Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

28firefighter

Didn’t you have an SQ5, @breld?

Mr_Shiftright

henryn said:

I was doing yard work this afternoon, yes, 100 degrees, what can I say. I would work for 20 to 30 minutes, and then come in and cool off for a few minutes. While cooling off, I was looking at Craigslist and spotted this:

https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/2002-ford-ranger-ext-cab-xlt/6649599379.html


A friend of mine is looking for something just like that, and the location is only 10 minutes from my house, so I texted the guy, and then went over to look at it. Oh, boy. The kid is only 18 but he’s off to a good start at becoming a used car salesman.

“No Issues Always Maintenanced Super Clean inside & Out”

Hmmm… the tail gate latch is broken, you can’t lower the tail gate. Both rear doors won’t open (the cables are broken). The oil looks like it has never been changed – I ask, the kid tells me he changes the oil every 4000 miles, and it’s “probably due”. I ask for the key, and start it up. I can feel it missing sitting there, and I mention that: “There seems to be an engine miss.” Kid says it probably needs plugs, he has put 60k miles on it since he got it from his grandfather, and hasn’t changed them. I thought but didn’t say “nor changed the oil”.

And oh, yeah, the “Cold AC”. Kinda sorta vaguely cool. Oh boy. I guess I should have expected a piece of junk for $2,800. Teach me to believe in unicorns.

And a funny thing -- after further reflection, a 2002 model with an engine miss SHOULD have had a check engine light on. And it didn't. Hmmm...

Didn't that engine have problems with cracking cylinder heads?

tifighter

28firefighter said:

Didn’t you have an SQ5, @breld?

@28firefighter takes the more direct approach. 

Michaell

28firefighter said:

Didn’t you have an SQ5, @breld?

Yes. Yes he did. We talked about that last weekend. This time it would be for mrs @breld. 

I keep telling him that the polestar is about as rare a car as you’ll find. Anything else, and you run the risk of seeing yourself most every day. 

28firefighter

I didn’t see yours before I posted...but I was legitimately asking!  I can’t keep track. 

breld

Yeah - I had the previous gen SQ5 and loved it.  At the time, my wife didn’t care all that much for Audis, but she has recently become very interested in the latest models.  She likes the interiors of the current models much more than the models from a few years back. 

andres3

breld said:

Wife and I took the afternoon off yesterday to look at some potential replacements, now or later, for the Polestar. Drove a Golf R and an SQ5. Obviously they are quite different vehicles, but both appeal to her almost equally for different reasons.

Long story short, she's not ready to be "done" with the Polestar yet, which is a good decision.

Having said that, a Golf R may be in our future for a fun car. Man, that was a blast to drive - a little different character than our departed Type R, but just as exhilarating, and with a much more, um, discreet aesthetic.

I'm highly interested in a Golf R too. I'm tired of the Kia; I should have done a 2 year lease would be perfect timing to start looking. I have a 3 year lease, so it's not perfect timing, but that's not stopping me..... maybe.

The addition of the 7th gear to the DSG is a change after my heart and money!

breld

For what it’s worth, we were able to get out of our Kia Sedona lease about 2 years in when I traded it for the Durango.  But the minivan may have held its value better than the Optima sedan. Or more likely, I just found a dealer who was interested enough in making a sale to ante up for the van. 

For us, we’d go for the manual trannie on the Golf R, knowing full well the DSG is quicker (and probably smoother too).  

andres3

breld said:

For what it’s worth, we were able to get out of our Kia Sedona lease about 2 years in when I traded it for the Durango.  But the minivan may have held its value better than the Optima sedan. Or more likely, I just found a dealer who was interested enough in making a sale to ante up for the van. 

For us, we’d go for the manual trannie on the Golf R, knowing full well the DSG is quicker (and probably smoother too).  

Can't fault you for that; not many cars have manual transmissions offered anymore.

Was your S4 a manual too?

breld

Yeah - the S4 was a manual. We’ve found the Audi and Volkswagen manuals to be very “easy” to drive. Not a chore even in stop and go rush hour traffic. One of the keys is that they crawl along well at low speeds without fussing with the clutch too much.

qbrozen

breld said:

Yeah - I had the previous gen SQ5 and loved it.  At the time, my wife didn’t care all that much for Audis, but she has recently become very interested in the latest models.  She likes the interiors of the current models much more than the models from a few years back. 

Loved it so much you had to set it free

breld

If you love something, set it free...

breld

So Q, what do values look like for a 2017 Golf R, manual w/ the DCC & Nav package? 17k miles. Blue exterior.

Hypothetically speaking of course.

kyfdx

breld said:

So Q, what do values look like for a 2017 Golf R, manual w/ the DCC & Nav package? 17k miles. Blue exterior.

Hypothetically speaking of course.

Wrong discussion..

Mr_Shiftright

No waffling in here. We demand full commitment.

breld

I think you all can take my commitment for granted.

2017 Golf R

kyfdx

For you Volvo lease aficionados:

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/comment/5536388/#Comment_5536388

Mr_Shiftright

breld said:

I think you all can take my commitment for granted.

2017 Golf R

Pricey little sucker. I'm sure it's a blast but it doesn't really look like $33K does it?

breld

Mr_Shiftright said:

I think you all can take my commitment for granted. 2017 Golf R

Pricey little sucker. I'm sure it's a blast but it doesn't really look like $33K does it?

Did my Type R look like $35k?  

breld

Celebrating my wife’s 50th today!  We of course went and checked out that Golf R this morning (dealerships are closed).  

Then I had some time to wash up the cars before it gets too hot outside.  

sda

breld said:

Celebrating my wife’s 50th today!  We of course went and checked out that Golf R this morning (dealerships are closed).  

Then I had some time to wash up the cars before it gets too hot outside.  

Happy Birthday to Mrs breld! Cars look great and the 50 club is a good one!

28firefighter

50th car or 50th birthday?

kyfdx

I would never let go of that Polestar...

breld

Thanks guys (and the wife says thank you too)!  

Yes, 50th birthday.  

Michaell

kyfdx said:

I would never let go of that Polestar...

That's what I keep telling him

And, if he does, @jpp5862 and I might split the purchase of it. We can figure out custody later.

rny421

Pictures, as requested.
Hold the hate for the black/black ;-)

Mr_Shiftright

No, I want it too. Let's go thirds and we'll share custody. Since it's blue and California has the nicest weather I think it should spend most of its time out here. Colorado has hail storms and wind and dirt and stuff, and there's no oxygen there.

qbrozen

Wait wait. I'm in NJ, which is prime Volvo country. It must be mine!

qbrozen

breld said:

So Q, what do values look like for a 2017 Golf R, manual w/ the DCC & Nav package? 17k miles. Blue exterior. Hypothetically speaking of course.

That is about a $30k mistake...I mean value.

qbrozen

Today's personal obsession is this Honcker app. SOme good deals with zero work. Just a few I highlighted for my sister are an Escape, Tucson, and Traverse, each for less $240-$260/mo with just first month due at signing. All are 24/12k, IIRC. 

Couple of other of note:
Charger R/T, 36/12k, $356
Challenger 392 Scat Pack, 36/12k, $457

Mr_Shiftright

qbrozen said:

Wait wait. I'm in NJ, which is prime Volvo country. It must be mine!

Too expensive to insure a car in New Jersey. That would be unfair to the other two owners if we register the Volvo in NJ.

stickguy

I’m in jersey too. I want in on this deal.

stickguy

kyfdx said:

For you Volvo lease aficionados:

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/comment/5536388/#Comment_5536388

Screw it. I’m going to the dealer Monday . Don’t know until you ask.

kyfdx

stickguy said:

kyfdx said:

For you Volvo lease aficionados:

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/comment/5536388/#Comment_5536388

Screw it. I’m going to the dealer Monday . Don’t know until you ask.

The guy that posted that deal really knows his stuff.... to the penny.

28firefighter

Totally doable lease. And yes he knows his stuff. 

breld

qbrozen said:

breld said:

So Q, what do values look like for a 2017 Golf R, manual w/ the DCC & Nav package? 17k miles. Blue exterior. Hypothetically speaking of course.

That is about a $30k mistake...I mean value.

$30k auction or retail?  

And to be clear, we’re considering this as an addition for now - no replacing the Polestar.  

breld

@rny421 - nice GLC!

By chance do you need some carpeted floormats for it?  I still have ours sitting on the garage and would be happy to send them to you if you pick up the shipping cost. 

breld

qbrozen said:

breld said:

So Q, what do values look like for a 2017 Golf R, manual w/ the DCC & Nav package? 17k miles. Blue exterior. Hypothetically speaking of course.

That is about a $30k mistake...I mean value.

And there are no mistakes, just experiences.  

Well, maybe the Land Rover was a mistake.  

qbrozen

breld said:

qbrozen said:

breld said:

So Q, what do values look like for a 2017 Golf R, manual w/ the DCC & Nav package? 17k miles. Blue exterior. Hypothetically speaking of course.

That is about a $30k mistake...I mean value.

$30k auction or retail?  

And to be clear, we’re considering this as an addition for now - no replacing the Polestar.  

Addition. Hahahaha.

that is auction

suydam

I think the Prius is about to be history.

stickguy

I’m hitting the dealer!

stickguy

Sons roommate test drove the CPO jag. Apparently some time in dynamic mode trying out the SC V6 sealed the deal. He’s trading in his 2008ish civic on the XE.

laurasdada

Congrats to your roomateson in law, Stick! Yup, Dynamic mode really makes a difference, tightens things up nicely. Hope he gets a deal!

I went to a really lovely Concours (Misselwood) in Beverly, MA yesterday. I"m calling it my Pebble Beach as it was on a hill just above the ocean. Perfect day, a top notch selection of cars. Packard, Studebaker and alt fuel vehicles were the honored categories. So, a Stanley Steamer, several ~100 year old Detroit Electrics and a Bailey (IIRC). The Packards were stunning, love the two Studebaker Avantis, along with a Commander and a Golden Hawk.
Somewhat surprisingly, while I knew she'd love the location, the GF fell in love with several cars, the top being the '15 Ferrari Red Italia convertible. But, she also dug the classic Porsche 356, assorted iterations. As well as a brand new Alfa 4C with a "Sold" tag in the window!
Me? I've lost my negotiating skills, a stunning Jag XK140 I pulled 3 crisp $20 bills out of my pocket, put them in my clean Jag baseball hat and offered a direct trade. Surprisingly, no deal. Not a sharp businessman, Mr. XK140.
BBQ lunch from a local food truck on a bench overlooking the sea with c. 1920-30 Packards, Rolls, Bentlys, Caddys and Lincolns to the left of me, Jag, Triumph and MB to the right. And a new Maserati Levante blocking just a bit of the sea view directly ahead. And, a lovely blond beside me. What a perfect day.

tjc78

breld said:

If you love something, set it free...

You must love alot of them...

breld

qbrozen said:

breld said:

qbrozen said:

breld said:

So Q, what do values look like for a 2017 Golf R, manual w/ the DCC & Nav package? 17k miles. Blue exterior. Hypothetically speaking of course.

That is about a $30k mistake...I mean value.

$30k auction or retail?  

And to be clear, we’re considering this as an addition for now - no replacing the Polestar.  

Addition. Hahahaha.

that is auction

Hmmm - so their price of $33.6k is decent (it’s a one price shop).  

breld

suydam said:

I think the Prius is about to be history.

Well, that was meant to be temporary from the start.  To be safe, we’ll likely keep it and drive it until we actually claim the tax credits.

rny421

The TLX is a great highway cruiser. We took it to get the GLC as there were no one way rentals available. 
540 miles on a tank, 37 mpg. Even though I put premium in, it still is really good mileage. 

nyccarguy

@breld - here’s one at the dealer near me.  Not the missus color preference with low miles, but they seem to be ASKING (Remember what Ace Ventura said) the king’s ransom for it.  Not THAT much less than a new one, right?

https://www.prestigevwct.com/used/Volkswagen/2017-Volkswagen-Golf+R-cf776a170a0e0a6b38171900575defa4.htm

qbrozen

Gotta be honest: I don't see the point to the V60 and Golf R and an SUV all coexisting in the household. Much redundancy.

nyccarguy

This caught my eye as well as several reasonably priced dealer demos or ex-loaners and healthy advertised (close to $6K off) new cars at this dealership on Cape Cod:

https://www.bmwofcapecod.com/used/BMW/2018-BMW-3+Series-250b88d70a0d0c1464df7cc1eb85ed96.htm