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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

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  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    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! :p
  • pensfan83pensfan83 Member Posts: 2,767
    I like it. Only 4 hours away from me too :)
    1997 Honda Prelude Base - 2022 Acura MDX Type S Advance - 2021 Honda Passport Sport - 2006 BMW 330Ci ZHP
  • pensfan83pensfan83 Member Posts: 2,767
    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.
    1997 Honda Prelude Base - 2022 Acura MDX Type S Advance - 2021 Honda Passport Sport - 2006 BMW 330Ci ZHP
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,464
    report back on how they compare since you will be driving one after the other.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,330
    I bet the loaner is slower. :)

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,367
    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.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,697
    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.

    :D
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    pensfan83 said:

    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.
  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 263,282

    pensfan83 said:

    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.

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  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    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.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,367
    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...

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • ronsteveronsteve Member Posts: 1,234
    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.
    2015 Acura RDX AWD / 2021 VW TIguan SE 4Motion
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 266,994

    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

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  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,331
    edited August 2018
    I saw a ton of debadged cars in the UK, not removing the brand emblems, but the engine size.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,528
    The BORA name plates bother me. A LOT. Very Douchey. It's a friggin' JETTA!

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 266,994
    My car is debadged... but, the previous owner did it.

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

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  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,471
    edited August 2018
    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.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,528
    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.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • pensfan83pensfan83 Member Posts: 2,767
    Correction, loaner....not moaner. :D 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.
    1997 Honda Prelude Base - 2022 Acura MDX Type S Advance - 2021 Honda Passport Sport - 2006 BMW 330Ci ZHP
  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,330
    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.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • omarmanomarman Member Posts: 2,702
    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.
    A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.
  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,330
    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.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    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? :p
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,471
    I spotted this last year:

    image



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

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,471
    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_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    fintail said:

    I spotted this last year:

    image




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

    I'm gonna do it and post a photo!
  • omarmanomarman Member Posts: 2,702
    Shameful. No legit car maker would ever badge their vehicles with such trickery.

    A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.
  • carnaughtcarnaught Member Posts: 3,582
    @ab348, it’s amazing you stuck with GM after your Buick fiasco.
  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,330
    edited August 2018
    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.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,937
    I want this.

    2017 Miata RF

    2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman

  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 263,282
    breld said:

    I want this.

    2017 Miata RF

    An automatic? For shame....

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  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,847
    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. 
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,751
    edited August 2018
    Michaell said:
    I want this. 2017 Miata RF
    An automatic? For shame....
    Strangest looking automatic shifter I've ever seen. ;b

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,751
    breld said:
    I want this. 2017 Miata RF
    It is about time you got rid of that Golf.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,709
    nyccarguy - please remind me of the V-Dub model you suggested for me. Sounded like the hatchback GLI?

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,937
    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).  

    2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,528
    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 

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 263,282
    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

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  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,464
    nor on my laptop.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • pensfan83pensfan83 Member Posts: 2,767
    This Miata is more within my budget. I love the color combo too.

    https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2002-mazda-mx-5-miata-15/
    1997 Honda Prelude Base - 2022 Acura MDX Type S Advance - 2021 Honda Passport Sport - 2006 BMW 330Ci ZHP
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,464
    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.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • pensfan83pensfan83 Member Posts: 2,767
    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/
    1997 Honda Prelude Base - 2022 Acura MDX Type S Advance - 2021 Honda Passport Sport - 2006 BMW 330Ci ZHP
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,528
    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.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • suydamsuydam Member Posts: 5,078
    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.
    '24 Kia Sportage PHEV
    '24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
  • sdasda Member Posts: 7,599
    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.

    2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,464
    hate on me if you must, but I really like this one!

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

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,464
    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.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,464
    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.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,528
    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.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,036
    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.  

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

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