Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

corvette

stickguy said:

It still couldn't use it, since I park in the garage.

If it's an attached garage, you probably don't need it. If it's a detached garage with no living quarters and no pets living inside it, well, I've opened the door and used it in that instance before.

nyccarguy said:

Definitely looking forward to your review of the remote start installation.  I had the dealer add the OEM remote starter to my Subaru.  It’s one thing I actually miss about the car.

I'll add details later. Basically, the Nissan/Infiniti wiring is extremely similar from what I can tell. You will need a test light to find the door pin wire to attach to prevent the auto headlamps from staying on and draining the battery in the event the remote start times out and the headlights are activated. The only new part, for me, is the Crimestopper (I think) module that adds the ability to start via a cellular connection. The old part, which I had on the Murano and will still have on the G37, you press the lock button on the OEM keyfob three times, and the car will start and run for 30 minutes. That part is a Fortin bypass module, and you can order them preprogrammed so they just plug and play. I had the same thing on both the Murano and the Mustang and left them both installed, so the remote starter people have gotten hundreds of $$$ from me over the past few years.

Mr_Shiftright

xwesx said:

The weather has been remarkably warm here. Not sure whether I should be glad of this or not! It rained heavily yesterday (would have likely been >12" of snow in years past), and I expected it to be icy this morning, but low temp bottomed out a couple degrees above freezing.

I feel a little bad for the hares. They are all fully decked out in their winter-white coats, and there has yet to be appreciable snow! I imagine the raptors are enjoying it, though.

As for auto-start, like with cell phones, mine is the only family I know that doesn't have this feature on our cars. I don't pre-heat mine, and my wife prefers to go start hers before she gets moving. I do use it on the one car I have that came with the feature, but usually just as I'm walking up to it!

The wabbits might as well put targets on their backs!

boomchek

Good to see many familiar names still here from when I first joined 15 years ago and was really active back then. I think I was absent for last 10 years from these forums, hopping in and out with my last post being 3 years ago

I've been busy with work, 2 kids, and saving to upgrade from a 1 bedroom condo (with 2 kids it was tight) to a townhouse (huge challenge in Vancouver with home prices being sky high). But now that our home is big enough for the family and I finally have my own garage/mancave I can get back into acquiring cars again. Haven't bought many cars lately although my tally is up to 40+ cars owned in 22 years of driving. I have some catching up to do both on these forums and with buying cars Hope everyone's been doing well!

nyccarguy

Hey @boomchek!  Welcome back!  Glad to hear from you that all is going well.  What vehicles are in your fleet now?  Have you punched your CCBA card at all in 2018?

tbirdmarco

 Well those are having warm weather awesome, we’re having a cold spell here in the north east, but hey it is what it is. Do we have to do regardless. Corvette yes put the snow on the remote start insulation on the G 37, have a good day all, think covered everything in here welcome back remember above. 

pensfan83

Well the Prelude needs a few things to pass state inspection. Right front caliper is bad, tie rod ends, ball joints have some play, rear way bar bushings. Brakes pass but would need done sometime next year so while they are in there I'm having pads/rotors done. Not thrilled but not really sure much of this would be known without throwing the car on a lift beforehand. Lesson learned. The bad caliper surprised me because it seemed to brake fine and straight.

henryn

pensfan83 said:

Well the Prelude needs a few things to pass state inspection. Right front caliper is bad, tie rod ends, ball joints have some play, rear way bar bushings. Brakes pass but would need done sometime next year so while they are in there I'm having pads/rotors done. Not thrilled but not really sure much of this would be known without throwing the car on a lift beforehand. Lesson learned. The bad caliper surprised me because it seemed to brake fine and straight.

Didn't you just recently buy this, with something like 180k miles on it? Or is my memory playing tricks on me again? If you did just recently buy it, another good lesson on why it's worthwhile paying for a PPI, Especially on a well used older model with a lot of miles.

stickguy

As long as it’s a keeper, you will get a car that drives like new, so all good! Of course, it’s not my money.

pensfan83

henryn said:

Didn't you just recently buy this, with something like 180k miles on it? Or is my memory playing tricks on me again? If you did just recently buy it, another good lesson on why it's worthwhile paying for a PPI, Especially on a well used older model with a lot of miles.

You are correct. As far as a PPI, fully agree but logistics prevented that from happening and I felt the gamble on something like a Honda is not the same as a Porsche, BMW, MB, etc. The seller scanned and emailed me all receipts for numerous and even more expensive maintainence items such as tires, misc OEM replacement parts, tune up, timing belt,valve adjustment, etc so I made a calculated decision it was worth the risk. Unfortunately it didn't completely pan out but with 182K those type of things are bound to fail at some point so if this gets me through the next few years with only needing stateinspections and oil changes I'll take it.

boomchek

nyccarguy said:

Hey @boomchek!  Welcome back!  Glad to hear from you that all is going well.  What vehicles are in your fleet now?  Have you punched your CCBA card at all in 2018?

Thanks, no stamps yet this year. The only thing recent that we bought that we have now is my wife's 2014 Mercedes B250 that we bought last fall. We got rid of an older Lexus RX300 we had for a year and our 2007 BMW 328i we had for a good 8 years after it hit 200,000kms (120k miles) as it was starting to have minor electrical annoyances.

I was a manager at a used car lot for 2 yeara so we had no need to buy anything for a while as I just took cars home that suited me.

tjc78

pensfan83 said:

Well the Prelude needs a few things to pass state inspection. Right front caliper is bad, tie rod ends, ball joints have some play, rear way bar bushings. Brakes pass but would need done sometime next year so while they are in there I'm having pads/rotors done. Not thrilled but not really sure much of this would be known without throwing the car on a lift beforehand. Lesson learned. The bad caliper surprised me because it seemed to brake fine and straight.

I'm impressed they checked all that. In Jersey as long as the computer isn't throwing any codes, you pass.

kyfdx

tjc78 said:

pensfan83 said:

Well the Prelude needs a few things to pass state inspection. Right front caliper is bad, tie rod ends, ball joints have some play, rear way bar bushings. Brakes pass but would need done sometime next year so while they are in there I'm having pads/rotors done. Not thrilled but not really sure much of this would be known without throwing the car on a lift beforehand. Lesson learned. The bad caliper surprised me because it seemed to brake fine and straight.

I'm impressed they checked all that. In Jersey as long as the computer isn't throwing any codes, you pass.

I was wondering if all of that was caught on inspection, or if your mechanic said you needed the repairs to pass?

pensfan83

PA is pretty thorough with its safety inspections. Interestingly there were a few posts in Tales from Under the Hood referencing NY state inspections in light of the tragic limo accident. Ironically my car came from NY.

@kyfdx I didn't ask but I guess it could be from either. It's my first experience with this shop since they only handle Honda/Acura. They have a sterling reputation though.

suydam

Of course in Ohio, right next door, what inspections? If you can drag your heap onto the highway you’re good to go.

tbirdmarco

Wow good thing  was only that  found  rong. With the car.  Crazy on the variation. On what the states  do when it comes to inspecting.   Cars 

corvette

Not super encouraging on the remote start. I thought I had ordered from this place before, but now it looks like I bought the previous two through Amazon. Anyway, this place charged my card but didn't send any order confirmation or shipping confirmation, nor do they answer their phone. If it's not here in a week, I'm filing a chargeback with my credit card. Looks like it may be a while before I have remote start in the G37!

tbirdmarco

 Wow Corvette, what a mess with this company that you were dealing with for the remote start, yes sounds like a plan we week and then finally charged back with your credit card company. Happy Friday everybody have a good weekend all, will be back in here later on. 

corvette

They’re still not answering their phone and haven’t sent me an order confirmation or tracking number. I went ahead and disputed the charge with my credit card. 

tbirdmarco

 Very nice Corvette, glad disputed the charge from now instead of waiting a week. You just have to order it from another company on Amazon now. 

stickguy

have to take the RDX in tomorrow to have the tires rotated, and brake check (the low fluid light is on). While we are out, might drag the wife off to look at a few things.

I have been semi-incapacitated the last week with (apparently) Sciatica. Quite painful. Seems to be getting better, slowly. But I have discovered that when you have back/leg issues, a little bit higher seat, with power adjustments, and comfy design, is really nice. Probably the excuse I needed to swap out of the lower, firmer riding sporty car. Though the ride is OK, the bigger issue is not being able to tilt the seat up (plus it is on the firmer side).

still want to test sit a Volvo and TLX. Though at this point, want to wait for the new V60. Also will look at a few small/midsized CUV/hatch types. Maybe an X2. and a CX5. CRV is out now.

probably not actually doing anything soon. But, never know when you will be in the right place at the right time, and some dealer makes an offer you can't refuse!

Drivingfool

Have had sciatica for years now, since the 2005 accident, and can be quite debilitating at times. The one good thing about that Tucson I had was I was able to slide in and out with no drop whatsoever. Think that's what blinded me to every other negative there was. And funny, I still hear about it to this day about that expensive mistake I made once upon a time! And for some insane reason, I like the new Kia Sportage, I really do! And saw the rear ends of the new 2019 Kia Forte lined up and ready for their pdi's and tags. Nice looking from the rear and something we almost ended up with in our garage. Before I mentioned the A3, the wife was about to sign for a new Forte. Came down to the new Mazda3 or the new Forte at that time. Once I mentioned the Audi, I knew eventually she'd buy one. Takes her awhile to finally purchase anything and I know it's just silly to rush her. After multiple test drives and questions that can take weeks, she finally decides whereas I know within a pretty short duration what vehicles have made my short list and then choose a final one somewhat quickly. Sometimes too much is just too much!

benjaminh

stickguy said:

have to take the RDX in tomorrow to have the tires rotated, and brake check (the low fluid light is on). While we are out, might drag the wife off to look at a few things.

I have been semi-incapacitated the last week with (apparently) Sciatica. Quite painful. Seems to be getting better, slowly. But I have discovered that when you have back/leg issues, a little bit higher seat, with power adjustments, and comfy design, is really nice. Probably the excuse I needed to swap out of the lower, firmer riding sporty car. Though the ride is OK, the bigger issue is not being able to tilt the seat up (plus it is on the firmer side).

still want to test sit a Volvo and TLX. Though at this point, want to wait for the new V60. Also will look at a few small/midsized CUV/hatch types. Maybe an X2. and a CX5. CRV is out now.

probably not actually doing anything soon. But, never know when you will be in the right place at the right time, and some dealer makes an offer you can't refuse!

Sorry you're still having back trouble. Hate to say it, but the TLX might not be such a good choice if you're needing a higher seating position. It's a little higher than an Elantra Sport, but probably not much. On the other hand, the TLX's seats are quite comfortable. Might be a mistake to write off the CR-V, which at the EX trim level is an impressive package for c.$26k. Difficult to say about the seemingly small number of people who have engine oil issues with the 1.5 in the CRV, but I'm confident Honda will take care of any engine issues. In terms of looking for a bargain, what about the current Volvo S60 and V60? My local dealer is really dealing on those. A lease on one of those wouldn't lock you in too long, and then you could get the next generation when it's also a good deal and full debugged. Finally, it looks like Acura is having a rare "loyalty lease" on the RDX. Even with that the new RDX is expensive, but really an amazing vehicle that perhaps you should consider going for at your age? As someone just turned 54 myself that definitely factored into leasing a "dream car" for me. I wondered was I ever actually going to drive a nice car before I kicked the bucket? Rather grim way to put it, I realize, but there it is. Anyway, as you know I'm glad I did. It's just my 2 cents, but I feel like at this point in life, esp. with your back trouble, that it would be good to try for something nicer than an Elantra....

stickguy

I am considering a lease. For a Volvo now, would either be that or a couple of year old CPO (not like they changed much the last few years). good point about being a nice transition to the new model in a couple of years, doing a lease now. Supply though is getting pretty thin, especially with a non-black interior. I do need to find some time to stop over there, just in case.

The TLX is high enough for me. I just don't want something like a Miata where you pretty much fall in/climb out of it! The seats are more important than the height.

My wife loved the new RDX. She would not complain, but that is going to be real pricey. The "splurge on a luxury car because you might never get another chance" move, was that RDX (I told her she had to commit to keeping it 10 years, and she is willing). At least that is paid off.

tjc78

What’s the RDX top out at? 44k or so. I would think a low 400s lease payment would be doable with zero out of pocket.

kyfdx

tjc78 said:

What’s the RDX top out at? 44k or so. I would think a low 400s lease payment would be doable with zero out of pocket.

Not a chance. No incentives.
Mid-$500s, most likely

tjc78

Wow, many other choices at that payment.

tbirdmarco

 Go for it stick guy, you know you want to enroll in here to encourage you. 

kyfdx

tjc78 said:

Wow, many other choices at that payment.

Yes...

Seeing all of the Honcker prices can spoil you for the real world. Once you start looking for a specific model, rather than just a low price, you see that the "1% rule" is definitely not the norm.

tjc78

No it’s not. My Enclave is a touch above the 1% rule. 50K MSRP not a penny out of pocket at signing (not even 1st payment ) and 515 /month.

benjaminh

Acura's "loyalty/conquest" lease on the base RDX is $380 a month + taxes etc.—but that's with $3k down. So that probably means that with taxes and if you aren't putting much at all down you'd probably be looking at almost $500 a month. It's an awesome vehicle, but that's a lot of money. Acura is known for good levels of standard equipment, and so the base model has a panoramic roof, heated memory seats, good sound system, etc., but that is still a FWD model that doesn't have blind spot monitoring.

https://www.acura.com/

"2019 RDX 10 Speed Automatic Featured Special Loyalty/Conquest Lease
$379 Per month for 36 months.$2,999 Total due at signing.Closed-end lease for 2019 RDX 10 Speed Automatic vehicles (TC1H3KJW) available from September 5, 2018 through October 31, 2018, available to well-qualified lessees approved by Acura Financial Services. Not all lessees will qualify. Higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. Lease offers vary based on MSRP. MSRP $38,295.00 (includes destination, excludes tax, license, title fee, registration, documentation fee, options, insurance and the like). Actual net capitalized cost $34,982.23. Net capitalized cost includes $595 acquisition fee. Dealer contribution may vary and could affect actual lease payment. Total monthly payments $13,644.00. Option to purchase at lease end $24,125.85."

benjaminh

Prestige Volvo in NJ has this lease offer....

"2018 VOLVO S60
T5 Inscription
MSRP: $39,290
2018 Volvo S60 T5 AWD Inscription shown
LEASE FOR
$275/mo.
$3,180 Down"

https://www.prestigevolvo.com/

$100 less a month for a vehicle that has a slightly higher msrp than a base Acura RDX.

And for a money saver they have a certified 2013 S60 with 47k miles for $14k. Might get them down to 12, and I bet it has better seats than an Elantra Sport.

graphicguy

kyfdx said:

tjc78 said:

What’s the RDX top out at? 44k or so. I would think a low 400s lease payment would be doable with zero out of pocket.

Not a chance. No incentives.
Mid-$500s, most likely

I’m surprised at those lease prices/terms on the RDX. I would think that their residual would mitigate some of the purchase price.

What is the residual percentage on an RDX after 36/36K?

benjaminh

One of the best lease deals on a luxury car still seems to be at my local Volvo dealer for a loaded 2018 V60 AWD wagon with an msrp of $47k.....

"2018 VOLVOV60Cross Country T5 AWD
Lease For$399/MO. $0 Down
INCLUDED PACKAGES
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) ($41,850)
Convenience Package ($1,500)
Keyless Entry & Drive
Electric Power Steering Personalization
Rear Park Assist Camera
HomeLink® Integrated Garage Door Opener
Blind Spot Information System Package ($925)
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)
Cross Traffic Alert
Front Park Assist
Lane Change Merge Aid
Heated Front Seats & Heated Steering Whe ($750)
Metallic Paint ($595)
Net Pocket Kit* ($160)
Protection Package* ($270)
Off-Black Leather ($500)
Destination Charge ($995)
Total Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) ($47,545)"

https://www.volvooflouisville.com/specials/new.htm

ab348

Astounds me what Volvo charges extra for - keyless entry? Rear view camera? Heated seats (on a vehicle from Sweden)?

kyfdx

graphicguy said:

kyfdx said:

tjc78 said:

What’s the RDX top out at? 44k or so. I would think a low 400s lease payment would be doable with zero out of pocket.

Not a chance. No incentives.
Mid-$500s, most likely

I’m surprised at those lease prices/terms on the RDX. I would think that their residual would mitigate some of the purchase price.

What is the residual percentage on an RDX after 36/36K?

62% base
60% all other trims.

And, the ad car is only $38K MSRP.

I wouldn't say it's high, just typical.

benjaminh

ab348 said:

Astounds me what Volvo charges extra for - keyless entry? Rear view camera? Heated seats (on a vehicle from Sweden)?

Although the new Cadillac XT4 also charges extra for heated seats.

We're enjoying the standard heated cloth seats in our 2018 AWD CRV EX that we paid c.$27k for.

breld

Tempting...

530i manual

kyfdx

breld said:

Tempting...

530i manual

Nice... those do look like M5 wheels, but I didn't think they fit the stock 530i?

For $6500 or so, it would be nice. I like it a lot.

28firefighter

Me like that 530. 

benjaminh

My local Cadillac dealer has this lease deal on a new 2018 XT5....

"2018 CADILLAC XT5 Base
Lease For $289 $0 DOWN
2018 Cadillac XT5 Base - Disclaimer: MSRP $40,990 must qualify for all incentives including Loyalty / Conquest. $0 due at signing. 10,000 miles a year. 39-month lease term. Plus taxes, dealer fees, and dealer added options. "

https://www.courtesycadillac.net/MonthlySpecials

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NBbSbya3PU

henryn

ab348 said:

Astounds me what Volvo charges extra for - keyless entry? Rear view camera? Heated seats (on a vehicle from Sweden)?

Heated seats? What are those for? (smile) I think I already told my story about heated seats, so I'll spare all of you the retelling.

benjaminh said:

My local Cadillac dealer has this lease deal on a new 2018 XT5....

"2018 CADILLAC XT5 Base
Lease For $289 $0 DOWN
2018 Cadillac XT5 Base - Disclaimer: MSRP $40,990 must qualify for all incentives including Loyalty / Conquest. $0 due at signing. 10,000 miles a year. 39-month lease term. Plus taxes, dealer fees, and dealer added options. "

That sounds like a very good deal on the 2018 XT5. Well under the 1% rule, and a car I wouldn't mind owning. One of the local Caddy dealers has a base 2018 XT5 for $10k off sticker, about $31k. Tempting.

qbrozen

Probably about $360-$365 with fees and taxes rolled in. I assume FWD?

qbrozen

breld said:

Tempting... 530i manual

No mention of cooling system or valley pan. 

henryn

qbrozen said:

Probably about $360-$365 with fees and taxes rolled in. I assume FWD?

A lot more here in Texas, thanks to 6.25% sales tax up front on the entire amount. That will add about $2k right there, spread over 39 months (the length of the lease), another $51 per month. But I wouldn't be leasing anyway.

And yes, the Base XT5 is FWD.

tbirdmarco

 QP, you know you want to do it go for you all in a bowl you in here. Ha ha sounds like a nice deal on the Cadillac, think I said in one of those earlier this year at the auto show seemed nice. 

ab348

benjaminh said:

Although the new Cadillac XT4 also charges extra for heated seats.

Huh. They're standard on all trims of it up here.

benjaminh

ab348 said:

benjaminh said:

Although the new Cadillac XT4 also charges extra for heated seats.

Huh. They're standard on all trims of it up here.

In Canada it seems like you get heated everything for free lol!++

jpp75

Looks like Carmax sent my old C30 to auction and it's now for sale down in Colorado Springs at a much lower price, but still not low enough.

I still miss this car.

https://www.carsforsale.com/vehicle/details/48014407

breld

kyfdx said:

breld said:

Tempting...

530i manual

Nice... those do look like M5 wheels, but I didn't think they fit the stock 530i?

For $6500 or so, it would be nice. I like it a lot.

I do look back fondly on the 2002 530i I had - I drove that for about a year as my daily, and we all know that's saying a lot.

Those are definitely M5 wheels - I'd prefer the stock sport package wheels, but the M5 ones certainly look nice, and not necessarily out of place.

I don't know much about that "M-sport" package they refer to - not sure if that was actually available from the factory or is more of an aftermarket add-on. Either way, as long as it was installed professionally, it looks nice. The dual tailpipe setup is attractive.

Given the price point, if it received good grades on a PPI, I'd consider it.

roadburner

breld said:

Tempting...

530i manual

A perfect work hack for me!!!