Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

graphicguy

28firefighter said:

Yikes - that is an awful paint match.

Yeah...that's someone who did a quick respray with the understanding they were selling it (or trying to get it to pass lease turn in inspection).

Wonder why it needed a respray? I'd wonder if there were any clues underneath and/or in the trunk?

breld

Yeah - a PDI would be necessary to ensure that there are not other issues lurking.

But it does make me think more toward something like the lightly used Mazda3. Not quite as exciting to drive, but also not as "exciting" to maintain.

stickguy

I like that vintage A4. Nice size. Stick is a plus of course. But if I am getting one of these, it is not going to be a strippo model.

Mr_Shiftright

28firefighter said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

28firefighter said:

Still an hour to go, but this Boxster S with low miles and the IMS sorted is looking like it is going to go cheap.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2002-porsche-boxster-s-8/

2003 would be better---it gets the glass window instead of plastic in the convertible top.

This quote is scary: "The IMS bearing has reportedly been replaced as discovered during a recent inspection, but details of its installation are unknown."

What does THAT mean--"discovered"? Does it mean they saw metal particles in the oil filter?

The follow-up to it in the comments was that it was replaced fairly recently with an OEM bearing, not an aftermarket bearing, along with the RMS.

Sold for $13,2 - low mileage, IMS and RMS sorted, clean looking - agree a 2003 would be better, but this is still a great deal.

An OEM bearing? Well that puts the new owner right back in the batter's box. I'd never buy a car like this blind....never, ever.

28firefighter

Yes, it puts you in the batters box but doesn't the aftermarket as well (just less likely)? I'd be OK with an OEM replacement and then frequent oil changes cutting open the filter. If I were seriously interested in this one, I would have gotten a PPI.

My bigger concern, which someone brought to my attention, is that it being a Florida and Texas car, you're looking at hurricane concerns.

qbrozen

Reading the comments, the seller really has no clue. All they know is that the seal appears to have been removes and reinstalled. Could have been just removed and reinstalled, end of story. 

Mr_Shiftright

Also 4 owners, two of which bailed pretty early. Gee, I dunno--it could be a great buy. The problem with Porsche is that even if the IMS is totally fine there are other issues that are common repairs, and these add up fast. The air/oil separator, the EVAP canister, leaking cam covers, balky alarm systems, early clutch failure--things like that. We have to remember that the Boxster (at that time) was "built to a price" as an entry-level Porsche, and they cut a fair number of corners. They had to go through any number of re-engineered versions to get it right.

Nonetheless, even if you go out in a blaze of glory, these are really fun cars to drive. I like them better than their 996 or 997 stablemates. I'd still buy one, and I damn well may one of these days.

henryn

Mr_Shiftright said:

Nonetheless, even if you go out in a blaze of glory, these are really fun cars to drive. I like them better than their 996 or 997 stablemates. I'd still buy one, and I damn well may one of these days.

Better you than me, Kemosabe!

corvette

breld said:

So, at $15,999, the bumper isn't a deal breaker, but it's certainly off-putting. How much do you think it'd be to have it repainted by a good shop?

I'm going to say $500. I don't think I've ever seen a "good" body shop, though, they all seem to cut corners, in my experience. Some more so than others.

stickguy

I think it is harder to paint plastic parts to match though.

henryn

When the hood was stolen off my F150, the new aluminum hood cost about $700, and painting it ran about $800. And this was "insurance pays", an individual is never going to get as low a rate as the insurance companies do.

And, yes, I have heard it is harder to paint plastic, so ...

andres3

breld said:

Here are a couple pics of the rear bumper. 

I agree with @28firefighter That's just awful, criminally awful.

10 years in prison to the guy that painted that bumper, and 15 years for the guy that installed it! *Pounds the gavel* Take them away bailiff.

andres3

stickguy said:

I think it is harder to paint plastic parts to match though.

Funny, I've only heard that excuse coming from body shops that cut corners. Of course, on paint from new factories, I've never seen or noticed an issue, other than maybe Chrysler with some questionable Neon model paint that would fade at different rates from the bumper to the body.

Michaell

@breld - the shop that did the MINI (twice!) is one I would recommend. They do all the body work for the Mike Ward dealers. 

stickguy

not sure why, but I really like this one. Other than looking like a dog drove it and leaned on the window frame!

I just like the colors. wonder if the head gaskets were done on this unit?

actually, if I was actively looking for a reasonably priced spare car, one of these would be a great option. Great snow car, can transport the dog without worry, etc.

https://www.subaruofcherryhill.com/used/Subaru/2009-Subaru-Outback-cherry-hill-nj-f2e70c7a0a0e0ae70ae069c00d61d176.htm?searchDepth=30:36

henryn

stickguy said:

not sure why, but I really like this one. Other than looking like a dog drove it and leaned on the window frame!

I just like the colors. wonder if the head gaskets were done on this unit?

actually, if I was actively looking for a reasonably priced spare car, one of these would be a great option. Great snow car, can transport the dog without worry, etc.

https://www.subaruofcherryhill.com/used/Subaru/2009-Subaru-Outback-cherry-hill-nj-f2e70c7a0a0e0ae70ae069c00d61d176.htm?searchDepth=30:36

great snow car

What's snow daddy?

28firefighter

I’d be looking for a manual Outback XT or Legacy GT of that vintage. Do the head gasket around 100k and drive it for another 100k. 

Mr_Shiftright

Many dealers use these quickie mobile paint-mobiles---they just go from place to place and spray scuffed bumpers. I had one of those guys do my old Scion xA---and yes, it was pretty awful. I spent nearly 1/2 a day cleaning it up and polishing it. Finally came out "ok".

stickguy

that is why I wondered if they are already done. So I would not have to pay for it.

Manual OB must be exceptionally rare. I assume XT is the turbo? I do like the Legacy GT but they tend to be pricey from I recall.

stickguy

not a turbo, but I do like this vintage Legacy. Nice looking, just the right size. Not too expensive, if checked out OK. Would have to be from a place I trusted though. Not in NE Philly! Great color on it.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/737470817/overview/

28firefighter

stickguy said:

that is why I wondered if they are already done. So I would not have to pay for it. Manual OB must be exceptionally rare. I assume XT is the turbo? I do like the Legacy GT but they tend to be pricey from I recall.

Maybe it’s because it’s the PNW, but I see tons of them on Craigslist. Even a few XTs.

stickguy

I did a search of legacy and OBs on cars.com. 50 mile radius (which includes a good chunk of jersey and all of Philly) so a ton of cars for sale. Any year. A total of 8 manuals. 1 Leg GT that looked messed with (a 2004) and a 2010 sedan. The rest were low option base OBs of various years.

breld

Wife and I took out the slightly used Mazda3 this evening - 2018 Touring sedan (2.5l engine in the 2018). Only 2,400 miles on it (sounds like someone after my own heart had owned it).

Of course it was familiar after having already owned a similar Mazda3, though this one is an automatic. Not surprisingly, I liked it a lot. On one hand, the car begs for a manual, but on the other, it’s a nice automatic that would be welcome for the work commute.

May go try out the 2016 Mazda6 Touring I found locally that does have the manual. Perhaps not as nimble as the 3, but more roomy and lonely more comfortable.

28firefighter

Used 2015/2016/2017 GTI or GLI. I don’t see how you’d be happy with the Mazda3 or 6. 

qbrozen

Considering Breld had one of the fastest and most expensive econoboxes available, and still dumped it, does it really matter what comes next? NOTHING will stick around long. 

imidazol97

That bumper should have been taken off to repaint it. Cheap job leaving it on both in quality and color match.

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

Used 2015/2016/2017 GTI or GLI. I don’t see how you’d be happy with the Mazda3 or 6. 

You mean, like the 2017 GTI he sold, last year?

breld

I think I'm gonna start a new account with a new username here.

breld

But yes, the VW choices are more appealing in many ways, but also at a higher price point - certainly for the GTI. I do have used GLIs on the radar.

The Mazda3 offers a very traditional feel with its naturally aspirated 4 and solid, planted driving dynamics. All in all, it may not be objectively better than the GTI, but it's a fun choice in its own way.

We'll see - I'm trying to be patient with the process since we're open to so many options. I did notice a local Mazda dealer advertising a new 2018 Mazda3 Touring with the manual and the Bose/Sunroof package for $19,300. Makes the $17,500 for the used one (however low the miles may be) not seem all that great - especially if I can get the exact configuration I like in the new one.

roadburner

I have to say that I really, REALLY like the Mustang Bullitt. It comes with the Performance Package as well as the active valve exhaust, so all I'd add is the Electronics Package(upgraded audio and navigation) and the MagneRide adjustable shocks. MSRP would be $49,690, which is the major sticking point, what with a new M2 being only a few thousand more and a CPO F82 M4 costing the same-or likely less...

ab348

roadburner said:

I have to say that I really, REALLY like the Mustang Bullitt. It comes with the Performance Package as well as the active valve exhaust, so all I'd add is the Electronics Package(upgraded audio and navigation) and the MagneRide adjustable shocks. MSRP would be $49,690, which is the major sticking point, what with a new M2 being only a few thousand more and a CPO F82 M4 costing the same-or likely less...

Sounds like the perfect car for @breld instead of a Mazda3.

corvette

roadburner said:

I have to say that I really, REALLY like the Mustang Bullitt. It comes with the Performance Package as well as the active valve exhaust, so all I'd add is the Electronics Package(upgraded audio and navigation) and the MagneRide adjustable shocks. MSRP would be $49,690, which is the major sticking point, what with a new M2 being only a few thousand more and a CPO F82 M4 costing the same-or likely less...

I love that color green they had on the one they unveiled. I’m not likely to buy another Mustang, but I thought it was gorgeous. 

qbrozen

Not quite what y'all are referring to, but I have had this one tagged for a while now:
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/736029760/overview?aff=share_other

stickguy

I think breld should get a Volvo C30. No particular reason. Just feels like the right move.

Maybe because I would not mind having one myself!

ab348

stickguy said:

I think breld should get a Volvo C30. No particular reason. Just feels like the right move.

Maybe because I would not mind having one myself!

I always liked them but they never seemed to catch on and I don't think they were particularly loved by reviewers. Not sure why.

stickguy

qbrozen said:

Not quite what y'all are referring to, but I have had this one tagged for a while now:
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/736029760/overview?aff=share_other

Oh my. That is nice. Love the color. Will probably hate the seats though but willing to give it a try.

28firefighter

I loved my C30. Would have been amazing with a stick and a Polestar tune.

henryn

qbrozen said:

Not quite what y'all are referring to, but I have had this one tagged for a while now:
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/736029760/overview?aff=share_other

If that were local, I would go check it out. I had to refresh my memory, wasn't sure which V8 was in the 2014 model, but yes, it is the 420 HP. Adequate, don't you think? (smile)

But I notice the ad states "5 speed M/T", and they did come with a 6 speed, right?

stickguy

Ya made me look. Depending on condition, and what the accident was, this has potential. Too bad no pictures yet.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/740083937/overview/

pensfan83

For muscle cars I'm enamored with Chargers, particularly with the 6.4L V8. A few people on Leasehackr have landed pretty nice lease deals on Scat Packs too.

roadburner

corvette said:

roadburner said:

I have to say that I really, REALLY like the Mustang Bullitt. It comes with the Performance Package as well as the active valve exhaust, so all I'd add is the Electronics Package(upgraded audio and navigation) and the MagneRide adjustable shocks. MSRP would be $49,690, which is the major sticking point, what with a new M2 being only a few thousand more and a CPO F82 M4 costing the same-or likely less...

I love that color green they had on the one they unveiled. I’m not likely to buy another Mustang, but I thought it was gorgeous. 

Highland Green is the only correct color for the Bullitt. Black is also available, but why?

roadburner

pensfan83 said:

For muscle cars I'm enamored with Chargers, particularly with the 6.4L V8. A few people on Leasehackr have landed pretty nice lease deals on Scat Packs too.

I rented a new R/T for a weekend trip. I liked it a lot. If I was buying one I'd go with a Challenger Scat Pack or SRT, as I prefer the styling of the Challenger and I don't need four doors.

nyccarguy

Here’s a really nice, local car
2016 Jetta 1.4T S
30K - 5 Speed Stick
Under 13K

https://www.prestigevwct.com/certified/Volkswagen/2016-Volkswagen-Jetta+Sedan-bffa06bf0a0e0ae9627ac91b8ad83ba2.htm

Mr_Shiftright

qbrozen said:

Not quite what y'all are referring to, but I have had this one tagged for a while now:
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/736029760/overview?aff=share_other

The seller doesn't even know what color his car is. I wonder what else he got wrong?

Mr_Shiftright

nyccarguy said:

Here’s a really nice, local car
2016 Jetta 1.4T S
30K - 5 Speed Stick
Under 13K

https://www.prestigevwct.com/certified/Volkswagen/2016-Volkswagen-Jetta+Sedan-bffa06bf0a0e0ae9627ac91b8ad83ba2.htm

Seems like a lot of car for that kind of money.

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

I loved my C30. Would have been amazing with a stick and a Polestar tune.

If we can just convert another 100K citizens to stick ownership, maybe they will start making them, again.

28firefighter

kyfdx said:

28firefighter said:

I loved my C30. Would have been amazing with a stick and a Polestar tune.

If we can just convert another 100K citizens to stick ownership, maybe they will start making them, again.

Why I've driven only automatics is beyond me. And going 10 years since even touching a stick? Crazy.

pensfan83

I would gladly do my part if dealers ordered them.

Mr_Shiftright

It's an interesting dilemma for me. I keep finding these good deals on cars I like but they are all automatics.

And I test drive them, and in my mind I'm saying "Well, sure, this isn't too bad--I'm ready for an automatic, what with the traffic around here--and you know, my left knee is a little sore now and then---and the price and condition of the car is really good...."

But then I just can't do it.

Yes, yes, I know...Ferraris use them.

Maybe I need a Ferrari to get over this?

graphicguy

qbrozen said:

Not quite what y'all are referring to, but I have had this one tagged for a while now:
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/736029760/overview?aff=share_other

That's a nice car. But way on the high side pricewise. I sold my '98 Cobra drop top with 1/2 as many miles for ~$15K. I'd do that again rather than pay $13K for the Mach I