Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

qbrozen

nyccarguy said:

Check out the fine print.  Specifically the part about the “dealer contribution.”

That is a hideous deal.

stickguy

Manufacturer advertised leases usually are.

stickguy

Honcker has that same car 36/36 for $371/mo, $380 DAS. That’s all in, taxes included.

graphicguy

pensfan83 said:

Had some extended seat time in the Prelude this past weekend, nothing too much because while I still have some time to get inspection stickers, I'm not willing to push my luck. It's such a fun car to drive and a welcome throwback to when cars didn't have as many electronic nannies. No cameras, no sensors....heck no Bluetooth. The kids LOVE it and are the only humans that can fit in the back seats (for now). My only issue is the aftermarket exhaust is a bit louder than I would like but I can probably live with it. Mechanically that's likely to be the only modification, save for upgraded pads/rotors, and some misc. suspension bits when those come due for replacement. Cosmetically I bought the honeycomb grille that came on 1999 or later models and a set of OEM floor mats. I also decided that I'm going to keep the factory headunit but upgrade to aftermarket speakers.

Sounds like a plan. You might want to look at some aftermarket amps to add to the OEM head unit, too. The new digital amps are pretty robust. They're cool running and small(er) than the old A/B amps of yesterday. Probably could mount one (or two) under the seats. That would make a big difference in sound, too.

Good idea on swapping the speakers. My guess is the ones in there now are OEM. Older car speakers were usually made out of fibers/pulp. Not very durable, but certainly....."less expensive". Over time, they dried out, got wet from opening doors in the rain, subject to extreme heat and cold....generally, probably not in too good of shape.

pensfan83

@graphicguy yep, it still has the factory paper speakers. The drivers side speaker doesn't operate and while the seller included an OEM replacement he didn't get around to installing, I think I would rather spend the money to have better sound. I'll look into the amps as well, I don't think the car has one from the factory.

That being said I haven't had to deal with aftermarket stereo equipment since my first Honda 20 years ago so I'll take suggestions. My Accord was running a Pioneer head unit with Pioneer speakers (components in the front) and a small amp powering everything. That sounded very good but I'm not stuck on Pioneer.

tjc78

I had Rockford Fosgate speakers in the Grand Marquis. I was very impressed with them for what I paid. I did have a Pioneer double din Nav head unit which I loved. I've always had good luck with their headunits.

https://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/GPS-Navigation/AVIC-Z130BT (long discontinued, but there are newer models)

corvette

Anyone have suggestions for a cell phone mount for the G37/Q40? I normally use a vent clip mount, but the ones I have don’t fit the vents well and they’re not in the best location. I have a “bean bag” dash top mount, but that slides off into the floor if you drive aggressively. 

Michaell

corvette said:

Anyone have suggestions for a cell phone mount for the G37/Q40? I normally use a vent clip mount, but the ones I have don’t fit the vents well and they’re not in the best location. I have a “bean bag” dash top mount, but that slides off into the floor if you drive aggressively. 

I guess I'd suggest you don't drive aggressively.

Not possible with this group....

stickguy

Use a sturdy rubber band. Thread it through the vent slats, then just slide the phone into it with loops at top and bottom. Not going anywhere.

nyccarguy

corvette said:

Anyone have suggestions for a cell phone mount for the G37/Q40? I normally use a vent clip mount, but the ones I have don’t fit the vents well and they’re not in the best location. I have a “bean bag” dash top mount, but that slides off into the floor if you drive aggressively. 

The one I have works pretty good. It isn't perfect. I'll send a pic later.

28firefighter

I really like this car, in part because of how much thought the seller put into making repairs and bringing it into great shape and in part because of how detailed the listing is. Plus, a manual V8? Sold.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1998-bmw-540i-10/

stickguy

Nice car. I test drove one a while back. Quite the fun beast. Lots of money 💴 nvest for owning it 1 year, 2;000 miles. Wonder how much he never gets back?

28firefighter

stickguy said:

Nice car. I test drove one a while back. Quite the fun beast. Lots of money 💴 nvest for owning it 1 year, 2;000 miles. Wonder how much he never gets back?

I'd be willing to bet he'll lose all the time he spent on labor fixing it up and probably $2500 on parts. I could be wrong, but I doubt it goes north of $10k.

pensfan83

Love that 540i, and E39's in general.

qbrozen

28firefighter said:

I really like this car, in part because of how much thought the seller put into making repairs and bringing it into great shape and in part because of how detailed the listing is. Plus, a manual V8? Sold.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1998-bmw-540i-10/

"timing chain guides inspected."
well, that's great. And? Hey, that limo that wrecked in NY was recently inspected, too!

28firefighter

@qbrozen - there is chatter about that in the comments from the seller.

qbrozen

corvette said:

Anyone have suggestions for a cell phone mount for the G37/Q40? I normally use a vent clip mount, but the ones I have don’t fit the vents well and they’re not in the best location. I have a “bean bag” dash top mount, but that slides off into the floor if you drive aggressively. 

The 2 best mounts I have found are a magnetic vent one, but you said the vents aren't in a good place, and a windshield suction cup with long flexible arm. I actually have 2 of these and have tried them in various cars, all with success. One is currently in the Land Rover and the other in my Coronet. Thing is, there are many versions of this style, and I know not all are created equal. I bought a Motor Trend branded one on a whim and it worked so well that I went back and bought another. https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/motor-trend-accessories-universal-mobile-device-vent-mount-mt-mvnt/11000030-P

Sandman6472

How crazy is this site? On my tablet now and I asked me to sign in. I did using the new info and the "sandman_6472" came up as my Forums name!! Am very confused now and not sure who am anymore. Crazy website but am not surprised one bit!!
Well, for however long this tablet recognizes me, I am...

The Sandman/Driving Fool

28firefighter

That 540 ended up selling for $11k - which means seller lost about $2500 in parts costs + labor costs.

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

That 540 ended up selling for $11k - which means seller lost about $2500 in parts costs + labor costs.

Typical used BMW ownership experience.

28firefighter

Yes, but in the meantime that car appears to be right as rain for the new buyer...

corvette

For now! That’s a lot of money and a lot of repairs to invest in a car without the sport package. 

Sandman6472

Another hurricane for Florida, man, think the country has had enough of these storms already!! Yesterday on the way home, it was nice enough that I actually opened up my sunroof for the first time since April. Think it was because of the winds from this storm.
Just pray for those folks in the panhandle of Florida folks!!!

The Sandman/Driving Fool

stickguy

not sure why he did all that to dump it so soon. Unless he sensed that was just the first drop in a big bucket!

well, $2,500 in about 2K miles, so just a tick over $1/mile. Expensive car territory.

corvette

I think my 540i cost about $1 / mile, as well. And it was newer! 

28firefighter

Entirely possible. Supposedly the seller is a well known BMWCCA contributor on the west coast and talked about reasons for getting rid of it in the comments. Who knows...

nyccarguy

corvette said:

For now! That’s a lot of money and a lot of repairs to invest in a car without the sport package. 

I was thinking the same thing.

tbirdmarco

 Nice stuff posted above, Sandy crazy but I’m glad you’ll be here old name back. 20 FF glad you got out in the preview. Think I covered everything that went on in here today nice Beamer posted above. 

qbrozen

Good grief, this transfer of my Ford is taking forever. This has not been a great experience. They take forever to do any little task, they delay responses, and when either of us calls, they make up some excuse that has no validity. Just to give a couple of examples: a couple of weeks ago, buyer called to check up on progress. They told him I needed to pay the $75 transfer fee first. I had already paid it. I called and they told me they didn't have his bday on the application. He sent me a copy and it most certainly was on there. I got a packet in the mail today with papers I had to sign, yet they told me twice before I had nothing else to sign. Meanwhile, he got a notice (sent within MY packet that he was not copied on) they needed his insurance info, which he already faxed them last week. It is just absurd.

nyccarguy

So I’m picking up the Prelude today which is a bit of a logistical challenge.  My mechanic is close to where I work which is about 30 miles from my house.  So I got a ride from a neighbor to the Metro North Train station.  Bought a one way $15.50 peak ticket plus it’s going to be about $3 to take the subway/NYC transit train up to The Bronx, then will have to walk to my store (it’s a nice day).

Besides the fact that it is going to take longer, it is pretty damn expensive too (even with my Infiniti guzzling 93 Octane at about 20 mpg).

venture

qbrozen said:

Good grief, this transfer of my Ford is taking forever. This has not been a great experience. They take forever to do any little task, they delay responses, and when either of us calls, they make up some excuse that has no validity. Just to give a couple of examples: a couple of weeks ago, buyer called to check up on progress. They told him I needed to pay the $75 transfer fee first. I had already paid it. I called and they told me they didn't have his bday on the application. He sent me a copy and it most certainly was on there. I got a packet in the mail today with papers I had to sign, yet they told me twice before I had nothing else to sign. Meanwhile, he got a notice (sent within MY packet that he was not copied on) they needed his insurance info, which he already faxed them last week. It is just absurd.

It's not only absurd; it's becoming all too common. It's a shame when someone gets noticed because they do what they should do instead of someone getting noticed because they do a bad job.

My daughter and her husband are in the process of buying a house right now. The tales they can tell...

stickguy

interesting car, for someone brave, handy, and willing to hit the wrecking yard. Actually looks like a wheeler dealers special, from the older days.

but I think the price is just a tad optimistic! Though after looking at the detail, I see it is out on Ebay. Can't wait to see what this one goes for. No reserve. maybe i should bid $100?

http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-1996-bmw-3_series-328ci_5_speed_manual_transmission_-used-18104448.html

nyccarguy

venture said:

Good grief, this transfer of my Ford is taking forever. This has not been a great experience. They take forever to do any little task, they delay responses, and when either of us calls, they make up some excuse that has no validity. Just to give a couple of examples: a couple of weeks ago, buyer called to check up on progress. They told him I needed to pay the $75 transfer fee first. I had already paid it. I called and they told me they didn't have his bday on the application. He sent me a copy and it most certainly was on there. I got a packet in the mail today with papers I had to sign, yet they told me twice before I had nothing else to sign. Meanwhile, he got a notice (sent within MY packet that he was not copied on) they needed his insurance info, which he already faxed them last week. It is just absurd.

It's not only absurd; it's becoming all too common. It's a shame when someone gets noticed because they do what they should do instead of someone getting noticed because they do a bad job. My daughter and her husband are in the process of buying a house right now. The tales they can tell...

I’m sure.  It’s never easy, even when you do what you are supposed to do.  Try applying for a mortgage when the name of your last name is on the door of where you work and your boss is your Dad.  

“Are you the owner of the company?”
”No.  I’m a salaried employee.  W2.”

"We need a notarized letter from someone not related to you confirming this."
"No problem.  I'll have my delivery driver sign a letter."

Mr_Shiftright

stickguy said:

interesting car, for someone brave, handy, and willing to hit the wrecking yard. Actually looks like a wheeler dealers special, from the older days.

but I think the price is just a tad optimistic! Though after looking at the detail, I see it is out on Ebay. Can't wait to see what this one goes for. No reserve. maybe i should bid $100?

http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-1996-bmw-3_series-328ci_5_speed_manual_transmission_-used-18104448.html

162,000 miles? $2500 bucks all day long...maybe. This estimate is based on my theory that in 2018, any car that passes smog and/or inspection, starts right up, runs around the block without making horrifying noises or puking all over the street, stops in a straight line, doesn't smoke like a mosquito abatement truck, and looks good from 20 feet away --- is worth at least that.

stickguy

I’d bid $1,000 and amuse myself searching for a used interior. Or a roll of duct tape and a set of slip covers.

qbrozen

With that interior, I wouldn't even want to pay that. You know you at least need a new back window and seat covers. I suppose if you wanted a cheap vert and did not give one wit what it looks like, you could keep the cost down. One step up would involve, I suppose, a full wrap, high-quality seat covers, and repair the top. What's that run? $1500 or so? I'm thinking $1500-$2k, so you're in it for no more than $3500. BUT, if the cooling system has some age on it, start deducting.

stickguy

Just leave the top down. No need for a back window!

I sadly don’t have the tools or expertise to take on a DIY project like this.

Mr_Shiftright

stickguy said:

I’d bid $1,000 and amuse myself searching for a used interior. Or a roll of duct tape and a set of slip covers.

Oh I didn't look at the photos. Yeah, $1,000 is plenty generous.

henryn

I got my recall in the mail for the 2018 F150 seat belt retractor. I remember @qbrozen talking about taking care of that on his 2017. What they sent me in the mail says it will take 1/2 day to complete, possibly longer. And of course, this being Ford, I will have to sit around and wait. Somehow I don't think this will ever get done on my truck.

qbrozen

henryn said:

I got my recall in the mail for the 2018 F150 seat belt retractor. I remember @qbrozen talking about taking care of that on his 2017. What they sent me in the mail says it will take 1/2 day to complete, possibly longer. And of course, this being Ford, I will have to sit around and wait. Somehow I don't think this will ever get done on my truck.

Service Dept quoted me 90 mins. I was there like 2.5 hrs, though.

tbirdmarco

Nice stuff posted above, Sandy crazy but I’m glad you’ll be there old name back.

tbirdmarco

 Sorry to hear about the troubles are giving you with your lease transfer to be hopefully it gets done soon, that’s totally absurd what are you doing to you. And probably many of others. 

xwesx

Local Ford dealer here has an excellent shuttle service, plus they use a Flex for their shuttle (which is a big plus, for me, because they are wonderfully comfortable!). The two times I had my Fiesta in there for a non-same-day service, they provided a loaner.

henryn

The closest Ford dealer to my house has a shuttle service that will take me back home, but not to work. And once I get home, how do I get back to the dealership? Around here, Uber never seems to be under $15.

Like I said, this one will not get done. Unless I have to take the truck in for something else. Keeping my fingers crossed that doesn't happen!

kyfdx

stickguy said:

Just leave the top down. No need for a back window!

I sadly don’t have the tools or expertise to take on a DIY project like this.

Typical E36 interior..

nyccarguy

I finally got my Prelude back this afternoon!  The car drives better than new.  There’s a 500 mile break in period for the new clutch.  

Yes it kinda stinks to sink $2,100 into a car that I’ve owned for 16 years.  Well worth it though.

Next on the punch list (not until the Spring):

New Tires - The front 2 are completely shot.  Cracking inbetween the treads & down to the wear Bars.

Rear sway bar bushings - Mechanic says these are making noise in and should be replaced.

Timing Belt/Water Pump/Balance Shaft Seals - If memory serves me correct, I had this done around the 76,000 mile mark.  

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

I finally got my Prelude back this afternoon!  The car drives better than new.  There’s a 500 mile break in period for the new clutch.  

Yes it kinda stinks to sink $2,100 into a car that I’ve owned for 16 years.  Well worth it though.

Next on the punch list (not until the Spring):

New Tires - The front 2 are completely shot.  Cracking inbetween the treads & down to the wear Bars.

Rear sway bar bushings - Mechanic says these are making noise in and should be replaced.

Timing Belt/Water Pump/Balance Shaft Seals - If memory serves me correct, I had this done around the 76,000 mile mark.  

If you love the car, maintenance is just the price of being able to enjoy it. Spending a few extra dollars sure beats being sentenced to drive an anodyne soul-crushing appliance.

venture

henryn said:

I got my recall in the mail for the 2018 F150 seat belt retractor. I remember @qbrozen talking about taking care of that on his 2017. What they sent me in the mail says it will take 1/2 day to complete, possibly longer. And of course, this being Ford, I will have to sit around and wait. Somehow I don't think this will ever get done on my truck.

I got a recall for something (I don't remember) on my 2014 Fusion. The dealer said they will call when the parts came in. I haven't had that car for over a year , but I'm still waiting for them to call.

nyccarguy

Shifty - https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1992-toyota-mr2-8/

tbirdmarco

New York car guy, glad you got your prelude back yes I’m sad said New York car guy, glad you got your premium back yes I’m sad about if you love the car it’s OK to spend the money, but do the driving a boring appliance. I won hundred percent agree with above. West agree of the flex one of my favorite forwards wish I could drive probably I would’ve had a few already. Also big fan of the current generation Taurus too. Have a good day everyone. Will be back in here later.