Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

benjaminh

nyccarguy said:

benjaminh said:

stickguy: Now I remember that your wife wants a power passenger seat. The CR-V EXL with 2-wheel drive has an msrp c. $30k, and that gives you power memory leather seats, power tailgate, etc. You wont find crazy discounts on CR-V like you would with your Hyundais, VWs, etc, but you might be able to get c. $3k off of msrp if you're lucky and a good negotiator. Plus there's 1.9 financing. And, of course, it has CarPlay/AndroidAuto, etc.

Careful on that slippery slope. If he's going to go from an RDX to a 2WD CRV (Which there are exactly ZERO in stock in the NE), then why not just go for a Civic EXL? 2WD, less expensive than a CRV, healthy discount, rides on the same underpinnings, quicker than the CRV, better gas mileage...

Fair enough. And in some ways that 2019 RDX is a good value. For an mrsp just c.$3k more than a CR-V Touring you get a huge upgrade in power with the 2.0 turbo, a next gen infotainment system, more luxury, more safety, a 10 speed auto with paddle shifters instead of a cvt, more prestige, a car that is much rarer than the CR-Vs you find on every block, etc., etc.

stickguy

I was seriously considering the crv. We scooped out at car show and liked it. The reports of engine problems (gas in the oil) give me pause. The upcoming RAV4 looks nice too. Might be a tough sell to the wife, though the fancier tech might overcome no snobby badge and less HP!

RDX instead of a CRV EXL (the model she would want) would be a want, not need, decision.

Hyundai is also coming out with a redesigned Santa Fe sport. I imagine that will be a strong contender too.

I love the V60. Maybe a lease on a 2018. The new design will be out of budget, and I think doesn’t arrive until next year.

Always something new coming to wait for! We are not actually in any hurry. I just want something new!

stickguy

benjaminh said:

nyccarguy said:

benjaminh said:

stickguy: Now I remember that your wife wants a power passenger seat. The CR-V EXL with 2-wheel drive has an msrp c. $30k, and that gives you power memory leather seats, power tailgate, etc. You wont find crazy discounts on CR-V like you would with your Hyundais, VWs, etc, but you might be able to get c. $3k off of msrp if you're lucky and a good negotiator. Plus there's 1.9 financing. And, of course, it has CarPlay/AndroidAuto, etc.

Careful on that slippery slope. If he's going to go from an RDX to a 2WD CRV (Which there are exactly ZERO in stock in the NE), then why not just go for a Civic EXL? 2WD, less expensive than a CRV, healthy discount, rides on the same underpinnings, quicker than the CRV, better gas mileage...

Fair enough. And in some ways that 2019 RDX is a good value. For an mrsp just c.$3k more than a CR-V Touring you get a huge upgrade in power with the 2.0 turbo, a next gen infotainment system, more luxury, more safety, a 10 speed auto with paddle shifters instead of a cvt, more prestige, a car that is much rarer than the CR-Vs you find on every block, etc., etc.

That’s the exact logic that got me talked into the rdx 6 years ago instead of a CRV EXL.

benjaminh

stickguy said:

benjaminh said:

nyccarguy said:

benjaminh said:

stickguy: Now I remember that your wife wants a power passenger seat. The CR-V EXL with 2-wheel drive has an msrp c. $30k, and that gives you power memory leather seats, power tailgate, etc. You wont find crazy discounts on CR-V like you would with your Hyundais, VWs, etc, but you might be able to get c. $3k off of msrp if you're lucky and a good negotiator. Plus there's 1.9 financing. And, of course, it has CarPlay/AndroidAuto, etc.

Careful on that slippery slope. If he's going to go from an RDX to a 2WD CRV (Which there are exactly ZERO in stock in the NE), then why not just go for a Civic EXL? 2WD, less expensive than a CRV, healthy discount, rides on the same underpinnings, quicker than the CRV, better gas mileage...

Fair enough. And in some ways that 2019 RDX is a good value. For an mrsp just c.$3k more than a CR-V Touring you get a huge upgrade in power with the 2.0 turbo, a next gen infotainment system, more luxury, more safety, a 10 speed auto with paddle shifters instead of a cvt, more prestige, a car that is much rarer than the CR-Vs you find on every block, etc., etc.

That’s the exact logic that got me talked into the rdx 6 years ago instead of a CRV EXL.

And when it comes down to it, it seems like you and your wife have really been satisfied with the RDX. Aside from the lack of infotainment/CarPlay/AndroidAuto and AcuraWatch you'd probably still be happy with your current RDX.

Honestly, my guess is that you (and more importantly your wife) would be happier with a luxury SUV of some kind.

Crazy idea, but what if you just sold your 2013 RDX for $16k or whatever, and then leased a 2019 RDX or other luxury suv? The money from the sale of the old RDX might almost cover your payments for 3 years on the lease of a new RDX. Kinda annoyed by this phrase but: happy wife happy life....

nyccarguy

benjaminh said:

stickguy said:

benjaminh said:

nyccarguy said:

benjaminh said:

stickguy: Now I remember that your wife wants a power passenger seat. The CR-V EXL with 2-wheel drive has an msrp c. $30k, and that gives you power memory leather seats, power tailgate, etc. You wont find crazy discounts on CR-V like you would with your Hyundais, VWs, etc, but you might be able to get c. $3k off of msrp if you're lucky and a good negotiator. Plus there's 1.9 financing. And, of course, it has CarPlay/AndroidAuto, etc.

Careful on that slippery slope. If he's going to go from an RDX to a 2WD CRV (Which there are exactly ZERO in stock in the NE), then why not just go for a Civic EXL? 2WD, less expensive than a CRV, healthy discount, rides on the same underpinnings, quicker than the CRV, better gas mileage...

Fair enough. And in some ways that 2019 RDX is a good value. For an mrsp just c.$3k more than a CR-V Touring you get a huge upgrade in power with the 2.0 turbo, a next gen infotainment system, more luxury, more safety, a 10 speed auto with paddle shifters instead of a cvt, more prestige, a car that is much rarer than the CR-Vs you find on every block, etc., etc.

That’s the exact logic that got me talked into the rdx 6 years ago instead of a CRV EXL.

And when it comes down to it, it seems like you and your wife have really been satisfied with the RDX. Aside from the lack of infotainment/CarPlay/AndroidAuto and AcuraWatch you'd probably still be happy with your current RDX.

Honestly, my guess is that you (and more importantly your wife) would be happier with a luxury SUV of some kind.

Crazy idea, but what if you just sold your 2013 RDX for $16k or whatever, and then leased a 2019 RDX or other luxury suv? The money from the sale of the old RDX might almost cover your payments for 3 years on the lease of a new RDX. Kinda annoyed by this phrase but: happy wife happy life....

I'd say for at least the next 6 months or so, it will be cheaper to lease a more expensive MDX than a comparably equipped RDX.

benjaminh

nyccarguy said:

benjaminh said:

stickguy said:

benjaminh said:

nyccarguy said:

benjaminh said:

stickguy: Now I remember that your wife wants a power passenger seat. The CR-V EXL with 2-wheel drive has an msrp c. $30k, and that gives you power memory leather seats, power tailgate, etc. You wont find crazy discounts on CR-V like you would with your Hyundais, VWs, etc, but you might be able to get c. $3k off of msrp if you're lucky and a good negotiator. Plus there's 1.9 financing. And, of course, it has CarPlay/AndroidAuto, etc.

Careful on that slippery slope. If he's going to go from an RDX to a 2WD CRV (Which there are exactly ZERO in stock in the NE), then why not just go for a Civic EXL? 2WD, less expensive than a CRV, healthy discount, rides on the same underpinnings, quicker than the CRV, better gas mileage...

Fair enough. And in some ways that 2019 RDX is a good value. For an mrsp just c.$3k more than a CR-V Touring you get a huge upgrade in power with the 2.0 turbo, a next gen infotainment system, more luxury, more safety, a 10 speed auto with paddle shifters instead of a cvt, more prestige, a car that is much rarer than the CR-Vs you find on every block, etc., etc.

That’s the exact logic that got me talked into the rdx 6 years ago instead of a CRV EXL.

And when it comes down to it, it seems like you and your wife have really been satisfied with the RDX. Aside from the lack of infotainment/CarPlay/AndroidAuto and AcuraWatch you'd probably still be happy with your current RDX.

Honestly, my guess is that you (and more importantly your wife) would be happier with a luxury SUV of some kind.

Crazy idea, but what if you just sold your 2013 RDX for $16k or whatever, and then leased a 2019 RDX or other luxury suv? The money from the sale of the old RDX might almost cover your payments for 3 years on the lease of a new RDX. Kinda annoyed by this phrase but: happy wife happy life....

I'd say for at least the next 6 months or so, it will be cheaper to lease a more expensive MDX than a comparably equipped RDX.

Probably so!++ But I think they want a smaller vehicle....

ab348

sandman_6472 said:

And the Ford Ecosport is...a Ford and not sure I'd be happy, especially a first year model.
The Sandman

The Ecosport is based off a Fiesta and despite the usual attempts by reviewers to sound enthusiastic about a new model I get the distinct impression it is a very underwhelming vehicle. It's been available in overseas markets for a couple of years already so it is not a new design.

stickguy

I drove an MDX. Too big a barge for us. Now, a V60, that would work!

Benjamin, you are reading my mind. I was thinking to sell the RDX, pay off the Elantra, then lease a replacement family car. Would end up with about same monthly payment, but a much nicer travel/go everywhere car (since I generally take the Elantra now unless we have the dog). If this did happen (a long shot) I would be free to do whatever I wanted with the Hyundai, whenever I wanted to. Wife would not care.

She likes her RDX more than my car, but I prefer the new one for traveling. So that plan would be a win win, as long as she liked the replacement car even more!

benjaminh

nyccarguy said:

benjaminh said:

stickguy said:

benjaminh said:

nyccarguy said:

benjaminh said:

stickguy: Now I remember that your wife wants a power passenger seat. The CR-V EXL with 2-wheel drive has an msrp c. $30k, and that gives you power memory leather seats, power tailgate, etc. You wont find crazy discounts on CR-V like you would with your Hyundais, VWs, etc, but you might be able to get c. $3k off of msrp if you're lucky and a good negotiator. Plus there's 1.9 financing. And, of course, it has CarPlay/AndroidAuto, etc.

Careful on that slippery slope. If he's going to go from an RDX to a 2WD CRV (Which there are exactly ZERO in stock in the NE), then why not just go for a Civic EXL? 2WD, less expensive than a CRV, healthy discount, rides on the same underpinnings, quicker than the CRV, better gas mileage...

Fair enough. And in some ways that 2019 RDX is a good value. For an mrsp just c.$3k more than a CR-V Touring you get a huge upgrade in power with the 2.0 turbo, a next gen infotainment system, more luxury, more safety, a 10 speed auto with paddle shifters instead of a cvt, more prestige, a car that is much rarer than the CR-Vs you find on every block, etc., etc.

That’s the exact logic that got me talked into the rdx 6 years ago instead of a CRV EXL.

And when it comes down to it, it seems like you and your wife have really been satisfied with the RDX. Aside from the lack of infotainment/CarPlay/AndroidAuto and AcuraWatch you'd probably still be happy with your current RDX.

Honestly, my guess is that you (and more importantly your wife) would be happier with a luxury SUV of some kind.

Crazy idea, but what if you just sold your 2013 RDX for $16k or whatever, and then leased a 2019 RDX or other luxury suv? The money from the sale of the old RDX might almost cover your payments for 3 years on the lease of a new RDX. Kinda annoyed by this phrase but: happy wife happy life....

I'd say for at least the next 6 months or so, it will be cheaper to lease a more expensive MDX than a comparably equipped RDX.

You're right, the MDX is a good deal right now for a lease. Here's what my local Acura dealer is offering:

Lease a 2018 Acura MDX 9-Speed Automatic FWD for $349/mo. for 36 months
$2,999 due at signing, $0 security deposit

https://www.acuraatoxmoor.com/specials/new.htm?_vsrefdom=p.685

corvette

ab348 said:

And the Ford Ecosport is...a Ford and not sure I'd be happy, especially a first year model. The Sandman

The Ecosport is based off a Fiesta and despite the usual attempts by reviewers to sound enthusiastic about a new model I get the distinct impression it is a very underwhelming vehicle. It's been available in overseas markets for a couple of years already so it is not a new design.

It’s super awkward looking. Actually I think all of the “fun size” SUVs except the Buick Encore look awkward.

suydam

I prefer BLIS to Honda’s system. Hope they come around one of these days.

benjaminh

stickguy said:

I drove an MDX. Too big a barge for us. Now, a V60, that would work!

Benjamin, you are reading my mind. I was thinking to sell the RDX, pay off the Elantra, then lease a replacement family car. Would end up with about same monthly payment, but a much nicer travel/go everywhere car (since I generally take the Elantra now unless we have the dog). If this did happen (a long shot) I would be free to do whatever I wanted with the Hyundai, whenever I wanted to. Wife would not care.

She likes her RDX more than my car, but I prefer the new one for traveling. So that plan would be a win win, as long as she liked the replacement car even more!

Seems like a good plan.

But, did get a really good apr from Hyundai on your Elantra Sport? If they gave you a 1% apr or something, imho you should just keep that for now rather than paying it off, keeping things a little more flexible financially. But if you're paying 4% or more on your loan for the Elantra, you're right that paying it off probably makes sense.

Are you AndroidAuto or Carplay? I seem to recall CarPlay. Anyway, CarPlay is available at launch on the 2019 RDX, but the fine print says that Google is still working on AndroidAuto for the new RDX infotainment, and so that won't be available for at least a few months or so, and probably longer.

Anyway, given that the 2019 RDX is an all-new model, as has been said by you and others probably waiting 6 months or so will help the price to come down—as well as maybe get a few of the almost inevitable bugs out.

It looks like even the last gen 2018 Volvo V60 has an msrp of c. $4k more than the 2019 RDX. I assume the all-new 2019 V60 will be more like c.$6k more?

Mr_Shiftright

rayainsw said:

I find this disturbing...

'Trump reportedly poised to ban German luxury carmakers in the US'

On CNBC.com

Link:

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/31/trump-reportedly-poised-to-ban-german-luxury-carmakers-in-the-us.html

- Ray
German car driver...

Yeah but that's what he said at the moment. It could change tomorrow, or he could deny he said it, or say he meant something else. I wouldn't react very much on it at the moment.

stickguy

We are CarPlay people. I love it on the Elantra. Normal interest rates (3.5% I think) since I took the rebates instead of discount APR.

The Volvo is more expensive per MSRP. But I don’t care, since would look to lease that.

The RDX I cant see doing before year end, at the earliest. But we will look, just to see how interested the wife is. If she adamantly wants to keep the old one, I’ll just explore flipping the Elantra at some point when I find a killer lease I can’t pass up.

stickguy

Actually, that is probably the most logical plan. Troll the leases, and jump if a deal too good to pass up falls into our lap. Then figure out what to sell off! At least that way I don’t get caught short a car.

Can look over the 4th holiday, since the Jetta will be gone so down a car already. And the kid will be stealing mine probably until end of August. She gets an apartment in Delaware on 8/10, so needs then to get license switched over before she can buy something. So that may end up being Labor Day. So once she finally does, i can take the Elantra back, and sell it. Or the RDX.

This plan, I like it. Seems to cover all the bases. Just need to get 28FF on the hunt for me! Definitely stopping at the Volvo dealer in the next week. And BMW. V60 and x1 are my 2 favorite utility types. But an S60 could work too. Maybe a TLX. Or the sonata turbo I should have gotten originally!

I think I’m in trouble now.

28firefighter

You know I'm always watching, @stickguy.

stickguy

Thanks. I don’t see any holes in this plan. Not that I am looking too hard...

Sandman6472

Getting bombarded with emails from the Buick and Hyundai stores about taking a test drive. Hyundai now has a $50 Visa card offer on any test drive. Do want to try the Elantra GT, Kona and Elantra Limited but not sure I can do it before June 3rd. Certainly won't buy before then as earliest would be July 4th. Will try to get to the Hyundai store tomorrow to test the GT at least.
To be honest, the last week of December is probably the best time for me as by then, will have tested all that's on the short list. And hoping all the hospital bills will be in so I can pay my part so I can see what I have left to work with. I might even finance a part this time as I get a small dividend every month which would cover most any nice lease. Right now, the itch is growing and at some point, gonna want to scratch it but only with something I really like.
Also want a new iPhone 8 Plus but that's not something I have to have either. My 6s Plus is working just fine but it's on 32 gigs and would like at least 64 gigs if not more. See a bunch on eBay and OfferUp but lost that one ebay auction last week. But again, haven't found the "one" yet like I did on my 6s Plus. It was a brand new unit and I won the bid in the last nano second never expecting to win. Just want more gigs right now.
But again, all depends on what percentage of the hospital/doctor bills are out of pocket. Never realized how expensive getting sick really is or how bad health care in America really is! Shameful that without any health insurance, one could lose everything! And still haven't gotten a total bill yet!!

The Sandman

( Personally, hate to owe anyone anything. Usually pay off my credit card cards before their due, only use two now, as hate a balance. Or I'll pay a bit extra so I'll break even at months end. Weird I know, but hate owing money to anyone!!)

breld

Just thinking out loud...I'm pondering a punch. "No!" you say.

I like the i3 as our "extra" car - it's efficient and relatively fun to drive. It offers a contrast in driving to the Discovery and helps spread the mileage around a bit.

But...for my day to day driving, there are plenty of times when the range is a bit limiting.

My wife, bless her heart, says I should pick out something to my liking - she's happy to drive it as necessary, but she's very content (for the time being) with the Polestar, and doesn't necessarily like switching from car to car, so doesn't want to necessarily drive any decision.

breld

I'd really like to stay right around $20k, and preferably a bit less - basically about the same as we spent on the i3.

Stick shift would be nice to have, but not a requirement. Doesn't have to be hard-core fun, but something agile and contrasting to the SUV. A reasonable backseat would be preferable, so I'm not limited to using it only when alone.

Considerations:

I'd love to stay with something electric, but options are limited - Bolt would be ideal, but a bit pricey, even with the tax incentives. A plug-in hybrid like an Ionic or Nero have potential, but I'd have to drive them to make sure they're comfortable and enjoyable enough to drive.

Discarding the electric requirement obviously opens up all kinds of possibilities.

Mazda3, Mazda6. Mini Countryman maybe. An Accord Sport? The Elantra GT @michaell's son just got sure was a good deal. And, naturally at the top of the list, another GTI.

au1994

breld said:

I'd really like to stay right around $20k, and preferably a bit less - basically about the same as we spent on the i3. Stick shift would be nice to have, but not a requirement. Doesn't have to be hard-core fun, but something agile and contrasting to the SUV. A reasonable backseat would be preferable, so I'm not limited to using it only when alone. Considerations: I'd love to stay with something electric, but options are limited - Bolt would be ideal, but a bit pricey, even with the tax incentives. A plug-in hybrid like an Ionic or Nero have potential, but I'd have to drive them to make sure they're comfortable and enjoyable enough to drive. Discarding the electric requirement obviously opens up all kinds of possibilities. Mazda3, Mazda6. Mini Countryman maybe. An Accord Sport? The Elantra GT @michaell's son just got sure was a good deal. And, naturally at the top of the list, another GTI.

Well you’ve had the GTI and Mazda 3 and enjoyed both. I like their offering of economy and utility without sacrificing sportiness. I think the new 6 is very nice looking. Saw one in a dark metallic blue that looked great.

im not up to speed on the hybrids and electrics but I understand the appeal.

28firefighter

We really should just have a CCBA GTI that we rotate from person to person here.

28firefighter

Current deal up this way is the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Dealer up in Seattle is advertising a flat 20% off BEFORE incentives, even on leases. Someone over on the hackr boards just picked up a 47k stelvio for $388/month after tax, zero drive off.

corvette

You can get a used Volt well under $20k. Not sporty, but is electric. 

pensfan83

Out of that list the Mazda6 with the new turbo engine would be at the top. It looks good inside and out and I bet the turbo makes it a hoot to drive.

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

We really should just have a CCBA GTI that we rotate from person to person here.

Sorry, I screwed that up, last year..

kyfdx

@28firefighter Since you are a new stick shift driver... How is that going?

suydam

corvette said:

You can get a used Volt well under $20k. Not sporty, but is electric. 

Actually, it handles very well and has plenty of pep. Has about a 50 mile radius, plus gas backup if you run out of range. I love mine. It really does only seat 4, though if you had a Mazda3 that’s not much different.

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

rayainsw said:

I find this disturbing...

'Trump reportedly poised to ban German luxury carmakers in the US'

On CNBC.com

Link:

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/31/trump-reportedly-poised-to-ban-german-luxury-carmakers-in-the-us.html

- Ray
German car driver...

Hmmmm. Quite disturbing this is.

I wouldn't say it's impossible, but I suspect there is some German hyperbole involved.

roadburner

I brought the i3 in for it's annual service and my Service Advisor set me up in a 2018 230i xDrive. The car was very well optioned, notably with the M Sport and Track Handling Packages. Those two packages essentially upgrade the trim, suspension, steering, and braking to the same level as an M240i, minus the sweet B58 inline six.

So, how did I like it? Quite a bit, actually. Since the facelift(what BMW calls LCI), the car has acquired minor but mostly welcome upgrades. Inside, the main instrument cluster is now a glass cockpit, with the added feature of being able to display oil temperature at all times. The iDrive is version 5.0 which gets you a touchscreen(meh) as well as a more sophisticated menu layout. Trim is a bit different but otherwise it's virtually the same as my M235i. This car had the base audio system, and-while I still prefer the Harmon-Kardon upgrade-it was surprisingly listenable.

LED headlamps aside, the exterior changes are very minor; unless you are a BMW geek-like me-they will mostly go unnoticed.

As for the driving experience, I was pretty happy with it overall. That said, I would not get any 2er with xDrive and I would only get a 230i with a manual. The AWD reins in the fun significantly as does the ZF 8HP automatic when bolted to the B48 inline four. I would probably like it better if I had never owned/driven a M235i; A 14 second quarter is just adequate these days, but it's tolerable. As noted, the xDrive doesn't allow any power oversteer antics, which is a major negative for me(the only AWD BMW car that I think I could live with would be the F90 M5, which allows the driver to select a RWD mode). As for fuel economy, the 230i averaged around 26 mpg- not much better-if any-than my M235i

If I was buying a 230i I'd option up a RWD model with three pedals, throw in the M Sport and Track Handling Packages, and delete the sunroof. The downside is it's only about $4,000 less than a similarly equipped M240i. I know which one I'd pick.

In case you are wondering, here's how I'd rate the various RWD 2 Series permutations(and yes, I've driven all of them):

1. M2 manual
2. M240i automatic
3. M2 DCT
4. 230i manual
5. M240i manual
6. 230i automatic

Out of all the above cars, an M2 manual is the only car I'd prefer to my M235i automatic.

breld

roadburner said:

nyccarguy said:

rayainsw said:

I find this disturbing...

'Trump reportedly poised to ban German luxury carmakers in the US'

On CNBC.com

Link:

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/31/trump-reportedly-poised-to-ban-german-luxury-carmakers-in-the-us.html

- Ray
German car driver...

Hmmmm. Quite disturbing this is.

I wouldn't say it's impossible, but I suspect there some German hyperbole involved.

Yeah - I can't imagine anything of significance coming of it.

breld

kyfdx said:

28firefighter said:

We really should just have a CCBA GTI that we rotate from person to person here.

Sorry, I screwed that up, last year..

You can always be the initiator at this point!

breld

pensfan83 said:

Out of that list the Mazda6 with the new turbo engine would be at the top. It looks good inside and out and I bet the turbo makes it a hoot to drive.

No doubt - but I don't think a new one would fall into my price parameters.

They're not plentiful, but not too hard to find a used Mazda6 Touring with a stick. And they fall well into the teens price-wise.

stickguy

so this would be to replace the i3, or an addition to the fleet?

Wait, do you still have the 2012 Mini too? I thought you were down to just the 3 cars?

stickguy

ran my latest scheme past the family. Daughter is all for it. She just wants to go out looking with me. But she doesn't care too much, because she is taking the Elantra either way.

Wife said it sounded expensive. And that we should just get by with one car between us for a while. Will see how long that lasts!

so, instead of July 4th, might be looking to execute plan over labor day. Though will start looking early, and do the deal based on when the right one appears. As long as the Jetta goes back first.

28firefighter

kyfdx said:

@28firefighter Since you are a new stick shift driver... How is that going?

Lots of fun. Largely uneventful, too - the two things I've had the most trouble with are (1) driving in busy parking lots and forcing myself with being OK needing to ride the clutch a bit to avoid stalling and (2) smoothing out my shift from 1st to 2nd without losing too much momentum - basically learning how much I need to slip the clutch while letting it out.

I've figured out #1. #2 continues to be a work in progress, but I'm not making anyone car sick so it's mostly just me trying different things and seeing what takes.

Haven't been grinding any gears, haven't stalled in a couple of weeks now, and have really smoothed out my starts in first gear.

ab348

stickguy said:

Wife said it sounded expensive. And that we should just get by with one car between us for a while. Will see how long that lasts!

Why does that sound to me like you just shot yourself in the foot?

stickguy

wouldn't be the first time. Hey, she is the one that suffers when I take the car and leave her hanging. A week or 2 tops it would last. 2 months, never gonna fly.

it is really 1 week, then I get the car back for 2 weeks while daughter is sent away for training (though one of those weeks we are on vacation, so doesn't matter since car will be sitting in the garage). Then after that, 3 weeks probably before the kid would be able to get her own car. The 3 weeks at the end will be a drag.

qbrozen

Running my mouth around the kids yesterday about finishing the work on the Coronet and selling it to replace with a newer toy. Oh the shouts of disapproval! For whatever reason, they are attached to the Dodge.

stickguy

wife all cranky because I was discussing with daughter about getting herself converted into a Delaware resident. She signs a lease on an apartment there in early August and will be moving. Technically you have 60 days to change your licence as a new resident (though I am sure plenty of people never bother to do it). She just likes to be cranky. I explained that it is the law, and will save her money. She just said it would be a hassle having to go in to do it, and she might not stay there forever. Which really, is irrelevant!

If she moves elsewhere in a couple of years, she can always change again.

Since she needs to buy a car in her name, doing it as a DE resident will save quite a bit of money (for DMV and taxes) since that is a lot lower. I suspect car insurance will be cheaper too. And of course, she will be legal. The only upside to staying in NJ is can get the car up here, and sooner. Can always re-register it later, but that is a much bigger hassle (and you lose a lot of $ paying for registration and fees you won't get back)

benjaminh

stickguy said:

ran my latest scheme past the family. Daughter is all for it. She just wants to go out looking with me. But she doesn't care too much, because she is taking the Elantra either way.

Wife said it sounded expensive. And that we should just get by with one car between us for a while. Will see how long that lasts!

so, instead of July 4th, might be looking to execute plan over labor day. Though will start looking early, and do the deal based on when the right one appears. As long as the Jetta goes back first.

I don't know stickguy , did you really try to "sell" this idea or just present it lol. Did you say, "I want the true love of my life to have the most comfortable, the best, and the safest car possible. I don't want you to be without the navigation of CarPlay, the safety of Acura Watch, or the comfort and luxury we're going to have in the new RDX. Plus our resale value on our old RDX is still very good!" etc....Well, I guess that is over the top. She might accuse you of being body snatched by a pod person....

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

stickguy

I will get her on board at the right time. if I am not trading in her car, she shouldn't have a big say in things! Would not be the first time I just arrived home with something new. I do always offer to take her out on the recon trips.

She gets final say if it is something that really is intended to replace her car though.

If technically my car, she has said many times "just get whatever you want". And I know what she will like at this point.

kyfdx

If she is leasing, better check out DE tax laws. Not sure how they do it, but neighboring MD collects tax on the full sale price, even on a lease.

stickguy

DE doesn't have actual tax. Just some sort of excise fee (so basically, a tax) that includes the DMV charges (4.25% total). And is a lot lower than NJ. But no, I did not get an actual answer on how they apply to a lease.

28firefighter

People live in Delaware? I thought it was just where people from PA and NJ went to buy electronics.

stickguy

poking around on the site, looks like they might apply it to the entire balance. I will chat with DMV tomorrow to confirm. If that is the case, it may be a lot closer to a wash $ wise to just do it here and switch it over later once she moves. I am going to stop at the dealer anyway tomorrow and will ask a finance guy (they are close enough to DE that I assume they sell out of state and do the DMV work)

kyfdx

stickguy said:

poking around on the site, looks like they might apply it to the entire balance. I will chat with DMV tomorrow to confirm. If that is the case, it may be a lot closer to a wash $ wise to just do it here and switch it over later once she moves. I am going to stop at the dealer anyway tomorrow and will ask a finance guy (they are close enough to DE that I assume they sell out of state and do the DMV work)

Yeah.. you have to worry that Delaware will want some tax, even though you paid it all upfront in NJ.

If she is registering a lease there, I'd wait and get it after she is a resident, even if it's a little more money. Otherwise, issues later, maybe.

stickguy

one clear thing is if you buy a car out of state as a non resident, and move within 90 days, they apply a credit of taxes and fees paid to the other jurisdiction. so even if they tax a bigger amount, it is at a lower rate, so based on my quickie math, should probably be not too far off.

but yes, then you have the hassle of dealing with the leasing company. My son did that when he moved to NY and is was a pain in the rump.

so cleaner to wait until she moves overall. I can arrange the deal in advance (assuming can come to one) and have everything lined up so as soon as she gets her lease signed, can hit DMV to get her license changed, then get the car.

kyfdx

You have to be really careful with moving from an upfront tax state to a monthly payment state. That's where you get popped.

breld

stickguy said:

so this would be to replace the i3, or an addition to the fleet? Wait, do you still have the 2012 Mini too? I thought you were down to just the 3 cars?

Replace the i3 with something more practical regarding driving range.  

2012 Mini is indeed gone.  So yes, 3 cars - my Discovery, her Volvo and the i3.