Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

28firefighter

In case you think all the Seattle CL cars are winners:
https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/cto/d/2002-impreza-wrx/6582629436.html

For 10k and it's not even put together!

Mr_Shiftright

'01 Boxster has the plastic window, so not the best choice in that regard. But it does look well cared for. But those rear windows get gnarly and visibility is a real issue.

stickguy

Actually, they took care of that: grey cloth top with heated glass window was listed under the aftermarket upgrades.

qbrozen

Boxster is priced like one with half the miles

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

Actually, they took care of that: grey cloth top with heated glass window was listed under the aftermarket upgrades.

And I think the guy is selling it because it is still on the original clutch which is most likely on borrowed time.

stickguy

doesn't mention it, but that might be a record for one of these, right?

Though it seems like something you might want to do while you have things apart to do the IMS.

28firefighter

One of these days one of us will cave and get a Boxster. 

28firefighter

Turns out I can transfer the C lease now. Started sending out some feelers. 

stickguy

here is a much newer, much more expensive one near me.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2015-porsche-boxster-roadster_s-used-17449391.html

28firefighter

That escalated quickly. 

Mr_Shiftright

qbrozen said:

Boxster is priced like one with half the miles

They made a bazillion Boxsters. You can pick and choose, and find the lowest miles and best options. Boxsters aren't noted for having a real high mileage engine under the best circumstances.

qbrozen

@Mr_Shiftright
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2008-mazda-rx-8-2/?utm_source=dailymail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2018-05-08

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

@Mr_Shiftright
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2008-mazda-rx-8-2/?utm_source=dailymail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2018-05-08

LS SWAP? LOL!

nyccarguy

I just got an email from Costco. Volvo seems to be bringing out the big guns to move S90 sedans. $3,000 rebate for Costco members on top of all other rebates (not A-Plan). People have been getting nutso deals on these on leasehackr as well.

Mr_Shiftright

@qbrozen --- yep, that's the way you want to buy them---low, low miles. These cars are a hoot to drive, but man oh man, it takes guts to buy one if you can believe all that's written about them. I was once hot for one, and seriously started test-driving, but the more I learned the more discouraged I got. Apparently, if you buy 2009 on up you have much better odds.

I'm not particularly risk-averse, but rolling the dice on a $10,000 bet that could blow up in your face in two weeks---that wouldn't be an easy loss for me to write off.

tifighter

nyccarguy said:

I just got an email from Costco. Volvo seems to be bringing out the big guns to move S90 sedans. $3,000 rebate for Costco members on top of all other rebates (not A-Plan). People have been getting nutso deals on these on leasehackr as well.

I was just posting about this car on the rental thread. I'm sorta surprised no one here has jumped on one of these yet. Some cons aside, it is a whole lot of car for the money right now.

28firefighter

Incentives on the west coast dropped significantly this month along with residuals. However, on the east coast (NY/NJ) incentives went up - brokers on the other board are advertising $295/month with driveoffs + MSD at signing for a T6 Momentum if you have A-Plan.

au1994

nyccarguy said:

I just got an email from Costco. Volvo seems to be bringing out the big guns to move S90 sedans. $3,000 rebate for Costco members on top of all other rebates (not A-Plan). People have been getting nutso deals on these on leasehackr as well.

Jeez, that’s getting hard to ignore. Wonder if an S90 would be a worthy replacement for the X6?

stickguy

Not sure if my compAny is a partner. But for an insane deal, I might take a flyer on one. So what tht it is a land yacht!

tifighter

It's easy to drive. It feels no bigger than something like an Accord. Great back seat, though.

pensfan83

They are nice cars for sure, just too big for me no matter how good the deal is.

28firefighter

Same here - I just don't want a vehicle that long. Not to mention, it won't fit in my garage. 192" is the max that will fit.

Michaell

Not sure I can get past the L-coded VIN on the S90

au1994

28firefighter said:

Same here - I just don't want a vehicle that long. Not to mention, it won't fit in my garage. 192" is the max that will fit.

Didn’t realize they were that long, 200in. The X6 is 193 ish 

28firefighter

The 2017 MY S90s were shorter except for the Inscription which was the extended wheelbase; Now they're all extended wheelbase.

fintail

I find something funny in that. I'd usually reject such a product as not wanting to aid the actions of our "most favored trading partner", but as I have little reason to believe these products are profitable, a heavily discounted purchase might just create a little more red ink, then it becomes funny. Maybe a few less dollars to speculate in local real estate.

Michaell said:

Not sure I can get past the L-coded VIN on the S90

stickguy

200”? Scratch that

But, good chance the S60 could have a clearance lease push over the summer. Can you hackers monitor that for me? I would love an XC60, but that will never be cheap enough. And the V60 is way too rare.

pensfan83

@28firefighter for sure has a knack for finding those deals. He sent a few BMW lease deals my way over the past few months that were outstanding, but they required quick action and after the initial shock and excitement wore off it was clear it wasn't the right time to pull the trigger.

28firefighter

It's a gift and a curse, @pensfan83.

@stickguy - Send me a PM with what you might be interested in and I'll keep my eyes peeled.

stickguy

I will when I am ready. Probably not for another 4-6 weeks, since I have to work out with the princess first if she is taking my car. If so, then I will need to get something. If not, I am stuck!

28firefighter

stickguy said:

I will when I am ready. Probably not for another 4-6 weeks, since I have to work out with the princess first if she is taking my car. If so, then I will need to get something. If not, I am stuck!

Sounds good.

qbrozen

Hard to watch the great deals float by, but I got another year to go! Maybe 24-mo leases are too long for me.

Michaell

qbrozen said:

Hard to watch the great deals float by, but I got another year to go! Maybe 24-mo leases are too long for me.

I suspect there will always be great deals out there, regardless of when you're shopping.

ronsteve

qbrozen said:

ronsteve said:

stickguy said:

Disregard. Looked it up on swedespeed. 

I really like Volvos. and am willing to buy an older used one. But not if it has AWD.

So is it just a preference for avoiding AWD Volvos, or is there something about them that they should be avoided? And what of more recent models? 

That '15 V60 at my local store keeps going down in price... low options and black interior are strikes, but the 2.5 turbo, just 21K miles and a price closing in on $21k are tempting. 

AWD Volvos have issues. Rear output shaft seal has a tendency to leak and, if not caught, will eventually run dry and eat the bevel gear. Something like $1400 to reseal it or $4k to replace, IIRC. There are a fair number running around out there where the owner simply removed the output shaft and operates in FWD.

So that explains the line item in the owners' manual to check the bevel gear every 30K on the AWD models. Any idea if the problem has persisted in the newer generations, or have they improved this?

andres3

Michaell said:

Not sure I can get past the L-coded VIN on the S90

One of the reasons I prefer the Golf R to the GTI is the VIN you get starting with a W=Germany instead of MEXICO (forget what that is).

stickguy

I thought that the newer models had a different AWD set up, but don't quote me on that. Even if not, would like to think that after all these years, they would have figured out how to cure the problem.

qbrozen

ronsteve said:

qbrozen said:

ronsteve said:

stickguy said:

Disregard. Looked it up on swedespeed. 

I really like Volvos. and am willing to buy an older used one. But not if it has AWD.

So is it just a preference for avoiding AWD Volvos, or is there something about them that they should be avoided? And what of more recent models? 

That '15 V60 at my local store keeps going down in price... low options and black interior are strikes, but the 2.5 turbo, just 21K miles and a price closing in on $21k are tempting. 

AWD Volvos have issues. Rear output shaft seal has a tendency to leak and, if not caught, will eventually run dry and eat the bevel gear. Something like $1400 to reseal it or $4k to replace, IIRC. There are a fair number running around out there where the owner simply removed the output shaft and operates in FWD.

So that explains the line item in the owners' manual to check the bevel gear every 30K on the AWD models. Any idea if the problem has persisted in the newer generations, or have they improved this?

I'm not sure

qbrozen

A local friend is enlisting my assistance buying a motorcycle. Although I am unfamiliar with them, she figures my mechanical knowledge is better than nothing. 

I'm surprised by the range of bikes and prices out there. I looked up the specs on a BMW she was eyeing. A 2013 with 5k miles, 0-60 in 3.4 secs, all for a measly $4500. Talk about a performance bargain.

I found a very pretty 1967 Triumph, but she has no interest in anything out of the ordinary.

corvette

Catching up after being gone for a few days...

tjc78 said:

You could do a lot worse for 4K....

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2000-lexus-es_300-4dr_sedan-used-17621543.html

I think Edmunds bought a used ES for around $5k as a long term tester several years back (like during the 2008 recession).

rny421 said:

qbrozen said:

Oh you don't want the 3.2 Volvo. It is a bit of a dog and very very thirsty.

My mom had it in her 2010 XC90. I don't know why they went away from the 5 cylinder, as the 6 wasn't a significant improvement in power, mpg, or NVH reduction. Not to mention, the first gear in the 2010 XC90 was extremely short, which felt odd to me. While it's definitely not the best engine, I probably wouldn't tell someone to stay away from it for a cheap everyday commuter. Doesn't your LR2 have the same engine?

I'm also not a fan of the normally aspirated I6 in the XC90s.

stickguy said:

there are a couple of incentives included that would not qualify for, but some serious discounts if you want a Passat. Way bigger than a comparable Jetta.

https://www.hamiltonvw.net/new-Hamilton-2018-Volkswagen-Passat-20T+SE-1VWBA7A3XJC028523#vehicleDisclaimer

Hmmm... must be a very low pressure turbo to only get 174 horses out of a 2.0 liter engine.

corvette

The Tahoe made the trip to Omaha and back for the Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting successfully. 1,497 miles without a hiccup. Depleted only about 10% of the oil life and burned about 1/3 quart of oil. I was tired the first two days of the trip--the second two were much better. It's not fast at all, but it's an extremely comfortable road trip vehicle. I drove between 80-85 when I could, with several sprints up to 90 to pass idiots who wouldn't yield the left lane. I-80 through Iowa was much more congested than I remember. I had hoped I'd encounter less traffic going through Iowa versus I-70 from St. Louis to Kansas City.

I made it a point to run E85 the whole time. I now understand how electric vehicle drivers complain about charging stations getting "ICE'd" by non-electric vehicles. On the way there, I stopped at the Meijer in Champaign, Illinois to fill up with E85. Only one pump had E85, and one side of it had an "out of order" sign on the E85 nozzle. The other side had an unoccupied vehicle parked in it. I fired up the Gasbuddy app and found a Mobil just down the street which offered E85. On the return trip, I stopped again at the Mobil. Both sides of the lone E85 pump were occupied. Tried the Meijer. Again a vehicle was parked in front of the lone working E85 nozzle. Grabbed lunch at Wendy's, checked Meijer next door (again), and that slot was occupied by another vehicle. Back to Mobil, and was able to fill up. Oddly enough, the Meijer in Champaign is also a Tesla Supercharger station. There were no Teslas to be seen the one time I drove by that area of the property.

A hidden gem--the eastbound Spoon River rest area on I-74 in Illinois has a little walking trail with a covered bridge, an uncovered bridge, and a lookout tower. I didn't plan the stop for that reason, so it was completely spontaneous, but I gladly partook of all three to stretch my legs. Now, it's pretty random, and to be honest, the lookout tower is not the most scenic of views (you can see a lot of the interstate), but it was a nice touch and well maintained. A very pleasant surprise!

28firefighter

Swap pending on the C. If they’re approved, we will meet at buyer’s bank to sign the papers and give me the cashier’s check for the security deposits. After that it’s just waiting for the registration packet to be sent to the buyer. 

Bigger question is what I replace it with. 

pensfan83

28firefighter said:

Swap pending on the C. If they’re approved, we will meet at buyer’s bank to sign the papers and give me the cashier’s check for the security deposits. After that it’s just waiting for the registration packet to be sent to the buyer. 

Bigger question is what I replace it with. 

Since you were kicking around the TSX what about a 3rd generation TL or if you can find one within your budget, a 4th gen TL? Both are available with a stick and would provide more room then a TSX in the backseat. 4th gen is available with AWD too. A friend of mine has a 4th gen AWD TL with stick & technology package and it's a pretty nice ride.

tbirdmarco

Hmm 

qbrozen

There are motorcycle folks here, right? Anything I need to know? Brands/models to avoid?

Here are a few possibilities from the dealer we plan to visit on Sat.

http://www.crosscountrypowersports.com/default.asp?page=xInventoryDetail&id=5418783

http://www.crosscountrypowersports.com/default.asp?page=xInventoryDetail&id=5175312

http://www.crosscountrypowersports.com/default.asp?page=xInventoryDetail&id=5310100

http://www.crosscountrypowersports.com/default.asp?page=xInventoryDetail&id=5088889

http://www.crosscountrypowersports.com/default.asp?page=xInventoryDetail&id=5315221

28firefighter

I’m keeping my eye out for one. The 3rd Gen TLs I’ve seen have crazy asking prices and inevitably the ad says “looks and drives great, except grinds into 3rd gear” like it’s no big deal. 

fintail

I think anything Japanese will be easy to live with, anything Italian will be a maintenance chore. Kind of like with cars.

I want one of these

Or something like this (yeah, that price is a bit wacky, but it's cool)

However, the constantly devolving skill of local drivers still has me very hesitant to get on a bike on anything but a weekend morning with light traffic.

qbrozen said:

There are motorcycle folks here, right? Anything I need to know? Brands/models to avoid?

Here are a few possibilities from the dealer we plan to visit on Sat.

http://www.crosscountrypowersports.com/default.asp?page=xInventoryDetail&id=5418783

http://www.crosscountrypowersports.com/default.asp?page=xInventoryDetail&id=5175312

http://www.crosscountrypowersports.com/default.asp?page=xInventoryDetail&id=5310100

http://www.crosscountrypowersports.com/default.asp?page=xInventoryDetail&id=5088889

http://www.crosscountrypowersports.com/default.asp?page=xInventoryDetail&id=5315221

kyfdx

@qbrozen I wouldn't consider a Triumph out of the ordinary. Pretty mainstream, these days.

Mr_Shiftright

qbrozen said:

A local friend is enlisting my assistance buying a motorcycle. Although I am unfamiliar with them, she figures my mechanical knowledge is better than nothing. 

I'm surprised by the range of bikes and prices out there. I looked up the specs on a BMW she was eyeing. A 2013 with 5k miles, 0-60 in 3.4 secs, all for a measly $4500. Talk about a performance bargain.

I found a very pretty 1967 Triumph, but she has no interest in anything out of the ordinary.

Can't go wrong with a Beamer. I don't think she would be happy with a '67 Triumph unless she's a pretty fair wrench (NOT wench!) herself. They are beautiful (I own a '66), very light and they handle extremely well for their age. They are not fast, but they sound fast.

A Beamer is a gentleman's bike. If she wants to be BADDDDD, maybe not for her.

28firefighter

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2000-honda-prelude-6/

Me like.

pensfan83

28firefighter said:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2000-honda-prelude-6/

Me like.

Wow, very clean. @nyccarguy would approve I think.