Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

kyfdx

henryn said:

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.

I think that's exactly what I just said... no problem with raising money, by selling something of value.

kyfdx

qbrozen said:

Loving this!

Very cool. No rust in Japan?

kyfdx

I posted a picture of a '93 Nissan Skyline in another discussion. It was just brought over, this Spring. Pretty cool.

28firefighter

There is a nearly mint 2000 BMW 740i Sport Anthracite over Black, with 22k miles for sale on BaT, too. Really sharp looking.

benjaminh

@stickguy wrote: "Plus the CPO I can buy instead and make it a long term keeper...."

What's your definition of long term? Five years? Seven? Three? Are you dropping out of CCBA??

Actually I hope in terms of buying cars that I have completed my CCBA journey—but time will tell.

The fact that Acura gives a warranty on CPO cars of 100,000 miles makes it seem like they expect them to make it at least that far as long as they have good maintenance. And so that's my goal, guess, or hope right now for how long I'll drive my new TLX—c. 8 years/c. 100k miles.

I kept my 2002 Accord for about that long. Ditto with my 2008 Accord. So I'm hoping I can get back to that pattern and become a participant-observer of CCBA rather than an actual buyer.

28firefighter

My definition of long term is 7...days.

benjaminh

I read a funny description a while ago about Acura's "jewel eye" highlights. The reviewer called them "an entomologist's nightmare"!

stickguy

Long term? Well, if I got the 2017, 6 years. 2015, 4 years. Basically past paid off, and to the end of any warranty, then evaluate and decide.

Would then move toward upgrading the RDX at some point.

Mr_Shiftright

qbrozen said:

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

LOL! A 9-year-old "babe magnet" with scratches and a gas can in the front seat. Oh, yeah, women love that.

Maybe he meant the star of the movie "Babe"?

qbrozen

I can't seem to get over the thought lately that leasing makes a lot of sense. I used to avoid it like the plague, but based on the fact that I never keep anything anyway and usually trade out at the break-even point, buying has no advantages for me.

ab348

henryn said:

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.

You would have hated the little kid who came to my door 10 years ago then.

This little fellow, couldn't have been more than 8 or 9, knocked on my door wearing a cub scout uniform. Explained they were raising money for something, and selling various treats offered on a glossy printed page, did I want to support them?

He was so shy and seemingly uncomfortable that my icy exterior melted, and even though I am not big on chocolate and sweet things, one of the offerings was a large metal container with 3 different types of popcorn inside, so I bit. Handed him a $20, filled out the form with my name, address and phone #, and sent him on his way with the promise that the goods would arrive in a few weeks time.

I hope the kid enjoyed my $20 because the popcorn never came. Great scam!

28firefighter

qbrozen said:

I can't seem to get over the thought lately that leasing makes a lot of sense. I used to avoid it like the plague, but based on the fact that I never keep anything anyway and usually trade out at the break-even point, buying has no advantages for me.

You have discovered Lease Hackr and Honckr. Welcome to the dark side.

henryn

https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/2002-audi-tt-quattro-225-hp/6664419748.html



Now here's a fun, cheap convertible for @oldfamer50

28firefighter

There is literally nothing about that TT that will be cheap once you own it.

stickguy

Anyone have opinions on a 2019 Jeep Cherokee limited V6, all loaded up?

Asking for a friend....

roadburner

stickguy said:

Anyone have opinions on a 2019 Jeep Cherokee limited V6, all loaded up?

Asking for a friend....

Most every test mentions that the 9 speed ZF is not particularly smooth or efficient.

roadburner

When I worked at the courthouse all the clerks would bring around the fundraiser sheets. Being an elected official I always bought something. However, when my son was in the Cub Scouts I repaid the favor; my son came to work and hit up all the folks who had hit me up. He won a $50(IIRC) gift card for selling the most popcorn in his troop.
And yes, he DID deliver all the popcorn...

carnaught

qbrozen said:

I can't seem to get over the thought lately that leasing makes a lot of sense. I used to avoid it like the plague, but based on the fact that I never keep anything anyway and usually trade out at the break-even point, buying has no advantages for me.

I totally agree with you on leasing making sense for frequent fliers (traders), but when you factor in a $350-500 disposal fee, it tempers this line of thinking somewhat. Also, playing devils advocate, the dispoal fee can make you feel “married” to the particular brand. I like to have unencumbered choices. I suppose one can rationalize it as the price for doing business as is the depreciation on owned car.

henryn

https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/2004-audi-a4-quattro/6664322556.html



And another fun cheap convertible for @oldfarmer50

This one does sound a little too cheap, so ...

qbrozen

the few hundred bucks for disposal is really nothing in the grand scheme, though. of course, you have to get a good lease deal to begin with. But think about buying a $20k used car, for example, which is what I typically target more often than not. A 60-mo loan will run you $400/mo. You'll have to pay for maintenance and repairs along the way. And you'll likely be at the break-even point on your loan vs trade at the 3-yr mark. You'd likely get a nicer car for $400/mo sign-and-drive lease and not pay for repairs and likely very little if any maintenance along the way. Probably worth the $350 disposal fee.

Michaell

carnaught said:

qbrozen said:

I can't seem to get over the thought lately that leasing makes a lot of sense. I used to avoid it like the plague, but based on the fact that I never keep anything anyway and usually trade out at the break-even point, buying has no advantages for me.

I totally agree with you on leasing making sense for frequent fliers (traders), but when you factor in a $350-500 disposal fee, it tempers this line of thinking somewhat. Also, playing devils advocate, the dispoal fee can make you feel “married” to the particular brand. I like to have unencumbered choices. I suppose one can rationalize it as the price for doing business as is the depreciation on owned car.

Fair point, but if I amortize the disposal fee over the life of the lease, it's only $10-15/mo on top of my lease payment.

28firefighter

Or lease a car through Ally, which doesn't have a dispo fee.

stickguy

Too late on the Jeep. Screaming deal of the day. Now sold out.

qbrozen

stickguy said:

Too late on the Jeep. Screaming deal of the day. Now sold out.

You referring to this deal? Were the numbers you saw better than this? I don't think this is all that great on a $36k msrp. I had one as a loaner and really didn't care for it.

henryn

https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/2008-toyota-solora/6653699209.html



Being a Toyota, the upkeep on this should be a lot cheaper than an old Audi.

You would need to carefully check out that "REBUILT TITLE FROM PREVIOUS REAR DAMAGE". but for $4,600, if the repairs seem solid, who cares about a rebuilt title?

Mr_Shiftright

henryn said:

https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/2002-audi-tt-quattro-225-hp/6664419748.html



Now here's a fun, cheap convertible for @oldfamer50

Not MANLY enough for him, I don't think.

henryn

stickguy said:

Too late on the Jeep. Screaming deal of the day. Now sold out.

You snooze, you lose. We've all heard the salesman say it a million times, "You have to move now!!!"

Every now and then, it's actually true.

Mr_Shiftright

henryn said:

https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/2008-toyota-solora/6653699209.html



Being a Toyota, the upkeep on this should be a lot cheaper than an old Audi.

You would need to carefully check out that "REBUILT TITLE FROM PREVIOUS REAR DAMAGE". but for $4,600, if the repairs seem solid, who cares about a rebuilt title?

Exactly--at that point your diminished value is about $4.60.

28firefighter

The Jeep deals I would think should be doable in the high 200s. Especially in the NJ/NY market.

tjc78

I really can't wait for this black wheel trend to be over... looks even worse on a car that never had them from the factory.

IMO the 1st generation Solara was better looking (I may be bias I had a 2000 SLE V6)

henryn

https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/ford-mustang-2004/6646642369.html






And, of course, the ever popular Mustang convertible. Somehow, when I think of convertibles, Mustangs seem to always spring to mind.

au1994

I like the looks of the revised Cherokee, looks much better than the previous version. Haven’t driven on but the reviews I read also commented that the cargo capacity isn’t great if that is important to you.

I like the way the Subaru Crosstrek looks but many, with only 152 hp on tap, I can’t imagine that its much fun to drive.

Yes, I have had the snooze ya lose bite me once. Test drove a Blazer 2dr, 4x4, went home to sleep on it and boom, it was gone. I did it mostly because of the ‘what do I have to do to get you in this car today?’ Line. I was all of about 25 at the time and this would have been my first purchase but even then it put me off. Ended up with a 95 Tacoma SR5 that was a FAR better choice.

Agree on the black wheel fad. At least the solid black ones. The X1 has what I guess you would call mostly black wheels with steel/silver showing through and it looks pretty good up against the black paint. It pains me to see a pretty blue or silver 2 Series convertible with solidly black wheels from the factory. My dealer has 2 X6’s with them that should be a crime.

pensfan83

28firefighter said:

You have discovered Lease Hackr and Honckr. Welcome to the dark side.

BaT and Leasehackr is enough of a drag on my productivity. If I install Honcker I may as well submit a resignation letter.

stickguy

Q, it was a silver over black version of that car. MSRP $37,xxx. $267/month with ~2,600 DAS for 36/10K. So doing quick math in my head, probably about a wash.

someone out there really wants to unload some 2019 Cherokees quick.

if the right thing popped up, I would consider pushing the button. The problem with buying a deal on something like the Jeep, is I have never sat in one of driven it. And I am not sure I am adventurous enough to have a car I have never seen one of dropped off in my driveway to own for the next 3 years!

henryn

https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/2007-pontiac-solstice-2dr/6652143726.html



I'm not sure if this would qualify as "cheap" or a "beater", probably not.

But I was struck by this:

"Never seen snow."

If @oldfarmer50 bought this and drove it home, it would probably die of a heart attack this coming winter!

stickguy

My Sonata lease went back after 3 years of living in NJ. And that car never saw snow either. That's what the old cars are for (plus the other car is an AWD CUV, so why not use that one in snow?)

henryn

https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/dune-buggy-v6/6662271112.html



Okay, if you really want a convertible, this looks like SERIOUS fun.

Only I'm not sure the word "convertible" would apply. More like "full time open air no conversion possible".

stickguy

that must do fun wheelies. whether you want to or not. and the Radiator reminds me of a 1970s vintage big boom box.

ab348

stickguy said:

if the right thing popped up, I would consider pushing the button. The problem with buying a deal on something like the Jeep, is I have never sat in one of driven it. And I am not sure I am adventurous enough to have a car I have never seen one of dropped off in my driveway to own for the next 3 years!

Step away from the computer NOW, stick.

qbrozen

stickguy said:

Q, it was a silver over black version of that car. MSRP $37,xxx. $267/month with ~2,600 DAS for 36/10K. So doing quick math in my head, probably about a wash. someone out there really wants to unload some 2019 Cherokees quick. if the right thing popped up, I would consider pushing the button. The problem with buying a deal on something like the Jeep, is I have never sat in one of driven it. And I am not sure I am adventurous enough to have a car I have never seen one of dropped off in my driveway to own for the next 3 years!

Definitely not gone. These are all 12k with $2700 DAS.

qbrozen

I'm convinced this is the deal for you, stick. And I don't care about the black wheels. I think they look fine. Better than chrome, anyway.

pensfan83

As much as I love a great/hackr lease deal, I need to love the car I'm driving for 36 months more.

qbrozen

That's why I have decided to stick to 2-yr deals. ;b

28firefighter

That charger deal is awesome. 24 months, too. Just don't think it'd fit in my garage.

28firefighter

There is a 2016 Golf R that popped up at the CarMax up the street...tempting....

https://www.carmax.com/car/15326280

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

There is a 2016 Golf R that popped up at the CarMax up the street...tempting....

https://www.carmax.com/car/15326280

@breld only paid $900 more for a 2017 model..

pensfan83

For my own edification, does a salvage title in one state follow the vehicle when retitled in a different state?

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/d/acura-integra-gs-for-sale/6664228452.html

graphicguy

ab348 said:

henryn said:

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.

You would have hated the little kid who came to my door 10 years ago then.

This little fellow, couldn't have been more than 8 or 9, knocked on my door wearing a cub scout uniform. Explained they were raising money for something, and selling various treats offered on a glossy printed page, did I want to support them?

He was so shy and seemingly uncomfortable that my icy exterior melted, and even though I am not big on chocolate and sweet things, one of the offerings was a large metal container with 3 different types of popcorn inside, so I bit. Handed him a $20, filled out the form with my name, address and phone #, and sent him on his way with the promise that the goods would arrive in a few weeks time.

I hope the kid enjoyed my $20 because the popcorn never came. Great scam!

No issues with these examples. Someone, somewhere is trucking in kids, who clearly aren't even in our school system, and may not even be collecting donations (or selling overpriced candy bars) for their band, team, scouts, etc.

They say they are. But, given they can't tell me what street they live on (to make certain they are in the same school system), they and their parents/mentors are trying to scam me.

I have a big issue with that.

Not so much in the last couple of years. But seems around 2015 it was rampant around my area. I think it finally got to the point where enough people reported the activities that they were all chased away. I live in a calm area. Anything that breaks the calm is fodder for the HOA.

28firefighter

I know - but it's a harmless way to go test drive.

laurasdada

graphicguy said:

ab348 said:

henryn said:

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.

Many years ago there was a magazine sales scam. Don't remember the gory details, but they'd bus in youngsters from Texas and send them door to door selling way overpriced magazine subscriptions, forget the "cause" they were selling them for. IIRC, these kids were not treated that well...

I had a young lady come to my door, I knew immediately it was a scam. She was very polite, but I told her I will not be buying from her, noting I support local and national causes that I'm familiar with and was well-magazined. My phone rings, I begin to close the door, she asks if I would just listen to her pitch, it's such a good cause... She was so polite (and I liked her accent...), so I said if she wanted to wait until I finished my phone call, ok. She waited, I finished my call, she pitched, I said no thank you. She then proceeded to scram at me, "How could you make me wait if you weren't going to buy!!!" I noted I told her within the first minute of our conversation that I wasn't going to buy, she became angrier and started screaming obscenities at me...