Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

benjaminh

Mr_Shiftright said:

Think this would make me happy?

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/d/bmw-z4-30si-coupe/6726159238.html

Maybe.

Don't know prices, but it seems high to me, and this guy seems to have a bit of a chip on his shoulder. Where's the carfax and what's the ownership history/service records? Isn't this the kind of car that you yourself might say that if you hit a major repair you just have to almost kill it?

I know you've pretty much written off Mini, but Mini of San Francisco will lease you this 2019 Mini S 6-speed manual (the one on the top far left) for c.$300 a month. Goes from 0-60 in c.6.2 seconds, which is a second slower than the Z4 3.0, but maybe fast enough? Plus it's more practical—more space, full warranty, newer tech, higher mpg, and oil changes and maintenance are included. Just a thought....

https://www.minisf.com/mini-specials/

Or also available for lease for about $300 a month is this red Golf GTI 6-speed manual....

https://www.stevenscreekvw.com/new-vehicles/golf-gti-specials/

Neither one is as unique or special as a 12-year old BMW Z4 3.0 with a mysterious history. But I think most BMW's with that age and a mysterious history have a good chance of proving what the Buddha once said about life—"life is suffering."

Drivingfool

Asking price was $250 and ended up getting $200, something I could live with. Even threw in a new in the box 1MM cable as I had a few extra's still. Wasn't really worth the multiple texts afterwards but hey, it's working and he's happy. And I got $200 in my pocket. It was a 6s Plus with a new Apple battery in April and a screen protector, it was in excellent condition actually as it was always in a case.
So, nothing more to sell, the kid said no more OfferUp! But I've had good luck weeding through and getting a good price from decent folks. So, will still keep looking for stuff I need. But, no more new phones that way I guess. Since I didn't have a sales receipt, thought Apple wouldn't play nice. The 6s Plus I got on eBay, brand new also but again, no receipt. But love my new 8 Plus as it's got that wireless charging feature and now have 64 gigs instead of 32. Am very very pleased!!

The Sandman/Driving Fool

qbrozen

Mr_Shiftright said:

It suuure...does. I got all tingly. Of course, 100 miles away. yes, yes, I KNOW..."well, if you REALLY wanted it, you'd drive down there with a cash deposit, then arrange for a local PPI that same day, then negotiate a price, then go back down there a 2nd time with a check, and then flatbed it home" Guilty as charged.

I don't have much data, but the MOST EXPENSIVE example was way back in Feb in AZ. Manual trans, black, 3.5 condition, which is fine for its age, and 63k miles. Pulled a whopping $8750.

With that info, I'll let you draw your own conclusions as to the asking price on your silver example.

kyfdx

Mr_Shiftright said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

kyfdx said:

I like the color.

I have issues with lighter color Porsche interiors, though. The matching carpet color is just too much. I’d at least have to put black mats in it

The interiors are pretty cheesy actually, at least on the 986 versions.

Something odd about that car. CARFAX says it spent its entire life in Kentucky, and has only driven 3,000 miles in 6 years--then suddenly appears last month in Arizona. And now it's priced $6,000 under market.

I just don't know.

It's being sold in suburban Louisville, so I'd say the Arizona thing is just off.

kyfdx

Mr_Shiftright said:

Think this would make me happy?

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/d/bmw-z4-30si-coupe/6726159238.html

You'd always wish you had the Z4M coupe.. I know I would.

tbirdmarco

Sounds good to me stick to do that 

ab348

Mr_Shiftright said:

Think this would make me happy?

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/d/bmw-z4-30si-coupe/6726159238.html

Do you fit in those? Interior and access to it seems tight.

kyfdx

ab348 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Think this would make me happy?

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/d/bmw-z4-30si-coupe/6726159238.html

Do you fit in those? Interior and access to it seems tight.

I don't know about access, but once you get in, there is plenty of room, BMWs typically have a lot of fore/aft adjustments, and head room is good, too.

That is my favorite body style.

Mr_Shiftright

qbrozen said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

It suuure...does. I got all tingly. Of course, 100 miles away. yes, yes, I KNOW..."well, if you REALLY wanted it, you'd drive down there with a cash deposit, then arrange for a local PPI that same day, then negotiate a price, then go back down there a 2nd time with a check, and then flatbed it home"

Guilty as charged.

I don't have much data, but the MOST EXPENSIVE example was way back in Feb in AZ. Manual trans, black, 3.5 condition, which is fine for its age, and 63k miles. Pulled a whopping $8750.

With that info, I'll let you draw your own conclusions as to the asking price on your silver example.

Well I would NEVER pay close to the asking price for that one, but on the other hand, you ain't gonna buy one this nice for $8750. I'd estimate the car is worth maybe $11K--$12K in top shape and with the miles noted.

Like This:

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/d/2007-bmw-z4-coupe-93k-miles/6729149768.html

Normally aspired BMWs don't scare me too much, as long as the miles aren't piled up. The way to approach a car like this, I think, is to make a list of all the chronic issues with the model, and then do a PPI and check 'em off the list.

I hesitate to lease because I am very hard on my cars (they sit outside, I drive them wherever my work requires, and I carry stuff). Also I like to pay cash for my cars. I enjoy being debt-free.

I like GTIs but I"m stubborn about owning a 4-door car. I suppose I could overcome that.

I like fast (or at least nimble) coupes/hatches with manual transmissions. It's too bad the Mazda RX-8 is such a headache.

I don't have a lot of confidence in the MINI brand and the car keeps getting pummeled in reliability ratings.

I'm fussy. I could drive you people crazy. Best to sit me in a corner. One day I'll just show up here with a new car, promise!

jpp75

@Mr_Shiftright You know anyone in Portland that would check these out for you?

https://www.carsforsale.com/vehicle/details/46559357

https://www.carsforsale.com/vehicle/details/46370564

pensfan83

@Mr_Shiftright you'll find something and there's no shortage of great feedback in this group I searched for the better part of 4.5 months before I found a car that checked all the boxes.

28firefighter

Check this oddball out:
https://jalopnik.com/at-5-500-could-this-2005-volvo-v50-t5-awd-be-all-the-1829894459

6spd V50 T5 AWD.

stickguy

Shifty, the GTI does come as a 2 door if the back doors bother you that much!

stickguy

Those are fun cars. But certainly rare. I’d be fine with a FWD version actually. Basically a roomier, more practical, C30

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

Shifty, the GTI doesn't come as a 2 door anymore!

stickguy

What, thecstopped making a 2 door version? Really? Odd.

That’s OK Though. Shifty buys used.

Mr_Shiftright

jpp5862 said:

@Mr_Shiftright You know anyone in Portland that would check these out for you?

https://www.carsforsale.com/vehicle/details/46559357

https://www.carsforsale.com/vehicle/details/46370564

I do have friends in Portland but they really aren't qualified to do a PPI. At best, they could tell it the car wasn't a waste of time. But I'm never going to buy "on the blind". I worked too hard for my $$$.

How amusing. The more I look around at other cars, the more the MINI behaves. It's not a bad car--it's just very very TIRED. It really needs shocks/struts all around, control arm bushings, sway bar bushings and motor mounts. The ride is getting brutal and it's very jittery in hard cornering.

Mr_Shiftright

nyccarguy said:

stickguy said:

Shifty, the GTI doesn't come as a 2 door anymore!

Well they did up to...what...2016?

Mr_Shiftright

28firefighter said:

Check this oddball out:
https://jalopnik.com/at-5-500-could-this-2005-volvo-v50-t5-awd-be-all-the-1829894459

6spd V50 T5 AWD.

Oh great, another unicorn for me to hunt! LOL!

You have to admit. If you do a global search on Autotrader for the car you like, and it shows "no results", there's probably something seriously wrong with you.

By the time I add the filters "manual transmission" and "no black, no white" and "within 100 miles", I just whiff.

stickguy

That first one is pretty sharp. And loaded.

stickguy

Buy the red one. It’s for sale!

Mr_Shiftright

I'll ask my aging aunt if she wants one.

benjaminh

Mr_Shiftright said:

.... The more I look around at other cars, the more the MINI behaves. It's not a bad car--it's just very very TIRED. It really needs shocks/struts all around, control arm bushings, sway bar bushings and motor mounts. The ride is getting brutal and it's very jittery in hard cornering.

Sounds like your Mini is almost dead, Jim....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH7KYmGnj40

qbrozen

Mr_Shiftright said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

It suuure...does. I got all tingly. Of course, 100 miles away. yes, yes, I KNOW..."well, if you REALLY wanted it, you'd drive down there with a cash deposit, then arrange for a local PPI that same day, then negotiate a price, then go back down there a 2nd time with a check, and then flatbed it home" Guilty as charged.

I don't have much data, but the MOST EXPENSIVE example was way back in Feb in AZ. Manual trans, black, 3.5 condition, which is fine for its age, and 63k miles. Pulled a whopping $8750.

With that info, I'll let you draw your own conclusions as to the asking price on your silver example.

Well I would NEVER pay close to the asking price for that one, but on the other hand, you ain't gonna buy one this nice for $8750. I'd estimate the car is worth maybe $11K--$12K in top shape and with the miles noted. Like This: https://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/d/2007-bmw-z4-coupe-93k-miles/6729149768.html Normally aspired BMWs don't scare me too much, as long as the miles aren't piled up. The way to approach a car like this, I think, is to make a list of all the chronic issues with the model, and then do a PPI and check 'em off the list. I hesitate to lease because I am very hard on my cars (they sit outside, I drive them wherever my work requires, and I carry stuff). Also I like to pay cash for my cars. I enjoy being debt-free. I like GTIs but I"m stubborn about owning a 4-door car. I suppose I could overcome that. I like fast (or at least nimble) coupes/hatches with manual transmissions. It's too bad the Mazda RX-8 is such a headache. I don't have a lot of confidence in the MINI brand and the car keeps getting pummeled in reliability ratings. I'm fussy. I could drive you people crazy. Best to sit me in a corner. One day I'll just show up here with a new car, promise!

Well, no, you aren't buying that z4 for auction value ... unless you are a dealer at an auction amd it comes through. $11k is fair private party.

Mr_Shiftright

No, it still runs great, bless its little heart and looks good, too. But you know, 152,000 miles is approaching statistical lifetime.

Also it is virtually worthless. You'd be lucky to get $1,000 trade-in and $2,500 retail with those miles.

qbrozen

@Mr_Shiftright
the v50 is in NV. Grab that damned thing, will ya?!

jpp75

stickguy said:

That first one is pretty sharp. And loaded.

I like everything about it but the wheels. Low miles too.

@Mr_Shiftright I get it, I have a good friend in Portland who loves cars but also wouldn't be a good PPI. I need to get up there. There's also a sharp one in Bend, OR I need to check out.

28firefighter

Sounds like as good an excuse for a weekend trip as any - just book a refundable return ticket in case you're driving it home!

jpp75

qbrozen said:

@Mr_Shiftright
the v50 is in NV. Grab that damned thing, will ya?!

Actually the link shows it's just a couple of hours out of Sacramento.

I agree though, he should get it.

benjaminh

Mr_Shiftright said:

No, it still runs great, bless its little heart and looks good, too. But you know, 152,000 miles is approaching statistical lifetime.

Also it is virtually worthless. You'd be lucky to get $1,000 trade-in and $2,500 retail with those miles.

This might be a reason to take it to a Mini dealer for a possible trade-in. Any other dealer is likely to say, more or less, "what a worthless and worn-out lemon!" But a Mini dealer might almost be forced to say, "What a classic! Now, what can we do to get you into a new Mini." As long as you're willing to walk away, they might give you an ok trade-in credit to get you into a new Mini.

As we all know, the new generations of BMW Minis have grown over the years. A 2003 first generation 2-door hatchback has a length of only about 143 inches, and a width of 66.5 inches. Starting in 2007, the second generation 2-door has a length of about 146 inches with the width staying at about 66 and a half inches. The third generation was introduced in 2014, and has a length of about 150.5 and a width of 68. It's more livable size for most people now than the 2003, but the two-door is still quite trim and tidy for driving in the crowded Bay Area. In terms of going into debt, a lease maybe in some ways doesn't do that, but I hear what you're saying. You're a better man than I am staying debt free. I do think though that with a bit of luck even parking on the streets of San Francisco a leased Mini would probably survive just fine. Having it under warranty takes away any worries about repairs, plus now they even cover oil changes and maintenance for 3 years like for a new BMW.

Kelley Blue Book likes the Mini....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAvFEIUkHa8

Mr_Shiftright

jpp5862 said:

qbrozen said:

@Mr_Shiftright
the v50 is in NV. Grab that damned thing, will ya?!

Actually the link shows it's just a couple of hours out of Sacramento.

I agree though, he should get it.

You all want to put me in a wagon? What are you trying to say here?

28firefighter

Lots of utility and storage for activities!

Mr_Shiftright

Don't do this to me! Please, not.....THE WAGON!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1oWuFyryck

breld

It would seem I have lost out on the E39 530i.

I called the guy today to schedule a second look, at which time I was going to make an offer and schedule a PPI.

But he already agreed to terms with someone coming to see it tomorrow, and presumably buy it. He'll let me know if that falls through. I told him, via text, that I'd match the other guy's offer if he wanted to get it done today (assuming I could get a PPI done quickly), but I didn't hear back. From what he said, I think he feels he should give the other guy first shot since they already talked pricing.

Mr_Shiftright

I don't like buying under pressure either.

stickguy

if he already has an agreement in place with someone, I would not try and snake it out from under him. I would go nuts if he did it to me. leaving it at let me know if it falls through is as far as it should go.

not quite sure what you need it for, but what the heck, it would give you something to sell in December since it won't last longer than that anyway.

kyfdx

stickguy said:

if he already has an agreement in place with someone, I would not try and snake it out from under him. I would go nuts if he did it to me. leaving it at let me know if it falls through is as far as it should go.

not quite sure what you need it for, but what the heck, it would give you something to sell in December since it won't last longer than that anyway.

Yeah.. wait a month, and pretend you just got rid of it.

breld

stickguy said:

if he already has an agreement in place with someone, I would not try and snake it out from under him. I would go nuts if he did it to me. leaving it at let me know if it falls through is as far as it should go. not quite sure what you need it for, but what the heck, it would give you something to sell in December since it won't last longer than that anyway.

“need”?  Since when is that a factor?  

Definitely agree with what you’re saying about just being a backup offer for him.  

28firefighter

@tifighter Took Sam to an appointment this afternoon and saw a Model 3 in the same color as yours. Really sharp looking in person especially with the upgraded wheels!

Drivingfool

I take awhile also to purchase a vehicle but my wife is just ridiculous. Took me about a month with the Golf but actually after I took my first test drive, I was hooked. I just spent another 6 days trying to talk myself out of it. But having a brand new 2015 A3 in the same garage just made me nuts. Enjoyed the second test drive, a lot! Finally on day 6, went for a third test drive and I was hooked. Once they agreed to swap out the 17" rims for me, I said we have a deal as long as you'll match CarMax's offer on trade-in as they were $1K short. After a short talk with the manager, he comes in and shakes my hand...the deal was done!
The wife took almost 2 months of looking, driving, looking etc. and then I threw the Audi A3 into the mix. After another week of testing and thinking, looking and driving, she finally said yes only if the local dealer still had the white over black vehicle still in stock. Luckily they did, so she made the deal. Since it was a early December deal, the available colors weren't that great at all so she kinda settled on that but now, she's happy.
We all know how I feel about my Golf so won't even go there!!

The Sandman/Driving Fool

tifighter

28firefighter said:

@tifighter Took Sam to an appointment this afternoon and saw a Model 3 in the same color as yours. Really sharp looking in person especially with the upgraded wheels!

A man of good taste...

tjc78

They sell black interiors in Florida?

corvette

tjc78 said:

They sell black interiors in Florida?

Black exteriors, too!

tbirdmarco

Sounds good to me stick to do that 

tbirdmarco

 Wow there’s a lot going on in here since I was in here this morning. Frozen LOL not meant to be and what is the deal falls through otherwise I know you’ll find something else quickly replace something else in the fleet. Everything else posted above very nice. 

tjc78

I found this quite amusing.

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/ford/taurus/2135078.html#&gid=1&pid=11

stickguy

well, that is certainly an ambitious ad. Why someone would spend that much money on a 1994 Taurus, is a mystery to me.

henryn

I don’t keep up with this sort of thing the way some of the people in here do, but I find it hard to believe there is any interest anywhere in a 1994 Taurus. Of course I could be wrong…

I finally got a 2nd keyfob for my T&C. The one and only original did start working again, after I fiddled with it for several days. And I found a locksmith who works out of his house, strictly cash and carry, sold me a “new” keyfob for $150, all in. I put “new” in quotations marks because I strongly suspicion it is a used unit, but it works perfectly and I am a happy camper.

I was paying attention to how he did his magic. He had a device about the size of a 10 inch tablet, only it appeared lighter and flimsier, with a really low res screen. It had a cable which looked permanently attached and plugged into the OBD II port. Once plugged in, took all of 60 seconds.

breld

28firefighter said:

@tifighter Took Sam to an appointment this afternoon and saw a Model 3 in the same color as yours. Really sharp looking in person especially with the upgraded wheels!

Agreed - they have really started to show up on the roads.  And yes, I even went so far as to build one in their website!  

stickguy

this is interesting. was just poking around at some listings, and looked at a carfax that showed an accident (completely generic, "accident reported"). They had a link for details, and this popped up. Assuming you can trust the inspection company! Definitely gives a better feeling, though the carfax is still dirty. I would buy it with a modest discount (which seemed to be priced into it), assuming I was not planning to sell any time soon.

http://conditionnow.com/reports/vinreport.php