Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Mr_Shiftright

stickguy said:

this is the one I want. yes I have strange tastes.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1969-amc-amx-4/

I dunno about that one, although I like your choice as "Oh, no, not another '69 Chevelle!"

But this baby's been repainted, has orange peel, dents, some chrome pits, dyed upholstery---it sounds a bit "tarted up for sale" don't you think?

The equipment they added seems like quality stuff though.

I'd call this one a "driver" quality car, and I'd put top dollar at around $12K, and that's a tad generous.

See, I"m a nitpicker, too!

pensfan83

roadburner said:

.@Mr_Shiftright: 2017 SS manual

I like it. Only 4 hours away from me too

pensfan83

Dropped the Acura off for its 1st oil change and state inspection and having a bite to eat with son #1. Hit the 11 month mark at 6,000 miles. They gave me an 18 TLX 4 cylinder with Tech package for a moaner.

stickguy

report back on how they compare since you will be driving one after the other.

ab348

I bet the loaner is slower.

roadburner

stickguy said:

this is the one I want. yes I have strange tastes.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1969-amc-amx-4/

A friend has an AMX. Nice cars, if not the Corvette rival AMC envisioned.

xwesx

pensfan83 said:

They gave me an 18 TLX 4 cylinder with Tech package for a moaner.

What are you doing with that poor car?!

Scratch that; we don't even want to know.

Mr_Shiftright

pensfan83 said:

roadburner said:

.@Mr_Shiftright: 2017 SS manual

I like it. Only 4 hours away from me too

Me, too. Decent color, miles aren't bad. Interesting that he re-badged it as a Holden.

Michaell

Mr_Shiftright said:

pensfan83 said:

roadburner said:

.@Mr_Shiftright: 2017 SS manual

I like it. Only 4 hours away from me too

Me, too. Decent color, miles aren't bad. Interesting that he re-badged it as a Holden.

That's a thing. I saw an SS at the local cars and coffee with the same thing done to it.

Mr_Shiftright

Doesn't speak well to Chevy's reputation, does it? I don't think many people re-badged their Mercedes 320 SLK as a Chrysler.

roadburner

I saw a re-badged SS a few days ago. I know that there were a few guys who converted Regals back into Opel Insignias - one guy went so far as to replace the airbag with an Opel badged part.
I guess it would make the owner feel a little younger...

ronsteve

mjfloyd1 said:

Ok. Never own a twin turbo European car without a warranty

Or a European car with more than 6 cylinders (see V8 and V12 BMWs) or AWD.

Not sure if I can hit the sweet spot of a FWD Volvo, so we'll see if I can stick to that.

kyfdx

Mr_Shiftright said:

Doesn't speak well to Chevy's reputation, does it? I don't think many people re-badged their Mercedes 320 SLK as a Chrysler.

I don't think that's it, at all. The car started out as a Holden.

It's no different than people putting Honda R badges on their Acura RSX, I think.
Or Bora nameplates on their Jetta

corvette

I saw a ton of debadged cars in the UK, not removing the brand emblems, but the engine size.

nyccarguy

The BORA name plates bother me. A LOT. Very Douchey. It's a friggin' JETTA!

kyfdx

My car is debadged... but, the previous owner did it.

I forget that it doesn't have badges, until someone asks me which model.

fintail

I've seen more than one Infiniti G with Skyline badges. Audible eyeroll.

Debadged cars in Europe are often to hide that you bought a C180 or 316i, now and then to hide a tuned model, too.

nyccarguy

fintail said:

I've seen more than one Infiniti G with Skyline badges. Audible eyeroll.

Debadged cars in Europe are often to hide that you bought a C180 or 316i, now and then to hide a tuned model, too.

I've seen G37x/Q40 Infinitis like mine completely debadged. I don't like it. I've also seen them with the Skiyline Badges (mostly coupes) and don't care for it either.

pensfan83

Correction, loaner....not moaner. How embarrassing.....that's what I get for typing on the phone.

As far as the 4 cylinder TLX goes it's a very nice vehicle and with the tech package it comes equipped very nicely for the price. It acquits itself well in normal traffic though I can't say I noticed the AWS much. I found I can't be as aggressive when the road starts to wind but that wasn't unexpected given the different suspension tuning. That being said I missed the power and smoothness of the V6, especially on the highway. When pressed the 4 cylinder has more pronounced engine noise. The seats, while still very comfortable overall, weren't quite up to my sport seats. The car itself though is as solid as you would expect, the full leather seats are of high quality, and despite wanting a little more go I found the 4 cylinder to be more than adequate. If they would drop the 2.0 from the Accord in there it would be a hoot, especially since you can now get the A-Spec package on the 4 cylinder.

ab348

nyccarguy said:

I've seen G37x/Q40 Infinitis like mine completely debadged. I don't like it.

The same goes on in the Cadillac ATS world. Young guys who buy them think it is cool to debadge them. Then they de-chrome everything to eliminate all the exterior brightwork. Then they buy all kinds of aftermarket stuff to try to make them sound more obnoxious and go faster, at which point the 2.0T engine usually fails. Then they cry online about (a) what a POS the car is and (b) why their resale value is in the tank.

omarman

Correction, loaner....not moaner.

I thought the original comment was correct based on some cars loaned out to customers by dealerships here.

When my dad took his Chrysler back to the dealer on the east side for some factory emissions equipment repairs, the dealer gave him an older Plymouth Horizon to drive until his car was ready. That was around 1987 and the Horizon was a carburetor model. Talk about a moaner!

It quit running on a slight incline in traffic and I was called from work to help. After coasting (backward) to a level parking lot, I tapped the side of the carb and it started up and we took it back to the dealer.

ab348

That reminds me of my awful experience with the Buick dealer who sold me my 2009 Lacrosse new. That was the one with the bad transmission that was in and out of their shop several times and was out of my hands for probably 6 weeks total, and which they never could fix.

The first time it was in for 2-3 weeks. Initially parts were not available so GM picked up the tab for a rental Impala. After a week or so the parts came in so GM stopped paying for the rental. Then their mechanic who did transmissions went on vacation so the dealer gave me another Impala off their used lot to drive.

Finally I picked up the Buick when it was allegedly ready and not only was it was filthy but even worse they hadn't put things back together properly and had done some damage in the process. Unbelievable. I filed a claim with GM and soon the dealer took it back to do repairs to the damage and give it a full detail. During that time they gave me a Pontiac G6 off the back row of their lot. Actually, 2 of them. The first one made the worst groaning/graunching sound from the rear end I have ever heard when you applied the brakes. I didn't think that was very safe so they found another G6 on the back row and gave me that. That one had a flat tire when I left my office to go home later that day so I decided this was absurd and after getting it aired up headed to the dealer to return it. Before I got there the thing ran out of gas and I was lucky to make it to a station before being stranded. At that point I guess the back row was empty so they got me a proper rental.

The dealer went out of business about a month later after GM wouldn't award them a Chevy franchise to make up for their loss of Pontiac and Hummer. Deservedly so IMO. Just an awful business.

Mr_Shiftright

fintail said:

I've seen more than one Infiniti G with Skyline badges. Audible eyeroll.

Debadged cars in Europe are often to hide that you bought a C180 or 316i, now and then to hide a tuned model, too.

I have a V12 badge from a Mercedes SL600--maybe I'll stick that on the hatch of my Mini?

fintail

I spotted this last year:

Mr_Shiftright said:

I have a V12 badge from a Mercedes SL600--maybe I'll stick that on the hatch of my Mini?

fintail

My dad bought a Town and Country back around 1997, and not a huge surprise, the transmission failed, I think in the first year. It was from a small town dealer that didn't really have loaners, not to mention a rental fleet, so they let him use a car from the used car lot - a Celebrity wagon. My dad said it was the least pleasant car he had driven. Fortunately, once repaired, I think the vehicle made it 150K+ on the replacement unit, before the van itself was replaced.

ab348 said:

That reminds me of my awful experience with the Buick dealer who sold me my 2009 Lacrosse new. That was the one with the bad transmission that was in and out of their shop several times and was out of my hands for probably 6 weeks total, and which they never could fix.

The first time it was in for 2-3 weeks. Initially parts were not available so GM picked up the tab for a rental Impala. After a week or so the parts came in so GM stopped paying for the rental. Then their mechanic who did transmissions went on vacation so the dealer gave me another Impala off their used lot to drive.

Finally I picked up the Buick when it was allegedly ready and not only was it was filthy but even worse they hadn't put things back together properly and had done some damage in the process. Unbelievable. I filed a claim with GM and soon the dealer took it back to do repairs to the damage and give it a full detail. During that time they gave me a Pontiac G6 off the back row of their lot. Actually, 2 of them. The first one made the worst groaning/graunching sound from the rear end I have ever heard when you applied the brakes. I didn't think that was very safe so they found another G6 on the back row and gave me that. That one had a flat tire when I left my office to go home later that day so I decided this was absurd and after getting it aired up headed to the dealer to return it. Before I got there the thing ran out of gas and I was lucky to make it to a station before being stranded. At that point I guess the back row was empty so they got me a proper rental.

The dealer went out of business about a month later after GM wouldn't award them a Chevy franchise to make up for their loss of Pontiac and Hummer. Deservedly so IMO. Just an awful business.

Mr_Shiftright

fintail said:

I spotted this last year:

Mr_Shiftright said:

I have a V12 badge from a Mercedes SL600--maybe I'll stick that on the hatch of my Mini?

I'm gonna do it and post a photo!

omarman

Shameful. No legit car maker would ever badge their vehicles with such trickery.

carnaught

@ab348, it’s amazing you stuck with GM after your Buick fiasco.

ab348

Well, it was all on that dealer. GM actually advised me to take it to another dealer after their ineptitude surfaced. I suspect I wasn't alone in having that kind of experience. The other dealer found some things they missed.

I bought the car from them because it was an absolute screaming deal in the middle of the GM bankruptcy. Aside from the transmission is worked fine and had no other issues. But it was spoiled for me after all that went on and I never really bonded with it, so when I saw a good deal on the 2011 Regal Turbo, I was happy to move on.

breld

I want this.

2017 Miata RF

Michaell

breld said:

I want this.

2017 Miata RF

An automatic? For shame....

28firefighter

The smoke cleared out a bit today so I went over to CarMax to get some fresh air. They had a 2016 WRX STi and a 2016 Golf R parked next to each other. Talk about temptation. 

qbrozen

Michaell said:

I want this. 2017 Miata RF

An automatic? For shame....

Strangest looking automatic shifter I've ever seen. ;b

qbrozen

breld said:

I want this. 2017 Miata RF

It is about time you got rid of that Golf.

iluvmysephia1

nyccarguy - please remind me of the V-Dub model you suggested for me. Sounded like the hatchback GLI?

breld

Michaell said:

I want this. 2017 Miata RF

An automatic? For shame....

You know me better than that.  Take a look at the pictures (Q did).  

nyccarguy

iluvmysephia1 said:

nyccarguy - please remind me of the V-Dub model you suggested for me. Sounded like the hatchback GLI?

VOlkswagen GTI S with a 6 - Speed stick 

Michaell

breld said:

Michaell said:

breld said:

I want this.

2017 Miata RF

An automatic? For shame....

You know me better than that.  Take a look at the pictures (Q did).  

The pictures aren't showing up On my iPad

stickguy

nor on my laptop.

pensfan83

This Miata is more within my budget. I love the color combo too.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2002-mazda-mx-5-miata-15/

stickguy

I had that generation Miata. same color. I think it was a 2001 though. Base model, with black roof and black cloth.

fun car, but make sure you fit. I was too tall, and it was really uncomfortable.

pensfan83

I'm under 6' so I can fit in most anything comfortably. A buddy of mine had a 1st gen Miata for a couple of years and it fit me like a glove, was fun to drive too. I'm not really in the market for one though, just came across it when I was on BaT reviewing the real object of my affection.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1999-honda-prelude-2/

nyccarguy

pensfan83 said:

I'm under 6' so I can fit in most anything comfortably. A buddy of mine had a 1st gen Miata for a couple of years and it fit me like a glove, was fun to drive too. I'm not really in the market for one though, just came across it when I was on BaT reviewing the real object of my affection. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1999-honda-prelude-2/

I love reading all of the comments!  The worst thing anybody ever has to say is the fact that they got rid of their Prelude.

I’d just be very careful to see if the clutch needs replacing.  Mine lasted 54K miles.  The replacement currently has over 100K miles on it.  

I’m probably due for a timing belt/water pump/balance shaft seal change soon.  Had it done at 75K.

suydam

Took the Encore in for service today. It’s the first one I’ve paid for, as the first two years were free. Has a shade under 29000 miles, but oil life was showing low. Everything else running perfectly at the moment. Tires and brake pads still good. So far after 3 1/2 years I have spent a total of $40. And it’s still under warranty for another several months.

sda

pensfan83 said:

This Miata is more within my budget. I love the color combo too.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2002-mazda-mx-5-miata-15/

I like that one too. Hard to believe that it has been so long since the last oil change, wow. I had a '92 with the 'B' package as a weekend car. It was a great little car, fun, reliable, full of character. I didn't have room for 3 cars so I sold it when I got married. Still miss that fun car.

stickguy

hate on me if you must, but I really like this one!

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1988-volkswagen-cabriolet-4/

stickguy

nice looking prelude. Cool cars. I would be more than fine with a non-SH version. On that one, I think in the notes it mentioned a recent replacement of the clutch master and slave cylinders.

stickguy

drove the new Jetta for the first time today (on all the test drives I just rode in the back). I was impressed, and really liked it. Super comfortable seats (and plenty of thigh support and pitch, even with manual seats). Superb steering (as expected). very smooth, quiet and comfortable. Great headlights. Daughter is really liking it too. and in her first 120ish miles, which includes getting stuck in one traffic jam and some local running around (but largely highway) the TC is still sitting at about 39 MPG.

big improvement dynamically (and equipment level) over the prior generation. I think it looks sharp too. Even decently quick with the 1.4 (leadfoot kid not complaining either), but she did say it does not sneak up to high speeds as easily as my car, which is probably a good thing for her license.

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

hate on me if you must, but I really like this one! https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1988-volkswagen-cabriolet-4/

*Comes Out of the video review hood*

After reviewing the car, the ruling on the field stands.  Revocation of man card.  And a 15 yard penalty will be assessed on the ensuing kickoff.

tjc78

stickguy said:

drove the new Jetta for the first time today (on all the test drives I just rode in the back). I was impressed, and really liked it. Super comfortable seats (and plenty of thigh support and pitch, even with manual seats). Superb steering (as expected). very smooth, quiet and comfortable. Great headlights. Daughter is really liking it too. and in her first 120ish miles, which includes getting stuck in one traffic jam and some local running around (but largely highway) the TC is still sitting at about 39 MPG. big improvement dynamically (and equipment level) over the prior generation. I think it looks sharp too. Even decently quick with the 1.4 (leadfoot kid not complaining either), but she did say it does not sneak up to high speeds as easily as my car, which is probably a good thing for her license.

I know this will sound weird to everyone .. but I feel like I drive my putt putt Elantra faster than most cars I’ve owned.  I can’t quite figure out why, but I find myself in license damaging speeds in it quite often.   Maybe the contrast between driving the Enclave and it?  Not sure.   For a little car it’s smooth and composed at speed.   I’m sure I’d get a big ticket in your version.