Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Michaell

28firefighter said:

I have to wonder if your trio is becoming infamous at Denver area dealers!

Actually, the C30 was bought in Colorado Springs.

I think @breld has solid contacts at many local dealers, however.

tifighter

Infamous = profitable, right?

But I have to think that Breld's mugshot is in the break room of every Denver dealer by now. Everyone wants to catch the lucky leprechaun.

Michaell

tifighter said:

Infamous = profitable, right?

But I have to think that Breld's mugshot is in the break room of every Denver dealer by now. Everyone wants to catch the lucky leprechaun.

We were scoping out the inventory at the CarMax in Colo Springs, yesterday.

There was a Macan Turbo on the lot, priced at $74K. We suggested @breld get a buy bid for the Q7, because, you know, @breld

A few things caught my eye - there was a 4-cyl TLX (no-tech) on the lot, priced at $19.5K. Did a national search with the big screen in the showroom and found that, with tech, they are running about $21.5K. I can pick up a CPO unit for not much more than that.

Was good to see the prices on Outbacks, too - should the day ever come we decide to replace ours. 2015-2017 models were priced between $24-29K, depending on year, trim and mileage. Which leads me to believe we are in the black with ours already (2015 3.6R Limited, 27,000 miles). 30 payments left on the note.

corvette

Test drove this Silver 2011 G37 Journey. Very clean overall for a seven year old car. Clean CarFax, but looks like the front bumper has been repainted--color is slightly off and there's a small gap on one side, but not a bad job overall. Headlights could use a polish, and there are some faint scratches below the trunk lid. The Cooper tires look new but have a T speed rating--definitely not what the manufacturer spec'd. Also, the wood/plastic trim on the driver's door is peeling--most of these cars seem to have that issue.

I was extremely impressed with how it drove. Quiet and composed, great steering, firm ride (but not too firm). Like any modern automatic, it stumbles if you punch the gas pedal to call for a three or four gear downshift. Once it's in the proper gear, the V6 provides plenty of motivation and has a nice sound. Keep in mind I'm comparing it to the Tahoe and you'll get a great laugh out of this, but I really liked how the steering felt like it stayed perfectly centered. Very refined. Honestly, I think anyone who says this car has serious deficiencies compared to the German sedans is nitpicking.

Salesman really wanted to make a deal today, I told him I needed to think about it, his manager introduced himself and also wanted to make a deal today. On my way out, the owner of the dealership came out and introduced himself. Said he had sold the same G37 to the couple that traded it, when it had a few thousand miles on it. I'd prefer something other than silver over black, but their asking price is "only" a little over $1,000 over retail, so I think it may be possible to strike a deal.

Before I went there, I stopped at the Lexus dealer--they have a similar 2011 G37x with navigation, but I wasn't able to see it because it was in their detail bay. The salesman is supposed to call me when it's ready.

I also stopped and looked at this one on the way back. I had initially removed it from my list because the photos suggested a rough life, and I wasn't wrong. Check out the air fresheners left in the cupholder, the patch on the driver's door armrest, the peeling plastic wood trim, and the unspecified front end damage (but no accident) on the CarFax. When I saw it in person, the front end looked fine and didn't show obvious signs of body work, but I did see the following: Scuff marks and scrapes on pretty much every body panel, including paint scratched down to the primer on the C-pillar. It literally looked like someone had gone to town with a Brillo pad. There was a dent in the trunk lid and Primewell brand tires. I got back in my truck before a salesman came out. He chased me down as I was firing up my GPS to go back home, and I told him I didn't want to waste his time, as I wasn't interested in that car due to its condition. He was understanding.

roadburner

Off-brand Chinese Ditchfinder Supreme tires gives me 100% confidence that the PO was a brain-dead moron.

tbirdmarco

 And enjoying reading him here all these car purchases have to come in this for him more often. Hope everyone’s doing well. Doing good here still working at the current job. Decided pink gonna go back to school some schooling definitely will help me. Still job hunting too. 

mjfloyd1

28firefighter said:

So I received a quote from Hagerty for classic car coverage for the Saab. For comprehensive $100/$300 coverage, personal injury, glass coverage, etc. and assuming non-daily driver status at 2500 miles a year, they're quoting me $310 a year/$155 every 6 months. This is for declared value of $10,000.

Seems reasonable - thoughts?

Check with Adam at the insurance agency at the National Corvette Museum- they insure all classic cars for reasonable rates with an agreed value of the car

mjfloyd1

nyccarguy said:

qbrozen said:

corvette said:

qbrozen said:

corvette said:

Help enable me, guys. What else should I be looking at? My criteria at this point is something with a 0-60 of 6-ish seconds, and Bluetooth audio streaming. Strongly prefer a backup cam and xenon/HID/LED lights. I’d consider another coupe if it has a high seating position.

Chrysler 300, Buick Regal Turbo or Lacrosse, Mercedes C300, BMW 328i, Taurus SHO? I’d consider something like an Impala or Avalon if the price were right.

Missing some key info from your demands. Price range? Age range? Mileage range? What do you mean by high seating position? I mean, the coupe versions of many of those on your list are just the same as their sedans. Do you have a RWD/AWD preference? Is a CUV out of the question?

Price range: $20k-ish and under. I'd do one of the used 2015 C300s at eimports4less at $23-24k if that's the best I come up with (I was really fond of the way the rental C220d drove, other than the engine, so I probably need to drive a C300).
Age range: Not sure. 2010 or newer? I'd like it to have better infotainment than my 2009 Tahoe.
Mileage range: Condition concerns me more than mileage.
Drivetrain: No preference.
CUV: Not out of the question, but I do already have an SUV that I plan to keep, so it's not going to offer any extra utility in terms of being able to haul things.

Infiniti comes to mind. EX35/G37. Volvo S60 T6. Jag XF 5.0

I'm very happy with my Infiniti. They are priced very nicely compared with the power you get. I think my Q40 AWD was clocked at a tick or 2 under 6 seconds. It is no where near as composed as the Germans, but with a set of Front & Rear sway bars (Hotchkins) and some upgraded Vented brakes you'll be hard pressed to find a better value for your dollar.

I think you mean Hotchkis sway bars ✌

nyccarguy

mjfloyd1 said:

corvette said:

corvette said:

Help enable me, guys. What else should I be looking at? My criteria at this point is something with a 0-60 of 6-ish seconds, and Bluetooth audio streaming. Strongly prefer a backup cam and xenon/HID/LED lights. I’d consider another coupe if it has a high seating position. Chrysler 300, Buick Regal Turbo or Lacrosse, Mercedes C300, BMW 328i, Taurus SHO? I’d consider something like an Impala or Avalon if the price were right.

Missing some key info from your demands. Price range? Age range? Mileage range? What do you mean by high seating position? I mean, the coupe versions of many of those on your list are just the same as their sedans. Do you have a RWD/AWD preference? Is a CUV out of the question?

Price range: $20k-ish and under. I'd do one of the used 2015 C300s at eimports4less at $23-24k if that's the best I come up with (I was really fond of the way the rental C220d drove, other than the engine, so I probably need to drive a C300). Age range: Not sure. 2010 or newer? I'd like it to have better infotainment than my 2009 Tahoe. Mileage range: Condition concerns me more than mileage. Drivetrain: No preference. CUV: Not out of the question, but I do already have an SUV that I plan to keep, so it's not going to offer any extra utility in terms of being able to haul things.

Infiniti comes to mind. EX35/G37. Volvo S60 T6. Jag XF 5.0

I'm very happy with my Infiniti. They are priced very nicely compared with the power you get. I think my Q40 AWD was clocked at a tick or 2 under 6 seconds. It is no where near as composed as the Germans, but with a set of Front & Rear sway bars (Hotchkins) and some upgraded Vented brakes you'll be hard pressed to find a better value for your dollar.

I think you mean Hotchkis sway bars ✌

Yes.  Thank-you!  Thank-you autocorrect too!

nyccarguy

@corvette

Most G37/Q40s you’ll look at will have some sort of wear on the aluminum trim, especially on the driver’s side.  It’s actually real aluminum which is soft and very prone to scuff if you use any sort of cleaner on it.  When I bought mine, the dealer told me to wipe it with a damp rag, but no chemicals of any kind.

corvette

Hmm... In that case, I might be able to polish it. If that fails, I could practice my skills with a vinyl wrap. My E90 325i had real brushed aluminum trim, and I never had any issues. I think I generally used Simple Green to clean the interior.

The new Q50 does not appear to stack up to the competition, from what I've read. Really a shame, but I think they shot themselves in the foot with that "steer by wire" thing.

nyccarguy

Just to give you something to compare @corvette, this 11K mile CPO Q40 AWD is for sale (their asking price is SKY high) where I bought my car.

https://www.pepeinfiniti.com/VehicleDetails/certified-2015-INFINITI-Q40-AWD-White_Plains-NY/3279315453

This 34K Liquid Platinum Q40 is listed $3K cheaper.  I’m sure there is still some room on the bone.

http://www.devaninfiniti.com/VehicleDetails/certified-2015-INFINITI-Q40-AWD-Fairfield-CT/3191832343

stickguy

I like the graphite one. I just wouldn't care to pay that much for it.

nyccarguy

As far as colors go, my #1 choice was Blue Slate.  I really didn’t WANT the black, but my car had the least amount of miles and was in the best condition out of all the CPO Q40s they had on the lot.  The Liquid Platinum (Silver) is nice as is the Graphite.  I would have taken a white one as well.  There really aren’t any colors that it doesn’t look good in.

See if you can find an “S” model.  They have adjustable thigh support like BMW sport seats.

@stickguy - your trade your Elantra straight up for the Graphite Q40 in a heartbeat after 1 test drive.  

corvette

I'd do white, as well, as much I'd rather not have two white cars at the same time, it's one of my favorite colors on a car. I think I've had sixteen cars, and six of them have been white.

On the 2011s I'm looking at, it's disappointing that there's no Bluetooth audio streaming without nav and the USB only works with iPhones (I have an iPhone, but like to keep my options open). There appear to be aftermarket workarounds.

The only thing that intrigues me about the Q50 is the turbo V6, but the numbers from testing don't indicate much, if any, improvement from the 3.7 liter, so if the driving dynamics are worse, I'd say the current Q50 is a hard pass.

BTW, I installed a Fortin EVO remote start on my Murano and on the Mustang and it worked great in both. Nice little upgrade for about $100. I'd do the same again with a G37.

stickguy

nyccarguy said:

As far as colors go, my #1 choice was Blue Slate.  I really didn’t WANT the black, but my car had the least amount of miles and was in the best condition out of all the CPO Q40s they had on the lot.  The Liquid Platinum (Silver) is nice as is the Graphite.  I would have taken a white one as well.  There really aren’t any colors that it doesn’t look good in.

See if you can find an “S” model.  They have adjustable thigh support like BMW sport seats.

@stickguy - your trade your Elantra straight up for the Graphite Q40 in a heartbeat after 1 test drive.  

if you can work that deal out for me, I an free Tuesday to run up to Connecticut and do the swap. No problem at all. Let me know who to ask for.

stickguy

I am actually pretty flexible with exterior color. Interior color is much more of a hot button. The Elantra has not been too bad in the summer, but I would still really rather have something besides a black interior.

stickguy

was just reading about the upcoming Ranger. I have a weirdly strong desire to have one. I assume seeing the window sticker price will cure me of that.

corvette

stickguy said:

was just reading about the upcoming Ranger. I have a weirdly strong desire to have one. I assume seeing the window sticker price will cure me of that.

I’m guessing the real world transaction prices will cure you of that. If you can get an F-150 with much better specs for the same or better price, most people would. 

ab348

corvette said:

I’m guessing the real world transaction prices will cure you of that. If you can get an F-150 with much better specs for the same or better price, most people would. 

That's exactly what happened with GM's Canyon/Colorado. The incentives on the Silverado/Sierra meant you could buy one nicely equipped for less than the junior version. You had to pay as much or more if you were hell-bent on getting the (slightly) smaller model.

stickguy

The ranger is already gigantic by my standards at 201” long. I have no desire to get something 8” wider and 3’ longer that won’t even fit in my garage.

au1994

ab348 said:

corvette said:

I’m guessing the real world transaction prices will cure you of that. If you can get an F-150 with much better specs for the same or better price, most people would. 

That's exactly what happened with GM's Canyon/Colorado. The incentives on the Silverado/Sierra meant you could buy one nicely equipped for less than the junior version. You had to pay as much or more if you were hell-bent on getting the (slightly) smaller model.

Same when I got my Ram many years ago. I was actually looking for a 4dr Dakota but with incentives the regular cab Ram was the better deal. I could live without 4 doors for the savings.

nyccarguy

@corvette - I know you aren't too keen on the VW dealership service experience, but have you considered a GTI?

graphicguy

@qbrozen

WOW! Congrats on the Alfa. Can't wait to see pics.

jpp75

corvette said:

Hmm... In that case, I might be able to polish it. If that fails, I could practice my skills with a vinyl wrap. My E90 325i had real brushed aluminum trim, and I never had any issues. I think I generally used Simple Green to clean the interior.

The new Q50 does not appear to stack up to the competition, from what I've read. Really a shame, but I think they shot themselves in the foot with that "steer by wire" thing.

Having owned a G37x and then going to a Q50 Hybrid I completely agree that it doesn't stack up. I always regretted letting go of the G37x and was never happy with the Q50 from a driving perspective. I don't know how much of it was due to the drive by wire but just all around it was a disappointment.

corvette

nyccarguy said:

@corvette - I know you aren't too keen on the VW dealership service experience, but have you considered a GTI?

I have. I had a GLI for a couple years, so kind of feel like I’ve been there and done that. 

28firefighter

The Mk7 GTI is totally different from the Mk6 GLI. If nothing else, use this as an excuse to drive one. Try to find a 2017 Sport.

Mr_Shiftright

tifighter said:

This is fun. Things have picked up around here. Breld's new Miata already feels like it was awhile ago.

You could miss a punch on any given day of absence.

nyccarguy

28firefighter said:

The Mk7 GTI is totally different from the Mk6 GLI. If nothing else, use this as an excuse to drive one. Try to find a 2017 Sport.

I agree. If anything, it gives you an excuse to cross it off your list.

stickguy

If I finally get my wife into the Acura dealer, never know!

stickguy

Pretty colors. But not a fan of the wheels. Lots of car for the money though. Miles not bad.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2010-hyundai-genesis-used-18041516.html

28firefighter

I'd want the V8.

nyccarguy

28firefighter said:

I'd want the V8.

corvette

The wheels and the chromed B-pillar are ugly.

corvette

Say what you will about my old-school Tahoe’s infotainment, but I’m sitting here in a parking lot and made a phone call via the Bluetooth speaker phone. When I did so, it automatically reduced the speed of the HVAC fan. Pretty neat! 

28firefighter

Is that a bug or a feature?

jpp75

Ok, finally got a few pics of the C30. Such a fun car to drive.

jpp75

@Mr_Shiftright You had asked about turbo lag and there's none with this car that I've experienced. And trust me with the Touareg TDI I'm VERY familiar with turbo lag.

The engine is happiest over 2,000 rpm and shines from 2,500 - 3,500 or so but I find lots of usable power regardless of the gear I'm in.

The ride is definitely firmer but on good roads it's smooth and composed, you'll feel the bumps more but I would imagine it's at least as good as what you're used to with the Mini.

I highly recommend a test drive of one to see if you like it, I'm quite happy with the purchase!!

28firefighter

Looks awesome @jpp5862 and very clean. Enjoy!

jpp75

28firefighter said:

Looks awesome @jpp5862 and very clean. Enjoy!

Thanks @28firefighter! It's a great car.

stickguy

Looks brand new

jpp75

stickguy said:

Looks brand new

From 10 feet away

But for a 10 year old car it's in good shape. A good wash and wax will also help, planning to do that in a couple of weeks with @breld's help.

nyccarguy

@jpp5862 - your new C30 looks fantastic! I'm glad you are enjoying it! I like those wheels too. Not too big, not too small, they fit the wheel wells just right.

jpp75

nyccarguy said:

@jpp5862 - your new C30 looks fantastic! I'm glad you are enjoying it! I like those wheels too. Not too big, not too small, they fit the wheel wells just right.

Thanks Bradd! The wheels were a big draw for me, I like them a lot better than the standard wheels on the other ones we had driven.

Mr_Shiftright

jpp5862 said:

@Mr_Shiftright You had asked about turbo lag and there's none with this car that I've experienced. And trust me with the Touareg TDI I'm VERY familiar with turbo lag.

The engine is happiest over 2,000 rpm and shines from 2,500 - 3,500 or so but I find lots of usable power regardless of the gear I'm in.

The ride is definitely firmer but on good roads it's smooth and composed, you'll feel the bumps more but I would imagine it's at least as good as what you're used to with the Mini.

I highly recommend a test drive of one to see if you like it, I'm quite happy with the purchase!!

I'm hoping the ride is better than the Mini. Remember I have one of the old supercharged ones, and they were notorious for a hard ride--and now we have 150K miles on the old suspension, to boot.

I've lined up a C30 for a test ride--it's an automatic, white in color, which are two strikes, so I doubt I'll be buying it.

I'm going to drive the stickshift S40 at the same lot, so I'll let you know what I think.

tjc78

28firefighter said:

Is that a bug or a feature?

It’s a feature.  Our enclave does it too to cut the noise down. 

stickguy

that is interesting. I thought it was odd that on my Elantra, when the BU camera goes on, it cuts the volume on the radio.

28firefighter

The Stelvio deals are dead for a while it seems. Residuals dropped by 5% with Ally (not sure about Chrysler Cap). Not sure if incentives changed, but if they were the same, my deal would become 1610 DAS and $404/month. Crazy.

tjc78

stickguy said:

that is interesting. I thought it was odd that on my Elantra, when the BU camera goes on, it cuts the volume on the radio.

I actually haven’t noticed that.  

tjc78

corvette said:

Say what you will about my old-school Tahoe’s infotainment, but I’m sitting here in a parking lot and made a phone call via the Bluetooth speaker phone. When I did so, it automatically reduced the speed of the HVAC fan. Pretty neat! 

What year Tahoe?  I find it absurd that our 2013 LTZ at work doesn’t have BT.  It’s extremely loaded (power running boards, Bose, Cooled seats and rear seat entertainment) but if it has BT I can’t find it.  It has a very similar interface to our Enclave so I’m pretty familiar with it.