Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

graphicguy

thebean said:

graphicguy said:

au1994 said:

fintail said:

The friend of mine who somewhat impulse-bought a green MKZ after leasing one now dislikes the car and wants out of it. I've told him he needs to deal with it or face taking a bath, as ~5 months of depreciation on something like that (I forget if it is a 17 or 18) will be brutal. It is a nicely equipped model, MSRP was ~55K. I suspect 40K-ish is more like it now. He complains of some build quality issues, electronics glitches, and claims it is slower than the prior car. It's going to be fun seeing if he deals with it, or loses his shirt.

Also visited with a co-worker who just picked up a heavily optioned 15 S5 coupe, black on black. Just got a flat tire, decided to replace them all, over $1500 - nice. He's enjoying it though, and it does have style.

Yep, any lease this early into it, he’s buried.  You might see the break even point or even a little positive equity on a Camcord lease in the last couple of months but that’s rare. Being a domestic he will be better off toughing it out unless he’s a fan of negative equity or writing big checks 

Well....I think I’d rather visit my proctologist first. Seeing the precipitous fall in value on that MKZ is going to be worse than that prostrate exam!

The prostate exam is done by a urologist, not a proctologist.  Take it from someone with experience in these matters.  



Who knew?

fintail

I'll probably talk to him over the weekend, I think I will encourage him to move on as early as he can, if he truly dislikes the car. Then I can get involved with his car-hunting - I am about 8 months out from a normal pull-forward, should I do that, so I'll get to live vicariously.

carnaught said:

@fintail, agree with you. Think it’s bettter for your friend to take his hit sooner rather than later since he wants to get out of his MKZ. It’s not going to be pretty with any scenerio, but you warned him.

nyccarguy

@fintail

What is MB's usual Pull Ahead Program? Do they forgive over mileage if you take another Mercedes?

qbrozen

Email I just got:

fintail

When I visited the dealer a couple weeks ago, I was told they are at 6 months right now.

I think forgiving might be on a case by case basis, but I suspect they do, within reason. My first lease, which had a scraped front bumper far in excess of the "credit card rule" (thanks awesome road quality!) and a stone chip in a glass running light, had all damage forgiven when I re-upped.

nyccarguy said:

@fintail

What is MB's usual Pull Ahead Program? Do they forgive over mileage if you take another Mercedes?

Sandman6472

Finally got so frustrated by noon, so I got on the phone with my insurance company and got in touch with some person above my adjuster. Long story short is after being on hold for what seemed like an hour, was told that they are fast tracking my claim and will call me before the night is over. I said sure but didn't expect squat. Even the collision guy called me and said they need to make a decision here or we want the vehicle gone so we can use the space for other clients.
Of course, no phone call but got an email late in the afternoon from the adjuster. She finally went out, saw the work needed and approved the extra work. My Golf is being fixed to the tune of over $6500 and they agreed to put a new rear door on the vehicle, something they didn't want to do. But, they finally agreed to do it so we're moving forward. I just wanted an answer one way or the other. Either fix it or total it but make a decision.
After pushing them, they also agreed to pay for another 9 days of my rental since they procrastinated here, their words...not mine. So got what I wanted, an answer and additional time for my rental. They even agreed that the collision shop I chose is top notch and I should get it back in perfect shape! We shall see but I will make sure it is fixed right with no rattles and that the alignment is dead on straight or I won't accept it. The collision guy was very impressed and couldn't believe that I got them to finally commit within a few hours but it had to be done by someone.
Looking at the first week of April for it to be completed and hoping for the best here. And if after all is said and done, and if I'm not happy, I can always trade out into something else. But am hoping it's in great shape to get me through the next couple of years.

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Found out a close friend from growing up in Westchester passed on Monday and we're all in shock and devestated. Kind of put things in perspective after I heard the news. One of the finest ladies I have ever known, one of "the good ones" as they say, lost too soon. We were talking through emails a couple weeks back about how blessed we both are with our kids making new families and all, she had just retired and was enjoying time with her grandkids. And within less than two weeks, she's gone!
The emails started this morning and haven't stopped. Service is a week from tomorrow in Briarcliff Manor and though I'd love to fly up for the weekend, just not possible. Am trying to get the class to send something to the service and though I'm down here, have gotten the ball rolling. From a couple of folks I emailed, they like my idea and will make sure it happens. The least we can do for such a nice person.
But, it did put some perspective on life and the pitfalls and situations we go through and can see things a bit more clearly now. Another life's lessons learned today!!!

The Sandman

ronsteve

tifighter said:

Your post made me look at what a used 15 XC70 would go for. Here in the PNW, the lowest one listed on cargurus is $33k, so you aren't THAT far off with your range. As you know from having a V70, the XC70 has a lot more cargo space than a V60. It's nicer inside too.

This one is actually not in a bad spot on price, but pushing it on mileage and I'm still a bit wishy-washy on the first year of the Drive-E combo... https://www.lexusoflouisville.com/VehicleDetails/used-2015-Volvo-XC70-2015.5_FWD_4dr_Wgn_T5_Drive_E_Premier-Louisville-KY/3167000333

Another example that doesn't save many miles but takes a big jump up in price, but it's a T6... https://www.volvooflouisville.com/used/Volvo/2015-Volvo-XC70-ddf152290a0e0ae844812eb18b4244ed.htm

And in the V60 realm, this almost makes me wish I was ready to pull the trigger on SOMEthing, but I'm not just yet. https://www.volvooflouisville.com/used/Volvo/2015-Volvo-V60-59973ccb0a0e0aea0064758b059f9c02.htm

qbrozen

V60 is very nice and seems like a lot of car for the money, especially with those miles. I'd definitely want a better color combo, though.

stickguy

Nice V60, but I prefer the FWD model. Cheaper, better MPG, and less complexity and maintenance issues down the line.

qbrozen

stickguy said:

Nice V60, but I prefer the FWD model. Cheaper, better MPG, and less complexity and maintenance issues down the line.

Here ya go. Dark interior, but tough to beat the value.
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/share/194171845

xwesx

Q: For tags, they include the residual value. Eg.., if tags are two-year renewals, and you are 18 months in, then they'll reimburse the last six months of the registration.

qbrozen

And the winner of this week's depreciation award is...

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/share/198193458

That's about 40% down from a $50k sticker in 1 yr.

Sandman6472

Just called Sirius/XM and suspended my subscription till April 1st, they wouldn't go back to the March 1st but such is life, should've called earlier. They assured me that this will be free but makes no sense to keep it going while it sits at the collision center. Also this morning while making phone calls, called Apple support about my battery running down a bit too quickly on my iPhone 6s Plus and qualify for a new $29 battery. So, was told that within 5 days, the local Apple store will call me/email me as to when I need to come in to have the battery replaced. Might as well as even though I would like the new "8" or even the "X", it's really not necessary as they are a bit pricey. Figure I'll wait till either 2019 or 2020 to get the current iPhone that's out then. For $29 plus tax, seems like the best way to go here as not wanting to spend upwards of $900 for the newest phone.
I was lucky and got my current 6s Plus on eBay and it was brand new also. Might go that route the next time but will only buy new and unused.

The Sandman

stickguy

the V60 is low option, but for the price, could make it work. Dark inside though.

And that is some serious depreciation on the S90. Would be better with different color interior. pretty steep miles for a 17, but price reflects that.

kyfdx

Half-Irish

Mr_Shiftright

stickguy said:

you people and your GTI obsession. I really don't think that is a Sandy mobile. I try to tailor my recommendations to the buyer, not what I like!

Hey, you're supposed to manifest addictive behavior while you're in here!

qbrozen said:

V60 is very nice and seems like a lot of car for the money, especially with those miles. I'd definitely want a better color combo, though.

And he gets "permaplate" for the bargain price of $599!

qbrozen

stickguy said:

the V60 is low option, but for the price, could make it work. Dark inside though. And that is some serious depreciation on the S90. Would be better with different color interior. pretty steep miles for a 17, but price reflects that.

Hole in the roof and heat in the seats. That's all that matters.

Mr_Shiftright

OK, amateur detectives, go for it:

Can You ID This Car Involved in Criminal Activity?

tjc78

sandman_6472 said:

Just called Sirius/XM and suspended my subscription till April 1st, they wouldn't go back to the March 1st but such is life, should've called earlier. They assured me that this will be free but makes no sense to keep it going while it sits at the collision center. Also this morning while making phone calls, called Apple support about my battery running down a bit too quickly on my iPhone 6s Plus and qualify for a new $29 battery. So, was told that within 5 days, the local Apple store will call me/email me as to when I need to come in to have the battery replaced. Might as well as even though I would like the new "8" or even the "X", it's really not necessary as they are a bit pricey. Figure I'll wait till either 2019 or 2020 to get the current iPhone that's out then. For $29 plus tax, seems like the best way to go here as not wanting to spend upwards of $900 for the newest phone.
I was lucky and got my current 6s Plus on eBay and it was brand new also. Might go that route the next time but will only buy new and unused.

The Sandman

Why don’t you just do the Next plan with AT&T? They give you interest free financing right in your bill. After one year (if you choose) you can turn it in for a new one. I’m keeping my 7S plus until it’s paid so I’ll have an extra for my kids to play with in the house. I’ll disconnect service but it will still work on WiFi in the house.

fintail

I talked to my Lincoln friend today - urged him to move on asap if he hates the car, as there's no light at the end of the tunnel. He lamented it, saying how his prior MKZ was trouble-free. I told him either that was normal and this is a bad one, or this is normal and the prior car was a good one.

He also told me a couple fun things - the vent function on the sunroof stopped working, and the service dept of his local dealer isn't open on Saturday. He's not thrilled with it.

andres3

nyccarguy said:

You should test drive a GTI

Everyone should test drive a GTI in S-mode.

andres3

fintail said:

I talked to my Lincoln friend today - urged him to move on asap if he hates the car, as there's no light at the end of the tunnel. He lamented it, saying how his prior MKZ was trouble-free. I told him either that was normal and this is a bad one, or this is normal and the prior car was a good one.

He also told me a couple fun things - the vent function on the sunroof stopped working, and the service dept of his local dealer isn't open on Saturday. He's not thrilled with it.

Had an infamous Audi Check Engine light stay on for about 100 miles during my fun weekend drive last weekend. Stayed on through about 3 or 4 starts. However, on the drive home it was off. Self-correcting, self-healing???

I have a feeling I overfilled the engine motor oil by 1% that morning, and it didn't like me for that. Had to burn some off, and all is OK.

Sandman6472

Want to get away from AT&T actually. My oldest will get on her fiance's AT&T plan once they marry next year and then we'll get our other daughter to go on her own. We'd like to go to T-Mobile for their 55 and older plan. And I don't want a new phone every year. If I get the one I want at the price I want, can always sell my perfect condition current iPhone6s Plus or just give it to my wife since she's the only one left on an android device. But think selling it will be the better move so she can do the buy one, get one with our oldest.
But all depends if I win the auction. If not, no harm done and I just keep what I got. But then I'll just get the new battery and move on. I'm good with either scenario really. Have the funds already in my PayPal account just in case.

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Naturally, the $40 gift card from Hyundai didn't go through. I called and have to bring it back to have it redone. But turns out I can get a $40 Target gift card which the wife thinks is better. Either way, will stop in during the week to get 'er done. Might even go for the test drive in the Kona and Elantra GT just to see how they both drive. Have temp put off trying anymore vehicles and will wait and see how the Golf turns out. If in perfect shape with no little issues, I'll just stay the course and drive it since the battery is relatively new as well as the tires. Trying to be positive going forward and hoping for the best but with no expectations.

The Sandman

tbirdmarco

Sandy. They’re fixing your golf which is great news of course yes before you get it back to test drive it thoroughly before you so many people work and if all is not good have them corrected totally agree yes you’re thinking positive what the heck going to strive towards course just so you know for the future and just cause you can play due to screw suspended your XM radio subscription to include you getting your phone battery issue fixed

tbirdmarco

 Class action lawsuit on the iPhone batteries if I’m not mistaken have to look it up but it’s all nothing to fix it sorry to hear about your friend likes to short like you said by what you want because you only live once to enjoy cars or whatever the case maybe nothing in life is perfect 

tbirdmarco

 Your friend has the bed MKZ his prior one was a problem free that could happen unfortunately they seem like minor issues he’s having but if you wants to bill out now would be the best time then wait since he’s not leasing and purchased it with you advised him against doing Ha ha ha hopefully doesn’t take too much of a bath getting out of it 

Sandman6472

Yes, spoke with Apple today and my phone is eligible for the $29 new battery which has since been ordered and the Boca Raton store will call me to set up an appointment. Seems to be a fairly easy peasy situation which is a welcome relief to be honest. Not sure they really need to do this but nice that they are as a good will gesture. I read what they put out and think most people didn't understand it clearly. In order to make a bad situation go away, Apple decided to give this excellent battery deal to shut folks up.
But since my phone qualified, I called today and they had all my information and said I do qualify. Maybe it'll let me have longer battery life because now, it's going pretty fast throughout the day. Sure hope this fixes that issue!!

The Sandman

tjc78

sandman_6472 said:

Yes, spoke with Apple today and my phone is eligible for the $29 new battery which has since been ordered and the Boca Raton store will call me to set up an appointment. Seems to be a fairly easy peasy situation which is a welcome relief to be honest. Not sure they really need to do this but nice that they are as a good will gesture. I read what they put out and think most people didn't understand it clearly. In order to make a bad situation go away, Apple decided to give this excellent battery deal to shut folks up.
But since my phone qualified, I called today and they had all my information and said I do qualify. Maybe it'll let me have longer battery life because now, it's going pretty fast throughout the day. Sure hope this fixes that issue!!

The Sandman

Do they actually swap the battery or just swap your phone for a like model?

Car related:
I know this is strange but maybe the other car guys can relate. At work there are many people with the same vehicles, but out of 100+ cars our Enclave’s have been exclusive. Well no more all week I’ve seen a freshly plated black on black Enclave same trim level as ours. Haven’t seen who is driving it, but based on the absence of a silver Expedition in the same area of the lot I think I know.

andres3

kyfdx said:

qbrozen said:

Well of course the shop is marking it up. And they are probably buying from a dealer, so it is the most expensive way for you to get the grille.

somebody refresh my memory: when a car is totalled, they pay you replacement cost including taxes and tags, no?

Yes... replacement plus tax.. Not sure about tags

In CA having a car totalled is the one way you can get a partial pro-rated (with math in their favor) refund on tags/license/registration. Sell one day after renewal and you get no refund.

andres3

fintail said:

The friend of mine who somewhat impulse-bought a green MKZ after leasing one now dislikes the car and wants out of it. I've told him he needs to deal with it or face taking a bath, as ~5 months of depreciation on something like that (I forget if it is a 17 or 18) will be brutal. It is a nicely equipped model, MSRP was ~55K. I suspect 40K-ish is more like it now. He complains of some build quality issues, electronics glitches, and claims it is slower than the prior car. It's going to be fun seeing if he deals with it, or loses his shirt.

Also visited with a co-worker who just picked up a heavily optioned 15 S5 coupe, black on black. Just got a flat tire, decided to replace them all, over $1500 - nice. He's enjoying it though, and it does have style.

I suppose in a quick test drive (4 right turns) you can't always spot iffy build quality, glitches may take time to develop, but there is no reason to not know it was slower than a prior car.

andres3

fintail said:

Yep, inside and out. He wanted something unique, this is definitely that. Probably won't help resale.

Funny thing too - he is roughly my age (just turned 40), has a good job and can swing a 50K car, grew up in a Honda family, and has a thing for American cars. He mentioned he wants to replace the Lincoln with a Cadillac (he test drove a CT6 and loved it, but the dealer played games). I am going to tell him to drive a loaded new Accord. He thinks German cars are overpriced (yet a 50K+ MKZ was fine) and the Infinitis and Lexus he has tried didn't get him going.

28firefighter said:

Ooof. And it's that green color, too, right?

Funny, I find the new '06 A3 I bought in 2006 to be the ultimate automotive value of a lifetime purchase. I think Audi pulled a Lexus LS move with that car when it first came out and priced it low to get new fan-boys to join the team.

I got it for a hair over $30K out the door. The Alltrack when negotiated hard was just about the same cost, and it has the 1.8 instead of a 2.0T!!!!! Granted, it has AWD, but it's a VW not an Audi. There is a bit of inflation to account for from 2006 to 2017 as well. Still, I'm calling it my best purchase ever. I probably under-sold it at $8,000, but that's about $7,000 more than the Neon sold for. $22K for all the fun I had with that car???? Amazing. Of course, I probably did put several thousand in mods into it by the end, but those mods got used appropriately at the track.

andres3

fintail said:

I'll probably talk to him over the weekend, I think I will encourage him to move on as early as he can, if he truly dislikes the car. Then I can get involved with his car-hunting - I am about 8 months out from a normal pull-forward, should I do that, so I'll get to live vicariously.

carnaught said:

@fintail, agree with you. Think it’s bettter for your friend to take his hit sooner rather than later since he wants to get out of his MKZ. It’s not going to be pretty with any scenerio, but you warned him.

I saw my first Accord 2.0T in the real world. The rear looks good to me. I like the rear. Better than the front, for sure. I wonder how it drives. Is it really a cheaper luxury performance sedan, or is it an imposter?

andres3

sandman_6472 said:

Just called Sirius/XM and suspended my subscription till April 1st, they wouldn't go back to the March 1st but such is life, should've called earlier. They assured me that this will be free but makes no sense to keep it going while it sits at the collision center. Also this morning while making phone calls, called Apple support about my battery running down a bit too quickly on my iPhone 6s Plus and qualify for a new $29 battery. So, was told that within 5 days, the local Apple store will call me/email me as to when I need to come in to have the battery replaced. Might as well as even though I would like the new "8" or even the "X", it's really not necessary as they are a bit pricey. Figure I'll wait till either 2019 or 2020 to get the current iPhone that's out then. For $29 plus tax, seems like the best way to go here as not wanting to spend upwards of $900 for the newest phone.
I was lucky and got my current 6s Plus on eBay and it was brand new also. Might go that route the next time but will only buy new and unused.

The Sandman

I could see including Sirius in the bill/claim to the at-fault insurance company, but if you have a rental with Sirius, it's a bit hard to make that claim as a "loss."

fintail

I think he will take a bath no matter what. He has a 60 month note - what will the car be worth then, especially if Lincoln abandons most of the passenger car line? Not a lot, and if it has constant issues, he'll go insane. At least the issues don't leave the car unusable, I guess.

tbirdmarco said:

 Your friend has the bed MKZ his prior one was a problem free that could happen unfortunately they seem like minor issues he’s having but if you wants to bill out now would be the best time then wait since he’s not leasing and purchased it with you advised him against doing Ha ha ha hopefully doesn’t take too much of a bath getting out of it 

fintail

That's the thing - it's the same powertrain variant (hybrid). But he swears the old one was faster, I suspect perception is an issue. He also claims the engine in this one has to work harder.

My old E55 would throw error lights now and then - simply restarting the car would cure it. The early 00s were not a zenith of German car quality. You have to add oil to the Audi? Must be a VW thing, I have seen older Audis with black smoke too. You might be right on the A3 - it could have been a loss leaser. USDM German cars are generally cheaper than in Germany too - sales volumes make up for it.

The Accord doesn't have a pretty face, but it seems to offer a lot of material for the money, and is better looking than a Camry anyway, at least IMO. If I was mainstream car shopping, it would be at the top of my list.

andres3 said:

I suppose in a quick test drive (4 right turns) you can't always spot iffy build quality, glitches may take time to develop, but there is no reason to not know it was slower than a prior car.

breld

Punch.  

@michaell and @jpp5862 joined me, my wife and kids for lunch and then helped me shop.  Darn enablers!  

qbrozen

XC90?

breld

breld

That’s just the one in the showroom.  I just got out of financing and am waiting for mine to be ready.  

Its white over the vintage tan leather.  Diesel.  

Michaell

breld said:

That’s just the one in the showroom.  I just got out of financing and am waiting for mine to be ready.  

Its white over the vintage tan leather.  Diesel.  

It's sharp! Was good to watch the master in action.

tjc78

Congrats @breld! 

qbrozen

Oh, a second Rover owner in the room. Congrats. Although, with as much horse trading as you do, "congratulations" seems excessive. Maybe just a virtual high five is in order.

stickguy

so Durango was traded in on this beast I assume?

andres3

fintail said:

That's the thing - it's the same powertrain variant (hybrid). But he swears the old one was faster, I suspect perception is an issue. He also claims the engine in this one has to work harder.

My old E55 would throw error lights now and then - simply restarting the car would cure it. The early 00s were not a zenith of German car quality. You have to add oil to the Audi? Must be a VW thing, I have seen older Audis with black smoke too. You might be right on the A3 - it could have been a loss leaser. USDM German cars are generally cheaper than in Germany too - sales volumes make up for it.

The Accord doesn't have a pretty face, but it seems to offer a lot of material for the money, and is better looking than a Camry anyway, at least IMO. If I was mainstream car shopping, it would be at the top of my list.

andres3 said:

I suppose in a quick test drive (4 right turns) you can't always spot iffy build quality, glitches may take time to develop, but there is no reason to not know it was slower than a prior car.

That's why I may have overfilled it. It appeared to be just barely, maybe almost 2/10th's of a quart low on the dipstick, and I was using a 5L jug I bought from my S4 days that is still pretty full with a funnel cup. Normally I'd let that little below the top line go for longer before topping off. The A3 drank a quart every 5,000 miles, so at 2,500 miles I'd put in half a quart. Those older 2.0T were known for drinking some oil. I think the specification on oil consumption allowed was quite generous. It appears the TTS needs about a quarter of that, if that, or none at all. The S4 didn't drink the stuff either.

benjaminh

My wife and I are now making our last payment on her 2013 Accord EXL-navi. It's been a great car, and only has 50k on it after 5 years. Probably the best thing to do financially for us is to keep it for another 3-5 years. We have the HondaCare extended warranty until early 2021, and so it seems like it makes sense to keep the car at least until then.

On the other hand, my wife has complained at times about the lack of AndroidAuto in her car, which my 2016 Accord has.

If the next Accord Hybrid has a base model that's c. $27k, and her trade-in is c. $11k, is there any way it makes sense to trade in for that? Probably not. That still means c. $16k to finance over 5 years, and the gas savings of c. $500 a year (or at most $50 a month) doesn't come close to covering that. On the other hand, we're going to have to buy a new set of tires in maybe a year or so, and that might be as much as $1000. Still, I just can't see a rational reason for buying a new car. We'd best stick with what we've got.

stickguy

yes, that makes a lot of sense. But remember where you are!

actually, if you are just looking at another Accord, the rational to change is even weaker. At least if you are trying to convince yourself you "need" something different you can make a better case. Though of course, I have a grand plan of trading the RDX for a next generation one!

that few miles, at least you would get a good price for it. But not going to depreciate much in a couple more years at 60K miles. and a set of tires is what, 2 payments? Probably not even the sales tax!

tifighter

breld said:

That’s just the one in the showroom.  I just got out of financing and am waiting for mine to be ready.  

Its white over the vintage tan leather.  Diesel.  

Congrats @breld you’re a legend. I’d be curious to hear your thoughts on that motor after you’ve driven it for awhile. Passing power when loaded, response around town, etc.

Michaell

stickguy said:

so Durango was traded in on this beast I assume?

Yep - check RWTIV for the number.