Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

kyfdx

qbrozen said:

Dammit! Boredom has gotten the better of me and I perused BaT. Shouldn't have done that. I want this:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1996-land-rover-range-rover/?utm_source=dailymail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2018-03-23

That's pretty much the same Range Rover that I could have bought for $500, last year.
Slightly different condition.

It's a lot better in theory, than in practice... though, I still wish I'd bought it for $500.

It ended up selling through an auction website for about $2700.

stickguy

interesting looking. owner did a whole lotta work on it. Would not want to pay dealer prices for all that.

I guess if the LR you have isn't enough excitement for you, could be fun to have.

qbrozen

the LR2 is the wife's, and really not my speed. Drove it to the train station 35 mins from my house today and didn't enjoy it. I don't find it comfortable, and it handles pretty poorly for such a "small" thing. Pretty sure my F150 corners better, believe it or not.

kyfdx

I don't think that Range Rover will be an upgrade... far from it.

corvette

It's pretty, though.

qbrozen

I dunno. Working air suspension might do well. And I'm sure it is more comfy than hers. My issue with hers is that I feel like I'm sitting bolt upright and the windows come all the way down to my waist. Like one of those vehicles you sit ON rather than IN. Of course, I did not feel quite that way when she first got it, so could just be me getting too used to my truck.

breld

qbrozen said:

... so could just be me getting too used to my truck.

I was thinking about you and your F-150 over the past couple days, as I've been getting used to the Land Rover.

Very much like yourself, my past ownership leans toward small sporty vehicles, from my old '90 Civic Si, to the Prelude that followed it, to the many enthusiast-oriented BMWs we've owned and, of course, most recently to the Type R.

And I still enjoy driving those immensely. But where I've settled, at least at this point in my life, is that I really enjoy driving a larger, roomier, SUV. And a truck-like one at that. The extent that I liked my Durango played a large role in selecting the Discovery over the Q7 or XC90.

Just curious as to your thoughts - you seem to be really enjoying the experience of driving the F-150. What about it appeals to you, since it's such a departure from your previous vehicles of choice?

28firefighter

This week's unicorn deal from a CA I know: 2017 BMW 530i loaner - MSRP 64k, Monthly $399, $1000 due at signing. 24/10 lease. In case anyone knows someone shopping in the PNW.

qbrozen

While I'd rather not have such a large vehicle for maneuvering and parking, I love the comfort and space afforded the driver, not to mention the vantage point on the road. And, of course, in this instance, more than enough power to leave most family sedans in the dust.

 I'm sure there is a middle road for me somewhere out there. What I really need is a small sporty car with high seating position where the front row is like 75% driver's seat.

nyccarguy

"loaded, not stripped"

Don't you mean equipped, not stripped?

28firefighter

nyccarguy said:

"loaded, not stripped"

Don't you mean equipped, not stripped?

I can't bring myself to write that and you've now made me self conscious that I sound like a used car salesman.

pensfan83

28firefighter said:

This week's unicorn deal from a CA I know: 2017 BMW 530i loaner - MSRP 64k, Monthly $399, $1000 due at signing. 24/10 lease. In case anyone knows someone shopping in the PNW.

That's a no brainer if your in the market for a 5 series.

corvette

pensfan83 said:

That's a no brainer if your in the market for a 5 series.

Very tempting. Some of the lease deals I've seen on Scat Pack Chargers make it look tempting as a potential Mustang replacement--I would definitely drive that more, since it would have to be more comfortable. Also, I saw a couple of lease deals on 2017 3-liter Jaguar XFs that looked nice, as well. I don't think the 2018s lease as well.

Sandman6472

Had planned on going to the collision shop yesterday after getting my new battery at the Apple store but as expected, got called into work about 11:45. Just want to see how things stand now that the new door arrived Wednesday. Would've gone tomorrow morning but again, needed at work from 8 till we finish whatever we're doing.
Am off Tuesday, so will drop in and view their progress. Just need a ballpark figure as to when they'll be done so I can make arrangements about returning the rental. But want to drive the Golf a bit before I lose the RAV4 just in case things aren't, well..."perfect" like I've been promised!! Learned years ago with the 1993 Camry, don't sign off on collision work before a thorough drive and look around as if there are issues, the rental ain't going back! We went through hell with the Camry and within a week, she got a new 1995 Camry as she was afraid to drive the old one. So, there's a history with this in the family.

The Sandman

Sandman6472

My wife's friend/client came over tonight and brought her 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited and really thought it was a Sonata when I walked up to it! Really nice in the silver color and the 17" alloy rims. Sunroof, leather seats and power everything and it's about the size of the A3 so it should fit on my side of the garage. Definitely like it and with all the stuff on it, could work for me.
Wanted to ask for a test drive but some folks are a bit funny about that so decided to just do it at the dealer if things progress that far. Just from seeing one in the flesh and all the stuff the "Limited" comes with, think I could easily live with one.
So am being honest here, odds are pretty decent that I'm going to trade the Golf sooner than later. All depends on how things go with the deductible payback and the diminished value claim. If these things could be worked out to my satisfaction, the Golf will be a goner as soon as it takes me to find something I like as much. That will be difficult but, will know it when I see/drive it. And nothing is certain at this juncture, NOTHING!!

The Sandman

fintail

I really need to get in touch with you when I am eligible to re-up.

28firefighter said:

This week's unicorn deal from a CA I know: 2017 BMW 530i loaner - MSRP 64k, Monthly $399, $1000 due at signing. 24/10 lease. In case anyone knows someone shopping in the PNW.

stickguy

same here!

corvette

Yeah. Mentally, I look at a $50k truck or a $65k SUV / luxury sedan and think they're way out of my price range, but a lot of these deals aren't.

qbrozen

corvette said:

That's a no brainer if your in the market for a 5 series.

Very tempting. Some of the lease deals I've seen on Scat Pack Chargers make it look tempting as a potential Mustang replacement--I would definitely drive that more, since it would have to be more comfortable. Also, I saw a couple of lease deals on 2017 3-liter Jaguar XFs that looked nice, as well. I don't think the 2018s lease as well.

Do tell on the Chargers, please.

Sandman6472

As much as I wanted to go to the funeral for my school friend in Briarcliff Manor, wasn't able to go. Feel badly about that but the timing just was way off for me to go to New York for a few days. A shame such a wonderful woman is gone from our world!! I know she will rest in peace!!

The Sandman

28firefighter

I have an illness. And if you’re flexible and have enough lead time, I can work magic. 

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

corvette said:

That's a no brainer if your in the market for a 5 series.

Very tempting. Some of the lease deals I've seen on Scat Pack Chargers make it look tempting as a potential Mustang replacement--I would definitely drive that more, since it would have to be more comfortable. Also, I saw a couple of lease deals on 2017 3-liter Jaguar XFs that looked nice, as well. I don't think the 2018s lease as well.

Do tell on the Chargers, please.

Inquiring minds want to know.  Did you say Scat Pack?  

fintail

Assuming these deals are eligible for pull forward, I will have a 6 month window. Who knows what might happen?

28firefighter said:

I have an illness. And if you’re flexible and have enough lead time, I can work magic. 

Michaell

28firefighter said:

I have an illness. And if you’re flexible and have enough lead time, I can work magic. 

Me thinks you're in trouble now, with this crowd.

28firefighter

My wife wishes to thank you all in advance for occupying me and distracting me from leasing another car for us. 

nyccarguy

28firefighter said:

nyccarguy said:

"loaded, not stripped"

Don't you mean equipped, not stripped?

I can't bring myself to write that and you've now made me self conscious that I sound like a used car salesman.

LOL! There was a dealer group in NJ, Bob Ciasulli (Sha-Zu-Lee) that ran SCREAMER ads on the radio for years:

GALANT S!
$199 A MONTH!
NO MONEY DOWN!
GALANT S!
EQUIPPED! NOT STRIPPED!
GALANT S!
$199 A MONTH!
NO MONEY DOWN!

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

My wife wishes to thank you all in advance for occupying me and distracting me from leasing another car for us. 

That is one thing about leasing... it can actually slow you down, a little.

When you own the car... it's easy to replace. Or, put a for sale sign on it, when you get the next one, and tell the wife you plan on selling it..

ab348

kyfdx said:

That is one thing about leasing... it can actually slow you down, a little.

When you own the car... it's easy to replace. Or, put a for sale sign on it, when you get the next one, and tell the wife you plan on selling it..

I guess so, though things like Leasebusters can start up the addiction all over again.

qbrozen

I know I'm definitely in my truck till lease end. 2 years in the same vehicle will be my longest stint in quite some time.

15 mos to go.

andres3

kyfdx said:

28firefighter said:

My wife wishes to thank you all in advance for occupying me and distracting me from leasing another car for us. 

That is one thing about leasing... it can actually slow you down, a little.

When you own the car... it's easy to replace. Or, put a for sale sign on it, when you get the next one, and tell the wife you plan on selling it..

Slow you down, or make you feel stuck with a boat anchor?

mjfloyd1

I am on the hunt for a big block C2 corvette.

I had this car inspected after I was told that it had no front end work (passenger door to front fender gap looks a little wide and front of hood sits a little low) and had no frame damage.

https://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/cto/d/1966-corvette-427-roadster/6537814193.html

It has had the nose and both front quarters replaced and has a frame repair for rust. Also the entire drivetrain is not original.

I'm not sure if he is clueless or just fishing for a sucker??

breld

Alright - we’re down to our goal of 3 cars (not counting the daughter’s Jetta).  

My wife was determined to let the Mini go, knowing the Volvo is the one to keep as her main car.  Carmax offered $8,000 for it.  Q pegged it at $7-7,500 and I actually misspoke and said it was a 2013.  It’s actually a 2012 so we thought we should take the $8k and run (We got a quote from echo park for $7,000).  

Mr_Shiftright

mjfloyd1 said:

I am on the hunt for a big block C2 corvette.

I had this car inspected after I was told that it had no front end work (passenger door to front fender gap looks a little wide and front of hood sits a little low) and had no frame damage.

https://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/cto/d/1966-corvette-427-roadster/6537814193.html

It has had the nose and both front quarters replaced and has a frame repair for rust. Also the entire drivetrain is not original.

I'm not sure if he is clueless or just fishing for a sucker??

Engine seems to be stamped "IP" --that is correct for the year. Maybe it doesn't match the VIN, is what you are saying?

Anyway, didn't the price tell yo right off it wasn't a straight car? A #2 '66 Roadster, all correct with a 425HP would go for 2X that asking price.

I wouldn't judge this era Corvette by panel gaps--they sort of slammed these cars together back then. The main thing, as you know, is to look for the quality and condition of the body shell and for rust in the birdcage.

mjfloyd1

Stamp pad is re-stamped. Car assembly Jan of 66 when you decode VIN and trim tags. Block date code is Sept 65. Too early for this car.

I wouldn't be bothered by all this had he been honest about it. It don't think it would have been worth $130k - I've seen nice ones sold by dealers for $90k.

I looked at another and it had the original motor but had a one piece front end that was poorly installed so the lines were off from the door to front fender. He said prior owner had backed out of garage and turned too quickly and hit the garage door frame. it also had a hole in the front crossmember so it must have been in a front end accident and torqued the frame crossmember.

Mr_Shiftright

How did you tell it was restamped? The photo isn't very clear. Was there a "ghost" image or uneven pressure?

Yeah, you HAVE to get these cars on a lift--you can't tell enough just walking around them.


And right you are, you can get a #2/2- car for $85K-$90K, but if you want the best, you'll pay more. Of course, those cars look better than anything Chevrolet built back in the day--over-restored, if you will.

mjfloyd1

NCRS judge inspected it for me

mjfloyd1

NCRS judge inspected it for me. Stamp pad has side to side marks. Broach marks should go front to back. No broach marks visible. Block date code too early for assembly date of car

Mr_Shiftright

Well that was smart getting him to check it out. So the seller never mentioned re-stamping? Did he represent the car as matching, or was he evasive?

If he stamped it himself, that's fraud if he didn't state that.

I've seen re-stamped blocks that are clearly advertised as such.

mjfloyd1

It's weird now. They now say "matching numbers" which doesn't mean anything anymore. "Original motor" or "original drivetrain" is what you want to hear now. But there is lots of dishonesty.

In the end I'm glad that I paid $275 for an inspection rather than try to figure it out myself and get screwed.

Mr_Shiftright

Oh yeah. You don't want to buy a car with a big fat question mark over it unless you buy at a substantial discount.

I'm not sure why vintage Corvette buyers are so sensitive to "matching numbers" while buyers of other cars, often worth far more, aren't---but that's the way it is.

Of course, if he had a "date correct" block, even if it wasn't matching numbers, that would be better.

By the way, I'm not sure that a Sept '65 dated engine is absolutely "too early" for a January built car. It's feasible that there would be a few months lag time.

mjfloyd1

Technically I believe up to 6 months is ok but most seem to be within a week. A.O Smith cars can be off because the VIN got attached in Michigan and the body was shipped to St. Louis. 

This car just had had too many question marks. 

corvette

qbrozen said:

Do tell on the Chargers, please.

Hmm, looks like it was a better deal in 2017. People are saying low to mid $400s on a base model 2018 Scat Pack with zero down. Supposedly you can get a Hellcat in the $600s?

stickguy

Oh man. I don't know what this will be listed at (and I am sure it will be more than I would ever consider paying!) but day-am, I want this and I want it bad. Looks like it even has the T top hardtop option.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2010-jeep-wrangler-4wd_2dr_sahara-used-17482370.html

roadburner

Pass. You want one with the 3.6 Pentastar V6.

Michaell

Saturday, I had a bit of extra time while running errands and decided to stop by the local Honda dealer to get a closer look at the Civic Si.

They only had one on the lot - white, which I wouldn't mind. Asked for a test drive and was told I had to work out numbers first.

What!

Yep, sales dude said that due to their rarity, they don't do test drives on the Si.

Wow. Guess I'll find another Honda dealer that is more accommodating.

Or, test drive a GTI.

28firefighter

Michaell said:

Saturday, I had a bit of extra time while running errands and decided to stop by the local Honda dealer to get a closer look at the Civic Si. They only had one on the lot - white, which I wouldn't mind. Asked for a test drive and was told I had to work out numbers first. What! Yep, sales dude said that due to their rarity, they don't do test drives on the Si. Wow. Guess I'll find another Honda dealer that is more accommodating. Or, test drive a GTI.

A $24k car and they want to work numbers first? I would have called the owner of the dealer group already. 

qbrozen

stickguy said:

Oh man. I don't know what this will be listed at (and I am sure it will be more than I would ever consider paying!) but day-am, I want this and I want it bad. Looks like it even has the T top hardtop option. http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2010-jeep-wrangler-4wd_2dr_sahara-used-17482370.html

Completely agree with RB. I'm kind of appalled that old 3.8 boat anchor was still being used in 2010.

stickguy

I’d survive. Wouldn’t be driving very fast anyway!

How much is realistic price for that anyway?

pensfan83

Michaell said:

Saturday, I had a bit of extra time while running errands and decided to stop by the local Honda dealer to get a closer look at the Civic Si.

They only had one on the lot - white, which I wouldn't mind. Asked for a test drive and was told I had to work out numbers first.

What!

Yep, sales dude said that due to their rarity, they don't do test drives on the Si.

Wow. Guess I'll find another Honda dealer that is more accommodating.

Or, test drive a GTI.

When I was shopping for the Acura I had 2 dealers refer to the A-Spec as a limited and special edition. I was able to test drive them but both dealers acted as if they held the last ones in the country and their pricing reflected that.

pensfan83

If I'm getting a Wrangler I want a soft top.