Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

jpp75

@breld I'd also look at the Fusion, they depreciate heavily but as @Mr_Shiftright mentioned the Malibu seems to be a solid choice as well.

stickguy

He bought the Routan too though, so already in for 2 cars. At minimum sell that and use money for a DP.

Michaell

Mr_Shiftright said:

suydam said:

Malibu or Cruze?

Malibus have historically racked up some incredibly high miles. I think they are generally a durable car.

If it weren't so far away, you could pick up a domestic sedan with really low miles in Florida and drive it back.

breld

28firefighter said:

breld said:

So my in-laws have decided they'd like to buy a new Subaru Legacy. They're looking at one that has an MSRP of about $25k-ish, so I assume a Premium model.

Anyone familiar with the level of discounts to be had on these or other incentives? They're looking at a 2019, but I don't think there were any changes, so a deal on a 2018 would be fine too.

Thanks!

In Colorado, I assume? For a 2018, I'd be shooting for 13-15% off MSRP. For a 2019, maybe 10-12%. Get a quote from Heuberger Subaru and use that as a baseline.

@28firefighter - thanks for the tip. I got the quote from Heuberger and I think we're going down to Colorado Springs this Saturday to pick their Legacy up!

stickguy

Find a fusion with the NA 2.5l engine though.

nyccarguy

@breld

What's the buyout on your step daughter's Jetta?

@Michaell

What are the lease payments on your Jetta?

@breld - maybe you could xfer the lease on your step daughter's Jetta for the remainder of the lease to your caretaker's daughter to see how she does making payments. If it works out, then buy the car out and co-sign for her.

Option B would be to take over @Michaell's Jetta lease and see how she does making payments for the duration of his lease. He's so far under miles that you wouldn't have to worry about putting too many miles on the car.

It limits your exposure to a handful of months rather than taking out a loan for years. She doesn't pay, the car has to go back eventually and you don't have to worry about selling it or trading it in.

breld

Hmmm - definitely some options to think about.

stickguy

You can buy my Elantra. I’ll give you a good deal.

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

@breld

What's the buyout on your step daughter's Jetta?

@Michaell

What are the lease payments on your Jetta?

@breld - maybe you could xfer the lease on your step daughter's Jetta for the remainder of the lease to your caretaker's daughter to see how she does making payments. If it works out, then buy the car out and co-sign for her.

Option B would be to take over @Michaell's Jetta lease and see how she does making payments for the duration of his lease. He's so far under miles that you wouldn't have to worry about putting too many miles on the car.

It limits your exposure to a handful of months rather than taking out a loan for years. She doesn't pay, the car has to go back eventually and you don't have to worry about selling it or trading it in.

Payments on my Jetta are $226/mo. Would have to find out if VW Credit allows leases to be assumed. I might be inclined to go with option B, given how little I drive it.

And, frees up my budget for now. No rush to replace it.

28firefighter

VW/Audi Credit will hold you liable on the lease, @Michaell. They do not allow full transfer of liability.

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

VW/Audi Credit will hold you liable on the lease, @Michaell. They do not allow full transfer of liability.

But, it's @breld Almost family...

breld

LOL.  Oh I love this forum so much.  

roadburner

How many vehicles have you bought or leased in the last 6 months? 0

Last 12 months? 0

Last 24 months? 1- 2016 i3 REx

When do you expect to get your next vehicle?
In the next 6 months- Yes, a replacement for either the Wrangler or the Clubman.
6-12 months- Possibly
12-24 months- Possibly
Longer than 24 months (if you choose this answer, your CCBA membership privileges are at risk)

What are you looking at?
6 months: Wrangler JK/JL, Countryman All4, CX-3, X1
6-12 months- A replacement for the S3- either a Bonneville or a G 310 GS
12-24 months- A replacement for the 2er, either a CPO M2 or or used Giulia Quadrifoglio

thebean

stickguy said:

You can buy my Elantra. I’ll give you a good deal.

Man, you been wanting to get rid of that 'lantra pretty much ever since you drove it off the lot. Maybe a cautionary tale about a great deal on price does not make a great deal overall??

@breld, if it's one thing I've learned in my nearly 65 years on this earth, it's that NO good deed goes unpunished. It's your deal and your money, but with all due respect, this has screw job written all over it. But, it sounds like you know this going in and accept the risk.

fintail

How many vehicles have you bought or leased in the last 6 months? 0

Last 12 months? 0

Last 24 months? 0

When do you expect to get your next vehicle?
In the next 6 months- Maybe, I can do pull forward starting in late November, I think
6-12 months- If not in 6 months, then by May, which I think is the end of the term.

What are you looking at?
If I lease again, it would need to be a really decent deal at least on par with the current car. I like something unusual both in model and spec.
If not, buy the Bluetec, try to find another at least as highly equipped one if negotiation doesn't work, maybe a used AMG car or S-class, the right G is still interesting too.

mjfloyd1

@breld- my concern is who insures these vehicles and what is your liability if there is an accident with a serious injury or death. Hopefully you have an umbrella insurance policy.

breld

We’re not insuring the cars ourselves in any shape or form.  Good point though.  

stickguy

My daughter and I are taking turns trying to drive each other nuts. I kept waffling on whether to sell her my car. And after we finally went to the dealer to put a lease in motion, she mentions that she might only stay in DE close to work for 1 year and then move back up closer to us and commute instead. If she does that, no way she doesn't blow through the miles. Originally we were going to do this as a lease to buy, but the residuals are actually quite high ($14,740 on a 3/36) so pretty good chance that at or above the miles limit, it will not be that good of a buy anyway.

so, discussing with her about just buying instead then she just keeps it a long time and no worries about miles, changing driving needs, etc.

but if shifting to buying, probably makes more sense to buy mine instead. It is a good deal! She can't spend much more than that anyway without jacking up her monthly payment quite a bit above what she was trying to spend anyway.

asked the dealer for a buy instead price. At least tax won't change since DE charges on sales price not payments. Might not be smart buying a VW new, but it has to be cheaper than doing a lease to buy.

carnaught

Last 6 months? 1
Last 12 months? 2
Last 24 months? 4

When do you expect to get your next vehicle?
In the next 6 months? ......who knows?
6-12 months....possibly?
12-24 months....most probably?
Longer than 24 months (if you choose this answer, your CCBA membership privileges are at risk)....quite unlikely to wait that long

What are you looking at? Macan, used 911, BMW, or who knows? but always looking per CCBA regulations

Sandman6472

We bought both the A3 and my Golf even though many told me to lease. The Audi has been absolutely flawless except for going through a couple of batteries replaced under warranty. Hell, we live in hot South Florida, this crap happens all the time with oem batteries! Besides my not at fault accident, I've needed a new battery, a water pump and thermostat, all done under warranty. Besides that, nothing to speak of, and at 42.7K, all is well. Brakes were checked and they sent me away saying there ain't nothing to work on there. Maintenance is up to date and will continue to be. So at this point, they both are staying put with no talk of replacements.
If I can get another couple of years out of the Golf with no drama, I'll be very happy but figure I'll be getting bored by then and wanting something newer with up to date tech, as mine is pretty damn old by now. But the frugal guy inside just can't get rid of an asset that's performing well and to be honest, spending around $20K plus my car isn't something I want to do right now. Waiting till mid 2020 and then it might be time.

The Sandman

mjfloyd1

breld said:

We’re not insuring the cars ourselves in any shape or form.  Good point though.  

The other potential issue that I see is that if the car(s) are underinsured and there is an accident with a severe injury or death - are you listed as car owner on the car(s)? If so, they will come after the deep pocket

nyccarguy

mjfloyd1 said:

We’re not insuring the cars ourselves in any shape or form.  Good point though.  

The other potential issue that I see is that if the car(s) are underinsured and there is an accident with a severe injury or death - are you listed as car owner on the car(s)? If so, they will come after the deep pocket

Good thing he ties his money up in depreciating assets 

Mr_Shiftright

mjfloyd1 said:

breld said:

We’re not insuring the cars ourselves in any shape or form.  Good point though.  

The other potential issue that I see is that if the car(s) are underinsured and there is an accident with a severe injury or death - are you listed as car owner on the car(s)? If so, they will come after the deep pocket

If you are listed as owner or co-owner on the title, yes, you can be sued; but you can't be sued just because your name was on the loan application. I suppose anybody can sue anybody for anything, of course--just to freak you out and shake you down.

stickguy

pretty sure co-signing the loan just makes you responsible for paying it off, not what the titled owner does with the car.

28firefighter

Doesn’t stop anyone from shaking you down if the situation arises. 

qbrozen

Weird. Some honcker stuff came back. Re-found my blue charger r/t and maroon scat pack. Also found a white on black JGC 2BE for $315/mo and $330 DAS 24/12. 

stickguy

that app is addictive. but I still have not found an offer that I just had to click on.

well, just ones you have posted. but not ones that came up on my feed!

qbrozen

Yup, its just fun. Like having another game on my phone. So far, I've noticed that very few dealers are utilizing it to put up good deals. Mostly FCA dealers and a bit with hyundai and honda. Most others could be easily beaten by working directly with a salesperson. $488 for a 320xi? C'mon nkw.

ab348

Make sure you don't jump into a deal on a Subaru Ascent that sounds too good to be true:

https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2018/08/because-subaru-cant-turn-back-time-some-owners-stand-to-gain-a-new-ascent/

Hopefully the stop-sale order and recall scoops all of these defective ones up.

au1994

ab348 said:

Make sure you don't jump into a deal on a Subaru Ascent that sounds too good to be true:

https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2018/08/because-subaru-cant-turn-back-time-some-owners-stand-to-gain-a-new-ascent/

Hopefully the stop-sale order and recall scoops all of these defective ones up.

I saw the same thing. We’re interested in the Ascent but will definitely hold off for the time being. I think they are doing the right thing and giving the owners of the affected vehicles a new one, no charge. The report I saw was a small amount of vehicles, less than 300 but that number can grow.

graphicguy

Not a punch for me, but my Sister told me last night that she just bought a Jag XJ. She traded in her 2 year old Mercedes, which as befuddling as it was to me, she never really did like.

@laurasdada ....thought about you when she called to tell me the news.

She lives in Indianapolis. To my knowledge, there’s only one Jag dealer there (Tom Wood?). Don’t know if it’s the SC V6 or the V8. Don’t know much about equipment levels or pricing, either. I’ll assume it’s new.

Will see her over Labor Day and get the real scoop!

stickguy

You should drive something you like. Within budget of course.

breld

au1994 said:

ab348 said:

Make sure you don't jump into a deal on a Subaru Ascent that sounds too good to be true:

https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2018/08/because-subaru-cant-turn-back-time-some-owners-stand-to-gain-a-new-ascent/

Hopefully the stop-sale order and recall scoops all of these defective ones up.

I saw the same thing. We’re interested in the Ascent but will definitely hold off for the time being. I think they are doing the right thing and giving the owners of the affected vehicles a new one, no charge. The report I saw was a small amount of vehicles, less than 300 but that number can grow.

I'll be interested to hear your impressions of the Ascent when the time comes. Among the non-luxury SUVs, I particularly like the Durango, Atlas and CX-9 (those would be my choices if I wanted to "downgrade" the Q7 to make room in the budget for a second car again). I'm intrigued by the Subaru too, but having now seen a few on the road, the styling just doesn't do much for me. But I do like the idea of the turbo-4 in it, though am skeptical of the CVT.

Mr_Shiftright

After months of internal debate, I have finally decided on the IDEAL car for me---which of course I can't really afford. Well I can but I'd rather not plop that much down on a 4 year old Chevrolet.

A Chevy SS, 2014-2017.

KBB is saying $30K to get one. These things seem to be holding value.

au1994

breld said:

au1994 said:

ab348 said:

Make sure you don't jump into a deal on a Subaru Ascent that sounds too good to be true:

https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2018/08/because-subaru-cant-turn-back-time-some-owners-stand-to-gain-a-new-ascent/

Hopefully the stop-sale order and recall scoops all of these defective ones up.

I saw the same thing. We’re interested in the Ascent but will definitely hold off for the time being. I think they are doing the right thing and giving the owners of the affected vehicles a new one, no charge. The report I saw was a small amount of vehicles, less than 300 but that number can grow.

I'll be interested to hear your impressions of the Ascent when the time comes. Among the non-luxury SUVs, I particularly like the Durango, Atlas and CX-9 (those would be my choices if I wanted to "downgrade" the Q7 to make room in the budget for a second car again). I'm intrigued by the Subaru too, but having now seen a few on the road, the styling just doesn't do much for me. But I do like the idea of the turbo-4 in it, though am skeptical of the CVT.

Will do. Probably will do a test drive in the next 2 weekends. Looks are subjective but we like the “bigger” Outback look We’re targeting a Limited model and the option list and interior looks to be well done. I too am interested in how it drives/performs with the turbo 4 and CVT. That’s a lot of vehicle to move around so we’ll see. Certainly going to be a radical shift from the 320 (?) hp I6 in the X6.

28firefighter

Mr_Shiftright said:

After months of internal debate, I have finally decided on the IDEAL car for me---which of course I can't really afford. Well I can but I'd rather not plop that much down on a 4 year old Chevrolet.

A Chevy SS, 2014-2017.

KBB is saying $30K to get one. These things seem to be holding value.

The time to get that was when they were being blown out for 20% off leading up to their demise.

pensfan83

There was a low mileage manual SS on BaT a month ago that went for close to $40K I believe so definitely holding value.

Mr_Shiftright

They were expensive when new---but still, you can buy a lot of nice machinery for $40K besides a Chevy. I'd be quite tempted around the low $20Ks. But I like the specs---RWD, 400+ HP, manual transmission, lots of little gadgets and very much a "sleeper" in looks. Suits me.

28firefighter

What about a used Charger R/T? That would fit largely within your description - sans manual trans.

pensfan83

While it may be awhile before the SS's drop into the low 20's, I'd be tempted at that price point as well.

Charger could be a nice fallback if you can do without the manual.

roadburner

28firefighter said:

What about a used Charger R/T? That would fit largely within your description - sans manual trans.

I think a Scat Pack or SRT is more comparable to the SS.

laurasdada

This will again broadcast my CCB inadequacies, no new cars since New Year's Eve 2013... But, depending upon situation with boat anchor '02 RX300...


When do you expect to get your next vehicle?
6-12 months
12-24 months


What are you looking at?
Something fun, luxurious, fast, stylish and unique. Perhaps I'll consult with Homer Simpson, have him design me something.

But, on the current "new" car list would be
Audi A/S5 Coupe (unique factor!)
BMW M240
Alfa Guilia Ti
Jag XE
If I feel I must C/SUV:
Jag F-Type and E-Type
Porsche Macan (ok, maybe move this one to the used column...)
Alfa Stelvio

And, as I don't always dip my pen in the ink of reality; Used:
Lexus LC
MB S Class Coupe
BWM i8 (first, body contortion lessons, or Tom Brady Pliability Institute)
Porsche 911 Targa, Rube Goldberg Edition
Jag F-Type

This will no doubt change as any way the wind blows...

Mr_Shiftright

28firefighter said:

What about a used Charger R/T? That would fit largely within your description - sans manual trans.

I don't know much about the modern Charger. What year did they get rid of that Dodge crosshair grille? I don't like that. The newer ones kinda look like Optimas. (or vice-versa---chicken or egg?).

I have to say I'm still a bit put-off by the Charger---by what R&T calls the "dude-bro appearance".

Ouch!

ab348

Mr_Shiftright said:

After months of internal debate, I have finally decided on the IDEAL car for me---which of course I can't really afford. Well I can but I'd rather not plop that much down on a 4 year old Chevrolet.

A Chevy SS, 2014-2017.

KBB is saying $30K to get one. These things seem to be holding value.

I should know this but do not. Isn't the SS just an updated Pontiac G8?

Mr_Shiftright

It's certainly the same DNA, from Australia and Holden-based, but I have no idea how much it actually shares with the G8.

The SS is so interesting...it's a car that is on so few people's radar, and yet it is, in its own way, quite magnificent. You get a nice roomy 4-door sedan, very discreet car, can be fixed at your Chevy dealer, manual transmission, RWD, 0-60 in about 4.5 sec, quarters in the high 12s.

Hellcat's faster, but not that much faster.

qbrozen

Charger was redesigned in 2015. Yes, you'd have to step up from the R/T to get similar performance to the SS. It was quite a while ago, so I'll reiterate what I said a few years ago. I was interested in the SS, but due to scarcity at the time, I was able to get a $60k CTS V Sport for LESS than a $50k SS (similar performance, with maybe the CTS having an advantage around a twisty track). And I certainly know which interior I'd rather spend time in. Granted, no manual in the V Sport, but I certainly didn't miss it thanks to the quick shifting ZF 8-spd with paddles. A 2014 is currently worth about $3k-$5k less than a 2014 SS. Although maintenance, repairs, and reliability may favor the Chevy. A 2015 Scat Pack is worth about the same as a 2014 SS.

HOWEVER, you can lease a new Scat Pack for right about $400/mo with only first month at signing for 12k/yr. Financing a $30k SS is going to cost more than that.

Mr_Shiftright

Indeed. Even with $5K down on a $30K car, for 60 months we'd be looking at $449/month.

I just wanted to pay cash for something, so that's why I want to stay in the low $20Ks. Buy it and forget it.

I gotta have a stickshift. I've tried paddles, DSG, the whole enchilada--it doesn't work for me.

Maybe I just need to resign myself to a disappearing world, and crawl into old age and lose the 3rd pedal.

xwesx

sandman_6472 said:

We bought both the A3 and my Golf even though many told me to lease. The Audi has been absolutely flawless except for going through a couple of batteries replaced under warranty. Hell, we live in hot South Florida, this crap happens all the time with oem batteries! Besides my not at fault accident, I've needed a new battery, a water pump and thermostat, all done under warranty. Besides that, nothing to speak of, and at 42.7K, all is well. Brakes were checked and they sent me away saying there ain't nothing to work on there. Maintenance is up to date and will continue to be. So at this point, they both are staying put with no talk of replacements.
If I can get another couple of years out of the Golf with no drama, I'll be very happy but figure I'll be getting bored by then and wanting something newer with up to date tech, as mine is pretty damn old by now. But the frugal guy inside just can't get rid of an asset that's performing well and to be honest, spending around $20K plus my car isn't something I want to do right now. Waiting till mid 2020 and then it might be time.

The Sandman

A 2014 is pretty darn old? Man, I am so behind on the times.

stickguy

Mr_Shiftright said:

Indeed. Even with $5K down on a $30K car, for 60 months we'd be looking at $449/month.

I just wanted to pay cash for something, so that's why I want to stay in the low $20Ks. Buy it and forget it.

I gotta have a stickshift. I've tried paddles, DSG, the whole enchilada--it doesn't work for me.

Maybe I just need to resign myself to a disappearing world, and crawl into old age and lose the 3rd pedal.

Hey, if Stickguy can give up the manual, Shiftright can too!

kyfdx

stickguy said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Indeed. Even with $5K down on a $30K car, for 60 months we'd be looking at $449/month.

I just wanted to pay cash for something, so that's why I want to stay in the low $20Ks. Buy it and forget it.

I gotta have a stickshift. I've tried paddles, DSG, the whole enchilada--it doesn't work for me.

Maybe I just need to resign myself to a disappearing world, and crawl into old age and lose the 3rd pedal.

Hey, if Stickguy can give up the manual, Shiftright can too!

Don't do it!