Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Sandman6472

Am used to my back-up camera even though it's not very good, the GM's put mine to shame really. Still need to do the left-right-left when backing out or pulling out, but nice to have the added help. Want all the safety nannies on my next vehicle as my recent accident scared me a bit. True, there was nothing I could've done to prevent it, I'd prefer to have as much help as possible. Hopefully BMW has stepped into the 21st century and added all these safety features to most of their fleet. Hoping that Hyundai/Kia already have done this as that's my first stop once I do get serious about getting something new.
Now that the accident is on my CarFax, going to be interesting to see what kind of offers I get and will be fun to see which used car folks can tell it's had paint work. Sure many of the good ones will be able to tell quickly and heard there's a gadget they use to measure paint depth(?) but not sure if it even does exist. But I've still got plenty of time to look and prefer to wait till hurricane season is over. Have bought the last few vehicles in December, start looking by Thanksgiving and within a few weeks, I am usually ready to purchase. After I narrow down the short list, go drive each one a couple more times and then make an offer. usually pretty quick as it was with the Golf. Test drove it twice and made an offer which was refused, we were about $1200 apart. Even though I wanted it, I didn't really need it. Waited about 4 days and went back but hit CarMax first to get a trade number. Went back and test drove my current vehicle and I said if I buy today, a Thursday, I want to swap the wheels with a GTI model parked next to it.
They agreed and then we started to talk $. We were still a $1K apart and then I pulled out the CarMax document with a $1K more trade value. That did the trick and we shook on it. They had to keep that document which I said fine but will give it to you tomorrow, Friday, when I pick it up. I never take a new vehicle home that same day, just a quirk of mine. Next day, came in and drove out in my new Golf. They screwed up the tire/wheel swap and that took over 3 weeks to fix but that's another story.

The Sandman

fintail

Is that the only dealer in the region? I have little doubt it could be had for 10K under sticker if it was out here - especially if it was in CA, but even in western WA I think it is possible. Areas with multiple dealers end up being very competitive.

graphicguy said:

Went with a neighbor to look at this beauty yesterday.

https://www.mbcincy.com/inventory/new-2017-mercedes-benz-c-class-c-300-4matic-coupe-wddwj4kb3hf339069

Beautiful car. But, nearly 2 MYs old. He was counting on $10K off MSRP. They said he wasn’t even close and didn’t try very hard to make a deal.

As an aside, while a very nice car, I don’t recall the drivetrain being that “gruff” when I last drove one.

Aside from that, I liked the car. So did he. He was insulted that they were insulted by his offer, though.

fintail

That's nutty. If I was on a test drive and was turned down when wanting to go for a few miles on the highway, I'd turn around and walk away.

sandman_6472 said:

A nice looking 3 Series there but also would prefer a tan interior. Need to test drive one again just to see how I like it. The couple I drove at work were a dream to drive especially in "sport" mode and kinda really turned me on to German iron. Not long after driving those two 328i"s at work, the wife got her A3 and a week later, I got my Golf under some protest from the peanut gallery. All thought I should've kept the Tucson longer but I disagreed and the rest is history.
For awhile, I wanted a 1 Series but after test driving one at the local BMW store, felt it was too heavy and the 6 cylinder engine slowed it down. But it was a rushed test drive on one of their pre-planned routes which only involved back streets. I wanted to try the highway but was turned down.
My preferred color combo's are the brown over brown or the blue over ivory. In hind sight, should've bought that brown over brown unit I found at the Honda store. Low miles, great price but wasn't quite ready to purchase then and I regret that now.

The Sandman

28firefighter

@Mr_Shiftright - i said thought about. Not doing. I put 100 miles on it yesterday between a run to SeaTac to pick up my in-laws and some errands. What a fun ride. 

Mr_Shiftright

Well keep us informed. Maybe these are better buys than we thought.

benjaminh

stickguy said:

I kinda like this oddball. Would have to see the red in person, and would prefer a beige interior. But sports package/seats, and RWD? nice! Really wish it had at least a BU camera, since rear visibility is pretty lousy.

http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2013-bmw-3_series-certified_328i_sport_line_navigation-used-17537737.html

Rear visibility on 3-series is excellent.

Compelling price for a certified BMW imho.

I can't believe it doesn't have a back-up camera....???

Michaell

Price accepted. Son is signing paperwork now. Ex also struck a deal on a new Santa Fe; dealer trade will arrive tomorrow. 

Sandman6472

Elantra GT? Seems to be a popular vehicle as I’m also interested in that. Seems to be a nice compromise and for us, the Hyundai store is right across the street, bought the kids Accent and my Tucson there. The Kia store is across town and while not that far, sometimes it’s nice to be close.
Have seen a few Ford Ecosports and starting to like them. At 161.3” in length, would fit the garage perfectly even with that crazy swing out rear door. Have sat in a few at the Ford store where we, Hertz, has our rental office, and pretty decent and found the seats in the Titanium model comfortable enough. The SE model seems to be the sweet spot but think I’d stretch the budget and get the Titanium unit. But then again, it’s a Ford and not so sure I could be happy with one in the long run.
Right now, not driving but have to come Thursday and Friday as I have some doctors appointments and there’s no one else to take me. Did drive to get an egg biscuit this morning at about 5:30 and since it was Sunday, the roads were empty plus it was still raining. Had no issues whatsoever, so think I’ll be fine on Thursday afternoon. If not, can always get the wife to come home or use Lyft. Would rather drive myself as am serious about going back on the 11th and need to be able to drive safely. It was so nice getting those paychecks each week and could use the extra income right now as the bills are starting to come in and finding out our health insurance is just adequate, I’m still going to be stuck with about 20% to 25% for my portion and this total stay was in no way cheap. Haven’t gotten a total tally but gotta figure it’ll be close to $50K all in if not more so going back is essential right now. Don’t want to deplete my savings as there are going to be some significant changes going on by the end of the year and need to be ready.

The Sandman

fintail

Red BMW must have been a special order, appears to lack lighting package too. I can imagine the Luddite "enthusiast" who spec'd it.

qbrozen

I actually like that bimmer quite a bit! I don't mind the interior that much mostly because of the red stitching

benjaminh

I assume the original msrp of that 2013 BMW was c. $42,000. That's a lot of depreciation in 5 years. Still has probably c. 8 years and 80,000 miles of good life left, and yet it's c.70% discounted from new....

stickguy

probably still going to be a hard sell in PA without AWD. Because so many buyers have been brainwashed. Actually a plus to me!

if it was closer and a little cheaper....

stickguy

was out with daughter and wife today running errands. Took my car. Did not take long to run out of space! Good thing they did not by the floor standing mirror. That was never fitting! Came to a few conclusions.

first, the roads around here are even worse than they were over the winter. Just terrible. on top of that, they are working on a bunch of them (replacing sewer pipes) so patches and plates. The allure of a sporty car with skinny tires is wearing off.

I also do like the idea of having a hatch/wagon style vehicle. Always have. though we do have the RDX as needed. So unless I convince the wife to flip that for another similar car that we would use for everything, I would prefer having one too.

As a bonus, sticking with a CUV, you can actually get real sidewalls!

the other thing I will never compromise on again is power seats. The wife is even grumpy about not having one on the passenger side. And now that I have gotten used to having plenty of Go power, not giving that up either.

So, I think the next car will be a compact CUV (or wagon version). But something that has some power, and well equipped. but not too big. An X1 is probably the best example. But an XC40? sure. Just a minor issue of price. A V60 would always be nice too. Too bad Hyundai did not have the Kona out when I was buying. That would have been a good choice. of course, could always try to find the money for a new RDX! Though that would require dumping both current rides.

I could also go with a slightly roomier sedan eventually, if it had the right features. An S60, something like that. I am shopping seats next time (and sidewall). But don't want to give up too much MPG.

Michaell

Alex and Courtney and the new E-GT:

stickguy

nice looking car. especially for the money. AT or stick?

Michaell

AT. Totally base, but compared to his Accent, pretty well loaded. 

The Accent will go to his GF, so she’ll have more reliable transportation as well. 

suydam

Nice looking ride!

Michaell

@sandman_6472 - his car is the base engine, but I’d imagine the 1.6T would be a hoot to drive. Very compact package. 

28firefighter

Nice looking car, @michaell! 

Sandman6472

Yes, just saw the pic and like it...a lot! Now, if that's the base model, can just imagine what the 1.6T one would be like? Very interested to say the least and getting new, gets me back into a warranty, something I like to have. I used mine in the Golf right up until the end but suppose if I came n with a bad water pump/thermostat at 36,500 or so, they'd hopefully replace it for free as a good will gesture since it's so close. I was lucky the light came on that night driving home as I didn't see the puddle in the garage. If I had, I'd have gone right over as I'd have figured out something was amiss but the warning light saved my [non-permissible content removed]. And the rest is history.
According to Mr. Shifty, my recent accident is now posted in CarFax right after the water pump/thermostat replacement so am betting any trade offer will be at least $1K under what a non molested 2015 VW Golf would be with similar mileage. And that figure could even be higher. By looking, one would have to be a real expert to know it had any paint and body work, even the interior welding job looks pretty good to be honest, but I'm not an expert. Will go try to trade it on something once I get my road wheels back and see how low they really do offer me. Should do it on an Elantra GT as it's something I'd drive/buy if the numbers work out...could see myself in one and think I'd be pretty happy actually.

The Sandman

Michaell

28firefighter said:

Nice looking car, @michaell! 

Before getting serious, I asked him if he was interested in the sedan, as it would cost less. Nope. 

And, took a quick look at the Ioniq Blue. $23k before discounts and incentives, and 57/59 MPG. But, the reviews on it weren’t encouraging. Noisy and uncomfortable. 

Sandman6472

Like the alloys, looks to be either 16" or 17" rims/tires and not bad in white to be honest. looks like a smaller Mazda 3. Have seen a couple of the 1.6T versions and their rear light are very similar to my wife's A3, the intensity and red color they give off. Just hope the mpg figures are pretty close to what I'm getting now in the Golf, 30/36, or there abouts. I know it's 30 in the mixed driving but have hit at least 40 on a few occasions where the weather is just about perfect and using no a/c. The Golf seems to enjoy driving where the tach is between 2200 and 2800 and just hums along. The engine has a nice sound to it and can do this for a long time.
Did notice this morning that the brake pedal is pretty low when at a complete stop. Have a feeling the brakes need to be adjusted or I could need new front pads. Haven't touched the brakes yet and with just over 40,510 or so, might be time to have them checked out. So far, I've spent no out of pocket on any repairs except tires, one oil change and the three year alignment policy. The warranty took care of the battery and the water pump/thermostat and I pre-paid for the 20K & 30K services upfront. So, if in fact I do need either front or rear brakes, I'm ready to do it. Will take a ride over to see my buddy next week and see what's up and have them done if needed. Luckily, I'm the only one who drives it but with my luck, the wife might need it and hate for her to have any troubles.

The Sandman

roadburner

stickguy said:

I kinda like this oddball. Would have to see the red in person, and would prefer a beige interior. But sports package/seats, and RWD? nice! Really wish it had at least a BU camera, since rear visibility is pretty lousy.

http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2013-bmw-3_series-certified_328i_sport_line_navigation-used-17537737.html

No HIDs would be the deal-killer for me.

stickguy

Getting a laugh out of the wife lately. I think she might be an easy sell if I decide to do something rash and make a move. I don't think she ever really cared for my car, but let it go in the spirit of "you can get whatever you want". And also probably assuming it would only last until about now, when the daughter took it over. So with that not likely happening, she is getting grumpier.

was out walking this AM and I pointed out a new Camry (just for the color) and mentioned it was a nice looking car, but big. Her reply was along the lines of "what's wrong with that"? I had no better response than, it is bulkier to drive around. She just said "but they are more comfortable". At this point, I think she is much more a Lexus type than a GTI type of rider (not driver, she rarely drives my car).

so unless I decide to go with a CUV style vehicle (would be OK with her) the next sedan will likely be something at least 1 size class up. With power seats and more luxury content/ride/ I think she would be a lot happier with an S60 or TLX if I was going to be sticking with a sedan. Or actually, if they had the new style Sonata Turbo out when I was shopping, I am pretty sure that would have worked for both of us (she liked the size and comfort of the old one, has all the goodies, and enough HP to be entertaining).

Oh well. will wait it out for now and see what happens. I still think that my best scheme plan is to sell/trade in both cars, get a luxury compact CUV (RDX, X1) for our primary car and her DD, and I can just get some spare beater to have in the garage for when I am by myself.

wish me luck pulling that off!

Plan B is probably just flip my car for something that would work the same way, probably less fancy (and a lease), and go from there.

stickguy

for those following along at home, latest resolution to the Jetta is that it goes back at lease end (7/3) as scheduled Turns out no need to keep it an extra month. Kid has to go to 2 weeks of training the last 2 weeks of July, but won't be driving to it so pointless to be paying for car to sit her. She can use mine for a week in between.

Now just need to schedule the inspection.

benjaminh

stickguy said:

....was out walking this AM and I pointed out a new Camry (just for the color) and mentioned it was a nice looking car, but big. Her reply was along the lines of "what's wrong with that"? I had no better response than, it is bulkier to drive around. She just said "but they are more comfortable"....

The new Camry is nice enough in the front seats, but the back is surprisingly "compact" imho. Maybe no one in your family will be riding in back, but it's lacking in back seat room compared to a Sonata, Accord, Optima, etc.

nyccarguy

I vote for the non-Xenon equipped 4 year old 328i over a new Camry.

ab348

stickguy said:

Oh well. will wait it out for now and see what happens. I still think that my best scheme plan is to sell/trade in both cars, get a luxury compact CUV (RDX, X1) for our primary car and her DD, and I can just get some spare beater to have in the garage for when I am by myself.

You are nothing if not an optimist.

We should start a betting pool here on what ends up happening.

stickguy

well, I have no real interest in a Camry. Unless I end up back in the cheap lease market, and Toyota decides to cooperate! The back seat is actually the least important thing to us. Occasionally our short daughter might ride back there, or the dog, but most of the time it is just 1 or 2 up front. So really the size of the car is not important. As long as it has a comfortable ride, and roomy front passenger seat (with power adjustment), the wife will be happy.

As to what will actually happen? For now, probably nothing, but I will keep trolling lines in the water to see what bites. And take her out on occasion, just to see things (I know for sure we will be trying out the RDX when they hit dealers).

stickguy

nyccarguy said:

I vote for the non-Xenon equipped 4 year old 328i over a new Camry.

I am sure you do. I just need my local guy to get a car like that, for less money. HIDs are not a big deal to me. The BU camera, that I would miss.

nyccarguy

Sitting in traffic on my way to the beach yesterday I had a random CCBA plot, er scheme, err thought.  I really like the previous body style Suburbans a lot.  The ‘09 - ‘14.  Specifically the 2011 through 2014 LT/LTZ.  Could I adopt one of those as well as a well cared for, CPO C7 Corvette reasonably?  Hmmm.

roadburner

stickguy said:

was out walking this AM and I pointed out a new Camry (just for the color) and mentioned it was a nice looking car, but big. Her reply was along the lines of "what's wrong with that"? I had no better response than, it is bulkier to drive around. She just said "but they are more comfortable". At this point, I think she is much more a Lexus type than a GTI type of rider (not driver, she rarely drives my car).

I'm so glad my wife is on the same page as me with respect to smaller cars- she doesn't even want a 4 door JL Wrangler as she thinks it is too big.
Bless her heart!

tifighter

nyccarguy said:

Sitting in traffic on my way to the beach yesterday I had a random CCBA plot, er scheme, err thought.  I really like the previous body style Suburbans a lot.  The ‘09 - ‘14.  Specifically the 2011 through 2014 LT/LTZ.  Could I adopt one of those as well as a well cared for, CPO C7 Corvette reasonably?  Hmmm.

I could be convinced to test drive a nice C6. For research purposes, of course.

28firefighter

nyccarguy said:

Sitting in traffic on my way to the beach yesterday I had a random CCBA plot, er scheme, err thought.  I really like the previous body style Suburbans a lot.  The ‘09 - ‘14.  Specifically the 2011 through 2014 LT/LTZ.  Could I adopt one of those as well as a well cared for, CPO C7 Corvette reasonably?  Hmmm.

Wait. What?

Mr_Shiftright

stickguy said:

nyccarguy said:

I vote for the non-Xenon equipped 4 year old 328i over a new Camry.

I am sure you do. I just need my local guy to get a car like that, for less money. HIDs are not a big deal to me. The BU camera, that I would miss.

C'mon you guys! The history of humanity is at stake here. We can survive without HID and back-up cameras.

corvette

nyccarguy said:

Sitting in traffic on my way to the beach yesterday I had a random CCBA plot, er scheme, err thought.  I really like the previous body style Suburbans a lot.  The ‘09 - ‘14.  Specifically the 2011 through 2014 LT/LTZ.  Could I adopt one of those as well as a well cared for, CPO C7 Corvette reasonably?  Hmmm.

You want a late build 2009 or newer. The ones before that often have bad transmissions like my 2008 Yukon did. GM issued a TSB that indicates the VIN breakpoint in 2009 that got the fixed transmission. I checked that before I bought the 2009 Tahoe. I’m not sure of the years, but I think the later model years of the GMT900 offered Bluetooth audio streaming and BLIS. I really love mine as a comfortable daily driver / road trip car. They depreciate pretty quickly. 

That said, used Corvettes are crazy expensive. I looked before I bought the Mustang and it just made no sense at all. The Mustang 5.0 offered similar performance to the C5 Corvettes which were priced about the same, and I got a much newer vehicle. 

benjaminh

stickguy said:

...I still think that my best scheme plan is to sell/trade in both cars, get a luxury compact CUV (RDX, X1) for our primary car and her DD, and I can just get some spare beater to have in the garage for when I am by myself.

wish me luck pulling that off!.....

The new RDX is likely to have a starting msrp of c. $40k. The X1 is about the same. Would you really go that high? The 2019 RDX does look pretty good so far....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2H8GNku0mE

stickguy

depends. X1 might be used. Or on either one, leased. Though the RDX would be something for down the line, not right away. But no, I would not likely buy one outright at that price. A CPO of some sort, at say 30K, would be doable since the RDX has a fair amount of equity to knock down the payments.

so roughly $30,000 sale price, less $15,000 (trade/out of pocket), leaving about $15K to finance. That would be no more monthly than a normal lease.

something more expensive would likely be a lease, with potential to buy out at the end.

stickguy

you know, I think I just laid out the framework of an actual plan! Could work with a Volvo...

carnaught

With all the scheming going on here, I realized that our friend Breld has been very quiet lately. Wonder if he’s still on vacation.

stickguy

probably buying a car overseas and shipping it home!

Michaell

The ex picked up her car today...

stickguy

ah, the big Santa Fe. I actually really like those. Gorgeous color. My wife would like one of those.

stickguy

not my cup of tea, but this seems like a really good deal for someone that likes these. Lotta car for modest money.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2010-buick-lacrosse-4dr_sedan_cxl_3_0l_fwd-used-17576917.html

corvette

stickguy said:

not my cup of tea, but this seems like a really good deal for someone that likes these. Lotta car for modest money.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2010-buick-lacrosse-4dr_sedan_cxl_3_0l_fwd-used-17576917.html

Cheap, but no backup cam or color radio screen... Meh.

stickguy

part of not being my cup of tea. and why I have trouble with cheap used cars. Don't have to go too many years back before the tech is incredibly antiquated.

qbrozen

corvette said:

nyccarguy said:

Sitting in traffic on my way to the beach yesterday I had a random CCBA plot, er scheme, err thought.  I really like the previous body style Suburbans a lot.  The ‘09 - ‘14.  Specifically the 2011 through 2014 LT/LTZ.  Could I adopt one of those as well as a well cared for, CPO C7 Corvette reasonably?  Hmmm.

You want a late build 2009 or newer. The ones before that often have bad transmissions like my 2008 Yukon did. GM issued a TSB that indicates the VIN breakpoint in 2009 that got the fixed transmission. I checked that before I bought the 2009 Tahoe. I’m not sure of the years, but I think the later model years of the GMT900 offered Bluetooth audio streaming and BLIS. I really love mine as a comfortable daily driver / road trip car. They depreciate pretty quickly. 

That said, used Corvettes are crazy expensive. I looked before I bought the Mustang and it just made no sense at all. The Mustang 5.0 offered similar performance to the C5 Corvettes which were priced about the same, and I got a much newer vehicle. 

Similar performance maybe on a 1/4 mile dragstrip, but that's it. 

Pricing depends greatly on model. Yes, good Z06 examples can get up in the mid-to-high 20s, but mid-cycle base coupes with 365 hp and 6-spd are quite good and fairly inexpensive.

C6 base models can keep up with C5 Z06 models and cost about the same. I'd probably go that route.

suydam

Suburban — a true barge. But if it floats your boat.

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

corvette said:

nyccarguy said:

Sitting in traffic on my way to the beach yesterday I had a random CCBA plot, er scheme, err thought.  I really like the previous body style Suburbans a lot.  The ‘09 - ‘14.  Specifically the 2011 through 2014 LT/LTZ.  Could I adopt one of those as well as a well cared for, CPO C7 Corvette reasonably?  Hmmm.

You want a late build 2009 or newer. The ones before that often have bad transmissions like my 2008 Yukon did. GM issued a TSB that indicates the VIN breakpoint in 2009 that got the fixed transmission. I checked that before I bought the 2009 Tahoe. I’m not sure of the years, but I think the later model years of the GMT900 offered Bluetooth audio streaming and BLIS. I really love mine as a comfortable daily driver / road trip car. They depreciate pretty quickly. 

That said, used Corvettes are crazy expensive. I looked before I bought the Mustang and it just made no sense at all. The Mustang 5.0 offered similar performance to the C5 Corvettes which were priced about the same, and I got a much newer vehicle. 

Similar performance maybe on a 1/4 mile dragstrip, but that's it. 

Pricing depends greatly on model. Yes, good Z06 examples can get up in the mid-to-high 20s, but mid-cycle base coupes with 365 hp and 6-spd are quite good and fairly inexpensive.

C6 base models can keep up with C5 Z06 models and cost about the same. I'd probably go that route.

Can you give me some specifics of “fairly inexpensive, mid-cycle base coupes?”

kyfdx

I'd definitely pick a C6 over a Z06 C5.

But, I'd take the C6 Z06, if I'm going that way, even for the extra money.