Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

qbrozen

sandman_6472 said:

We have air!! A new system and finally up and running. Took them all day but, we're cooling off nicely. Like the digital thermostat, was dumb to nix it back in 2004! Think it's time to get my brakes checked, at 42K, the front pedal is really low. No squealing or anything and the pull up e-brake only goes up one click when I use it. But think it best I check them out next week and see where I stand. The Golf is staying at this juncture so might have to invest a few bucks here. Still liking it immensely and not sure where I'd land if I traded right now. So best to stay put and see what happens around the new year when a good deal could be possible. Also, still dealing with crazy surgery bills and spent a small fortune today even with the three rebates off the top! The Sandman

Have you ever had the fluid changed? 
Did any of your accident repairs involve the braking system in any way?

benjaminh

A little while ago we were trying to suggest possible cars for @Mr_Shiftright to maybe consider. What about a Civic Si coupe 6-speed manual which leases for $229 a month....One flaw I can see in the design is this is one of those Hondas without a volume knob. Just got rid of one that had this flaw, although that wasn't the main reason.

au1994

benjaminh said:

A little while ago we were trying to suggest possible cars for @Mr_Shiftright to maybe consider. What about a Civic Si coupe 6-speed manual which leases for $229 a month....One flaw I can see in the design is this is one of those Hondas without a volume knob. Just got rid of one that had this flaw, although that wasn't the main reason.

A friend is picking up one of these today in black. I’ll report back with my impressions.

au1994

Had another post that disappeared. Here’s a rundown on the ///M3 convertible:

It has had the connecting rods, airbags and VANOS done. Alternator, catalytic converter and window actuators done under warranty. Also had the top hydraulics done when traded in. No info on if the subframe connectors have been done. Pretty good maintenance history otherwise with the glaring exception of detailed maintenance on the SMG transmission. It doesn’t look like it has been touched in 60k miles which is an eternity for the SMG.

No mention of work on the cooling system which is a common E46 weak point but since this is an M, I am assuming its a different system. Doesn’t mean it won’t need attention given the age and miles.

It’s a 2003 with 107k miles, Mystic Blue over black and they are asking $9982.

nyccarguy

andres3 said:

For a few nickels more than a 1-year old Golf R: https://www.carmax.com/car/16063310

With a boatload more miles!  Yikes!  I’d get scared the 1st time I brought that car in for service.

nyccarguy

au1994 said:

Had another post that disappeared. Here’s a rundown on the ///M3 convertible: It has had the connecting rods, airbags and VANOS done. Alternator, catalytic converter and window actuators done under warranty. Also had the top hydraulics done when traded in. No info on if the subframe connectors have been done. Pretty good maintenance history otherwise with the glaring exception of detailed maintenance on the SMG transmission. It doesn’t look like it has been touched in 60k miles which is an eternity for the SMG. No mention of work on the cooling system which is a common E46 weak point but since this is an M, I am assuming its a different system. Doesn’t mean it won’t need attention given the age and miles. It’s a 2003 with 107k miles, Mystic Blue over black and they are asking $9982.

These aren’t the droids you’re looking for...

ab348

benjaminh said:

A little while ago we were trying to suggest possible cars for @Mr_Shiftright to maybe consider. What about a Civic Si coupe 6-speed manual which leases for $229 a month....One flaw I can see in the design is this is one of those Hondas without a volume knob. Just got rid of one that had this flaw, although that wasn't the main reason.

I was behind one of those in traffic this week, I guess not a SI because it did not have that rear wing. I actually liked the design very much, surprising for me with a Civic. This one was black and it just looked appealing to my eye, also a surprise because normally I do not like black cars.

au1994

nyccarguy said:

au1994 said:

Had another post that disappeared. Here’s a rundown on the ///M3 convertible:

It has had the connecting rods, airbags and VANOS done. Alternator, catalytic converter and window actuators done under warranty. Also had the top hydraulics done when traded in. No info on if the subframe connectors have been done. Pretty good maintenance history otherwise with the glaring exception of detailed maintenance on the SMG transmission. It doesn’t look like it has been touched in 60k miles which is an eternity for the SMG.

No mention of work on the cooling system which is a common E46 weak point but since this is an M, I am assuming its a different system. Doesn’t mean it won’t need attention given the age and miles.

It’s a 2003 with 107k miles, Mystic Blue over black and they are asking $9982.

These aren’t the droids you’re looking for...

nyccarguy said:

au1994 said:

Had another post that disappeared. Here’s a rundown on the ///M3 convertible:

It has had the connecting rods, airbags and VANOS done. Alternator, catalytic converter and window actuators done under warranty. Also had the top hydraulics done when traded in. No info on if the subframe connectors have been done. Pretty good maintenance history otherwise with the glaring exception of detailed maintenance on the SMG transmission. It doesn’t look like it has been touched in 60k miles which is an eternity for the SMG.

No mention of work on the cooling system which is a common E46 weak point but since this is an M, I am assuming its a different system. Doesn’t mean it won’t need attention given the age and miles.

It’s a 2003 with 107k miles, Mystic Blue over black and they are asking $9982.

These aren’t the droids you’re looking for...

I think you are probably right.

breld

I test drove a Civic EX-T with the 6 speed manual in anticipation of the Si being released (and then just skipped it altogether and got the Type R). But based on my experience with that, I think that Si would be a fantastic driving car for the price. There are no packages or options to be had on it, so they're well equipped as is.

The Si doesn't have the over the top styling of the Type R of course, and the sedan is even a bit more subtle, with a bit more tasteful spoiler than the coupe.

breld

andres3 said:

For a few nickels more than a 1-year old Golf R:

https://www.carmax.com/car/16063310

That S6 is nice. Have you considered a current gen A4? Seems you may be able to find a used example for around that same price in the mid-$30k's. Clearly doesn't have the same performance as the "S" cars you're considering, but from my experience, that current 2.0T really scoots. And you have the TTS for the "real" performance. Certainly would be a notable upgrade from the Optima, and would be the comfortable, luxury alternative to your toy.

breld

nyccarguy said:

au1994 said:

Had another post that disappeared. Here’s a rundown on the ///M3 convertible:

It has had the connecting rods, airbags and VANOS done. Alternator, catalytic converter and window actuators done under warranty. Also had the top hydraulics done when traded in. No info on if the subframe connectors have been done. Pretty good maintenance history otherwise with the glaring exception of detailed maintenance on the SMG transmission. It doesn’t look like it has been touched in 60k miles which is an eternity for the SMG.

No mention of work on the cooling system which is a common E46 weak point but since this is an M, I am assuming its a different system. Doesn’t mean it won’t need attention given the age and miles.

It’s a 2003 with 107k miles, Mystic Blue over black and they are asking $9982.

These aren’t the droids you’re looking for...

stickguy

I test drove the new Si twice. It was a fun driving car. Seats did not fit me well, and the wife was not a fan.

Mr_Shiftright

ab348 said:

benjaminh said:

A little while ago we were trying to suggest possible cars for @Mr_Shiftright to maybe consider. What about a Civic Si coupe 6-speed manual which leases for $229 a month....One flaw I can see in the design is this is one of those Hondas without a volume knob. Just got rid of one that had this flaw, although that wasn't the main reason.

I was behind one of those in traffic this week, I guess not a SI because it did not have that rear wing. I actually liked the design very much, surprising for me with a Civic. This one was black and it just looked appealing to my eye, also a surprise because normally I do not like black cars.

I did give that car a quick look a few weeks ago and thank you for the suggestion--not a bad choice at all-- but I can't drive a car with a wing--I just can't. I would feel like a 65 year old woman in a mini-skirt. It's just not....appropriate!

I've been like this for years. My friend offered me a really slick Mitsubishi Evo that he had made some great improvements on---but it had that ridiculous wing on it. I thought seriously about removing it, filling in the holes and repainting the entire trunk, but he had custom paint on the car and so that was dicey.

I'm as fussy as hell about cars I buy---no wings, nothing black or white, no automatics, no Audi, no Mercedes, no 4-doors, no slugs.

I'm sorry--it's just me

Mr_Shiftright

I've put out want ads for a Saab convertible, manual transmission, in good shape but all the responses I'm getting are for cripples needing little things like a transmission, top hydraulics, or a new fender, hood, grille and headlight, and maybe you know, some suspension parts......little stuff you can do on a weekend

I wouldn't mind building up a very nice clean car--I've done this a number of times--but you have to start with really "good bones" and a really cheap buy-in price. If your broken car looks great on the outside, that doesn't mean you take 10% off retail, for gawd's sake!

roadburner

benjaminh said:

A little while ago we were trying to suggest possible cars for @Mr_Shiftright to maybe consider. What about a Civic Si coupe 6-speed manual which leases for $229 a month....One flaw I can see in the design is this is one of those Hondas without a volume knob. Just got rid of one that had this flaw, although that wasn't the main reason.

For me it would be Type R or nothing.

qbrozen

au1994 said:

Had another post that disappeared. Here’s a rundown on the ///M3 convertible: It has had the connecting rods, airbags and VANOS done. Alternator, catalytic converter and window actuators done under warranty. Also had the top hydraulics done when traded in. No info on if the subframe connectors have been done. Pretty good maintenance history otherwise with the glaring exception of detailed maintenance on the SMG transmission. It doesn’t look like it has been touched in 60k miles which is an eternity for the SMG. No mention of work on the cooling system which is a common E46 weak point but since this is an M, I am assuming its a different system. Doesn’t mean it won’t need attention given the age and miles. It’s a 2003 with 107k miles, Mystic Blue over black and they are asking $9982.

$9k is enough

au1994

qbrozen said:

au1994 said:

Had another post that disappeared. Here’s a rundown on the ///M3 convertible:

It has had the connecting rods, airbags and VANOS done. Alternator, catalytic converter and window actuators done under warranty. Also had the top hydraulics done when traded in. No info on if the subframe connectors have been done. Pretty good maintenance history otherwise with the glaring exception of detailed maintenance on the SMG transmission. It doesn’t look like it has been touched in 60k miles which is an eternity for the SMG.

No mention of work on the cooling system which is a common E46 weak point but since this is an M, I am assuming its a different system. Doesn’t mean it won’t need attention given the age and miles.

It’s a 2003 with 107k miles, Mystic Blue over black and they are asking $9982.

$9k is enough

I know its a risk but I was thinking 9k and have them side service the the transmission on their nickel

laurasdada

Congrats, Breld. I'm just not doing something right. Oh, yeah, college tuition and child support...
But, they are good investments. I hope!

roadburner

So, my wife an I test drove this today...



In terms of options, it borders on being a unicorn- LED head/fog lamps, leather, heated seats, Alpine audio, voice recognition/BT- all very unusual options for a Sport. It turns out that it was a "Show demo"- a truck taken to various car shows to display Mopar accessories(leather, floor mats, etc.). My wife thought it drove at least as well as her 1993 Pathfinder SE. All I'd need to add are some running boards.
The in-service date was 1/24/18, so most of the 3/36 B2B and 5/60 powertrain warranty remains. there ight be a punch soon...

qbrozen

At least as well as her truck from 25 years ago? Quite an achievement! Lol

xwesx

Michaell said:

I can drive from my house to your house and back, and still not be at the prescribed number of miles. (That's 6200 miles, almost)

Let me know when you're headed up. I'll treat you to dinner!

qbrozen

Anybody want a truck for a 0.6% of msrp payment?

xwesx

Yes, but only if it is a diesel!

roadburner

qbrozen said:

At least as well as her truck from 25 years ago? Quite an achievement! Lol

Actually, the 1st. gen Pathfinder SE was one of the most car-like SUVs of it's day- even though it was extremely capable off-road. Today Trail Rated Jeeps and Land Rovers are just about the only SUVs that have actual off road ability.

mjfloyd1

@shiftright - maybe a smaller wing that cover the large wings mounting holes?

andres3

breld said:

andres3 said:

For a few nickels more than a 1-year old Golf R:

https://www.carmax.com/car/16063310

That S6 is nice. Have you considered a current gen A4? Seems you may be able to find a used example for around that same price in the mid-$30k's. Clearly doesn't have the same performance as the "S" cars you're considering, but from my experience, that current 2.0T really scoots. And you have the TTS for the "real" performance. Certainly would be a notable upgrade from the Optima, and would be the comfortable, luxury alternative to your toy.

If my Audi salesman let me be "bribed" by an EXTREMELY good deal on a brand new special ordered (to my specifications) A4 quattro, I'd be a willing listener!

Getting an extremely good deal is a home run. Getting an extremely good deal on a custom ordered car would be a grand slam (much rarer and harder to do).

andres3

roadburner said:

qbrozen said:

At least as well as her truck from 25 years ago? Quite an achievement! Lol

Actually, the 1st. gen Pathfinder SE was one of the most car-like SUVs of it's day- even though it was extremely capable off-road. Today Trail Rated Jeeps and Land Rovers are just about the only SUVs that have actual off road ability.

4Runner's don't get any respect off-road?

andres3

Mr_Shiftright said:

ab348 said:

benjaminh said:

A little while ago we were trying to suggest possible cars for @Mr_Shiftright to maybe consider. What about a Civic Si coupe 6-speed manual which leases for $229 a month....One flaw I can see in the design is this is one of those Hondas without a volume knob. Just got rid of one that had this flaw, although that wasn't the main reason.

I was behind one of those in traffic this week, I guess not a SI because it did not have that rear wing. I actually liked the design very much, surprising for me with a Civic. This one was black and it just looked appealing to my eye, also a surprise because normally I do not like black cars.

I did give that car a quick look a few weeks ago and thank you for the suggestion--not a bad choice at all-- but I can't drive a car with a wing--I just can't. I would feel like a 65 year old woman in a mini-skirt. It's just not....appropriate!

I've been like this for years. My friend offered me a really slick Mitsubishi Evo that he had made some great improvements on---but it had that ridiculous wing on it. I thought seriously about removing it, filling in the holes and repainting the entire trunk, but he had custom paint on the car and so that was dicey.

I'm as fussy as hell about cars I buy---no wings, nothing black or white, no automatics, no Audi, no Mercedes, no 4-doors, no slugs.

I'm sorry--it's just me

What about retractable wings? At least with those you could mechanically seal or keep them from opening.

Sandman6472

I did have the brake fluid changed at the 30K service and the accident didn't effect the brakes, threw the 4-wheel alignment out but brakes were fine. Will have my guy check them out next week just to be sure there's no lurking issue here. I like a highish brake pedal with plenty of grab going down, not too jerky though. But it's probably nothing as besides the work done under warranty, the water pump and thermostat, haven't done much else besides the new run flats, which I happen to like, and new windshield wipers. Amazed that even after the hit it took in February, it still drives like it was new...looks new also when cleaned up.
But, will have the brakes looked at sometime this coming week and go from there.

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Finally got to drive a couple of amazing vehicles today. A 2017 Jaguar XE in black over black. Didn't want it at first but got the keys anyways. Figured the infotainment center would be like the Volvo S90 which I needed someone else to show me how to turn it on. But fired this puppy up and liked the sound. Figured the audio out in like a minute and took off. Man, great off the base acceleration which really kicked in after a few seconds...very sweet! I can imagine how many tickets I'd have if I owned one. The interior was very nicely done with everything where it should be. A very nice vehicle!
Next up...a 2017 Infiniti Q50 with the 3.0t engine. All I can say is WOW!!! It was like a frickin' rocket off the line, I mean instant acceleration which really pushed me back into the seat. I've driven a few other Q50's but they weren't as quick as this 3.0t sucker was. If I owned one, hell, I'd be in trouble because it's was so much fun just punching that accelerator and whoosh...I was gone!! Pure fun, pure acceleration which could be intoxicating on a daily basis!!! The interior was also nicely done, everything where it should be but not a real fan of their infotainment center, thought the Jaguar was a bit easier to learn/work. But I could live with a Q50, could live with either of these vehicles...no problem!! As much fun as my Golf is, these two multiplied that fun quotient by ten!!!

The Sandman

qbrozen

andres3 said:

At least as well as her truck from 25 years ago? Quite an achievement! Lol

Actually, the 1st. gen Pathfinder SE was one of the most car-like SUVs of it's day- even though it was extremely capable off-road. Today Trail Rated Jeeps and Land Rovers are just about the only SUVs that have actual off road ability.

4Runner's don't get any respect off-road?

plenty of vehicles can handle what most people consider off-roading. But you need a true low range to handle the tough stuff. I have no idea how current 4runners are equipped.

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

Anybody want a truck for a 0.6% of msrp payment?

@qbrozen - no HEMI?  no thank-you!

  

I’d take a 2.7L Turbo V6 F150, but a RAM has got to have a HEMI or a Diesel.  

nyccarguy

@roadburner - up here on Cape Cod there are WRANGLERS everywhere!  Sport, Sahara, Rubicon, 2 Door, 4 Door, Hard Top, Soft Top, Stick, Automatic...  everyone LOVES them.

corvette

nyccarguy said:

@qbrozen - no HEMI?  no thank-you!

  

I’d take a 2.7L Turbo V6 F150, but a RAM has got to have a HEMI or a Diesel.  

Haven't driven one, but I'm going to say HEMI only on the RAM, please. F-150? I'd prefer the 3.5 turbo, 2.7 turbo, or 5.0 V8, in that order. Silverado/Sierra, I'd prefer the 6.2L V8, (probably) the 5.3L V8, followed by the 2.7L four-banger. I might reverse the last two choices on the GMs if the 2.7 is under-rated.

corvette

Rode in my realtor's 2013 (or newer?) Volvo S60 R-design this afternoon. Very nice and quiet. It had BLIS and Citysafe, but no backup cam or sensors. I'd consider something like that as a potential Mustang replacement.

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

@roadburner - up here on Cape Cod there are WRANGLERS everywhere!  Sport, Sahara, Rubicon, 2 Door, 4 Door, Hard Top, Soft Top, Stick, Automatic...  everyone LOVES them.

The one we drove was really nice; it felt solid and certainly wasn't a penalty box.

benjaminh

2012 red MIata 5-speed manual, 25k miles, good carfax, c.$14k....

https://www.acuraofserramonte.com/used/Mazda/2012-Mazda-Mazda+MX-5+Miata-6c4f2f210a0d0cc72933944126ea930c.htm

qbrozen

@corvette and @nyccarguy
well, of course you WANT the hemi, but it will cost you double the monthly. I was just throwing the bargain deal up for consideration. 300hp is enough for most people, especially when tied to that incredible payment.

tjc78

qbrozen said:

@corvette and @nyccarguy
well, of course you WANT the hemi, but it will cost you double the monthly. I was just throwing the bargain deal up for consideration. 300hp is enough for most people, especially when tied to that incredible payment.

If I could get out of the Elantra... I’d be down at the dealer looking at a Ram. That is a great deal.

corvette

qbrozen said:

@corvette and @nyccarguy
well, of course you WANT the hemi, but it will cost you double the monthly. I was just throwing the bargain deal up for consideration. 300hp is enough for most people, especially when tied to that incredible payment.

Darn, there must be some hefty incentives on the V6. 

Michaell

corvette said:

qbrozen said:

@corvette and @nyccarguy
well, of course you WANT the hemi, but it will cost you double the monthly. I was just throwing the bargain deal up for consideration. 300hp is enough for most people, especially when tied to that incredible payment.

Darn, there must be some hefty incentives on the V6. 

I've seen lease incentives of over $8k in some parts of the country.

tbirdmarco

 Very nice send man on the cars Human driving at work I think one of those should be one of your next rides when you’re ready how’s everything been going otherwise send man with you and your family enjoy your weekend 

tbirdmarco

 Depends what you were using the ram for if you’re going to tour some stuff I have people probably would get the hemi too hard to say. 300 horse power is a lot for a majority of people through what I said above I guess if that’s what you’re interested in best to go and drive both every six and hammy then go from there 

corvette

Carvana just picked up the Mustang. The driver was telling me they have a "hub" in Jeffersontown with four employees, so definitely a smaller / leaner operation than most traditional dealerships. He asked why I chose to sell my car to them and it was all I could do not to say "because you offered to buy it from me at a retail price."

Headed to the bank now to drop the check in the night deposit.

mjfloyd1

Pending punch. Trading 2008 BMW 335 for 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Unlimited Rubicon. Billet silver with body color fenders and hard top. Excellent price on Jeep - more than 11% off MSRP (Aaron at Dave Dennis in Dayton OH) and 10500 for trade. Thanks to Q for trade in pricing. Going on vacation and can’t pick up for a week. 

qbrozen

mjfloyd1 said:

Pending punch. Trading 2008 BMW 335 for 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Unlimited Rubicon. Billet silver with body color fenders and hard top. Excellent price on Jeep - more than 11% off MSRP (Aaron at Dave Dennis in Dayton OH) and 10500 for trade. Thanks to Q for trade in pricing. Going on vacation and can’t pick up for a week. 

Why swap two such similar vehicles though?

;b

stickguy

I don't really want to drive such a large beast, but I would get one for that lease payment!

28firefighter

Assisted with two punches for a friend and then for my Dad. One on each coast. 

Deal #1:
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Sport AWD
Vesuvio Gray
MSRP: $46,240
Term: 24/12
DAS: $1500 (first month, doc fee, WA tabs)
Monthly: $336 including 10.4% tax
Seattle

Deal #2:
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Sport AWD
Misano Blue
MSRP: $52,890
Term: $24/12
DAS: $1000 (first month, tags, doc fee)
Monthly: $448 including 9% PA tax
Registered Philly Area, Picked up Northern NJ

These cars are pretty great values IMO for a European crossover. 

corvette

Yes they are! Great deals, 28ff!

nyccarguy

One last stop and we are back home!  Great vacation!