Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Sandman6472

Drove a 2016 Acura ILX today and was very impressed with the pick up and nice interior. Think it could just be a sleeper replacement for the 328i I've been lusting after. The newer ones look even nicer with the cool lighting up front and the upscale interior. Honda did an excellent job here and forget it's pure Civic underneath. I think they also have a tech package which could be fun. There's an Acura dealer right near the office and another couple on the east side of town. Just wish it was closer to our location out west...feels like a poor man's 328i, not a bad thing at all!!
Got to drive some late model BMW's at the auction and like MB, hate those funky shifters in their auto trannys, just ludicrous actually. The ILX has a normal shifter with an up/down pattern, easy peasy. When I drive, I want things as easy as possible so I can concentrate on driving defensively. Plan to check out a new/newer ILX in the near distant future but I'd have to give up my hatch if I did go in that direction. Would get used to it after awhile but not sure how long the affair would last until I wanted a hatch again. Just don't trust my judgement on this right now. Being that I just hit 40K yesterday, have some time to look and think before jumping into a new/newer vehicle. Just not sure if not getting new is the right call either cause I like having a nice long warranty. Loving the new auction gig as I'm driving a wide variety of makes and models, some pretty new while others being much older. Really letting me see how long many models wear with more and more miles on the clock.
With the rising price of petrol with no end in sight and lower hours of service being offered, might have to rethink a few choices on my short list. Would like to come in about $20K and my vehicle which leaves a lot of choices to check out.

The Sandman

andres3

28firefighter said:

andres3 said:

I may be banned from driving any cars in less than 30 days. Got a DMV notice that the Courts are telling the DMV to "collect" my driver's license under suspension.

So my first letter was ignored. My second letter certified with signed return receipt was ignored too.

Time to laywer up. Contacted 3 or 4.

$525, $750, and getting a third bid tomorrow, then dedicding to move forward. Was told the higher cost is partly due to "3 appearances" since I now have a Failure to Appear charge added.

Cost really isn't the driving factor though. I just want someone that won't just treat my case like a cookie cutter traffic case, because my case is very strong!

And to clarify, you didn’t appear after sending those letters because?

1. I got no response from the Court to my letters.
   
2. The Court erred in assigning my case to the wrong court.
   
3. The law clearly gives me the right to demand and insist on the County Seat. Published Case Law supports the law that should be followed.
   
4. I don't want to waste my time at the incorrect Court (Never should have been assigned to East County, and they have long lines and slow service to waste your time, another reason I demanded the County Seat in the first place).
   
5. I don't want to waste my time at the correct Court (because they'd likely tell me I'm not in the file and to go to the incorrect Court (East County).
   

andres3

corvette said:

andres3 said:

I may be banned from driving any cars in less than 30 days. Got a DMV notice that the Courts are telling the DMV to "collect" my driver's license under suspension.

So my first letter was ignored. My second letter certified with signed return receipt was ignored too.

Time to laywer up. Contacted 3 or 4.

$525, $750, and getting a third bid tomorrow, then dedicding to move forward. Was told the higher cost is partly due to "3 appearances" since I now have a Failure to Appear charge added.

Cost really isn't the driving factor though. I just want someone that won't just treat my case like a cookie cutter traffic case, because my case is very strong!

How did you get in this predicament, again? 

Chronological order of events:

November 2017 received a "speeding ticket" in an under-posted 55 zone for 70 MPH. Officer might be aware (as am I for this section of roadway) that the speed limit is indeed under-posted below the 85th percentile per the Traffic & Engineering Survey because he wrote under the "SAFE SPEED" box on the ticket, "65 MPH." I'd agree the speed limit should be 65 MPH per US & State law. Which would mean no Officer would or should bother me for going 5 over. Also there are Anti-Speed-Trap laws on the books in CA, that state Radar is not to be used in such cases where the limit is under-posted.

I requested the County Seat as per Vehicle Code law I may DEMAND it as I live or work closer to it. The legislature chose to use the word "demand" in the law, not request, and for good reason. They didn't want the law being circumvented.

The Officer granted me the county seat. He squiggled out his 3 markings/checks/lines on the EASt County courthouse, and marked/checked the box for the County Seat as my appearance court. I then signed the ticket for the County Seat, agreeing to appear at the County Seat, and only the County Seat. The problem is the 3 squiggly lines apparently were not sufficient for the Court Clerks to observe, and they assigned my case to East County in their hastiness.

I got a Courtesy letter around 2/1 saying to appear by 2/20 at EAst County. I wrote 2/6 mailing 2/7. No response.

Get a Failure to Appear Notice. I write immediately on 3/22 mailing CERTIFIED w/ return receipt 3/23. Return receipt finally signed for I think on 4/3. Still no response to date. Got a DMV notice dated 4/16 telling me my license would be suspended for "failure to pay" on 5/16/18.

My family advisors think being a coward is the best approach here. Just cower at the fear-mongering tactics of the Courts and DMW, and write the big check, and all your problems go away.

The problem is I know how these sinister gov't types work and think. They think they can scare people into paying these big fines. I'm not scared. I won't be bullied.

I will pay the fine the day I lose my case at trial with the Officer present AT THE COUNTY SEAT. Until that day happens, I'm not paying them one EXPLITIVE CENT!

andres3

nyccarguy said:

andres3 said:

I may be banned from driving any cars in less than 30 days. Got a DMV notice that the Courts are telling the DMV to "collect" my driver's license under suspension.

So my first letter was ignored. My second letter certified with signed return receipt was ignored too.

Time to laywer up. Contacted 3 or 4.

$525, $750, and getting a third bid tomorrow, then dedicding to move forward. Was told the higher cost is partly due to "3 appearances" since I now have a Failure to Appear charge added.

Cost really isn't the driving factor though. I just want someone that won't just treat my case like a cookie cutter traffic case, because my case is very strong!

Look at the bright side, you'll keep the miles off of your TTS & Leased Kia

On the other hand, I apparently don't obey any traffic laws before, why start now?

Threats of impoundment if caught is one scare-tactic. Misdeameanor driving with a suspended license? Something like that?

Funny, failure to pay seems to be treated much more seriously than "driving without a license" for safety reasons, such as a license taken away because someone keeps crashing and killing people.

28firefighter

I have no words. 

qbrozen

andres3 said:

andres3 said:

I may be banned from driving any cars in less than 30 days. Got a DMV notice that the Courts are telling the DMV to "collect" my driver's license under suspension. So my first letter was ignored. My second letter certified with signed return receipt was ignored too. Time to laywer up. Contacted 3 or 4. $525, $750, and getting a third bid tomorrow, then dedicding to move forward. Was told the higher cost is partly due to "3 appearances" since I now have a Failure to Appear charge added. Cost really isn't the driving factor though. I just want someone that won't just treat my case like a cookie cutter traffic case, because my case is very strong!

How did you get in this predicament, again? 

Chronological order of events: November 2017 received a "speeding ticket" in an under-posted 55 zone for 70 MPH. Officer might be aware (as am I for this section of roadway) that the speed limit is indeed under-posted below the 85th percentile per the Traffic & Engineering Survey because he wrote under the "SAFE SPEED" box on the ticket, "65 MPH." I'd agree the speed limit should be 65 MPH per US & State law. Which would mean no Officer would or should bother me for going 5 over. Also there are Anti-Speed-Trap laws on the books in CA, that state Radar is not to be used in such cases where the limit is under-posted. I requested the County Seat as per Vehicle Code law I may DEMAND it as I live or work closer to it. The legislature chose to use the word "demand" in the law, not request, and for good reason. They didn't want the law being circumvented. The Officer granted me the county seat. He squiggled out his 3 markings/checks/lines on the EASt County courthouse, and marked/checked the box for the County Seat as my appearance court. I then signed the ticket for the County Seat, agreeing to appear at the County Seat, and only the County Seat. The problem is the 3 squiggly lines apparently were not sufficient for the Court Clerks to observe, and they assigned my case to East County in their hastiness. I got a Courtesy letter around 2/1 saying to appear by 2/20 at EAst County. I wrote 2/6 mailing 2/7. No response. Get a Failure to Appear Notice. I write immediately on 3/22 mailing CERTIFIED w/ return receipt 3/23. Return receipt finally signed for I think on 4/3. Still no response to date. Got a DMV notice dated 4/16 telling me my license would be suspended for "failure to pay" on 5/16/18. My family advisors think being a coward is the best approach here. Just cower at the fear-mongering tactics of the Courts and DMW, and write the big check, and all your problems go away. The problem is I know how these sinister gov't types work and think. They think they can scare people into paying these big fines. I'm not scared. I won't be bullied. I will pay the fine the day I lose my case at trial with the Officer present AT THE COUNTY SEAT. Until that day happens, I'm not paying them one EXPLITIVE CENT!

Wow. Seems like you shouldn't even need a lawyer. Problem is: what the hell do you do if they refuse to respond? You are obviously talking to a very powerful wall.

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

I have no words. 

Sure you do...

Oh wait.. family friendly forums

imidazol97

present AT THE COUNTY SEAT. Until that day happens, I'm not paying them one EXPLITIVE CENT!

Welcome to California.

graphicguy

Speaking of great manual trans/clutches......best one I ever had (and that includes manual versions of ‘80s BMW, a muscle car (or two), an MGB GT (well worn), a 280ZX, Toyota Corolla GTS, a couple of Celicas, a 240SX, and a “three on the tree” panel van..........

.........2004 Mazda RX8. Sweetest shifting manual that my paws and size 10s every operated. Part of the fun was the 9K redline, though.

corvette

Looking at performance numbers on the Q50. The 3.0T seems not to be faster than the normally aspirated 3.7. That’s a disappointment. I’m sure a tuning chip would make it faster. 

Hertz is selling 2017 Audi A4s from their fleet at what appear to be attractive prices. APR has a nice chip for those. 

28firefighter

I like this:
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/2006-bmw-330ci-convertible/6554958267.html

I'm such an unbelievable sucker for the E46.

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

I like this:
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/2006-bmw-330ci-convertible/6554958267.html

I'm such an unbelievable sucker for the E46.

As you might imagine, I'm not a fan of automatics..
But, what bothers me the most is the head gasket replacement. That is not generally a "maintenance" item, like an oil filter housing gasket, cooling system replacement, etc..

Pretty, though... you'd be the coolest guy on the block with a ZHP!

28firefighter

I actually emailed him to clarify if he had to replace it because of a cooling system failure (and to find out if he had done the water pump, expansion tank, etc.). He said he had done it because it was leaking when he bought the car and the cooling system was still original - that immediately crossed it off my list.

Still good looking though.

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

I actually emailed him to clarify if he had to replace it because of a cooling system failure (and to find out if he had done the water pump, expansion tank, etc.). He said he had done it because it was leaking when he bought the car and the cooling system was still original - that immediately crossed it off my list.

Still good looking though.

So, he didn't replace the cooling system at the same time?

28firefighter

kyfdx said:

28firefighter said:

I actually emailed him to clarify if he had to replace it because of a cooling system failure (and to find out if he had done the water pump, expansion tank, etc.). He said he had done it because it was leaking when he bought the car and the cooling system was still original - that immediately crossed it off my list.

Still good looking though.

So, he didn't replace the cooling system at the same time?

Nope. Makes you wonder what else is lurking.

stickguy

sandy I know it gets panned in some reviews, but I always liked the ILX. Just make sure it is the refreshed model with the 2.4l engine, and gotta have the tech package.

pretty quick, respectable MPG, fantastic seats, and lots of goodies. in a manageable size.

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

kyfdx said:

28firefighter said:

I actually emailed him to clarify if he had to replace it because of a cooling system failure (and to find out if he had done the water pump, expansion tank, etc.). He said he had done it because it was leaking when he bought the car and the cooling system was still original - that immediately crossed it off my list.

Still good looking though.

So, he didn't replace the cooling system at the same time?

Nope. Makes you wonder what else is lurking.

I'd bet that the car overheated at some point.. If it was just past due for a cooling system refresh ($1600-$2000 at a reasonable independent shop, with after-market parts), that would be one thing. But, as you noted, who knows what damage was done.

stickguy

and, it is for sale for some reason. And it usually isn't because the car is 110% perfect creampuff and the owner is just bored, not having anything to do on it.

tifighter

FWIW @28firefighter I seem to recall seeing a surprising number of ZHP verts come up for sale last summer. There will be more to come for sure.

28firefighter

@tifighter I fully expect things to start popping up here soon as the weather gets nicer. There is no rush.

My Dad is also looking at a 1990 944 Cabrio for me that his Porsche mechanic has for sale.

Mr_Shiftright

graphicguy said:

Speaking of great manual trans/clutches......best one I ever had (and that includes manual versions of ‘80s BMW, a muscle car (or two), an MGB GT (well worn), a 280ZX, Toyota Corolla GTS, a couple of Celicas, a 240SX, and a “three on the tree” panel van..........

.........2004 Mazda RX8. Sweetest shifting manual that my paws and size 10s every operated. Part of the fun was the 9K redline, though.

LOVED the shifter in the RX-8.

"It's an awesome car with a fatal flaw".

corvette

Mr_Shiftright said:

Speaking of great manual trans/clutches......best one I ever had (and that includes manual versions of ‘80s BMW, a muscle car (or two), an MGB GT (well worn), a 280ZX, Toyota Corolla GTS, a couple of Celicas, a 240SX, and a “three on the tree” panel van.......... .........2004 Mazda RX8. Sweetest shifting manual that my paws and size 10s every operated. Part of the fun was the 9K redline, though.

LOVED the shifter in the RX-8. "It's an awesome car with a fatal flaw".

The fatal flaw being the rotary engine? 

nyccarguy

Son #1 came home in my wife’s 2000 Mazda Protegé ES
Son #2 came home in my wife’s 2007 X3

corvette said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

graphicguy said:

Speaking of great manual trans/clutches......best one I ever had (and that includes manual versions of ‘80s BMW, a muscle car (or two), an MGB GT (well worn), a 280ZX, Toyota Corolla GTS, a couple of Celicas, a 240SX, and a “three on the tree” panel van..........

.........2004 Mazda RX8. Sweetest shifting manual that my paws and size 10s every operated. Part of the fun was the 9K redline, though.

LOVED the shifter in the RX-8.

"It's an awesome car with a fatal flaw".

The fatal flaw being the rotary engine? 

That the car was deathly slow compared to the awesome RX7?

Mr_Shiftright

28firefighter said:

@tifighter I fully expect things to start popping up here soon as the weather gets nicer. There is no rush.

My Dad is also looking at a 1990 944 Cabrio for me that his Porsche mechanic has for sale.

With a few mods that 944 can be made into a car every bit as competent as a 2018 car. Just make sure it's tip-top. They aren't cheap to fix.

stickguy

I would love one of those 944s. Always lusted after them back in the day. Never could afford one.

28firefighter

Yep - which is why there is some appeal buying one from a Porsche mechanic that is completely sorted out. Apparently this car only has 70k miles on it, but recently was completely overhauled (cooling system, timing belt, clutch, etc.). What it does likely need is a refreshed paint job. I don't know what they want for it, but my guess is somewhere in the $10-$15k range.

kyfdx

You need this one:
https://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/d/1987-porsche-951-turbo-wb/6511327698.html

That's within a couple miles of me, but I've never seen it.

Mr_Shiftright

28firefighter said:

Yep - which is why there is some appeal buying one from a Porsche mechanic that is completely sorted out. Apparently this car only has 70k miles on it, but recently was completely overhauled (cooling system, timing belt, clutch, etc.). What it does likely need is a refreshed paint job. I don't know what they want for it, but my guess is somewhere in the $10-$15k range.

That's about "median auction value". Timing belt, water pump and clutch are areas of concern, and $$$ to repair--so if all that was done, you're good for at least 30,000 miles.

28firefighter

Mr_Shiftright said:

28firefighter said:

Yep - which is why there is some appeal buying one from a Porsche mechanic that is completely sorted out. Apparently this car only has 70k miles on it, but recently was completely overhauled (cooling system, timing belt, clutch, etc.). What it does likely need is a refreshed paint job. I don't know what they want for it, but my guess is somewhere in the $10-$15k range.

That's about "median auction value". Timing belt, water pump and clutch are areas of concern, and $$$ to repair--so if all that was done, you're good for at least 30,000 miles.

It's a 28 year old Porsche. You mean, I'm probably good for about 30,000 feet.

28firefighter

kyfdx said:

You need this one:
https://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/d/1987-porsche-951-turbo-wb/6511327698.html

That's within a couple miles of me, but I've never seen it.

Those have to be the worst possible pictures to sell a car like that.

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

kyfdx said:

You need this one:
https://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/d/1987-porsche-951-turbo-wb/6511327698.html

That's within a couple miles of me, but I've never seen it.

Those have to be the worst possible pictures to sell a car like that.

He had a few of them.... I think the cheap ones all sold.

Not exactly internet savvy (don't email or text!!).

kyfdx

So, C&D had a chart with engine configurations, and how many manufacturers offered each configuration. Strictly cylinders and layout .... no delineation between NA or forced induction.

For the inline six cylinder, they only showed two manufacturers. I know BMW is one of them. Who is the other one?

pensfan83

Jeep/AMC?

Didn't MB also have straight sixes?

EDIT: If the context of the question is who presently offers an inline 6 beside BMW my response is void.

28firefighter

My guess was going to be MB.

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

My guess was going to be MB.

In 2018 models

Mr_Shiftright

28firefighter said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

28firefighter said:

Yep - which is why there is some appeal buying one from a Porsche mechanic that is completely sorted out. Apparently this car only has 70k miles on it, but recently was completely overhauled (cooling system, timing belt, clutch, etc.). What it does likely need is a refreshed paint job. I don't know what they want for it, but my guess is somewhere in the $10-$15k range.

That's about "median auction value". Timing belt, water pump and clutch are areas of concern, and $$$ to repair--so if all that was done, you're good for at least 30,000 miles.

It's a 28 year old Porsche. You mean, I'm probably good for about 30,000 feet.

Nah---Porsches are very durable and can generally run longer than Vipers, Corvettes or Ferraris. But of course, they will turn and bite you if you slack on maintenance.

Your 944 could easily be a daily driver if you wanted. I guess a Corvette could be, too. A Viper or Ferrari would get old fast in the daily commute.

breld

The wife's Polestar has one, but they went to the 4 cylinder in 2017.

kyfdx

I think all of the MBs are V-6s, now.

kyfdx

Does Volvo still have any straight-six models? Probably not.

Ford trucks? Probably not.

28firefighter

Calling it "my" 944 may be a bit of a stretch...we definitely aren't there yet. I'd love to DD it - just need somewhere to stow Sam.

Mr_Shiftright

you....cannot.....resist......you......must.......buy.......

28firefighter

Enablers. All of you.

kyfdx

Does Volvo still have a straight six in a carryover model?

breld

So, I hadn't even shared this when I bought my Discovery 5 weeks ago, 'cause I thought it'd be a quick and simple fix, but it had some mild damage to the bumper during transit. Obviously, they said it would be repaired so that "I'd never know," and I think they probably gave me a bit of a better deal for the hassle.

Instead of trying to repair the damage, they said they would be replacing the bumper cover altogether, which sounded like the proper thing to do. But once I gave it more thought (after taking delivery), I was having some remorse over buying a new car which would then have some level of bodywork done to it - thinking of the potential for paint and fitment issues. But I was further assured that the bumper actually comes prepainted from Land Rover.

Well, last week I get a text that my bumper has just arrived from the body shop being painted (??!???) and is ready for install.

So I drop off the car on Wednesday and go to pick it up yesterday. As we walk toward the car, the service adviser, knowing I was concerned about the quality of the work, exclaims, "Just like new!"

It's not bad, but I immediately point out a few areas that need attention. One being the fitment at the fender, and a couple areas where the paint needs to be cleaned up.

He takes it back for half an hour, and I take that opportunity to chat with the general sales manager about the concerns. He is extremely helpful and understanding and will be overseeing the repair to make sure it is indeed done correctly to be "like new." The post-sale experience thus far had not been very positive, but this sales manager is making up for it.

We did talk about the option of ordering a new Discovery and them "taking back" mine. That wouldn't be without some level of loss though, which I do understand, so not thinking it'd be worth it. At the end of the day, I do think the repair will be done right now with the appropriate attention to it.

kyfdx

Painting new plastic, with appropriate re-fitment means no body work, in my book.

28firefighter

kyfdx said:

Painting new plastic, with appropriate re-fitment means no body work, in my book.

Same here.

Mr_Shiftright

You need to get in touch with your inner little boy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sWPHKU1XZU

breld

kyfdx said:

Painting new plastic, with appropriate re-fitment means no body work, in my book.

Okay - so you're saying this overall is not a big deal, and with the appropriate attention, it'll all be just fine?

kyfdx

breld said:

kyfdx said:

Painting new plastic, with appropriate re-fitment means no body work, in my book.

Okay - so you're saying this overall is not a big deal, and with the appropriate attention, it'll all be just fine?

Yes.. plus, it might be sold before the paint is dry.

tifighter

ZING!