Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

qbrozen

@28firefighter
when the heck was your Alfa built? Based on the vin, i was hoping mine was more recent and maybe I could get carplay. Nope. October 2017! 

breld

She went with the white Macan S (2017). It has a beige/black interior. The color combo of Night Blue over Beige was her preferred choice, but at the end of the day she just couldn't pass up getting the 6 cyl for about the same price as the service loaner base model.

Q had suggested another $1,500 off would make it a good deal - they came off $900 so I was fine.

We'll do the paperwork tomorrow, but there's a scratch on the hatchback that they are going to repair, and my wife would rather wait to take delivery until that is done.

stickguy

is the broker taking the Polestar, or is that going to be in the fleet longer until you sell it?

28firefighter

First Alfa infotainment glitch. Erased all of my radio presets for no apparent reason. *shrug*

nyccarguy

@sda - thanks!  The guy did a great job.  I do think the Q40/G37 are handsome cars.  They have just the right amount of chrome trim.  There isn’t a color that it doesn’t suit it well.  Pricing on these is very reasonable for what you get.  Now they are cheaper than a Civic LX.  I did pay less for mine last March than I did for my 175 hp Legacy.  It’s a great daily driver.  I’m always “looking,” like the rest of us (except @breld, he means business), but given the fact that I owe about $12K on the car, there’s nothing I’d want to replace it with that is anywhere near reasonable.

@breld - smart move taking the White Macan S.  Had you gotten one of the Blue Service Loaners, your wife surely would have traded out for an “S” by Columbus Day.

corvette

nyccarguy said:

Here’s a shot of my Infiniti’s new nose:

Looks good, but (you're going to kill me for pointing this out)... the front plate is a little crooked. :@

breld

stickguy said:

is the broker taking the Polestar, or is that going to be in the fleet longer until you sell it?

Yeah - he matched the best offer we got (from the Porsche dealer) for $36k. Even with the tax savings, we're probably leaving a bit on the table, but the ease of getting it done is worth it to us. I was telling @jpp5862 and @michaell that to maximize the value on the Polestar, it would likely be an out-of-state deal, and that has its own complications.

At some point the Golf R will be shown the way out too so we'll be back to our 2 main commuters and one fun car, which we got away from.

nyccarguy

@corvette - I think you’re right.  The bracket/holder was damaged.  I’ll have to get a new one.  

xwesx

nyccarguy said:

@sda - thanks!  The guy did a great job.  I do think the Q40/G37 are handsome cars.  They have just the right amount of chrome trim.  There isn’t a color that it doesn’t suit it well.  Pricing on these is very reasonable for what you get.  Now they are cheaper than a Civic LX.  I did pay less for mine last March than I did for my 175 hp Legacy.  It’s a great daily driver.  I’m always “looking,” like the rest of us (except @breld, he means business), but given the fact that I owe about $12K on the car, there’s nothing I’d want to replace it with that is anywhere near reasonable.

@breld - smart move taking the White Macan S.  Had you gotten one of the Blue Service Loaners, your wife surely would have traded out for an “S” by Columbus Day.

So, is that a trick of the lens, or is the passenger side light assembly more hazed than the driver side? I would say either due for a buffing or getting close to time to replace the assembly.

nyccarguy

xwesx said:

@sda - thanks!  The guy did a great job.  I do think the Q40/G37 are handsome cars.  They have just the right amount of chrome trim.  There isn’t a color that it doesn’t suit it well.  Pricing on these is very reasonable for what you get.  Now they are cheaper than a Civic LX.  I did pay less for mine last March than I did for my 175 hp Legacy.  It’s a great daily driver.  I’m always “looking,” like the rest of us (except @breld, he means business), but given the fact that I owe about $12K on the car, there’s nothing I’d want to replace it with that is anywhere near reasonable.

@breld - smart move taking the White Macan S.  Had you gotten one of the Blue Service Loaners, your wife surely would have traded out for an “S” by Columbus Day.

So, is that a trick of the lens, or is the passenger side light assembly more hazed than the driver side? I would say either due for a buffing or getting close to time to replace the assembly.

That’s the lighting and the fact that my iPhone was most likely more focused on the passenger side.  I assure you both lenses are crystal clear.

stickguy

I think too nice, comfy, useful daily drivers and a really fun toy is the ideal way to go. And a pick up if you have the space to park them all!

xwesx

stickguy said:

I think too nice, comfy, useful daily drivers and a really fun toy is the ideal way to go. And a pick up if you have the space to park them all!

I think it works better to have two dailies, a pickup, a plow, and an old van. Maybe a toy, if you can find a place to keep it.

stickguy

well, being as I prefer to live someplace that never gets snow, the plow is overkill. a van, well, if you really need one. I don't. So replace that with the toy!

tbirdmarco

 Broiled very nice glad you let the broker take the pole star, and your wife and then up picking the white Porsche McCann S. Glad it’s all done with. For now but by the end of next month I’m sure something will be leaving the fleet. And something will be coming into the street I’m sure. You’ll sell and buy a couple of cars now before the end of the year. Ha ha ha 

tbirdmarco

 20 fire fighter, did you say you also had a glitch with your alpha oh boy, what are we gonna do. Ha ha ha I’m glad you were and QP enjoying your health is a lot. What color is yours 20 firefighter, and to be what color is the one you have. I couldn’t find postings on that maybe if I look ways back, but I’m too lazy to do that. 

tbirdmarco

 That was above sorry guys, I’m glad that 20 fire fighter, and QB are enjoying their offers a lot. 

tbirdmarco

  Wes I see where you’re coming from with the cars but you would have in the fleet. How’s everything been going with you and the family in Alaska? 

suydam

stickguy said:

I think too nice, comfy, useful daily drivers and a really fun toy is the ideal way to go. And a pick up if you have the space to park them all!

For now.

stickguy

I need to get the wife on board this move/downsize concept. Will make sure to get a place with extra parking. And if i can cut the monthly nut enough, can upgrade the main ride, and squeeze a toy into the budget!

28firefighter

From a local, primarily Porsche, broker:

https://cvluxurycars.com/1995-bmw-m3-hellrot-on-black-leather-vaders-5-speed-sunroof-cruise-and-obc-2-local-owners-euro-delivery-all-stock-and-original-truly-amazing-condition80k-miles-21995/

Amazing condition. I just don’t know that even in its near pristine state it’s a collectors car?

breld

Seems like those E36 M3's are starting to receive some appreciation? I've just noticed quite a few of them on BaT - I like the lines of them. I understand the performance isn't on par with later versions, but I've gotta assume it's a sharp handling car.

28firefighter

Aside from the 944 and 968 posters I had on my wall as a kid, the E36 M3 was also up there. 

stickguy

that is a really nice looking car. I imagine those are amazing to drive. Still a pure BMW driving experience.

sda

nyccarguy said:

xwesx said:

nyccarguy said:

@sda - thanks!  The guy did a great job.  I do think the Q40/G37 are handsome cars.  They have just the right amount of chrome trim.  There isn’t a color that it doesn’t suit it well.  Pricing on these is very reasonable for what you get.  Now they are cheaper than a Civic LX.  I did pay less for mine last March than I did for my 175 hp Legacy.  It’s a great daily driver.  I’m always “looking,” like the rest of us (except @breld, he means business), but given the fact that I owe about $12K on the car, there’s nothing I’d want to replace it with that is anywhere near reasonable.

@breld - smart move taking the White Macan S.  Had you gotten one of the Blue Service Loaners, your wife surely would have traded out for an “S” by Columbus Day.

So, is that a trick of the lens, or is the passenger side light assembly more hazed than the driver side? I would say either due for a buffing or getting close to time to replace the assembly.

That’s the lighting and the fact that my iPhone was most likely more focused on the passenger side.  I assure you both lenses are crystal clear.

I got fussed at for pointing out something similar on your truck, lol. I think we are all perfectionists to some degree, mean no harm, but share our observations, which are meant to be constructive not critical.

Mr_Shiftright

28firefighter said:

From a local, primarily Porsche, broker:

https://cvluxurycars.com/1995-bmw-m3-hellrot-on-black-leather-vaders-5-speed-sunroof-cruise-and-obc-2-local-owners-euro-delivery-all-stock-and-original-truly-amazing-condition80k-miles-21995/

Amazing condition. I just don’t know that even in its near pristine state it’s a collectors car?

They are, sorta kinda, but they made a boatload of 'em. Auction median value is around $13K, so I don't know where he's getting that selling price from. Market trend on value is actually declining, so it still seems to be behaving like a used car, not a collector car. They're down around 12% from last year's bidding, which leads me to think that everyone who wanted one, got one already.

stickguy

well, might be optimistic price, but typical vintage dealer wanting a huge premium for amazing condition and documented history.

fintail

I saw an E36 M3 (sedan) crash pretty hard on NB 405 in Kirkland last month - lost it for reasons I couldn't discern, and hit the divider. There's one less, as I don't think it was fixable. Got to test the fintail's brakes anyway.

As my generation ages and some end up with enough play money to buy aspirational objects of youth, cars like that red one might do well. Not cheap, but if it all checks out, maybe not the worst thing to buy, and probably cheaper than restoring a mess.

nyccarguy

sda said:

xwesx said:

@sda - thanks!  The guy did a great job.  I do think the Q40/G37 are handsome cars.  They have just the right amount of chrome trim.  There isn’t a color that it doesn’t suit it well.  Pricing on these is very reasonable for what you get.  Now they are cheaper than a Civic LX.  I did pay less for mine last March than I did for my 175 hp Legacy.  It’s a great daily driver.  I’m always “looking,” like the rest of us (except @breld, he means business), but given the fact that I owe about $12K on the car, there’s nothing I’d want to replace it with that is anywhere near reasonable.

@breld - smart move taking the White Macan S.  Had you gotten one of the Blue Service Loaners, your wife surely would have traded out for an “S” by Columbus Day.

So, is that a trick of the lens, or is the passenger side light assembly more hazed than the driver side? I would say either due for a buffing or getting close to time to replace the assembly.

That’s the lighting and the fact that my iPhone was most likely more focused on the passenger side.  I assure you both lenses are crystal clear.

I got fussed at for pointing out something similar on your truck, lol. I think we are all perfectionists to some degree, mean no harm, but share our observations, which are meant to be constructive not critical.

I know!

hows your neighborhood doing with the floods?

nyccarguy

All the reviews I’ve read on the pre-production prototype Toyota/BMW Supra are extremely positive so far!

sda

nyccarguy said:

sda said:

nyccarguy said:

xwesx said:

nyccarguy said:

@sda - thanks!  The guy did a great job.  I do think the Q40/G37 are handsome cars.  They have just the right amount of chrome trim.  There isn’t a color that it doesn’t suit it well.  Pricing on these is very reasonable for what you get.  Now they are cheaper than a Civic LX.  I did pay less for mine last March than I did for my 175 hp Legacy.  It’s a great daily driver.  I’m always “looking,” like the rest of us (except @breld, he means business), but given the fact that I owe about $12K on the car, there’s nothing I’d want to replace it with that is anywhere near reasonable.

@breld - smart move taking the White Macan S.  Had you gotten one of the Blue Service Loaners, your wife surely would have traded out for an “S” by Columbus Day.

So, is that a trick of the lens, or is the passenger side light assembly more hazed than the driver side? I would say either due for a buffing or getting close to time to replace the assembly.

That’s the lighting and the fact that my iPhone was most likely more focused on the passenger side.  I assure you both lenses are crystal clear.

I got fussed at for pointing out something similar on your truck, lol. I think we are all perfectionists to some degree, mean no harm, but share our observations, which are meant to be constructive not critical.

I know!

hows your neighborhood doing with the floods?


Thankfully our area was largely spared of flooding, Some minor wind damage and trees down seems to be the worst of it. To the east, Lumberton, Wilmington, etc. the flooding continues as rivers and streams continue to peak. I really feel for them as the damage is extensive and many do not have the resources or insurance to rebuild.

kyfdx

E36 M3

Prices have been creeping up. Unfortunately, most “pristine “ examples haven’t lived that kind of life, in reality.

Owner at my local Cars n Coffee bought the nicest one he could find from EAG. Said he regretted paying top dollar, as the vehicle still had a lot of the typical problems, within a couple of months. They really know how to focus on the cosmetics.

Unfortunately, an E36 interior is self-destructing. Typical ‘90s plastics and materials.

It’s a blast to drive. Ours was set up for autocross and we left it that way.
Too many niggling problems, even for a 20+ yr old car. Even with all that, we had it for three years

nyccarguy

kyfdx said:

E36 M3

Prices have been creeping up. Unfortunately, most “pristine “ examples haven’t lived that kind of life, in reality.

Owner at my local Cars n Coffee bought the nicest one he could find from EAG. Said he regretted paying top dollar, as the vehicle still had a lot of the typical problems, within a couple of months. They really know how to focus on the cosmetics.

Unfortunately, an E36 interior is self-destructing. Typical ‘90s plastics and materials.

It’s a blast to drive. Ours was set up for autocross and we left it that way.
Too many niggling problems, even for a 20+ yr old car. Even with all that, we had it for three years

"The good old days weren't always good and tomorrow's not as bad as it seems."

Newer cars will accelerate faster, weigh more, & generally be more mechanically reliable, but have very complicated electronics. Older cars will be lighter, more tossable, slower, will have more mechanical issues (due to age, miles, & period specific build quality, but less intrusive electronics.

Pick your poison. There's no such thing as a perfect car.

Michaell

Question for the esteemed members here. I know speed impacts mileage- what about tires and weather?

We drove the Outback to Santa Fe yesterday. We did the identical trip 16 months ago. The first time we got almost 28 MPG; yesterday we saw only 24. I put new tires on it about 6000 miles ago. I did most of the trip at 85 (I think I used 77-78 on the cruise control last year). And, there was quite a bit of cross wind yesterday.

I'm stumped trying to understand a 15% drop.

Thoughts?

tbirdmarco

Hmm   Michael honestly I have no idea myself, the slight difference in speed and a crossed wins affect that much I couldn’t tell you. Enjoy your weekend Michael.g Michael honestly I have no idea myself, the slight difference in speed and a crossed wins affect that much I couldn’t tell you. Enjoy your weekend Michael. 

tbirdmarco

s.  d.  a.   Glad the area where you live didn’t get hit too hard, I really do feel bad for those others in the other areas like you said in your comment who got hit really bad with Steelers something I could do, more than just donating money. 

tbirdmarco

 Nice older BW posted about, agreed with the commenters about no perfect car everything will need something fixed and one point or another new or old. And life’s not perfect Ha ha ha enjoy the weekend everyone. 

tbirdmarco

 First day of fall, season I do dread coming is the winter, but hey it is what it is. 

qbrozen

Michaell said:

Question for the esteemed members here. I know speed impacts mileage- what about tires and weather? We drove the Outback to Santa Fe yesterday. We did the identical trip 16 months ago. The first time we got almost 28 MPG; yesterday we saw only 24. I put new tires on it about 6000 miles ago. I did most of the trip at 85 (I think I used 77-78 on the cruise control last year). And, there was quite a bit of cross wind yesterday. I'm stumped trying to understand a 15% drop. Thoughts?

Temps? Humidity? Air pressure? 
These can all affect fuel consumption. And, yes, tires can play a big part. That's why hybrids come with specific "eco" tires.

breld

Michaell said:

Question for the esteemed members here. I know speed impacts mileage- what about tires and weather?

We drove the Outback to Santa Fe yesterday. We did the identical trip 16 months ago. The first time we got almost 28 MPG; yesterday we saw only 24. I put new tires on it about 6000 miles ago. I did most of the trip at 85 (I think I used 77-78 on the cruise control last year). And, there was quite a bit of cross wind yesterday.

I'm stumped trying to understand a 15% drop.

Thoughts?

I don't know - sounds to me like you should just get a new car.

I'd say it mostly has to do with the average speed above 80 vs below 80 last year.

kyfdx

breld said:

Michaell said:

Question for the esteemed members here. I know speed impacts mileage- what about tires and weather?

We drove the Outback to Santa Fe yesterday. We did the identical trip 16 months ago. The first time we got almost 28 MPG; yesterday we saw only 24. I put new tires on it about 6000 miles ago. I did most of the trip at 85 (I think I used 77-78 on the cruise control last year). And, there was quite a bit of cross wind yesterday.

I'm stumped trying to understand a 15% drop.

Thoughts?

I don't know - sounds to me like you should just get a new car.

I'd say it mostly has to do with the average speed above 80 vs below 80 last year.

Ditto.. 85 vs. 77.

Someone with a physics background could explain it... it's a huge difference.

Drivingfool

Still have around 5 weeks till hurricane season is over. That's the biggest reason why I wanna move and not many of them go into Central Florida to be honest. Saw pics of my kids new house and looking good. Leaving soon to go up and see it with the drywall up, we'll be able to see room definition. I'll also get to see the model and some of the finishes they ordered. The wife is resisting my idea of moving up there sooner rather than later but I think once the middle girl decides to transfer to another hospital up there, she'll finally be ready as it'll just be us two down here. Really want to be within an hour of the girls if possible as by then, I'll be retired. Went out for wings last night and finally flat out told her that 2019 is my last year at Hertz, will turn 65 on 11/1/19 and will probably just finish out the year. Got no reaction so not sure if she heard me or just didn't do the math. But as much as I do like my job, 65 is a really good time to stop.
On the iPhone front, got an offer to buy my 6s Plus for $200 so we'll see if this guy really comes through. Personally, think he's a flake as have not heard a word after I accepted his offer about 24 hours ago. I use the "OfferUp" app and have done 5 transactions already and all have been very positive with normal folk just like me. Meeting someone at 11 this morning to pick up a brand new case for my 8 Plus, never used for $5.00. What's there not to like!!

The Driving Fool

(P.S. Have a few cases with the new one I'm picking up later as I like to swap out cases every so often for a different look. Very happy with my new 8 Plus and have no desire for the newest versions or even an Apple watch. The wireless charging pad is a real game changer though and super fast/easy!!)

Drivingfool

Getting the Golf an synthetic oil change on Wednesday. Found a decent coupon at my local VW store so figured it was worth it since I did the last one at Tires Plus. Want to spend some $ there just to show them I'm trying to be a good customer. Luckily my same service advisor is still there so called her and scheduled the appointment. Hopefully they'll find no other issues as I just hit 44K on Thursday. Gotta feeling the battery is going as twice now in the last couple of days it's stumbled a bit when trying to start the car. On my second battery now as the first one died after 17 months...batteries go pretty fast down south here with all the heat we have.

The Driving Fool

roadburner

breld said:

Seems like those E36 M3's are starting to receive some appreciation? I've just noticed quite a few of them on BaT - I like the lines of them. I understand the performance isn't on par with later versions, but I've gotta assume it's a sharp handling car.

One plus or minus(depending on how you are looking at it) is that the US spec E36 M3(as well as early M Roadsters/Coupes) did not have a true ///M motor- it's a tuned version of the standard M50/M52 motor. Consequently, the E36 M3 in US trim is not as expensive to maintain or repair. It's still a great car, and with a few tweaks it can be surprisingly quick.

carnaught

Got caught up on posts after a couple of days. Congrats to our Grand Poobah, @breld, on the Porsche. I’m loving those Macans, and look forward to your impressions on it.

To @nyccarguy, the Infiniti looks like it’s back to like-new condition...congrats.

cdnpinhead

Michaell said:

I'm stumped trying to understand a 15% drop.

Thoughts?

Wind makes a tremendous difference, and in that territory there aren't a lot of trees or other features that would tell you the direction and/or speed. Since it's the same route, elevation effects cancel out, but MPG above 5 or 6 thousand feet goes up significantly, relative to where most people in the country live.. Speed (of course) is a big deal as well, since the force exerted by the air goes up with the square of the speed, as I recall.

fintail

I don't think I could buy an EAG car, don't want to enable one of the most heinous flippers who trade in speculation and drive up the market for all. The flipside is these people hunt CL and other venues so thoroughly, you'll need to refresh your browser by the minute and be ready to place a call at any time.

On the car buyer ideal, I realized yesterday I have two more lease payments til pull forward eligibility, and as I've read MB sales were weak this summer, that may be negotiable.

kyfdx

fintail said:

I don't think I could buy an EAG car, don't want to enable one of the most heinous flippers who trade in speculation and drive up the market for all. The flipside is these people hunt CL and other venues so thoroughly, you'll need to refresh your browser by the minute and be ready to place a call at any time.

On the car buyer ideal, I realized yesterday I have two more lease payments til pull forward eligibility, and as I've read MB sales were weak this summer, that may be negotiable.

I've been to EAG, quite a few times.

They talk a good game, and know the cars inside and out... but, most reports I get (and what I see) is that you aren't getting the value from the premium you are paying.

tbirdmarco

Driving fool   Love the new name. And glad to hear from you and that all is whelk with.  You  and your family.

Mr_Shiftright

stickguy said:

well, might be optimistic price, but typical vintage dealer wanting a huge premium for amazing condition and documented history.

For that kind of money, buy an E46 M3. Better car in every way. It also has a lot of miles on it for an M3---80K is the sweet spot for needing some repairs. And the E36 needs some mods to correct some issues and improve performance. Nice enough car but not at that price.

nyccarguy

breld said:

Michaell said:

Question for the esteemed members here. I know speed impacts mileage- what about tires and weather?

We drove the Outback to Santa Fe yesterday. We did the identical trip 16 months ago. The first time we got almost 28 MPG; yesterday we saw only 24. I put new tires on it about 6000 miles ago. I did most of the trip at 85 (I think I used 77-78 on the cruise control last year). And, there was quite a bit of cross wind yesterday.

I'm stumped trying to understand a 15% drop.

Thoughts?

I don't know - sounds to me like you should just get a new car.

I'd say it mostly has to do with the average speed above 80 vs below 80 last year.

"Who in their right mind still has the same car 16 months later? Sheesh! Some people!" -@breld