Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

jpp75

28firefighter said:

stickguy said:

My guess, that will be a had sell.

Maybe. It's refundable, and its a $290/month payment on a $55k Mercedes. My guess is I could get someone to bite, and if not, I'd just keep it.

She did say "When it's practical"

But I do like the idea of the Soul EV. For most of your driving it sounds like it would work for you, small price to pay to get the Boxster.

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

stickguy said:

My guess, that will be a had sell.

Maybe. It's refundable, and its a $290/month payment on a $55k Mercedes. My guess is I could get someone to bite, and if not, I'd just keep it.

Hmmm.. How many months left, and how many miles available?

28firefighter

kyfdx said:

28firefighter said:

stickguy said:

My guess, that will be a had sell.

Maybe. It's refundable, and its a $290/month payment on a $55k Mercedes. My guess is I could get someone to bite, and if not, I'd just keep it.

Hmmm.. How many months left, and how many miles available?

I can't transfer until 6 months into the 24 month lease which is end of July 2018. Lease matures January 2020. 10k mile a year lease, I've used about 1200 miles since January.

Mr_Shiftright

28firefighter said:

My guess, that will be a had sell.

Maybe. It's refundable, and its a $290/month payment on a $55k Mercedes. My guess is I could get someone to bite, and if not, I'd just keep it.

Hmmm.. How many months left, and how many miles available?

I can't transfer until 6 months into the 24 month lease which is end of July 2018. Lease matures January 2020. 10k mile a year lease, I've used about 1200 miles since January.

Please don't take this as from someone who in any way enjoys being cautionary, but do keep in mind that installing a modified IMS bearing on an early Boxster does not mean the problem is fixed. Careful monitoring throughout the car's accelerated service intervals is mandatory. This includes 3k mile oil changes and dissection of the old oil filters.

28firefighter

If you aren’t driving 3k miles every year, what’s the time interval?  I assume a good Porsche tech can look at the old filters with each change and let me know if they are seeing the metal?

I know the problem won’t be solved but at this point of entry price wise I feel as though it is worth the gamble. 

Mr_Shiftright

I think it's a mileage interval, not a time interval. Sure, it's probably worth the gamble if you get in cheap---and most early Boxster do sell very cheaply due to the risk factor.

As to what the risk factor actually is, I've been researching this a lot since I also have an interest. There's no definitive answer but the Porsche Club does monitor engine failures pretty closely.

I would guess that with low mileage engines the risk is about 1 in 10, and with higher mileage engines, your risk gets better (oddly enough).

Many Boxster owners deal with the IMS when the clutch goes (another weak point on the car).

So yeah, change the oil every 3K and be sure to always rev the engine as much as you can. This apparently also mitigates risk.

The downside of all this, of course, is if you see lots of metal debris in your filter, you throw the car away. Apparently very minute bits of debris are not necessarily cause for alarm.

In short, it's a car for studious buyers and owners who understand good maintenance. I know many happy Boxster owners but they "did it right".

qbrozen

I always look at Porsches and it is after refreshing myself on all of what shifty just summed up that I decide it just isn't worth it and there are plenty of other fun fish in the sea.

nyccarguy

I know it’s not the same as a Boxster, Cayman, or 911, but the more I look into it, the more I want something like a Macan or Cayenne in my driveway;)

i agree with @qbrozen that there are so many other “fun fish,” especially if you are just looking for a fairweather, weekend type car.  As long as the brakes and suspension can keep up with the engine, you’ll have a winner.  Especially on public roads.

28firefighter

I just want a Porsche. I’ve wanted one since I was a kid and it isn’t practical to have one as a DD right now. This seems like a nice point of entry. Doubt it’ll work out though. 

andres3

nyccarguy said:

I know it’s not the same as a Boxster, Cayman, or 911, but the more I look into it, the more I want something like a Macan or Cayenne in my driveway;)

i agree with @qbrozen that there are so many other “fun fish,” especially if you are just looking for a fairweather, weekend type car.  As long as the brakes and suspension can keep up with the engine, you’ll have a winner.  Especially on public roads.

I know the Porsche racecar driver that does things with our Socal Audi Club drives a Cayenne GTS on the side. Of course, his early racing days on the streets of Fresno was apparently done in a B5 Audi S4.

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

kyfdx said:

28firefighter said:

stickguy said:

My guess, that will be a had sell.

Maybe. It's refundable, and its a $290/month payment on a $55k Mercedes. My guess is I could get someone to bite, and if not, I'd just keep it.

Hmmm.. How many months left, and how many miles available?

I can't transfer until 6 months into the 24 month lease which is end of July 2018. Lease matures January 2020. 10k mile a year lease, I've used about 1200 miles since January.

I have a friend who has a 2014 C-Class coming off lease in July. If you have 20K miles left then, that might work out. (He got it off swapalease).

kyfdx

Is it $290+tax?

28firefighter

kyfdx said:

Is it $290+tax?

$292 including 10.3% king county WA tax. 

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

kyfdx said:

Is it $290+tax?

$292 including 10.3% king county WA tax. 

6% here. So, $281... sweet

28firefighter

If someone understands MSDs, it’s a great deal. Will see — getting this Boxster has a likelihood between slim and none of occurring. 

28firefighter

Decision day...

Mr_Shiftright

28firefighter said:

I just want a Porsche. I’ve wanted one since I was a kid and it isn’t practical to have one as a DD right now. This seems like a nice point of entry. Doubt it’ll work out though. 

It's the old Venus Fly Trap---there are some very nice cars out there that are cheap, and sooooo tempting.

But then, the little mouse reaching for the cheese stops to say: "But why are these cars so cheap?"

In the case of the Boxster, it's not just the IMS bearing issue---Porsche made a boatload of these cars. They aren't in the least bit rare, and you can just take your time and exercise a high degree of caution.

It's like buying Bitcoin I guess -- possible high returns, very high risk.

andres3

28firefighter said:

If someone understands MSDs, it’s a great deal. Will see — getting this Boxster has a likelihood between slim and none of occurring. 

I think you have to do the math to point out the advantages for the lay man:

For example, do the math and show:

$3,500 in a 3-year CD at 2.25% would make you this much money =
$3,500 in MSD's on a lease will save you this much money over 3 years =

Therefore, make the right choice dummy!

laurasdada

Anybody have an opinion on the current version of the 911 Targa? Rube Goldberg edition? Why am I drawn to Rube Goldberg devices?!

28firefighter

Looks like the Porsche is going to go over my budget. It is at my limit now with 90 minutes to go.

nyccarguy

laurasdada said:

Anybody have an opinion on the current version of the 911 Targa? Rube Goldberg edition? Why am I drawn to Rube Goldberg devices?!

I have no idea what the Rube Goldberg edition is, but in my eyes that 911 Targa is the prettiest car in the 911 lineup.

Mr_Shiftright

28firefighter said:

Looks like the Porsche is going to go over my budget. It is at my limit now with 90 minutes to go.

The high miles are keeping the bids down so far.

stickguy

Hammered sold at $12,000. I liked it. But not that much.

fintail

G-Wagen brought 38K, which seems fairly decent for an already imported car in nice cosmetic condition. Not a phenomenal bargain, but not insanely priced.

28firefighter

$12k seems crazy to me. Under $10k seemed palatable.

Sandman6472

The West Palm Manheim was "controlled chaos"!! Got there way early and could see it was gonna be rough. Was supposed to ride with another driver just to see what to do and where to go but naturally, they threw me in the deep end by myself. Got through it all, quite well I thought, except didn't have a clue where to park it after I went through the line? After my second solo trip, the boss lady starts yelling at me about where did I put the cars? Explained to her where they were and then told her no one showed me crap!! She said, sorry, that wasn't supposed to happen. Well, duhhhh!! So, I went with another driver the next trip and she showed me where the units go after going through the line. Easy enough but hey, show me first or give me great directions and I'll be fine. About an hour in, said to myself, this [non-permissible content removed] ain't worth it...I'm outta here! But after taking stock of the situation, said no, stay and make it work. That's how it played out and by 12:10, we were done.
I happened to get lanes 3 & 4 today, the older, crappier vehicles and trust me, some were disgusting with well over 150,000 on the clock. Lane 1 had the luxury vehicles and there were some beauties, all high end stuff. Also saw 3 vehicles that were outrageous and running. A 1957 Cadillac DeVille, what a frickin' monster!!! A 1959 Ford Galaxie and a 1959 Ford Fairlane convertible. I was lusting after all three of these puppies, absolutely beautiful old American iron, when America ruled the auto industry!!
Worked till 6: 30 last night and was told, mandatory overtime tomorrow! I said hell, ya can't wait till this late to tell us as I have to call or text into the auction folks by 4:30 to tell them yes I'll be there or no, can't make it. By 4:00, I called and texted and said see ya tomorrow morning. No way would I back out after giving my word I'd show, it ain't right. Would've made more $ doing the Hertz gig all day but that's not the point. Thinking of doing the auction every other week and doing Hertz the other two weeks and see how it goes.
Spoke with a guy who worked yesterday at the Lauderdale auction and he started at 8 am and was done at 4:15 am, no lie!! Now that's plain nuts and I'd never ever do that. But, it's a lot of action with folks walking all around, putting their hands in the cars to feel the a/c, opening and closing doors to see how they work, opening the trunk and hood while in line. Controlled chaos folks but exciting to. Hate to say it, but...I did enjoy it!!!

The Sandman

Mr_Shiftright

stickguy said:

Hammered sold at $12,000. I liked it. But not that much.

That price should be for one with perhaps 80,000 miles. 149K is nearing the normal life span of that engine.

Sandman6472

Collision guy called and said come by as we've got the parts. Go after the auction and they fix the lug nut piece. Couldn't match the blue metal door edge guard, they don't make them anymore, so the trim guy put on a different kind of plastic one. Decided to not replace the other three as they look very stock while the new one, not so much. My service guy also saw a piece of the scuff plastic plate that I had added missing so the trim guy did something and looks mighty good and close to what was already there. Lastly, they brought out a scanner and got rid of the codes that were in there and said if if continues, to bring it back and they'll work on it then and if occurring because of the accident, will take the necessary actions. They are trying their best to make me happy and so far, 90% happy. But, still looking to trade it soon...maybe!!
Found out when I stopped at the VW store that no more Golf SEL's for 2018 as if I got another Golf, would want that configuration. Disappointed for sure! Since my sales guy was off today, will go back another time to try the GTI and see. Walked around the pre-owned area and found a beautiful charcoal 2017 Jetta SEL with those fancy lights and lighting package, something I should've paid the extra for. Has just over 19K miles on it and asking $18,600. Not a bad price for what I'd be getting actually, I prefer an SEL model anyways. Just that the Jetta would be a tight fit here at home but still need to bring it here again to see if I could live with it. VW has a decent CPO program and warranty which I'd be under and my out of pocket costs wouldn't be that bad actually, something I could live with. So, anxious to test drive it and see how it was taken care of. Should have push button start, a usb port and an aux connection for my iPod. Has a sunroof but not as nice as mine is. It's a start anyways if I decide to go with another VW product.
All I know is, for the next few days, not going to think about anything new, just drive the Golf and see what happens. Tuesday, I can start to think about it again.

The Sandman

andres3

sandman_6472 said:

Collision guy called and said come by as we've got the parts. Go after the auction and they fix the lug nut piece. Couldn't match the blue metal door edge guard, they don't make them anymore, so the trim guy put on a different kind of plastic one. Decided to not replace the other three as they look very stock while the new one, not so much. My service guy also saw a piece of the scuff plastic plate that I had added missing so the trim guy did something and looks mighty good and close to what was already there. Lastly, they brought out a scanner and got rid of the codes that were in there and said if if continues, to bring it back and they'll work on it then and if occurring because of the accident, will take the necessary actions. They are trying their best to make me happy and so far, 90% happy. But, still looking to trade it soon...maybe!!
Found out when I stopped at the VW store that no more Golf SEL's for 2018 as if I got another Golf, would want that configuration. Disappointed for sure! Since my sales guy was off today, will go back another time to try the GTI and see. Walked around the pre-owned area and found a beautiful charcoal 2017 Jetta SEL with those fancy lights and lighting package, something I should've paid the extra for. Has just over 19K miles on it and asking $18,600. Not a bad price for what I'd be getting actually, I prefer an SEL model anyways. Just that the Jetta would be a tight fit here at home but still need to bring it here again to see if I could live with it. VW has a decent CPO program and warranty which I'd be under and my out of pocket costs wouldn't be that bad actually, something I could live with. So, anxious to test drive it and see how it was taken care of. Should have push button start, a usb port and an aux connection for my iPod. Has a sunroof but not as nice as mine is. It's a start anyways if I decide to go with another VW product.
All I know is, for the next few days, not going to think about anything new, just drive the Golf and see what happens. Tuesday, I can start to think about it again.

The Sandman

Maybe I make a big deal out of the details, but I'd of given the car back and told the insurance company, if you can't find the replacement parts, you can't repair it, so it's by definition totaled. Write me a check; I'll pick it up tomorrow!

No way would I accept "a like-kind" part. This is a perfect case for "unable to restore to its original condition."

corvette

Pretty much any non-factory paintwork qualifies as “unable to restore to its original condition,” in my book. 

tjc78

andres3 said:

Collision guy called and said come by as we've got the parts. Go after the auction and they fix the lug nut piece. Couldn't match the blue metal door edge guard, they don't make them anymore, so the trim guy put on a different kind of plastic one. Decided to not replace the other three as they look very stock while the new one, not so much. My service guy also saw a piece of the scuff plastic plate that I had added missing so the trim guy did something and looks mighty good and close to what was already there. Lastly, they brought out a scanner and got rid of the codes that were in there and said if if continues, to bring it back and they'll work on it then and if occurring because of the accident, will take the necessary actions. They are trying their best to make me happy and so far, 90% happy. But, still looking to trade it soon...maybe!! Found out when I stopped at the VW store that no more Golf SEL's for 2018 as if I got another Golf, would want that configuration. Disappointed for sure! Since my sales guy was off today, will go back another time to try the GTI and see. Walked around the pre-owned area and found a beautiful charcoal 2017 Jetta SEL with those fancy lights and lighting package, something I should've paid the extra for. Has just over 19K miles on it and asking $18,600. Not a bad price for what I'd be getting actually, I prefer an SEL model anyways. Just that the Jetta would be a tight fit here at home but still need to bring it here again to see if I could live with it. VW has a decent CPO program and warranty which I'd be under and my out of pocket costs wouldn't be that bad actually, something I could live with. So, anxious to test drive it and see how it was taken care of. Should have push button start, a usb port and an aux connection for my iPod. Has a sunroof but not as nice as mine is. It's a start anyways if I decide to go with another VW product. All I know is, for the next few days, not going to think about anything new, just drive the Golf and see what happens. Tuesday, I can start to think about it again. The Sandman

Maybe I make a big deal out of the details, but I'd of given the car back and told the insurance company, if you can't find the replacement parts, you can't repair it, so it's by definition totaled. Write me a check; I'll pick it up tomorrow! No way would I accept "a like-kind" part. This is a perfect case for "unable to restore to its original condition."

One could argue an edge guard is an accessory ... I pulled mine off the day I got the car home.  Hate those things.  

Sandman6472

Turns out no Golf SEL for 2018, bummer! Liked the nicer seats and the other couple extra's it came with. Funny, the wagon still has an SEL trim in it's line-up, strange really. Have enjoyed the VW experience although some things happened that were unnecessary like the busted water pump just miles before the 3/36K warranty was up. Not sure if VW would've covered it if I were over the 36K but luckily, didn't have to go through that.
Hate to say it but one of the most trouble free vehicles we've ever had is the kids 2008 Hyundai Accent, which she still has. Year four had the brake light switch fail but after taking it in to check, I was home before the two hour mark. Besides that issue, nothing has gone wrong. Did have to replace one set of tires but her brakes are still original, it's just holding up very well. Am figuring by next year, she'll want something newer since it'll be in year eleven by then. Figure we got our money's worth out of that puppy!!

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Turns out no Golf SEL for 2018, bummer! Liked the nicer seats and the other couple extra's it came with. Funny, the wagon still has an SEL trim in it's line-up, strange really. Have enjoyed the VW experience although some things happened that were unnecessary like the busted water pump just miles before the 3/36K warranty was up. Not sure if VW would've covered it if I were over the 36K but luckily, didn't have to go through that.
Hate to say it but one of the most trouble free vehicles we've ever had is the kids 2008 Hyundai Accent, which she still has. Year four had the brake light switch fail but after taking it in to check, I was home before the two hour mark. Besides that issue, nothing has gone wrong. Did have to replace one set of tires but her brakes are still original, it's just holding up very well. Am figuring by next year, she'll want something newer since it'll be in year eleven by then. Figure we got our money's worth out of that puppy!!

The Sandman

suydam

But does it bring joy?

laurasdada

nyccarguy said:

laurasdada said:

Anybody have an opinion on the current version of the 911 Targa? Rube Goldberg edition? Why am I drawn to Rube Goldberg devices?!

I have no idea what the Rube Goldberg edition is, but in my eyes that 911 Targa is the prettiest car in the 911 lineup.

Rube Goldberg = replacing the lift off Targa top with the "hard top convertible" function of raising the rear of the car and having the Lost in Space robot (Robbie) remove the Targa top and place under the rear canopy. Ok, maybe it's not that robot...

And, agreed, a purty thing 'tis.

tbirdmarco

 Sandy when they’re working with you fix the little bugs with your car at the collision place planned the job ended up going well after all towards the end of the day cool that you stick it out and see what happens for now sounds like fun all the cars you got to see 

tjc78

sandman_6472 said:

Turns out no Golf SEL for 2018, bummer! Liked the nicer seats and the other couple extra's it came with. Funny, the wagon still has an SEL trim in it's line-up, strange really. Have enjoyed the VW experience although some things happened that were unnecessary like the busted water pump just miles before the 3/36K warranty was up. Not sure if VW would've covered it if I were over the 36K but luckily, didn't have to go through that.
Hate to say it but one of the most trouble free vehicles we've ever had is the kids 2008 Hyundai Accent, which she still has. Year four had the brake light switch fail but after taking it in to check, I was home before the two hour mark. Besides that issue, nothing has gone wrong. Did have to replace one set of tires but her brakes are still original, it's just holding up very well. Am figuring by next year, she'll want something newer since it'll be in year eleven by then. Figure we got our money's worth out of that puppy!!

The Sandman

We had an 08 Elantra that was also trouble free. That poor car too... wife had $8,000 worth of front end damage before she even had the plates! Hyundai dealer did that work with all brand new Hyundai parts and you really had a tough time telling.

graphicguy

roadburner said:

If the election was behind me I'd be all over this puppy.

You can always concede....

fintail

I'd take a Targa over any other new Porsche variant. I have always liked them, and this nutty insanely complicated version is really something. It's a good looking car with a heavy dose of Germanic complexity for the sake of complexity.

au1994

fintail said:

I'd take a Targa over any other new Porsche variant. I have always liked them, and this nutty insanely complicated version is really something. It's a good looking car with a heavy dose of Germanic complexity for the sake of complexity.

That level of Germanic complexity is why I don’t have a convertible BMW anymore. The hardtop doesn’t allow for much of anything in the trunk when down much less a lacrosse bag or football pads.

I don’t understand the logic on  why the 2 series and 6 series get a soft top and a quasi useful trunk when the mainstream, volume seller 4 series gets the origami top. Probably would knock a few K off the price too.

roadburner

au1994 said:

fintail said:

I'd take a Targa over any other new Porsche variant. I have always liked them, and this nutty insanely complicated version is really something. It's a good looking car with a heavy dose of Germanic complexity for the sake of complexity.

That level of Germanic complexity is why I don’t have a convertible BMW anymore. The hardtop doesn’t allow for much of anything in the trunk when down much less a lacrosse bag or football pads.

I don’t understand the logic on  why the 2 series and 6 series get a soft top and a quasi useful trunk when the mainstream, volume seller 4 series gets the origami top. Probably would knock a few K off the price too.

The next generation of the 4 Series convertible will go back to a fabric top.

au1994

roadburner said:

fintail said:

I'd take a Targa over any other new Porsche variant. I have always liked them, and this nutty insanely complicated version is really something. It's a good looking car with a heavy dose of Germanic complexity for the sake of complexity.

That level of Germanic complexity is why I don’t have a convertible BMW anymore. The hardtop doesn’t allow for much of anything in the trunk when down much less a lacrosse bag or football pads.

I don’t understand the logic on  why the 2 series and 6 series get a soft top and a quasi useful trunk when the mainstream, volume seller 4 series gets the origami top. Probably would knock a few K off the price too.

The next generation of the 4 Series convertible will go back to a fabric top.

My day has officially been made!

fintail

I have no real desire for a convertible here - weather doesn't support it 8 months out of the year, and I can't have a third car. I recall in my rental F-Type roadster, there was no luggage room with the top up or down. A Targa could be a fun compromise, but waaay out of my budget and will remain so for a long time.

Thinking of MB, they have only two metal folding top convertibles - SLC and SL. Everything else - C, E, S, AMG GT, is a soft top.

au1994 said:

That level of Germanic complexity is why I don’t have a convertible BMW anymore. The hardtop doesn’t allow for much of anything in the trunk when down much less a lacrosse bag or football pads.

I don’t understand the logic on  why the 2 series and 6 series get a soft top and a quasi useful trunk when the mainstream, volume seller 4 series gets the origami top. Probably would knock a few K off the price too.

28firefighter

So somehow, even though I didn't end up with the Porsche, my wife has latched onto the idea of flipping the C when it is "practical" to do so. I understood in the context of having a third car, but now I'm just confused. What have I done?

ab348

The payment on the C seems ridiculously low. Why get rid of it? Has the bloom come off the rose?

28firefighter

ab348 said:

The payment on the C seems ridiculously low. Why get rid of it? Has the bloom come off the rose?

For me? No. For my wife? Yep - sure seems that way.

ab348

Uh-oh.

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

ab348 said:

The payment on the C seems ridiculously low. Why get rid of it? Has the bloom come off the rose?

For me? No. For my wife? Yep - sure seems that way.

First, the car.... then, ....

corvette

Someone I recently became friends with is a substance abuse counselor. I was telling her about how the Mustang gives me cramps on long trips and her immediate reaction was “sell it!” I don’t think she realizes that cars are my substance of choice... 

28firefighter

Haha. Hopefully just the car. Though I do think there are days she would happily keep the car and flip me...