Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

tifighter said:

@stickguy I think you should be on the lookout for a CPO S60. Not because I have a Volvo, honest, but because you’ve constantly posted S60 listings for as long as I can remember. Wait for a blue one with tan guts, which we all know is the official Stickguy combo, and scratch that itch.

oh, I found that already. Just not sure I want to get a 3 YO one. I have loved the TLX too since it came out. Passes the great seat test. And is fully loaded. Either one would work. The wife likes the Volvo, but would pick a TLX over it.

at the moment, I think a slightly used TLX is leading the pack!

https://www.redbankvolvocars.com/certified/Volvo/2015-Volvo-S60-for-sale-Red-Bank-NJ-6bfb0c740a0e08bd2608277778aea302.htm

benjaminh

Well, l guess I need to eat my words or something. Here's a CPO 2015 TLX with 37k miles in Basque Red with the Parchment interior at a dealer near me for just $18,600. And I see that if you get CPO they give you an Acura warranty on the powertrain up to 100k miles. That does seem better. This TLX seems like a good deal. If I didn't already own one I might be interested lol!

https://www.courtesyacura.com/inventory/certified-used-2015-acura-tlx-2-4-8-dct-p-aws-fwd-4d-sedan-19uub1f34fa007833

Although really for me AndroidAuto and AcuraWatch are very high priorities, and this one lacks both of those features. Plus I have ELS sound, navi in case I forget my phone, auto wipers, etc., etc.

qbrozen

tjc78 said:

Thanks, didn’t think so.  If the advertised deal is that poor there must be very little lease support and poor residuals.  

I see a $42k msrp AWD model for $430/mo, but its 48-mo and 10k/yr. With your MSRP, you could probably hit your payment, but 48-mo is a LONG lease. Again, though, who knows what will be available when your mom is ready.

stickguy

Benjamin, the Tech package cars I posted have lane watch, collision protection, etc. I think what is now bundled into acurawatch. But, not Carplay. I can deal, since it has Navi with real time traffic updates. I can live with that.

benjaminh

stickguy said:

....

https://www.redbankvolvocars.com/certified/Volvo/2015-Volvo-S60-for-sale-Red-Bank-NJ-6bfb0c740a0e08bd2608277778aea302.htm

I think this Volvo actually looks really good, inside and out. Good value for the money. Must have had an msrp of c. $40k or so?

stickguy

probably. that car new 2018 would crack 40K

qbrozen

I would hit them at $18k on that, take it or leave it. Wonder if they'd bite. It is a fair offer.

tifighter

qbrozen said:

I would hit them at $18k on that, take it or leave it. Wonder if they'd bite. It is a fair offer.

With the CPO?

stickguy

the web site has a "make an offer" feature. but yes, that price is a lot more appetizing. My guess, they don't bite and out where it is, will get more. If it was closer to me I might wander by and see what happens. But I can't get out there to check it out any time soon.

qbrozen

Yes, with CPO. I'd be $1k-$1500 lower otherwise. 

qbrozen

benjaminh

What about this CPO 2017 TLX V-6 Tech in San Marino Red with Parchment Interior? Only 12.5k miles, and offered for $28,800. I think the original msrp was maybe close to 42? I like this one....

https://www.eliteacura.com/inventory/certified-used-2017-acura-tlx-3-5-v-6-9-at-p-aws-with-technology-package-fwd-4dr-car-19uub2f58ha003147

stickguy

well, that is the one that I posted, so I guess we agree on this one. I actually like the color. Might as well get flashy in my old age! The wife would have to deal with it. Easier sell if it was a slightly mellower color.

benjaminh

stickguy said:

well, that is the one that I posted, so I guess we agree on this one. I actually like the color. Might as well get flashy in my old age! The wife would have to deal with it. Easier sell if it was a slightly mellower color.

To complicate the picture a little, your dealer is also selling a new 2018 TLX V-6 Tech Red/Parchment for $35k even:

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/711610814/overview/

I realize you keep saying you don't need AcuraWatch or CarPlay/AndroidAuto, but you've also said quite often that you want the newer technology on your next car. To state the obvious, that is the newer tech. Did you never use CarPlay for navigation in your Elantra Sport? In terms of AcuraWatch it adds the adaptive cruise control, the lane keeping feature, etc. This doesn't drive the car for you, but just adds a little assist in case on the Interstate in light traffic you drift slightly while changing the radio station or something. My guess is that my fellow 2018 TLX owners will back me up on AcuraWatch being a useful set of features.

Finally, a used 2017 car @ $28k, unless I'm missing something, can't be leased, which as you know means higher monthly payments. Since the 2018 can be leased the monthly payments will be significantly lower than for the 2017. Also, since the 2018 does have all the latest and greatest you'll be less likely to say in a couple of years "Oh, if only my car had the latest technology—I'm back in the hunt for a new car!" But with the 2018 you could just turn it in after 3 years and be in the hunt for something else if you want—rather than trying to sell or trade-in the 2017 yourself (which wouldn't be a pretty picture imho). Or if you still love the 2018 you'll have the buyout option for c. 19.5k at the end of the lease. Just a thought.

nyccarguy

benjaminh said:

stickguy said:

well, that is the one that I posted, so I guess we agree on this one. I actually like the color. Might as well get flashy in my old age! The wife would have to deal with it. Easier sell if it was a slightly mellower color.

To complicate the picture a little, your dealer is also selling a new 2018 TLX V-6 Tech Red/Parchment for $35k even:

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/711610814/overview/

I realize you keep saying you don't need AcuraWatch or CarPlay/AndroidAuto, but you've also said quite often that you want the newer technology on your next car. To state the obvious, that is the newer tech. Did you never use CarPlay for navigation in your Elantra Sport? In terms of AcuraWatch it adds the adaptive cruise control, the lane keeping feature, etc. This doesn't drive the car for you, but just adds a little assist in case on the Interstate in light traffic you drift slightly while changing the radio station or something. My guess is that my fellow 2018 TLX owners will back me up on AcuraWatch being a useful set of features.

Finally, a used 2017 car @ $28k, unless I'm missing something, can't be leased, which as you know means higher monthly payments. Since the 2018 can be leased the monthly payments will be significantly lower than for the 2017. Also, since the 2018 does have all the latest and greatest you'll be less likely to say in a couple of years "Oh, if only my car had the latest technology—I'm back in the hunt for a new car!" But with the 2018 you could just turn it in after 3 years and be in the hunt for something else if you want—rather than trying to sell or trade-in the 2017 yourself (which wouldn't be a pretty picture imho). Or if you still love the 2018 you'll have the buyout option for c. 19.5k at the end of the lease. Just a thought.

Acura does 7,500 mile per year leases too, I think.

graphicguy

pensfan83 said:

@kyfdx @graphicguy thanks. There is a car at the Honda dealer that caught my eye and I asked my sister or brother-in-law to look at it for me when they get back from Germany later this week.  I was going to ask if there was anyone there that you would recommend reaching out to

There is a guy I deal with there. But, I called to see if I could get you two together, and they told me he was off on medical leave. Didn’t get any further than that.

stickguy

The 17 tech has lane watch and auto brake of some sort (I think forward and back). Basically the Acura watch stuff, which came with the tech package. I think for 2018 they just made it standard on the base model too.

I only use CarPlay for Navi, but the 17 has Navi built in, with real time traffic. So good enough. And adaptive cruise is not important to me. I almost never use CC anyway. Just don’t like it.

There really isn’t anything missing on a 17 tech from my wish list.

benjaminh

stickguy said:

....I only use CarPlay for Navi, but the 17 has Navi built in, with real time traffic. So good enough....

I have built-in navi in my TLX, but it's much more difficult to use and not as accurate as AndroidAuto with Google maps.

But since you're an Apple CarPlay person used to a seemingly not as good system, perhaps the built-in will be good enough for you.

I won't ever use the built-in navi in my TLX unless somehow I forget my phone or something. The built-in is really an inferior system in terms of its maps, voice recognition, interface, etc.

stickguy

Well, it would be nice to have. But likely not $7,000 worth.

Plus the CPO I can buy instead and make it a long term keeper. I’m not specifically looking to lease, that’s more of a case by case situation.

28firefighter

And if one is especially looking for a lease, the TLX V6 while a better than normal value for that car, still leases in the upper 300s/low 400s with driveoffs. Even with incentives.

I happen to think a CPO TLX V6 Tech is a great value. I too fall into the camp that if it had Nav, I don't need CarPlay.

suydam

Depends on the Nav system. The Nav on my Volt is great. I just send the address from my phone before I leave. Other systems don’t work so well or are not as intuitive.

thebean

suydam said:

More work is going into this purchase than planning for some wars!

Boy, that's for darn sure. It gets exhausting reading about it.

stickguy

Hey, this is important stuff here. Need to follow the process. And of course, overthink and over analyze everything (that’s my wife’s favorite part).

stickguy

thebean said:

suydam said:

More work is going into this purchase than planning for some wars!

Boy, that's for darn sure. It gets exhausting reading about it.

Man, if you don’t like reading purchase stories, you are in the wrong thread!

28firefighter

Analysis paralysis.

thebean

What makes you think I was referring to you? I don't recall putting any names to my comment.

roadburner

suydam said:

Depends on the Nav system. The Nav on my Volt is great. I just send the address from my phone before I leave. Other systems don’t work so well or are not as intuitive.

Same for the system in my 2 Series and i3. We only use the navigation app on the phone in our other cars.

pensfan83

graphicguy said:

There is a guy I deal with there. But, I called to see if I could get you two together, and they told me he was off on medical leave. Didn’t get any further than that.

Thank you, I appreciate that. Over lunch I emailed one of the Internet Sales folks about a 2001 Integra GS-R they took in on trade. Hoping to get some pictures and details on it before deciding if it's worth pursuing further.

laurasdada

New sneaks for the XF this tax free weekend. Buy 3, get one tire free, plus tax savings, so good deal. Of course, my last two cars, new sneaks led to a new car within a few months...

But, my note will be paid off at the end of the year (and I'm finally earning more interest in an online savings acct. than I'm paying in loan interest! Woo Hoo! Not considering taxes on the earned interest, of course. Just let me live the fantasy...). I'll try to go a while in year 6 of XF ownership with no car payments, see what happens. Out of warranty...

28firefighter

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1991-ford-taurus-sho/

And for this week's BaT temptation. My Dad had this car's twin when I was 4 years old and is what hooked me on cars for good.

ab348

I saw the listing for that SHO on the weekend. The owner kept great records. I was wondering if it would be possible to re-do those front seats in anything like the original perforated leather, and how pricey a task that might be.

28firefighter

I'm sure it could be done for the right amount of money. As long as you understand that this is definitely a car you won't get your money out of if you put into it.

My biggest concern is the difficulty reported in engaging first gear.

Mr_Shiftright

28firefighter said:

I'm sure it could be done for the right amount of money. As long as you understand that this is definitely a car you won't get your money out of if you put into it.

My biggest concern is the difficulty reported in engaging first gear.

Could be related to the recent clutch repair.

kyfdx

Pet peeve:

School children coming by asking for money for their school extra-curricular organization. Not selling anything, just going door-to-door, asking for money. Public school.

Why not just hang out on the corner and fly your flag, like the rest of the people asking for money?

Sandman6472

Blue over tan guts is my favorite combo also but today saw a 2017 Golf, red over tan guts and it was real striking all cleaned up. Not all blue's look that good on certain vehicles so really depends on the color and the vehicle. Have been secretly looking again and for some reason, a Mini Cooper keeps invading my searches. I know that the cons outweigh the pros by so much but have seen a few with the right color combo and wheels that make me want it right now! Then I check out the price and I don't think it's gonna happen. They are too pricey for what one gets methinks but still, I like them. Totally illogical but hey, in this group of folks, logic goes out the window real fast! Just wish I could keep the Golf and get myself a toy...problem solved!!

The Sandman

stickguy

working on steps to get the old car moved over to the kid. Quite the process. Getting her financing since I don't feel like being the bank on this one. Which means paying it off and getting the title, while she works on getting her DL in the state she is moving to. So once she has residency, and I have the title, she can schlep back to the DMV to register it.

Unless I lease, I will wait until she can get that done before buying something, so I can transfer my current registration which has another 3 (maybe 4) years. Save a lot of money that way.

would have been easier to just trade it in and both buy new. Well, easier for me! But she is getting a good deal out of it. Our subsidy is a graduation present.

Sandman6472

This new sign-in procedure, is it going to be complicated? Sure hope it's seamless as I hate to do new stuff to a site I'm already on. I always screw it up and need one of the kids to get it done right! As I've been told many times, and I do tend to agree with, I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer!! Was lucky that my letter carrier job was somewhat easy once one learned the scheme of the route and the names and forwards. And my current part time gig really is super easy once one knows where to go. I just prefer easy when it comes to life!

The Sandman

stickguy

it should be simple. If you have trouble, I am sure one of the mods will fly down to your place and walk you through it.

sda

I didn't find the new sign in process to be difficult. One thing that was a bit confusing, is that when I entered my first name the last name populated my e-mail address. I cleared that out, entered my last name and success.

stickguy

my local dealer also seems to have a low mile 2015 in my favorite color combo. CPO, but overpriced I think due to a slightly dirty carfax. Knock the price down a bit, and we can talk. Wonder what this is really worth market value?

https://www.eliteacura.com/inventory/certified-used-2015-acura-tlx-2-4-8-dct-p-aws-with-technology-package-fwd-4dr-car-19uub1f51fa014448

Michaell

stickguy said:

my local dealer also seems to have a low mile 2015 in my favorite color combo. CPO, but overpriced I think due to a slightly dirty carfax. Knock the price down a bit, and we can talk. Wonder what this is really worth market value?

https://www.eliteacura.com/inventory/certified-used-2015-acura-tlx-2-4-8-dct-p-aws-with-technology-package-fwd-4dr-car-19uub1f51fa014448

Not sure if there are regional differences, but there is maybe $1000 that can come off that price, based on what I've been shopping.

qbrozen

Based on the history, $18.5k would be the moon, IMHO.

Personally, I think the carfax is pretty bad. Painted fender and repaired seat upholstery? Sounds like a rough 27k miles.

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

working on steps to get the old car moved over to the kid. Quite the process. Getting her financing since I don't feel like being the bank on this one. Which means paying it off and getting the title, while she works on getting her DL in the state she is moving to. So once she has residency, and I have the title, she can schlep back to the DMV to register it. Unless I lease, I will wait until she can get that done before buying something, so I can transfer my current registration which has another 3 (maybe 4) years. Save a lot of money that way. would have been easier to just trade it in and both buy new. Well, easier for me! But she is getting a good deal out of it. Our subsidy is a graduation present.

@stickguy - just a suggestion for you obviously.  It seems like you’ve raised your daughter well, so why not just give her the Hyundai as a graduation present?  It is a nice, solid, 1st car out of college car.  It would be very generous, but obviously not something lavish like a 430i x-drive convertible with the vanity plate, DADZGIRL.  Or if you are dead set against that, why don’t you be “the bank,” let her pay you back & then put the money away and put it towards her wedding?

stickguy

Besides being cheap?

We could finance it, but is actually cheaper to get her own loan. Plus makes her independent. Of course, we are here if needed to back her up. That, and I need the cash to put into a replacement car.

And don’t say wedding unless you want to give me a heart attack.

qbrozen

This poor car obviously fell into the wrong hands. You think he drives around with that cargo in the passenger seat?
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/744491394/overview?aff=share_other

stickguy

qbrozen said:

Based on the history, $18.5k would be the moon, IMHO.

Personally, I think the carfax is pretty bad. Painted fender and repaired seat upholstery? Sounds like a rough 27k miles.

For 18.5 CPO, well, that would be hard to say no to. Coin toss between that and the CPO S60 at the same money. Assuming they both drove nice.

graphicguy

kyfdx said:

Pet peeve:

School children coming by asking for money for their school extra-curricular organization. Not selling anything, just going door-to-door, asking for money. Public school.

Why not just hang out on the corner and fly your flag, like the rest of the people asking for money?

Yeah...that seems to be a "thing" around here, too.

I live on a cul-de-sac and know everyone in my neighborhood. I know the kids. But, invariably, some teens/tweens I don't recognize start coming to my door (about this time of year) stating they are with the band/football team/soccer team/cheerleaders, etc and are raising money. It's ordinarily the old "I'll sell you this $1 candy bar for $10" type of deal. Just as often, they offer nothing in return, though. They just want money.

When I inquire who their coach, conducted, or sponsor is, I get a bland stare. Using kids for scams, or being kids who are scamming, that just grates on me. I send them on their way, warning them it's probably not a good idea to continue the scam, as I know everyone in the neighborhood.

kyfdx

Overpriced candy bars... popcorn.. useless candles. At least they are offering something in exchange for money.
One of our sports teams sells/delivers mulch in the Spring. They'll even distribute the bags around your yard, if that's what you want. I have no problem with that. At least they are earning it.

But, begging? I draw the line at that. Plus, you know.. I pay property taxes to fund the schools. I'm a big supporter of public education. But, please don't teach our children to beg.

henryn

kyfdx said:

Overpriced candy bars... popcorn.. useless candles. At least they are offering something in exchange for money.
One of our sports teams sells/delivers mulch in the Spring. They'll even distribute the bags around your yard, if that's what you want. I have no problem with that. At least they are earning it.

But, begging? I draw the line at that. Plus, you know.. I pay property taxes to fund the schools. I'm a big supporter of public education. But, please don't teach our children to beg.

You (the collective you, or y’all as we would say here in the south), don’t quite seem to grasp the content.

My son sang in the choir when he was in school, along with many other activities. The choir took a trip every year, and that trip was not paid for by the school district. As indeed, it should not have been. So the money had to come from somewhere. Many of the kids had families that could pay their share. And many didn’t. What were they supposed to do, leave behind the kids who couldn’t afford it? Not a good idea, in my opinion. So they sold fruit baskets. Big baskets of fresh fruit, grapefruits, oranges, etc. And everyone got to go on the trip.

While my son was still too young to drive, I spent a lot of hours driving around, delivering those fruit baskets. Just part of the overhead of being a parent.

Yes, I’m opposed to scammers. Big difference, though.

qbrozen

Loving this!