld

stickguy said:

Well, I keep thinking Breld can't possibly keep it up another year, and I keep being wrong about it. Oh well.

You and me both.

breld

Michaell said:

Oh, and I hit this milestone while running errands this evening

Let's see, I bought the Durango R/T in March with about 5k miles on it. I have 16k something on it now!

au1994

Well, its been a while guys. Had a lot going on personally and professionally. Got married last June, had a job that was killing me personally and professionally so I left that. Found a great job with a great company recently and have been busy, busy, busy with that. All is well now! I haven't posted in a while but I've followed along diligently with all the activity. Congrats to many of you as it seems we've had a flurry of punches and as usual @breld, the rest of us are not even in the same league!

I saw the number of punches for the year and I'll contribute mine from last week...gone is the 335i convertible. Taking its place is a 2017 X1, black over mocha. Love it so far. Comfortable and quiet for my new longer commute in bad traffic (hwy 400 to exit 29 on 285, @rayainsw can appreciate) great on gas and fun to drive. The convertible was great but just didn't work for us anymore. Step-son is 11 and plays every sport under the sun. Being a hardtop convertible the trunk was useless with the top down so no room for equipment. Plus he's getting bigger as they all do and we just don't 'fit' in a 2 door convertible anymore. The wife did comment on how nice looking the 640i convertible was when we were getting the X1 so there's hope in a few years!

ab348

Welcome back, @au1994 ! Glad to see you've kept your membership current here. Good luck with the new X1 and everything else new in your life.

Put up a pic of the new ride when you have a chance.

tjc78

breld said:

Oh, and I hit this milestone while running errands this evening

Let's see, I bought the Durango R/T in March with about 5k miles on it. I have 16k something on it now!

At least you drive all the cars you buy!!

stickguy

I should hit 20K on the Sonata today. in 34 months + 1 day. RDX turns 5 YO next week. That is up to almost 42K after the latest round of trips. Might actually put 7K on that one this calendar year. Pretty sure I will at least break down and put tires on it before winter hits, though they aren't quite to the wear bars yet, wet traction ain't what it used to be!

rayainsw

au1994
Congratulations on the X1
So sorry about:
"my new longer commute in bad traffic (hwy 400 to exit 29 on 285, @rayainsw can appreciate)"
- Ray
Another 6 - 8 months of that kind of commute for me [ fingers crossed ]

Michaell

That 6000 miles took me 385 days to accumulate.

Most days I don't even leave the house.

Here's a question for the collective group - given the, ahem, uniqueness of the Civic Type R, do you think that in 10-20 years, it will be as collectible as, say, a Supra Turbo?

And, since there isn't much that can be done to modify the styling, do you think they'll be stock?

Mr_Shiftright

Well how collectible is a 10 year old WRX STi (well 9 year old) or a Mitsu EVO?

tifighter

The Integra R did well for awhile. The S2000 is on the rise now.

qbrozen

I think it will depend on ultimate production. STi is still being built, so old ones are just used cars.

fintail

A mint low mileage preserved 2025 year old Civic R may be a special interest curiosity, but not like a TT Supra. The Supra was much more expensive and exclusive when new, and many of them have been beat within an inch of their life now, modified terribly, if not written off altogether. The survival rate for genuinely mint original cars is probably low. The Supra is the high water mark of collectible Japanese cars of the era, nothing will come close. A nice S2000 or Integra R will always be something - long past their depreciation floor, and genuinely nice ones slowly gaining (plenty of messes out there, too), but Supra is king.

The less exclusive entry point and image of the Civic R, not as wild styling (it is wacky, but doesn't make you stare), and likely lack of mechanical and cosmetic custom options might limit the hype. Also, the Supra has been in movies, which helps.

Mr_Shiftright

One thing about the Supra is you can build that engine to amazing HP levels without blowing it up or radicalizing it. It's also rather modest in styling and doesn't seem terribly dated.

pensfan83

Cross-posting from the cars and conversations thread deep in enemy territory today.

tbirdmarco

@au1994 welcome back! congrads on getting married! and sorry to hear about all that was going on for you! glad things worked out! and all is whell now!

au1994

Thanks for the kind words all.

I did't start out looking at the X1 and as a matter of fact no BMW was on my radar this time. A 330 optioned the way I wanted was going to be in the mid 40's minimum and that more than I wanted to do.

Drove the S60 and was really close on this. Comfortable seats of course, good ride and I think they are great looking cars. Tech is a little behind though.

Drove a GTI Sport. Liked it as I thought I might and see how its popular on the board. Just thought it rode a little rough for something I'll be spending a couple hours a day in. Handles great and plenty of power. I will say the plaid seats didn't feel really good. I probably would have gone up a model to get leather.

Looked at but didn't drive the Maxima and Passat.

I remembered the X1 getting favorable reviews here so I took a look and the rest is history. Dealer stepped up on the deal in trade and price so it became a no brainer over the Volvo. Really liking the panoramic sunroof and utility of a CUV after years in a convertible.

tbirdmarco

@au1994 you are welcome! that is quite an bunch of cars you did look at! before you got the one you are happy with! all part of the fun looking at an bunch of different cars feal after you do pick one you do miss the the thrill of the hunting for the cars going from dealer to dealer siting and driving cars!

stickguy

did some looking and driving today. The wife was in a good mood for it and everything.

first stopped at Subaru. Just sat in stuff. All nice. Kinda pricey. the 6 cyl Legacy in showroom was almost 35K. Did sit in a 40K Sti. Shockingly, the wife loved the interior. Just could not take the giant wing. She might actually like a normal WRX (of which none were in stock of course). May go back for a ride someday.

Then to Volvo (conveniently, right next door). Sat in the S60 in the showroom. Roomy interior (it was the stretched model). Comfy seats of course. Did not like the console design and how my arm laid on it as an armrest. Did not drive, but could certainly live with one. as always, comes down to $$.

Next stop was Acura. Pretty busy at 5:00. With some deals being done and cars delivered. Including one by my saleslady (not that I called ahead or anything!). So got handed off to a newbie for the test drive. Conveniently, they had the exact car I would get parked on the apron, so took that one out. A 2018 TLX V6 FWD tech package. MSRP $40,840. Black copper pearl over espresso leather. Awesome color combo, and only way I would get it.

Drove, great. I liked the 4 cyl, but the extra growl and pull from the V6 was noticeable. A bit firmer steering too I think, so not quite as "tossable", but possibly more stable. With tech package, pretty much has everything I could possibly want. Fantastic seats too. Could happily live with one of these long term, if I decide it is smart right now to take on that much money monthly (would have to be a lease). Interestingly, my wife actually prefers the nose on the old model over the new one! But they are down to just 1 2017 in stock, and it is a no go at black over black.

so, at the top of the list, in the "spend real money to get a super nice car" column! Not quite sure if I would get one over a 3 series, price the same, but for a BMW the way I want it, I don't think the price will be close.

actually planning to try out a V6 accord this week. Should be major deals on those, and I can compare how close it is to the Acura, for way less money.

nyccarguy

@stickguy - The STi is available with a Lip Spoiler as well as "The Wing."

@au1994 - Good to hear from you!  Returning to the board with a Punch to report too?  Congrats on the X1!  That's the way to do it!

Don't know how much you kept up on, but back in March, I ditched a 2015 Legacy for a CPO 2015 Infiniti Q40 AWD.

nyccarguy

fintail

Nice to see the Prelude stays away from tree sap and pollution.

stickguy

maybe I should get out of the HP race, and embrace my frugal side. A lot of features for 17.4K brand new. Prox key, moonroof, BLIS and crosspath, carplay, and more.

http://www.faulknerhyundaiphilly.com/VehicleDetails/new-2018-Hyundai-Elantra-Value_Edition_2.0L_Auto-Philadelphia-PA/3032754183

tjc78

That's essentially my car with the addition of a moonroof. Same colors too. 

stickguy

I might pick other colors. But hard to argue with the numbers.

You find yours to be acceptable in normal putting around use? Probably not all that much slower real world than my Sonata. Getting pretty much all the niceties for a really cheap lease payment, is enticing. Then work on the wife to upgrade the RDX to a nicer travel car!

stickguy

wonder how close I could get a Golf WB to the same lease payment? slippery slope.

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

maybe I should get out of the HP race, and embrace my frugal side. A lot of features for 17.4K brand new. Prox key, moonroof, BLIS and crosspath, carplay, and more. http://www.faulknerhyundaiphilly.com/VehicleDetails/new-2018-Hyundai-Elantra-Value_Edition_2.0L_Auto-Philadelphia-PA/3032754183

I wholeheartedly disagree.  The Horsepower race is a good one.

nyccarguy

fintail said:

Nice to see the Prelude stays away from tree sap and pollution.

Thanks!  A friend of mine bought me the blanket for the Prelude a few years ago.  I used it for a while, then one day drove the Prelude & it rained.  I didn't want to cover it without cleaning the car, so I kept the blanket off.  That turned into 2 or 3 years of the car sitting uncovered.  Back in June, I detailed the car and put the blanket over I.  When I want it, it will be nice and clean.

stickguy

well, cheap still counts. Though if I don't mind living life in the slow lane, might as well try out an Ioniq, and get really good MPG!

fintail

Is it waterproof? Be sure to keep it clean - dirt between a car an cover can act like sandpaper, and the finish will suffer.

Better yet, park it in the garage

nyccarguy said:

Thanks!  A friend of mine bought me the blanket for the Prelude a few years ago.  I used it for a while, then one day drove the Prelude & it rained.  I didn't want to cover it without cleaning the car, so I kept the blanket off.  That turned into 2 or 3 years of the car sitting uncovered.  Back in June, I detailed the car and put the blanket over I.  When I want it, it will be nice and clean.

kyfdx

I'm driving an Elantra SE rental, this week. Pretty basic, but plenty of scoot.

breld

@au1994 - congrats on the X1. Sounds like a perfect choice. And more importantly, congrats on the marriage!

corvette

My first time pulling a trailer today to help some friends move a couch. I borrowed my parents' basic 5 x 8' uncovered trailer from TSC. It weighs probably 600-700 pounds unloaded. Given that amount of weight is not very significant compared to the Tahoe's curb weight, I was surprised that I could really feel a difference in the Tahoe's acceleration with the trailer attached. It revved more to get up to speed and kicked down a lot more on uphill stretches of interstate.

I'm not good at backing up--thankfully, my copilot was, and we switched positions the two times we had to back up! Also, moving a big couch up a narrow apartment stairwell in the middle of the night is not one of my favorite things to do... :@

tbirdmarco

@stickguy nice on the car looking today. that color combo on the TLX sounds nice but for me would have to be red or blue or white or sum other color that is not as commen! just my two sence! doing anymore car looking today to as whell?

roadburner

stickguy said:

maybe I should get out of the HP race, and embrace my frugal side. A lot of features for 17.4K brand new. Prox key, moonroof, BLIS and crosspath, carplay, and more.

http://www.faulknerhyundaiphilly.com/VehicleDetails/new-2018-Hyundai-Elantra-Value_Edition_2.0L_Auto-Philadelphia-PA/3032754183

You sound like you're ready to put one foot in the grave...

stickguy

I very rarely am ever on a road that requires much more than the performance of my old 323 (loved that car). 500 HP sounds nice but would be completely useless for the most part. Plus I don't need to start collecting tickets! as long as it gets out of it's own way, and can cruise comfortably at 75, with good seats and enough features, it qualifies as acceptable. Anything beyond that is gravy.

stickguy

though still want enough scoot to be entertaining, and the rare time actually need it. Something like the Jetta is actually just fine. Lots of torque, moves out nicely, and takes off if you boot into it at cruising speed. And I know it will cruise along just fine at 80

roadburner

Still, I'd take a Focus ST, a GTI, or an Si over an Elantra- and if I couldn't swing the cost of a new one I'd go used.

suydam

Everyone has their own priorities. I have no desire for a luxury make but I do enjoy a very nice vehicle with all the amenities I couldn't affford when younger.

stickguy

roadburner said:

Still, I'd take a Focus ST, a GTI, or an Si over an Elantra- and if I couldn't swing the cost of a new one I'd go used.

keep in mind that most people aren't buying a stick so 2 of those options are off the table.

I would actually consider a Golf too (non-GTI). much of the performance and feel, for less money, if you want a nice to drive car on a serious budget.

I would also lease a Jetta most likely over an Elantra if the price was about the same. Love the turbo engines.

stickguy

Told the wife that since we really liked the TLX, would take a look at the remaining 2017 Accord V6 models (EXL or touring). At this point, certainly next month when the 18s hit, I suspect you could get great deals on them. Comparable performance, still loaded up.

Will look at the Civic Si too, since she actually liked the STI!

stickguy

something like this, with the massive discounts likely, is a pretty good deal. especially on a lease. Takes care of the lack of HP issue too. Plenty fast enough.

https://www.burnshonda.com/vehicle-details/new-2017-honda-accord-sedan-ex-l-v6-1HGCR3F86HA025011

Sandman6472

Awful down south here, power went off and on a couple times. Irma moving through the Keys now, we're on the "dirty side" still. By this afternoon, things should improve a bit but she's slowed down her forward movement a bit. Under a curfew in Broward County till 10 a m tomorrow so obviously no work until at least then. Will check my phone later to see what's up.
This is getting tedious now and going a bit stir crazy with cabin fever. So glad we changed plans and stayed as we would've had no petrol after North Florida area, I can only get about 440 miles when tank is fully filled as it is now.
Wish us luck!!

The Sandman

stickguy

hang in there. sounds like you should avoid the worst.

carnaught

stickguy said:

hang in there. sounds like you should avoid the worst.

+2

stickguy

This is an interesting option. Low miles. Stickshift. Cheap. Don't like the colors, and it is low on options, but has the turbo engine, and a clutch.

http://www.jsautohaus.net/used/Volkswagen/2014-Volkswagen-Jetta-c938ac4e0a0e08be5b76cafe49e6a866.htm

Sandman6472

Never quite looked at my Golf as a budget vehicle but suppose it is in the VW lineup. Unfortunately, doubt I'd get another one unless it's a GTI as the Golf lineup no longer has the SEL or SE version, I like the 17" rubber on mine and not sure I'd be happy going back down to a 15" size. Really prefer a 205/55/16 size shoe like many popular compacts have now. And honestly, anything over $30K is just not gonna happen with me unless it's a small BMW that's just perfect. A CPO X1 or a 320i/328i would just about be the perfect vehicle and will be on my short list when that time comes. But as long as my Golf behaves, it'll stay in the fleet as we both like it and fits our needs. Did like that blue over tan C Class Stick showed the other day and like the Q3 size from Audi, that red unit is still over by the dealer.
But these last few days waiting for this storm to hit and seeing what Harvey did to Texas has just reinforced my belief that one never knows what life will throw our way. Enjoy your life and those in it because one day, it could all be gone through no fault on your part. Working hard and rewarding ones self with a nice vehicle is not something we need to have to justify or not get ourselves. As long as one has met one's obligations and put away for later in life, it's o k to get what you like/can afford and enjoy it. And I plan to do just that going forward!

The Sandman