Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

graphicguy

kyfdx said:

Service loaner

Love it! I fell in love with one just like that while dealing with Cadillac woes.

At the time I held out hope things could be straightened out with the General. If the timing were different, than M240 would be gracing the GG estate.

qbrozen

breld said:

@breld didn’t mean to rain on your parade. You’re getting a great price for it and you have to do what’s right for you. For whatever reason I thought this one had a place in the “long-term” fleet. Agree that the shipping etc are sunk costs regardless. 

As far as women, drugs, cars...well...my wife jokes that most men turn their heads to look at other women. I crane my head to look at cars and fire trucks. 

Oh - no worries at all. It would certainly be nice to get the tax savings on a trade, but I just don't want to make the bet that the Volvo/Audi/Land Rover dealer will ante up to that same $34,500. Based on my experience thus far, I kinda doubt they would. I think the broker is more excited to have this in their inventory than one of these luxury dealers. And yes, I also thought the Type R may have a place in the long-term fleet, but tastes and priorities change of course.

"In the long-term fleet"? You state that as if you have such a thing.

;b

breld

It gives me something to strive for.  

Hey - the Durango has been in the fleet for one full year.  Baby steps.

breld

stickguy said:

Breld, just remembered. Saw in the latest issue of something that he xc90 is getting a refresh for 2019 MY. will be interesting to see what gets done to it. Probably nothing radical.

Hope you’re right - some subtle changes like the concave grill from the new S90 would be nice.  And why not throw a USB port or two in the back for the kiddos!  

My salesperson said his rep claimed no “significant” changes for 2019.  But of course I take that for what it’s worth.  

nyccarguy

I like that ///M240i Drop Top. Those wheels look like they don't belong on the car.

@breld: What's your take on the 320i? Valencia Orange? How'd that happen?

roadburner

graphicguy said:

kyfdx said:

Service loaner

Love it! I fell in love with one just like that while dealing with Cadillac woes.

At the time I held out hope things could be straightened out with the General. If the timing were different, than M240 would be gracing the GG estate.

For me the M235i/M240i is hard to beat; it's fast, handles well, has powerful brakes, and averages 26 mpg or so in my everyday driving. I also like how you can toggle between cruise mode and attack mode by just pushing a button and moving the shift lever into the sport gate.
About the only other cars that might tempt me are a GT350 or an M2.

breld

Browsing the broker’s nice indoor lot.  I suppose this would be a bit too far from the sporty SUV end of things.

breld

nyccarguy said:

I like that ///M240i Drop Top. Those wheels look like they don't belong on the car.

@breld: What's your take on the 320i? Valencia Orange? How'd that happen?

I took the i3 into the dealer for a warranty repair on the seatbelt and ended up with the 320i loaner. I actually like the orange a lot - its a fun bright color. Having said that, I'm not so sure I'd actually own it myself.

Nothing wrong with the 320i at all, but without looking at the badge, I could tell as I drove it that it was a 320i and not a 328i. Having recently come out of the 428i in my fleet, it wasn't difficult to feel the difference. The sport mode definitely helps firm up the really light steering. I've seen some great deals on lightly used ones that I would recommend (and have recommended) for co-workers; I'd also consider something like that as the replacement for my stepdaughter's Jetta.

thebean

breld said:

Browsing the broker’s nice indoor lot.  I suppose this would be a bit too far from the sporty SUV end of things.

GX or LX? Fairly big price difference. I like both of them a lot.

Mr_Shiftright

graphicguy said:

Seems I’m seeing more and more Type Rs recently, maybe they aren’t as scarce? $34K offer sounds strong!

I'm seeing used ones in the SF Bay Area with asking prices of $37K--$39K for low mileage (under 10K) examples.

breld said:

I did go ahead and make an appointment tomorrow to sell the Type R. Easy way to go down one in the fleet as intended.

And @stickguy - it is a 2017, so yes, with 2018’s on the ground at a sticker of $34,990 (if you can find one), the brokers offer seems pretty strong.

I tend to look at the depreciation based on the cost of the car itself (about $36,700 with the accessories) but yes, adding in taxes and shipping, you’re right, I was about $39k all in. But I did have it for 7 months thank you very much!

I may have had optimistic thoughts of keeping it longer, but all in all, this has played out about as planned. Wanted to own and experience it for awhile, then turn around and sell it for minimal loss.

I'm seeing 2017 Type Rs here in the Bay Area, with low miles and well equipped, --asking prices in the $37K--$39K arena. I have no idea if anyone is buying at that price though.

tifighter

Coming in late here, but if if I’m Breld, I take the broker offer and run. He had it listed already for $34,9 with no bites. Sure, a tax credit would be great, but to get out clean and have any option available instead forced into a trade...I’d be happy with that. And private selling a car over $30k is almost always going to be a pain in the rear. Especially a Type-R, where every Fast and Furious fan is going to want to waste your time.

ronsteve

tifighter said:

Coming in late here, but if if I’m Breld, I take the broker offer and run. He had it listed already for $34,9 with no bites. Sure, a tax credit would be great, but to get out clean and have any option available instead forced into a trade...I’d be happy with that. And private selling a car over $30k is almost always going to be a pain in the rear.

At 6% sales tax, the break is just over $2K. Worth baking into any comparison for sure.

tifighter

Sure. But he has to be ready to sign onto a new car to get it.

ronsteve

tifighter said:

Sure. But he has to be ready to sign onto a new car to get it.

True. And would most likely get less trading it in.

Michaell

ronsteve said:

tifighter said:

Sure. But he has to be ready to sign onto a new car to get it.

True. And would most likely get less trading it in.

Remember, he's had two offers from dealers - $32K from CarMax, and $29K from the Honda dealer.

$34.5K is pretty strong, by comparison.

breld

@thebean - that Lexus SUV I looked at was an LX model.  I was just browsing their inventory and thought I'd take a look inside.  It's definitely large and luxurious.  

qbrozen

breld said:

Browsing the broker’s nice indoor lot.  I suppose this would be a bit too far from the sporty SUV end of things.

Trying to get something as ...ummm... bold? as the type R?

Michaell

breld said:

@thebean - that Lexus SUV I looked at was an LX model.  I was just browsing their inventory and thought I'd take a look inside.  It's definitely large and luxurious.  

Very possible that @jpp5862 and I will get to drive one of those this summer on behalf of the USGA

corvette

Never thought I would become one of those people, but after owning a couple, I really like the feel of a giant, body on frame SUV. I think the LX and GX are pretty dated, from what I remember. 

corvette

There is some hope... it looks like the XC90 T6 transmission issues aren’t as bad beginning with the 2006 model year. So my friend may be okay if it’s newer than that. 

Sandman6472

Other company called this afternoon and wanted my details of accident. Said they were sending their adjuster over to look. My adjuster came last night and they plan to fix the Golf! Spoke with collision guy and said it will come back to you like new. He said they will fix what they see and then test it out. If they find more issues, they will fix those to. Told him I dont want it back until it's almost perfect, he assured me that they'll keep digging until it is right. Mentioned about the bent frame...check. He said the tire is fine and the rim will need to be polished up but should be fine. So we shall see. Might need some advice on the "diminished value" from you guys because if I want to sell it soon after, do not want to be dinged because of the major accident on Carfax and I know no one will give me top dollar for it once they see the Caefax. Why should I be screwed over again by this fool???
His company is sending their adjuster over in a day or two so this should be interesting! Should be very interesting indeed. I just want my Golf back in pristine shape just in case I do plan to cut it lose from our herd. My wife's convinced I'm going to do this but if I get all that I want and it drives perfect, might as well keep it for the time being and sell it after I quit working altogether.
Still, wish they'd total it and let me move on!!

The Unhappy Sandman

venture

Ask the adjuster to total it. You never know. If you don't ask...

Sandman6472

Picked up 20 brand new 2018 Accord LX's at Miami airport today. For a base Accord, very nice and has alloy wheels. The light cloth interiors are going to look like crap after a couple of renters get at them which is a real shame. Folks really are slobs with our rentals and so many, so so many stain up the ceilings to. Now how does one get stains on the ceiling of any vehicle in the first place? I felt for these Accords as they will be trashed in no time.
The infotainment "tablet" works in this vehicle and think Toyota missed a big opportunity here by not following suit. I personally like the 2018 Camry, a lot and think the LE beats out the LX in the base offerings. It's when one goes into the better equipped models is where the Accord and the Camry really duke it out. But at this juncture, I'm going with the minority here and calling the 2018 Toyota Camry the better overall vehicle. It's one that I would buy tomorrow if I needed a mid sized vehicle and garage parking wasn't an issue.
But I prefer the compact size offerings and starting to think that I should go that route with the next vehicle. Having the GLA for these past few days has shown me that. A nice vehicle but a bit too thirsty for my needs. And a bit too big also, because of it's size, it's stayed outside the whole time at Casa Sandman. And looks like my Golf could be gone for the better part of a month so will bring back the GLA at the 2 week point if not sooner and swap it for something smaller, with better mpg's and XM radio. Keeping the GLA for awhile is just to bring a little joy to this bad situation and figure by the two week point, it'll be time to give it back.

The Sandman

stickguy

wonder why the other adjuster needs to come out? Only going to cost them more to total it. Unless he is going to fight to not replace some parts? Who knows. But good to keep in contact (and on good terms) with the body shop guy.

and yeah, not a bad idea to ask about how close to totaled it is, and if it still could be instead. Probably not if they already said they wanted to fix it. Sometimes that changes though, if they start taking it apart and find more than expected, or if there is something (like the frame) that they can't actually get back into spec.

fintail

Accords are quite a rarity in any rental fleet, I don't think they have been around for a few years. The last batch I read about (I forget who carried them) were sparsely equipped LX models.

andres3

stickguy said:

Sandy, I now for many people, if it is in your head it won't be the same, it won't be the same. So financially and practically, totaling it is much easier.

for the Benz, I thought you had the CLA sedan version. Should look at one of those. Will drive more car like of course, being a car. Hey, it's free to browse! At least it will fit in your garage.

The reason I get it in my head that it'll never be the same is because my first car was never the same, and that was just a lousy Neon.

I never tracked it, but if I had, I'd bet a week's wages the lap times would be increased by at least 2.5% after the accident. It got bashed pretty good on the front side though. A minor accident might be different. The S4 actually felt great driving after the accident, it was only "aesthetic" issues that made it "never the same."

suydam

A friend of mine had someone hit her parked van — HARD. Frame was bent, ramp twisted, door frame bent. Insurance company insisted it could be repaired. What a mistake. After one issue after another, the gas line started leaking — on the freeway! After that, no way were they going to trust it. They have a new van, but getting compensation will be an ongoing battle.

andres3

stickguy said:

My wife is the same way. She knows if she catches me on the phone or computer acting guilty, it’s either about a car or a rescue dog.

More of those are fine, but what would I possible want with a second woman?

Bradd, I had a wake last week. One of my best friends from HS. Had a major stroke 3 years ago, and was in a facility since and finally passed from complications at 55. Life really can be too short.

Breld, sounds like a good move. My best new car flip was my 2005 Scion tC. Bought it July 2004 for a MSRP ($16,400 o so). Traded it December 2005 with 10k miles on my 2005 accord leftover and got $14k for it, and the 2096 models were out. And saved on the sales tax, so equivalent to about $15.1k on a private sale. I was happy with that.

AS to the second woman, can you still remember when you were 18-25 years old?

stickguy

that is why, if I ever have an accident, I hope it is enough damage to just total it out and start over. Unless it is a lease, in which case, doesn't matter as much.

andres3

kyfdx said:

stickguy said:

Snappy. Love the interior.

Same interior as my wife's X3.

@qbrozen Agreed.. especially brand new.

Also, summer tires with AWD is sort of weird... and, not sure how smart it is to send one out with summer tires, when the temperature is supposed to hit 36 F tonight..

I still have my winters on, but at least I'm used to driving with summer tires. If Buffy gets that car, no telling what could happen..

Summer Tires and AWD are all I know of AWD in Southern CA. GTI owners often complain of tire spin, even with summer tires.

andres3

breld said:

It gives me something to strive for.  

Hey - the Durango has been in the fleet for one full year.  Baby steps.

That's certainly deserving of a Press Release, at least!

andres3

sandman_6472 said:

Other company called this afternoon and wanted my details of accident. Said they were sending their adjuster over to look. My adjuster came last night and they plan to fix the Golf! Spoke with collision guy and said it will come back to you like new. He said they will fix what they see and then test it out. If they find more issues, they will fix those to. Told him I dont want it back until it's almost perfect, he assured me that they'll keep digging until it is right. Mentioned about the bent frame...check. He said the tire is fine and the rim will need to be polished up but should be fine. So we shall see. Might need some advice on the "diminished value" from you guys because if I want to sell it soon after, do not want to be dinged because of the major accident on Carfax and I know no one will give me top dollar for it once they see the Caefax. Why should I be screwed over again by this fool???
His company is sending their adjuster over in a day or two so this should be interesting! Should be very interesting indeed. I just want my Golf back in pristine shape just in case I do plan to cut it lose from our herd. My wife's convinced I'm going to do this but if I get all that I want and it drives perfect, might as well keep it for the time being and sell it after I quit working altogether.
Still, wish they'd total it and let me move on!!

The Unhappy Sandman

Missed the details of the accident but if you have a bent frame sounds bad. Hire a DV specialist appraiser to determine the DV loss.

Life's too short to keep damaged goods, but that's just an opinion of mine. Getting a reasonable DV claim paid helps ease the pain of living with damaged goods though.

stickguy

one positive thing about having cheaper cars. Even if you take a hit, it isn't that bad. If you are only looking at say 14K if perfect, even a 20% haircut (while I would still not want to take it!) is not in the long run going to break you.

nyccarguy

Nice car, but the price looks kinda high for a stick shift coupe with a dirty car fax.

qbrozen

nyccarguy said:

Nice car, but the price looks kinda high for a stick shift coupe with a dirty car fax.

Which car is this?

Sandman6472

Where would I find a DV specialist appraiser? I truly believe when trading, the Carfax will show the hit and the offer will go down at least a grand. Insurance should put you back where you were right before the accident I'd like to think!

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Yes, the hit wouldn't be the end of the world but, I didn't cause the accident, didn't get the ticket, just minding my own business. It's like getting socked in the mouth once, then they do it again...just because. It stinks all the way around. At least, make me whole and be done with it!!

The Sandman

qbrozen

Price drop last night on this gem.
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/726034236/overview?aff=share_other

stickguy

Do you feel lucky punk?

not far from me if you want me to run down and check it out. I never drove something like that on their little racetrack!

Miles are lowish. And certainly cheap. Though of course, that is just the entry point into your wallet. Too bad though it is black over black.

qbrozen

Oh I am in no place to buy anything right now

stickguy

yeah. I was just looking for an excuse!

qbrozen

Fin had a good experience with his E55, so it might be OK.

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

nyccarguy said:

Nice car, but the price looks kinda high for a stick shift coupe with a dirty car fax.

Which car is this?

Whoops. Forgot to post the link:

https://www.bmwofmamaroneck.com/detail-2015-bmw-4_series-435i_xdrive-used-17396980.html

fintail

That S55 will be fine mechanically (keep the transmission serviced), but the suspension can be dramatic. Wheels are incorrect - the stock monoblocks are worth more. These are the traditional normally aspirated engines, not the later supercharged or turbo AMG cars. I like the "not a previous rental" bit.

laurasdada

andres3 said:

So other than @breld, anyone else have a punch in the last month? I've behind and just had to skip hundreds of posts to catch up.

Well, it looks like someone punched a hole in my grille...

Mr_Shiftright

stickguy said:

Do you feel lucky punk?

not far from me if you want me to run down and check it out. I never drove something like that on their little racetrack!

Miles are lowish. And certainly cheap. Though of course, that is just the entry point into your wallet. Too bad though it is black over black.

This is one of those "nerves of steel" purchases, but it could turn out ok (for a while at least). I'd advise putting wing nuts on the license plate studs, though, because if something big goes wrong inside that car, you might as well just leave it there, with the keys in it and a "free" sign on the windshield.

qbrozen

nyccarguy said:

nyccarguy said:

Nice car, but the price looks kinda high for a stick shift coupe with a dirty car fax.

Which car is this?

Whoops. Forgot to post the link: https://www.bmwofmamaroneck.com/detail-2015-bmw-4_series-435i_xdrive-used-17396980.html

Hey, only $8500 markup! What a deal!

stickguy

nice looking at least. And a good example of the frustration with carfax. It just says accident. Tells you nothing, but still hammers the value. Could have been a parking lot bump, maybe a new bumper cover, or a major reworking.

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

nyccarguy said:

qbrozen said:

nyccarguy said:

Nice car, but the price looks kinda high for a stick shift coupe with a dirty car fax.

Which car is this?

Whoops. Forgot to post the link:

https://www.bmwofmamaroneck.com/detail-2015-bmw-4_series-435i_xdrive-used-17396980.html

Hey, only $8500 markup! What a deal!

I'd love to hear the line of BS the UCM would give on a trade.

"You know, you have a gorgeous car here. It is the perfect color, with lots of desirable options (///M SPort, X-Drive, Navigation, Heated Seats). I could forgive the fact that it is a Coupe which has fallen out of favor (everybody wants an SUV or Crossover nowadays), but with a manual transmission (which I myself prefer) AND a hit on the CarFax I'd be lucky if we are even able to sell this at an auction."

andres3

sandman_6472 said:

Yes, the hit wouldn't be the end of the world but, I didn't cause the accident, didn't get the ticket, just minding my own business. It's like getting socked in the mouth once, then they do it again...just because. It stinks all the way around. At least, make me whole and be done with it!!

The Sandman

I think it's more like being socked in the jaw, and they pay for the stitches, but not the broken tooth! Or they replace the broken tooth with an ugly silver one and call it a day. And those stitches, never mind if your scarred horribly ugly, you are as good as new according to the Insurance industry!