Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

need to step her up to the model that has reverse auto braking. I think the new Jetta actually has that.

nyccarguy

A few shots of the “damage.”  I really am glad nobody got hurt.  I’d also rather her hit my car than somebody else’s car:

nyccarguy

Pic 2

nyccarguy

And a 3rd & final parting shot

stickguy

looks like it can be patched and painted. but hard to tell for sure from pictures.

qbrozen

Ouch

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

Ouch

The trailer hitch mounted below the bumper on the pilot either did the damage to the "H" in the license plate or the right front fog light. Thank god the steel bike rack wasn't attached.

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

breld said:

As most of us do, I appreciate the Stinger. And I can see any one of us in this group picking up a used model that has experienced a nice chunk of Kia depreciation. What I wonder is who is buying these new? I mean, what else are they considering - is it really attracting those who are otherwise looking at the 4-series GC, or is it folks coming in the Kia dealership browsing for an nice Optima, and they are seduced by the sexier Stinger?

By the way @nyccarguy - how long have you had the Q40 now? I know you really like it, but are you getting an itch?

You know it is funny you mentioned the Q40. I have had it for almost a year & a half, but who is counting? Yesterday, my wife went to take it to run an errand. She got in the Q40 and noticed my older son's hockey equipment was in the trunk. So she got out and hopped into her Pilot which was parked in front of the Q40. She fired up the Pilot, put it into reverse (this doesn't end well folks), backed into my Infiniti, then checked the backup camera. Looks like I'll have to have the bumper cover repaired and repainted (hopefully the plastic retaining clips didn't break) and a new grille installed. I also noticed my front left Blinker is out. Oh well. At least nobody got hurt. There were a bunch of rock chips that needed to get fixed anyway...

So I took my son to practice and was talking to his coach from last year. He said: "you keep your cars in good shape, any chance you want to sell the Black one?" I told him "no. Let me get the bumper fixed, then we can talk. But right now I'm not looking to sell it.

Now my question is, do I stick with the Chrome Gille or go with the Black Sport Grille?



or

stick with what I have:

Ugh... BTDT...

ab348

Looks like a write-off to me. You know what they say, "they can fix it, but it'll never be the same after...". Shouldn't have much problem with a spousal approval for a new model.

suydam

ab348 said:

Scratch "parking sensors" off the list of foolproof inventions.

How did she miss not hearing the sensor beeps? Mine are pretty loud. Oh well. Better not ask.

henryn

Sorry to hear about the minor fender bender. Luckily, it was minor, and no one was hurt.

For all of you Miata fans out there, this one looks very nice and clean:

https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/2011-mazda-mx-5-miata-grand/6670701888.html

stickguy

rare to see a black Miata. Not a fan. Like the interior, though on a convertible, I prefer cloth.

breld

So my wife (and I) have entered obsessive stage in car looking. I will likely be listing the Volvo on bringatrailer shortly.

She's pretty much narrowed down to a Macan, GLC300 coupe or Q5/SQ5.

Drove a base Macan today - when we first started looking, I encouraged her to at least get an "S" model, but since she's strongly considering the 4 cylinder versions of the other vehicles, made sense to do the same with the Porsche. There was no problem with the turbo 4 in the Macan (I think it's the same as in the Audi?) - what I'm most impressed with is the performance of the PDK. Other than styling, that may be the feature that most distinguishes it from the other choices. And...it naturally has a very tight, sporty feeling without being harsh at all.

She drove a GLC300 coupe right after the Porsche dealer - to her own admission, she doesn't really notice the subtleties in the driving impressions between the two. She does like the distinctive styling of the GLC coupe - this one had the AMG "styling" package.

The Q5 seems to be the "safe" choice - it's the least expensive even loaded up with all the features. It's certainly unoffensive in design, but doesn't move the needle much for my wife - certainly not like the GLC and Macan.

GLC is a nice middle ground - she loves the styling inside and out, but it offers the relaxed compliant drive she's looking for.

She probably has the greatest desire for the Macan, but it comes at a price...as well as lack of experience with the brand and dealer network.

breld

henryn said:

Sorry to hear about the minor fender bender. Luckily, it was minor, and no one was hurt.

For all of you Miata fans out there, this one looks very nice and clean:

https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/2011-mazda-mx-5-miata-grand/6670701888.html

I'm certainly enjoying driving my new Miata around. I like that PRHT from that previous generation.

You should get it.

henryn

I have been shopping for a key fob for my 2016 Chrysler Town and Country. I bought this van used, and I only received the one key fob. I can buy a blank unprogrammed new key fob for about $45 off of Ebay, but no one will program it for me. The dealers quote between $250 and $280 for a new one, the locksmiths want pretty much the same.

Monday afternoon, I dropped my one and only key fob. This was from about waist height, onto concrete. The remote functions quit working. The key fob will start the car, and I can unlock the driver's door using the emergency key, so it is not unusable or un-driveable. I did take it apart, clean all of the contacts, and replace the battery (pretty standard CR-2032).

Today I spent some time online, looking for a deal. Locksmiths do not want to quote a price, a real pain. And when they finally do, the lowest quote I got was $240. But I finally found Batteries Plus, who will sell a key fob for $139, plus $35 for programming. Complete with sales tax, $180. You have to go to their store (which I can do, fortunately).

stickguy

might as well get a Macan. At least that is something you have not had before. maintenance costs are of course much higher, but as always, that will not be an issue for you.

stickguy

Henry, last year when the RDX needed a new battery, I ended up getting one there. for the capacity, they were pretty much the cheapest. Put it in for free too. A little unnerving to see a girl that looked about my daughters age and size (young and small!) taking apart the engine bay and wresting the old one out and new one in. But she got it done, and works fine!

corvette

Henryn, I’m in a similar boat. The G37 only came with one fob. I’ve heard that locksmiths are willing to program the ones you get off eBay, but plan to call before I buy one. Chrysler may have gotten really strict with their software after they caught that dealership employee reprogramming and stealing a bunch of vehicles a few years back—I think that happened in Texas? 

stickguy

downside to the fancy new tech. You get used to the proximity feature, but if I had to could still get by with an old school key fob and key you have to turn yourself. My wife, she would not enjoy that at all!

28firefighter

Paging @tifighter - Grab the Polestar before the vultures do on BaT.

carnaught

@breld, are you looking at a new or used Macan?

stickguy

speaking of BaT, just went over. and found this. I really like this. I believe I have issues.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1979-pontiac-trans-am-17/

well well well. my dream car. Even in state. If I had the extra money and was shopping for a toy now, this would be the one. Love it. always wanted one and this one sounds like it has been treated the way you want it to be. Nice.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1973-triumph-tr6-25/

henryn

stickguy said:

speaking of BaT, just went over. and found this. I really like this. I believe I have issues.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1979-pontiac-trans-am-17/

"The 301ci V8 was originally rated at 150 horsepower"

No way, no how. You would be outrun by every 4 cylinder econo box on the highway. Very embarrassing.

Having a slow car is one thing. Having a slow car that screams "I'm fast, let's race!", neah, not for me.

breld

carnaught said:

@breld, are you looking at a new or used Macan?

Both - there are some retired loaners that seem like an ideal way to car.  

kyfdx

breld said:

carnaught said:

@breld, are you looking at a new or used Macan?

Both - there are some retired loaners that seem like an ideal way to car.  

I second the Macan. Since it’s her first pick, anything else is just putting off the inevitable.

imidazol97

henryn said:

Monday afternoon, I dropped my one and only key fob. This was from about waist height, onto concrete. The remote functions quit working. The key fob will start the car, and I can unlock the driver's door using the emergency key, so it is not unusable or un-driveable. I did take it apart, clean all of the contacts, and replace the battery (pretty standard CR-2032).

I'll bet it's a fractured solder joint on the board. If you are good with a solder pencil you might be able to refresh the major contacts with a little solder or just redoing the contacts for the holder for the 2032 might be where the fracture occured from the impact. The battery is the part on the board thats a mass that would cause forces on the solder joints to break them. On some GM cars. one of the 3 joints for the spring round piece holding the 2032 would break loose in one spot. These were large enough to solder with the fine tip without trying to use a copper wire wrapped around the pencil to get a smaller tip. Add a little solder and voila--contact again.

kyfdx

stickguy said:

speaking of BaT, just went over. and found this. I really like this. I believe I have issues.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1979-pontiac-trans-am-17/

well well well. my dream car. Even in state. If I had the extra money and was shopping for a toy now, this would be the one. Love it. always wanted one and this one sounds like it has been treated the way you want it to be. Nice.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1973-triumph-tr6-25/

This is the Trans Am you want:
https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/mus/2008/10/Macho-Poncho---1978-Pontiac-Trans-Am/1707978.html

My recently deceased friend had one in his collection. Not sure if they still have it.

stickguy

the Macho is a bit of overkill for me. The 301 4 speed would be just fine. I would not be racing anyone, and it has the correct rumble sound. Especially if you open up the exhaust. And of course, it has style!

stickguy

kyfdx said:

breld said:

carnaught said:

@breld, are you looking at a new or used Macan?

Both - there are some retired loaners that seem like an ideal way to car.  

I second the Macan. Since it’s her first pick, anything else is just putting off the inevitable.

her choice or not, the inevitable next step is the same anyway.

qbrozen

breld said:

So my wife (and I) have entered obsessive stage in car looking. I will likely be listing the Volvo on bringatrailer shortly. She's pretty much narrowed down to a Macan, GLC300 coupe or Q5/SQ5. Drove a base Macan today - when we first started looking, I encouraged her to at least get an "S" model, but since she's strongly considering the 4 cylinder versions of the other vehicles, made sense to do the same with the Porsche. There was no problem with the turbo 4 in the Macan (I think it's the same as in the Audi?) - what I'm most impressed with is the performance of the PDK. Other than styling, that may be the feature that most distinguishes it from the other choices. And...it naturally has a very tight, sporty feeling without being harsh at all. She drove a GLC300 coupe right after the Porsche dealer - to her own admission, she doesn't really notice the subtleties in the driving impressions between the two. She does like the distinctive styling of the GLC coupe - this one had the AMG "styling" package. The Q5 seems to be the "safe" choice - it's the least expensive even loaded up with all the features. It's certainly unoffensive in design, but doesn't move the needle much for my wife - certainly not like the GLC and Macan. GLC is a nice middle ground - she loves the styling inside and out, but it offers the relaxed compliant drive she's looking for. She probably has the greatest desire for the Macan, but it comes at a price...as well as lack of experience with the brand and dealer network.

Wait...didn't she already have a GLC? You guys are getting downright loopy and repeating ownership. 

As far as which one now, does it really matter? Might as well make a list of the next 12 vehicles you'll buy and sell just for her for the next year. You do the same for yourself.

nyccarguy

@breld - I absolutely LOVE the Macan (and I’ve never even sat in one, much less driven one).  I wouldn’t be so quick to write off the 250 hp base model, but you might find some used or CPO Macan S’ have options that are more to your liking.  Here’s a few I’ve seen on the road recently:

  

mjfloyd1

breld said:

Sorry to hear about the minor fender bender. Luckily, it was minor, and no one was hurt. For all of you Miata fans out there, this one looks very nice and clean: https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/2011-mazda-mx-5-miata-grand/6670701888.html

I'm certainly enjoying driving my new Miata around. I like that PRHT from that previous generation. You should get it.

It’s got a 2 ton interior. That will be hard to move with 160-ish HP

Michaell

@qbrozen - can you take a peek in the 2019 RDX lease thread. Got someone asking about Honcker.

The best part about the @breld shopping spree is that, eventually, I'll get to test drive it.

Wife and step daughter were chauffeured around in a Cayenne on a recent trip to NC. Apparently, its not terribly comfortable with three across in the back seat.

corvette

qbrozen said:

Wait...didn't she already have a GLC? You guys are getting downright loopy and repeating ownership.

Are you just now picking up on this? I've almost lost count of how many 3/4 series BMWs they've had... Beetles, MINIs, Golf/GTIs...

stickguy

Michaell said:

@qbrozen - can you take a peek in the 2019 RDX lease thread. Got someone asking about Honcker.

The best part about the @breld shopping spree is that, eventually, I'll get to test drive it.

Wife and step daughter were chauffeured around in a Cayenne on a recent trip to NC. Apparently, its not terribly comfortable with three across in the back seat.

I honckered an RDX the other deal. You do not want to click the lease it button. It was bad.

stickguy

just read the post. Lower than I remember it being. will have to go look again, but I usually ignore the big DAS option.. But the dealer quotes the OP mentioned seemed really high.

Michaell

corvette said:

qbrozen said:

Wait...didn't she already have a GLC? You guys are getting downright loopy and repeating ownership.

Are you just now picking up on this? I've almost lost count of how many 3/4 series BMWs they've had... Beetles, MINIs, Golf/GTIs...

This is the GLC Coupe, I believe.

Eventually, they are going to run out of options from Germany and start getting Mustangs and Traverses

corvette

Michaell said:

Eventually, they are going to run out of options from Germany and start getting Mustangs and Traverses

Nissan Versas; Mitsubishi Lancers (base model, not the EVO)...

tifighter

28firefighter said:

Paging @tifighter - Grab the Polestar before the vultures do on BaT.

Ha, the Polestar is going to BAT? Where’s my popcorn? Actually, I’m in Switzerland right now, and I can’t find any.

I actually already have the next car picked out. And ordered...

qbrozen

Michaell said:

Wait...didn't she already have a GLC? You guys are getting downright loopy and repeating ownership.

Are you just now picking up on this? I've almost lost count of how many 3/4 series BMWs they've had... Beetles, MINIs, Golf/GTIs...

This is the GLC Coupe, I believe. Eventually, they are going to run out of options from Germany and start getting Mustangs and Traverses

Oh, I get its the coupe. So the uglier design somehow makes it a keeper?

tifighter

Michaell said:

Wait...didn't she already have a GLC? You guys are getting downright loopy and repeating ownership.

Are you just now picking up on this? I've almost lost count of how many 3/4 series BMWs they've had... Beetles, MINIs, Golf/GTIs...

This is the GLC Coupe, I believe. Eventually, they are going to run out of options from Germany and start getting Mustangs and Traverses

Mustangs aren’t uncommon in DE. As for the Traverse, well, that’s for bombing Pearl Harbor...

kyfdx

tifighter said:

Michaell said:

corvette said:

qbrozen said:

Wait...didn't she already have a GLC? You guys are getting downright loopy and repeating ownership.

Are you just now picking up on this? I've almost lost count of how many 3/4 series BMWs they've had... Beetles, MINIs, Golf/GTIs...

This is the GLC Coupe, I believe.

Eventually, they are going to run out of options from Germany and start getting Mustangs and Traverses

Mustangs aren’t uncommon in DE. As for the Traverse, well, that’s for bombing Pearl Harbor...

So, Blutarksy was right? It was the Germans that bombed Pearl Harbor?

28firefighter

tifighter said:

Ha, the Polestar is going to BAT? Where’s my popcorn? Actually, I’m in Switzerland right now, and I can’t find any.

I actually already have the next car picked out. And ordered...

That's all we get?

breld

28firefighter said:

tifighter said:

Ha, the Polestar is going to BAT? Where’s my popcorn? Actually, I’m in Switzerland right now, and I can’t find any.

I actually already have the next car picked out. And ordered...

That's all we get?

The art of the tease.

stickguy

Get the polestar auction up. I’ll even register there to comment and bid!

breld

Thanks all for the feedback on my wife's current shopping spree. On her behalf, she wanted me to share that she's fully aware of her own erratic impulses (a trait she of course shares with yours truly).

The thing with the potential repeat GLC is this - she's starting to realize and accept that while her heart may chase after the more exclusive sports-oriented wagon (or the like), our driving routine lends itself more to a nice, comfy vehicle. It's a more recent realization for both her and I, but with my kids in baseball and needing to be hauled around to all corners of the city and sometimes state, I had a very practical reason to embrace something like the Q7 earlier. But even without that, our normal commute is around an hour each way each day. When she took my Q7 out to lunch last week, it was almost like an epiphany for her.

There was definitely a time when we truly prioritized the sportier side of things - at one point we had five vehicles and only one, the minivan, had an automatic transmission. That craving is still alive and well, but more relegated to the "third, fun" car, while we appreciate more comfort in the dailies.

All of that is subject to change at our whim though.

breld

Speaking of being all over the place, the wife and I took a drive last night over to an Audi lot and browsed the Q5 inventory and now the Audi has taken over first place. And...the Allroad entered the picture too.

It'll be a tight race to the finish.

28firefighter

What about a V90 Cross Country, if you're considering the allroad?

breld

stickguy said:

Get the polestar auction up. I’ll even register there to comment and bid!

Be kind!

I did submit the request last night - having not done it before, it would seem I will receive a response today on whether they "accept" it for auction and we'll go from there. I took a ton of pictures of it this morning in preparation of the listing.

I reached out to a local broker who specializes in enthusiast cars and often lists through BaT, thinking it would be wonderful to let them take on the sale. But they take a 10% commission, and so I thought it was worth it to give it a go myself.

qbrozen

so by just looking at the outside of the vehicles, she is ranking them? oh boy.