Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

breld

I went through this once. I special ordered my 2007 530xi with, among other things, the sport package and manual transmission. I then added the BMW "M-Tech" package and wheels - basically what eventually became the M-Sport trim from the factory. So, it was a very personal car.

I sold that after a few years of ownership (yes, you read that right - a few YEARS ). A couple years after that, it turned up on Craigslist advertised by a small car lot. I was all ready and enthusiastic to reacquire it, but after driving it again, I realized that the nostalgia was stronger than the appeal of the actual car.

@andres3 - your experience may differ, but just be careful not to get too swept up in the nostalgic part of the equation.

nyccarguy

"I sold that after a few years of ownership"

Hosts: I think there is a glitch in the software. Every time I type months, it shows up as years. Does anybody else have this problem?

breld

While @michaell was getting squared away with arranging the test drive of the TLX this past weekend, @jpp5862, my wife and I took a close look at a new RDX A-spec. This one was gray with the red interior, and we were all very impressed with the look and feel. And I would guess the drive is more engaging with the 2.0 turbo.

At a sticker of $45k, seems to me they have a really nice package to better compete with the likes of the X3, Q5 and GLC.

andres3

breld said:

I went through this once. I special ordered my 2007 530xi with, among other things, the sport package and manual transmission. I then added the BMW "M-Tech" package and wheels - basically what eventually became the M-Sport trim from the factory. So, it was a very personal car.

I sold that after a few years of ownership (yes, you read that right - a few YEARS ). A couple years after that, it turned up on Craigslist advertised by a small car lot. I was all ready and enthusiastic to reacquire it, but after driving it again, I realized that the nostalgia was stronger than the appeal of the actual car.

@andres3 - your experience may differ, but just be careful not to get too swept up in the nostalgic part of the equation.

You're right, I've found another listing for an S4 with 20,000 miles less for 2,000 less asking price. Of course, that one isn't red, it's your usual gray. It also isn't "perfectly" equipped by yours truly. But truth be told, I'd rather have an unmolested uncrashed S4.

nyccarguy

@andres3 - I really like @breld ‘s suggestion that you try and find yourself a “regular” A4.  You’ve got time, so you can afford to be picky and find “the one” with most of (or all of the options you want.  You aren’t afraid to modify it to your taste as far as brakes & suspension go, and then chip the 2.0T for some extra grunt.

andres3

nyccarguy said:

@andres3 - I really like @breld ‘s suggestion that you try and find yourself a “regular” A4.  You’ve got time, so you can afford to be picky and find “the one” with most of (or all of the options you want.  You aren’t afraid to modify it to your taste as far as brakes & suspension go, and then chip the 2.0T for some extra grunt.

Yes, that also works with a used A6 with the 3.0T. The reason I was looking at S6's is they are special, and unique, and rare, and it won't be too much longer you can find a V8 German car easily.

Modifying the A4's brakes would be very expensive though. Coilovers can be expensive too. You have to start with good bones. I do believe the current generation A4 & S4 for that matter both have upgraded brakes as compared to the previous generation. I suppose it was needed since the lighter chassis appears to be wasted on nanny safety features and whiz-bang gadgets and the car doesn't seem to be all that much lighter in S4 trim.

In essence, the S models are ready made. However, since this won't be my track car, even an A comes robust-enough. I just know in the previous generation I prefer the 3.0, the current 2.0T is pretty awesome though, that's '17+.

I was just reading comments from people about how they don't understand why someone would get an entry level German car when they are so god-awful slow with no options. They mentioned MB and BMW 320's. They didn't mention the A4 for good reason (or maybe they overlooked the "ultra/eco" models).

nyccarguy

andres3 said:

@andres3 - I really like @breld ‘s suggestion that you try and find yourself a “regular” A4.  You’ve got time, so you can afford to be picky and find “the one” with most of (or all of the options you want.  You aren’t afraid to modify it to your taste as far as brakes & suspension go, and then chip the 2.0T for some extra grunt.

Yes, that also works with a used A6 with the 3.0T. The reason I was looking at S6's is they are special, and unique, and rare, and it won't be too much longer you can find a V8 German car easily. Modifying the A4's brakes would be very expensive though. Coilovers can be expensive too. You have to start with good bones. I do believe the current generation A4 & S4 for that matter both have upgraded brakes as compared to the previous generation. I suppose it was needed since the lighter chassis appears to be wasted on nanny safety features and whiz-bang gadgets and the car doesn't seem to be all that much lighter in S4 trim. In essence, the S models are ready made. However, since this won't be my track car, even an A comes robust-enough. I just know in the previous generation I prefer the 3.0, the current 2.0T is pretty awesome though, that's '17+. I was just reading comments from people about how they don't understand why someone would get an entry level German car when they are so god-awful slow with no options. They mentioned MB and BMW 320's. They didn't mention the A4 for good reason (or maybe they overlooked the "ultra/eco" models).

I’m friendly with a guy in CO who is a definite enthusiast. He’s got an ‘06 911 C2S 6MT, a ‘17 A6 2.0T S-Line, an ‘08 Boxster 5MT, & a ‘17 Jetta SE 5MT 1.4T.  He loves the Porsches for obvious reasons.  The A6 he bought because he realizes the performance difference between the 4cyl & 6cyl engines, but loaded up there was close to a $10K price Delta between the 2 so he opted for the 2.0T.  The Jetta he bought for super cheap (like$15K brand new).  It was a 5MT that was sitting around.  He likes it for the solidity & simplicity.  

I think you do need another car to supplement the driving of your TTS.  I don’t think you’ll be happy with something that isn’t German.

corvette

nyccarguy said:

andres3 said:

@andres3 - I really like @breld ‘s suggestion that you try and find yourself a “regular” A4.  You’ve got time, so you can afford to be picky and find “the one” with most of (or all of the options you want.  You aren’t afraid to modify it to your taste as far as brakes & suspension go, and then chip the 2.0T for some extra grunt.

Yes, that also works with a used A6 with the 3.0T. The reason I was looking at S6's is they are special, and unique, and rare, and it won't be too much longer you can find a V8 German car easily. Modifying the A4's brakes would be very expensive though. Coilovers can be expensive too. You have to start with good bones. I do believe the current generation A4 & S4 for that matter both have upgraded brakes as compared to the previous generation. I suppose it was needed since the lighter chassis appears to be wasted on nanny safety features and whiz-bang gadgets and the car doesn't seem to be all that much lighter in S4 trim. In essence, the S models are ready made. However, since this won't be my track car, even an A comes robust-enough. I just know in the previous generation I prefer the 3.0, the current 2.0T is pretty awesome though, that's '17+. I was just reading comments from people about how they don't understand why someone would get an entry level German car when they are so god-awful slow with no options. They mentioned MB and BMW 320's. They didn't mention the A4 for good reason (or maybe they overlooked the "ultra/eco" models).

I’m friendly with a guy in CO who is a definite enthusiast. He’s got an ‘06 911 C2S 6MT, a ‘17 A6 2.0T S-Line, an ‘08 Boxster 5MT, & a ‘17 Jetta SE 5MT 1.4T.  He loves the Porsches for obvious reasons.  The A6 he bought because he realizes the performance difference between the 4cyl & 6cyl engines, but loaded up there was close to a $10K price Delta between the 2 so he opted for the 2.0T.  The Jetta he bought for super cheap (like$15K brand new).  It was a 5MT that was sitting around.  He likes it for the solidity & simplicity. 

And you haven’t introduced him to breld? For shame! Think of all the enabling that they could do! 

stickguy

so, really feeling this one. Favorite color combo, and all the required options. Not CPO for some reason, but still has 10 months of BtoB warranty left. After the updates, so has the fancy dashboard. Miles reasonable for the year, and fine for me, and price certainly seems to be appropriate. Unless I am way off the mark. I would be happy to trade pinks for my Elantra with them!

https://www.volvocarsprinceton.com/used/Volvo/2015-Volvo-S60-b583c2b20a0e0a6b352e65489036c979.htm

Mr_Shiftright

Looks like a lease return. One owner.

stickguy

typical for something like this. Fine by me. Basically like I bought out my Sonata last year.

benjaminh

stickguy said:

so, really feeling this one. Favorite color combo, and all the required options. Not CPO for some reason, but still has 10 months of BtoB warranty left. After the updates, so has the fancy dashboard. Miles reasonable for the year, and fine for me, and price certainly seems to be appropriate. Unless I am way off the mark. I would be happy to trade pinks for my Elantra with them!

https://www.volvocarsprinceton.com/used/Volvo/2015-Volvo-S60-b583c2b20a0e0a6b352e65489036c979.htm

Does it have CarPlay/AndroidAuto? Adaptive cruise control? Etc.?

stickguy

no car play, but has Navi built in, so fine by me. I never use regular CC, and would almost definitely not ever turn on adaptive cruise. But, it does have BLIS and a BU cam, which are important. And great seats!

xwesx

I love the color combo, though. It looks sooo sharp!

Michaell

Hey, I know some of you are pretty familiar with lease swap sites. Can I get a little help for a guy who is interested in them?

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/46895/jaguar/f-type/jaguar-f-type-svr-lease-questions#latest

qbrozen

stickguy said:

so, really feeling this one. Favorite color combo, and all the required options. Not CPO for some reason, but still has 10 months of BtoB warranty left. After the updates, so has the fancy dashboard. Miles reasonable for the year, and fine for me, and price certainly seems to be appropriate. Unless I am way off the mark. I would be happy to trade pinks for my Elantra with them! https://www.volvocarsprinceton.com/used/Volvo/2015-Volvo-S60-b583c2b20a0e0a6b352e65489036c979.htm

Price is way out of line. $12k/$13k/$15-16k trade/auction/retail.

tbirdmarco

Nice on all above 

stickguy

You aren’t finding one of those at a Volvo dealer for $16k. If you do let me know.

jpp75

stickguy said:

so, really feeling this one. Favorite color combo, and all the required options. Not CPO for some reason, but still has 10 months of BtoB warranty left. After the updates, so has the fancy dashboard. Miles reasonable for the year, and fine for me, and price certainly seems to be appropriate. Unless I am way off the mark. I would be happy to trade pinks for my Elantra with them!

https://www.volvocarsprinceton.com/used/Volvo/2015-Volvo-S60-b583c2b20a0e0a6b352e65489036c979.htm

That was the exact same car I had back in NC. I loved it.

Also over in Switzerland I saw a ton of V40s, that would be the perfect car for you.

Mr_Shiftright

stickguy said:

You aren’t finding one of those at a Volvo dealer for $16k. If you do let me know.

In CA, looks like they are going for $18.5K--$23.5K asking price from dealers. Don't know if you could negotiate the $18.5K down to $16K.

Here's one, lower miles:

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/ctd/d/2015-volvo-s60-t5-premier/6658025897.html

stickguy

That’s about right. But still a car without BLIS package that I want.

qbrozen

you likely won't find it OFFERED for $16k. But that would be fair retail.
And why does it have to be a volvo dealer if it ain't CPO anyway?

stickguy

it doesn't. Just more likely to find a clean, well maintained one there. Not quite sure why the one in princeton was not CPO.

I did find a cheaper one up your way more, lower miles, in red. But also (as usual) missing a few important options.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/731003874/overview/

xwesx

stickguy said:

it doesn't. Just more likely to find a clean, well maintained one there. Not quite sure why the one in princeton was not CPO.

I did find a cheaper one up your way more, lower miles, in red. But also (as usual) missing a few important options.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/731003874/overview/

I think, if you bought this one, you'd find it to be a very Matrix situation.

"Why, oh why, didn't I take the BLUE car?"

stickguy

I actually like the red. my wife would not be a fan. But, she will learn to love it.

if I was buying, and the red was equipped the same but with lower miles and cheaper, I would get the red one. And put some of the savings into good tires to replace the lease return specials it seems to be wearing.

tbirdmarco

 Very nice stuff. Taking all the cars you all are posting above 120 job fair today and drop my resume into a local Hyundai dealer here. Can apply for jobs there to why not will find something soon get out of the current job although thankful they didn’t get rid of me yet ha ha Ha but who knows when still nothing from that job and run the interview on Friday so we shall see staying positive 

tbirdmarco

 At Brown old so white cars next you’re getting? What’s leaving the sleep ha ha Ha 

qbrozen

@stickguy

at least this one is CPO. Fewer miles, too. Get them to knock off $2k and you'd be in pretty good shape.
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/share/212287109

stickguy

that is a nice one. Perfect. Odds are they aren't dropping $2k, but never know.

Michaell

I've been invited to, and will be attending, a BMW driving event on Saturday. It comes with a $1000 coupon for a new BMW, which I doubt I'll get a chance to use.

Since @stickguy has been looking at Volvo's, I thought I'd do the same.

This S60 caught my eye; same dealership group where I picked up the Jetta

henryn

I can't actually see the car in the ad because of an obnoxious popup asking for my zip code.

qbrozen

Same here. I see its a tan on tan t5 premier, but that's it since I can't get to the damned page.

stickguy

henryn said:

I can't actually see the car in the ad because of an obnoxious popup asking for my zip code.

make one up and select nationwide, submit it, and the box goes away.

looks nice. Plain color though, but pretty in person. That one is well equipped, but AWD with the 2.5l. I actually prefer FWD with the 2.0t engine instead.

Michaell

stickguy said:

henryn said:

I can't actually see the car in the ad because of an obnoxious popup asking for my zip code.

make one up and select nationwide, submit it, and the box goes away.

looks nice. Plain color though, but pretty in person. That one is well equipped, but AWD with the 2.5l. I actually prefer FWD with the 2.0t engine instead.

Thanks for the assist.

Of course, when I go to the dealer website directly, I can't find it.

I wouldn't mind the 2.0T with FWD, either.

Michaell

Let's try this link, instead

Michaell

Or this, if I can live without CPO

stickguy

that one is nice. And still has 2 full years of warranty left. The CPO would not concern me all that much. only issue with that one is black interior (on a Volvo, that is really black!), and no vision package. But good price.

qbrozen

Michaell said:

Or this, if I can live without CPO

Priced right at auction value. I wonder why.
unfortunate color combo.

stickguy

colors, no CPO, no AWD? or want to move it quick.

nyccarguy

You guys looking at CPO Volvos?  I’ll pick you up at the airport, take you to dinner, & send you in your way.  You’re welcome!

https://www.rileyvolvocarsstamford.com/used/Volvo/2015-Volvo-S60-stamford+ct-3290940d0a0e0adf43fd01e948fd99cb.htm

nyccarguy

Here’s a sharp looking 2017 service loaner for well under $30K:  https://www.volvocarswestport.com/new/Volvo/2017-Volvo-S60-Westport-CT-8ef9cb000a0e0ae73edd8554681b03c6.htm

28firefighter

nyccarguy said:

You guys looking at CPO Volvos?  I’ll pick you up at the airport, take you to dinner, & send you in your way.  You’re welcome!

https://www.rileyvolvocarsstamford.com/used/Volvo/2015-Volvo-S60-stamford+ct-3290940d0a0e0adf43fd01e948fd99cb.htm

I didnt know you sold Volvo!

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

Here’s a sharp looking 2017 service loaner for well under $30K:  https://www.volvocarswestport.com/new/Volvo/2017-Volvo-S60-Westport-CT-8ef9cb000a0e0ae73edd8554681b03c6.htm

Thanks for the links, Bradd!

A little rich for my blood, unfortunately.

And, I'm sure I can find something equally nice a lot closer than CT.

qbrozen

nyccarguy said:

You guys looking at CPO Volvos?  I’ll pick you up at the airport, take you to dinner, & send you in your way.  You’re welcome!

https://www.rileyvolvocarsstamford.com/used/Volvo/2015-Volvo-S60-stamford+ct-3290940d0a0e0adf43fd01e948fd99cb.htm

Oooo...only $8k markup! You are so kind! ;b

qbrozen

nyccarguy said:

Here’s a sharp looking 2017 service loaner for well under $30K:  https://www.volvocarswestport.com/new/Volvo/2017-Volvo-S60-Westport-CT-8ef9cb000a0e0ae73edd8554681b03c6.htm

I see a $32k pricetag, which puts it $8500 over auction. CT must be crawling with suckers to support such bold asking prices.

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

nyccarguy said:

Here’s a sharp looking 2017 service loaner for well under $30K:  https://www.volvocarswestport.com/new/Volvo/2017-Volvo-S60-Westport-CT-8ef9cb000a0e0ae73edd8554681b03c6.htm

I see a $32k pricetag, which puts it $8500 over auction. CT must be crawling with suckers to support such bold asking prices.

It was cheaper when I looked at it on my phone last night.

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

nyccarguy said:

You guys looking at CPO Volvos?  I’ll pick you up at the airport, take you to dinner, & send you in your way.  You’re welcome!

https://www.rileyvolvocarsstamford.com/used/Volvo/2015-Volvo-S60-stamford+ct-3290940d0a0e0adf43fd01e948fd99cb.htm

Oooo...only $8k markup! You are so kind! ;b

I figured you would chime in on the price of that sucker.

graphicguy

Michaell said:

I've been invited to, and will be attending, a BMW driving event on Saturday. It comes with a $1000 coupon for a new BMW, which I doubt I'll get a chance to use.

Since @stickguy has been looking at Volvo's, I thought I'd do the same.

This S60 caught my eye; same dealership group where I picked up the Jetta

I get those from time-to-time. Fun events that you can drive some of the best they make (usually no “M” vehicles, though).

stickguy

Neither one if those tickles my fancy.

Michaell

graphicguy said:

Michaell said:

I've been invited to, and will be attending, a BMW driving event on Saturday. It comes with a $1000 coupon for a new BMW, which I doubt I'll get a chance to use.

Since @stickguy has been looking at Volvo's, I thought I'd do the same.

This S60 caught my eye; same dealership group where I picked up the Jetta

I get those from time-to-time. Fun events that you can drive some of the best they make (usually no “M” vehicles, though).

I'm ok with no M stuff.

Let's just hope there are a few cars available with all the SUVs.