Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

This one is comparable. Nicely equipped but little steep on miles. For an extra 3k, I would get the one Bradd found. 2015 CPO with half the miles.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2012-infiniti-g37_sedan-4dr_x_awd-used-18051195.html

corvette

I like the one in Frankfort. I may go take a look at it tomorrow if it’s still available. 

qbrozen

corvette said:

I like the one in Frankfort. I may go take a look at it tomorrow if it’s still available. 

Asking price is actually pretty fair on that one as long as it is clean and doesn't need anything. But any additional discount is, of course, welcome.

ronsteve

corvette said:

I had outlined it very clearly for the salesman, so there was no reason for the manager to make me reiterate it: I offered more than the average *selling* price for a similar car in the area, less their bogus doc fee. As soon as I started trying to get a few hundred off for their bogus fee, it was like a war zone. And the salesman not-so-helpfully started pulled up other dealers' *asking* prices for similar vehicles.

I know each franchise is independently run, but I think I am done with that dealer group unless they have something I have to have and I just decide I'm willing to pay the moon.

Doc fees are out of control. Which, only slightly tangentially, has made me wonder for a while whether the $599 "Permaplate" that you see on any car from their Volvo outfit is actually the doc fee (would be a refreshing switch to see something like that published) or in addition to some ridiculous doc fee.

I have a feeling my next vehicle purchase will find me up the road in Cincinnati or perhaps Lexington.

graphicguy

Agreed about the whole “how did you come up with that number?” game.

It’s just another road block to point out where one or other figure you provide them is somehow wrong.

I usually tell them.....”that’s all the money I have”.

Still, don’t run into that too much anymore. Over the years I’ve built relationships with my preferred dealers , which in turn means I deal with the same sales people who have been there for a while.

They know I’m a “one offer only” shopper and a deal is struck quickly.

stickguy

I still like price services. Last 2 cars for me were truecar (way less than I would have offered) and Edmunds (again, less than I expected). The recent Jetta, I just reached out to dealer contacts directly. Prior Jetta, I pretty much threw out a lowball lease payment, and was shocked they took it. And my reason was basically, that’s the budget.

These were all new cars, making it easier of course. Assuming my upcoming purchase will be slightly used, and trade involved, will rely heavily on QB to have realistic numbers. And a carvana buy bid in my back pocket!

ronsteve

Drivingfool said:

We had a 2005 Mazda 3s with the 2.5 engine and the Volvo twins were identical underneath, the S40 and C30. Vehicle drove nicely and had more than enough power when needed. Hell, she had it for almost 11 years and traded at 157K with a non functioning a/c. But it was fun to push it's envelope but think she's enjoying the A3 so much more.
The Driving Fool

As much as the Focus and Mazda3 and S40/C30 shared under the skin, they each had their own engines. Honestly a bit strange to me, but then again, the Volvo 5-banger was probably a bit complex for Mazda or Ford dealers or buyers to want to deal with.

28firefighter

Well, I've been holding my breath for a week waiting for the dealer to call me and tell me they messed up my paperwork. But, I was able to create my online Ally Auto account, so I suppose that means it's official!

ab348

I'm curious, @corvette --- at the start of this journey you outlined a list of possible contenders, yet very quickly you zeroed in on one model and that has been it. I know when I went through a similar experience I at least looked at everything on my list before making a decision on what to pursue. Any thoughts?

corvette

I still have the Chrysler 300 in the back of my mind if I can’t find an acceptable Infiniti. The infotainment is better in the Mopar. But the performance numbers on the Infiniti spank a Pentastar 300, and pretty much every other option, plus I’ve test driven three of them now and liked all three.

When I’ve found something I really like, I tend to stop looking. Same thing with dating!  

28firefighter

What about a Charger R/T? 2015 or newer should be the more recent design and be plenty fun to drive.

corvette

That’s in the back of my mind as well. I’m not familiar with all the models, but would want one without most of the exterior bling like racing stripes. It doesn’t really look the part of a luxury car, while the 300 can pass for one. 

qbrozen

I think if you want some semblance of luxury, the Charger just won't cut it.

Advantages to the Infiniti are reliability, low cost of ownership, fairly strong resale value at the pricepoint you are targeting, and plentiful aftermarket support.

henryn

This Infiniti G37 "spanks" a Chrysler 300 with the Hemi? That surprises me. Just how fast IS this Infiniti?

corvette

henryn said:

This Infiniti G37 "spanks" a Chrysler 300 with the Hemi? That surprises me. Just how fast IS this Infiniti?

No, lol. It spanks the Pentastar V6, which is how most 300s are equipped. 

stickguy

The Infiniti is also a whole size class smaller. Much tidier package

28firefighter

@qbrozen - you've got PM.

corvette

I sent the beat up black one to a couple of my friends who race. I’m guessing it will get sent to auction soon and they might be able to pick it up for a song and use it as a track rat. 

henryn

Not arguing with your choice of the Infiniti G37 over the Chrysler 300. I don't personally like the 300, it is a big car but it doesn't feel big when I sit in it. The huge center console infringes on my space, and I wind up feeling cramped.

If you find one with the hemi, it is fun to drive, I will give you that. I was just sort of assuming that if you looked at the Chrysler, you would automatically go for the V8. I would never consider one with the V6, and I think most of the regulars here would feel the same way.

corvette

The bad news is I can’t make it to Frankfort tomorrow to look at that G37. The good news is that’s because I have a date! 

corvette

Hmmm... Never driven one, but I’m sure it wouldn’t feel as sprightly as the G37. One review I read pegged the 0-60 time in the low 5 second range, which is amazing for something that size with a NA V6. Could’ve been a ringer, though. 

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-INFINITI-M37-d2073?sourceContext=criteo&utm_campaign=criteo_remarketing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=criteo#listing=215043466

stickguy

basically a supersized G37. but nice interior.

qbrozen

Just returned from my 7-hr rountrip. 

stickguy

snazzy interior. Black is not my favorite color on that car, but still looks good.

need driving impressions too!

28firefighter

Nice!!

corvette

Nice looking interior. Gauge cluster reminds me of an Audi with the vertical "pips" for the gas gauge.

28firefighter

That’s about the only similarity to an Audi interior. Audi knows and does interiors quite well. 

breld

Very nice @qbrozen!  

I love the red interior!  Coincidentally, my wife drove an SQ5 earlier this week - Black over red.  

xwesx

stickguy said:

snazzy interior. Black is not my favorite color on that car, but still looks good.

need driving impressions too!

Yeah, no doubt. As far as black goes, I think this car and color combo makes it look about as good as it can look. I missed all the details on this one; I'll have to snoop in the last week's archive to see how this went from "I sent an email" to "I have a new car."

Congrats!

Oh, and I hope you're okay! Just a temporary handicap?

stickguy

oops.

stickguy

Wes, I think every car I have ever picked up has been parked in the handicap spot. Pretty sure dealers translate that into being the delivery zone.

qbrozen

HA. Yes, delivery zone. 

Half the drive was through torrential downpours. Car is a pleasant place to be, though, and cuts through traffic with ease. The engine is definitely too quiet and seat on the firm side for a 3.5-hr stint. I also
believe I may have a wheel slightly out of balance that shows itself over 80mph. 

I'll need to spend more quality time with the car in what will be its native environment.

stickguy

enjoy it.

Drivingfool

That sure is a "red" interior...damn, really really red! But think I could get used to it, in time. Lengthwise, it looks to be around 170" or so, which is my optimal size for any vehicle right now. Real nice though.
Drove a newer Dodge Durango today and it was fun especially when I hit the accelerator. Also drove a new blue over black Ford Mustang and man, was it loud! Just a slight tap on the accelerator and damn, all hell broke lose! But it sure was fun after awhile. The only issue was getting in and out of the thing. Not something I could ever own because it was just too difficult to get in and out.
In Miami, saw about 100 or so new Kia Soul's getting prepped for rent status while Ft. Lauderdale had about 40 waiting to get done. Seems like there's a whole list of things that must get done before they put the new plate on and put it in the "ready line"
Finally got my new Florida drivers license today in the mail. Good through November 2026 and they used the current pic on my license that expires in a couple of months. Did it all online which makes a whole lot of sense, as it cuts down on the line of folks waiting at the license bureau. We pass one in Pembroke Pines and there's always a long line snaking around the parking lot, usually around 100 folks or so. I just couldn't stand so long and in 2010 when I had to go in, they took me out of line as they could see me walking with a cane, and sat me down inside until they called my name. A very short waiting period actually. And back in 2014 when someone got my license number and was using it, I had to get a new one with a slightly different number. But, again, seeing me walking with my cane, they fast tracked me so with getting a new mug shot,was in and out within 40 minutes. Was fine by me.

The Driving Fool

nyccarguy

@qbrozen - gorgeous car!  Beautiful color combination!  Major congratulations!  I can’t wait to hear driving impressions too.  Did you drive it home or rent a U-Haul and tow it’s back with your Pickup?

@corvette - have fun tomorrow on your date!  I hope all goes well.  The M37/Q70 are just as @stickguy said.  Drives just like the G37/Q40, but with a much more luxurious interior.  It is a lot smoother too (longer wheelbase?).  I had one as a loaner and was quite fond of it.  They also make it with the 5.6L V8 which would be more rare and most likely more expensive.

ab348

Q, that is one snazzy interior! 

henryn

Congrats on the punch. Hope you really enjoy it.

graphicguy

qbrozen said:

Just returned from my 7-hr rountrip. 

Ooohhh....baby. That’s stunning!

laurasdada

Congrats, Q. Love that new car smell! So shiny...

carnaught

@qbrozen, congrats on the Alfa...very nice! I’m a sucker for red interiors.

Mr_Shiftright

qbrozen said:

HA. Yes, delivery zone. 

Half the drive was through torrential downpours. Car is a pleasant place to be, though, and cuts through traffic with ease. The engine is definitely too quiet and seat on the firm side for a 3.5-hr stint. I also
believe I may have a wheel slightly out of balance that shows itself over 80mph. 

I'll need to spend more quality time with the car in what will be its native environment.

How nice to have a car on the road that is instantly recognizable without having to read the registration under "make".

thebean

Great looking car, @qbrozen. But, what's with the Alfa emblem? I have always been puzzled how a snake eating a person can represent a cool performance car.

Mr_Shiftright

That's a very old symbol of the city of Milano, where Alfa was founded. The red cross comes from the time of the Crusades and the snake is apparently the family emblem of the Viscontis, a noble Milanese family. No one is quite sure what the snake means, but probably something like vanquishing one's enemies. That used to be the Saracens but I guess now it's BMW.

mjfloyd1

It it looks like a bird instead of a person to me (Alfa Romeo emblem)

Sandman6472

Now this is really f'd up folks, am registered as Mr. Sandman in my tablet and Mr. Driving Fool on my laptop!! How does this even happen to begin with? I'm really tech challenged on any device but this is plum crazy folks!! Talk about split personalities!!!
But seriously,where do I go from here? Ain't there a way to combine these accounts into one? The latter account has my current email address while the former has the one I haven't used in a few years.
So, can I be one personality on even days and the other on odd days?? Could be fun actually!!! Guess I won't sign off as either until Edmunds tells me which personality I really am!!!!

Mr. Unknown

Mr_Shiftright

Some Car Shopping Results:

Went to look at some used Volvos just for grins, given the recent punch on a Volvo C30 right here in our home town of Edmunds.

I drove a 2013 Volvo C30 automatic, and aside from the transmission, I found the car very enjoyable, quite lively and pretty comfy. It's bigger than a Mini but not by much. Very responsive engine, roomy cabin, good visibility, seats not quite as accommodating as I'd like but not bad. Simple controls and interface. If it had been a manual transmission and not white in color, I might very well have bought it.

Then I drove a stickshift AWD S40. Not as frisky as the C30, a bit long-legged, but it handled very well for a somewhat ancient sedan (2006). Seats were very comfortable and again, erognomics were simple and straightforward. I liked that the rear seat folded flat, giving you a rather cavernous cargo area. Color was right, price was right---BUT---just not enough car for Shifty. Other disappointments were no AUX and older tech headlights.

Then I drove a 2007 C70. This car rides beautifully and I was impressed with the comfort level and handling. Unfortunately, it, too was an automatic and you can tell that the entire car is just a bit dated compared to more modern cars. At least it had AUX and newer tech headlights. This particular example was also a tad shabby for my tastes, although to the passerby it might not seem so. It's all in the details--the collection of blemishes adds up.

It's becoming obvious that once again, I'm shopping for a unicorn. Why me?

Anyone have any comments about an BMW 135i convertible?

qbrozen

don't do it. You think your Mini was problematic?
A 128i might be a better idea.

stickguy

find a later C30 manual. One with a few options on it.

problem solved.

Mr_Shiftright

The one I drove was a 2013, so they don't come any later than that!

Oh, the 135i has a bad rep? That's good to know. But a 128i still doesn't solve my problem. Those with a manual transmission are also quite rare. I did find one in my area---but it's white (of course).

corvette