Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Michaell

breld said:

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!  

Saw four different model 3's today.

Mr_Shiftright

tjc78 said:

I found this quite amusing.

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

Quite a write up. That should make it worth $2600 instead of $2500.

Mr_Shiftright

Here's a beauty!

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/ctd/6730164046.html

Price needs to come down a few thou, but yeah, Cayman prices are still pretty strong. The equivalent Boxster would be considerably less. Another one of those rare cases where the coupe is worth more than the 'vert.

stickguy

was looking at some car ads, and saw one with this carfax showing an accident (just generic, accident reported). Included a link to an independent inspection to show what it was. Seems to also have some discount priced in. would give me a comfort level, though still dirty carfax so would not want to be selling it any time soon.

https://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cfx?partner=DEY_0&vin=19UDE2F71GA020413

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

28firefighter

Mr_Shiftright said:

Here's a beauty! https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/ctd/6730164046.html Price needs to come down a few thou, but yeah, Cayman prices are still pretty strong. The equivalent Boxster would be considerably less. Another one of those rare cases where the coupe is worth more than the 'vert.

That’s gorgeous. 

Mr_Shiftright

Unusual color for that car,

pensfan83

That's a nice color combo on that Porsche.

Mr_Shiftright

My most favorite is blue over tan, but this is unusual enough that it's growing on me. I've seen 'em in banana yellow, too--not sure about that color. I have yet to see a green one.

breld

@Mr_Shiftright - wrong coast, but have you seen this?

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2007-bmw-m-coupe-3/

corvette

tjc78 said:

I found this quite amusing.

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

Wow... I think the Taurus GL was a midlevel model. Not fully loaded. No bucket seats. "6 passenger sport sedan" is an oxymoron. It looks clean, but what would an SHO of the same vintage, condition, and mileage be worth? That's a real "sport sedan" for its era. And one of the photos shows a G35 parked next to it, as an "automobile reviewer," how could he not know the difference?

corvette

henryn said:

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.

Glad you found something at a reasonable price. Also, similar to the experience I had with the G37, although my guy had a legitimate storefront. I still sometimes think I'm in the wrong line of work.

stickguy

I love the colors on the Cayman.

breld

Testing out that 530i reaffirmed how much I loved the one I had and reignited my desire for an E39.

I may start considering an M5.  Seems the trick is when you find a reasonable one, you have to jump on it before EAG gets their hands on it.  

28firefighter

Goodbye Miata. We barely knew thee. 

stickguy

did it even need the gas tank filled yet?

breld

Hey!  I’m thinking like next year. 

stickguy

the 2017 TLX I found that like (the colors I wanted) seems to have gotten cheaper. Must be the miles. Not a big deal to me, since I don't put a ton on, and it is certified. I would likely hold out for a 2018 though I suspect a 17 would be just fine.

https://www.turnersvilleautomall.com/detail-2017-acura-tlx-fwd_w_technology_pkg-used-certified-17996078.html

benjaminh

stickguy said:

the 2017 TLX I found that like (the colors I wanted) seems to have gotten cheaper. Must be the miles. Not a big deal to me, since I don't put a ton on, and it is certified. I would likely hold out for a 2018 though I suspect a 17 would be just fine.

https://www.turnersvilleautomall.com/detail-2017-acura-tlx-fwd_w_technology_pkg-used-certified-17996078.html

If you don't use CarPlay on your Elantra probably you don't need it. In that case, a 2017 would probably work fine for you. Seems like a pretty good price, but the carfax says it has had 3 owners, which seems a bit odd for a 2017. The interior color isn't my favorite.

stickguy

I do use it when I need navigation. Which is not that often. The TLX has navi, just not sure about real time traffic tied to it. I could live without the rest of carplay if I had to, though it is nice to have.

benjaminh

stickguy said:

I do use it when I need navigation....

If you use CarPlay then imho you should probably get a car with that. The navigation with AndroidAuto/CarPlay is much better than the built-in navi. I have built-in navi, but the only times I've used it have been when I've forgotten my phone. Just today AndroidAuto's google map navi saved us 45 minutes by routing us around some major construction on the interstate. I don't think the built-in navi can handle things like that.

The TLX interior is available in 5 colors. I have to admit the red looks really good. The parchment color also really works for me. Greystone is also nice. Black, which I have, is very practical in some ways, but overall probably wouldn't be my first choice. The expresso just doesn't work for me.

nyccarguy

Mr_Shiftright said:

Here's a beauty! https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/ctd/6730164046.html Price needs to come down a few thou, but yeah, Cayman prices are still pretty strong. The equivalent Boxster would be considerably less. Another one of those rare cases where the coupe is worth more than the 'vert.

That’s sharp for sure Shifty!  Have a PPI done and make an offer.  The worst they can say is “no.”  

henryn

benjaminh said:

stickguy said:

I do use it when I need navigation....

If you use CarPlay then imho you should probably get a car with that. The navigation with AndroidAuto/CarPlay is much better than the built-in navi. I have built-in navi, but the only times I've used it have been when I've forgotten my phone. Just today AndroidAuto's google map navi saved us 45 minutes by routing us around some major construction on the interstate. I don't think the built-in navi can handle things like that.

The built in navigation on my 2018 F150 continues to live in an alternate universe. Telling me, "In four-tenths of a mile turn right onto I610". The actual freeway I was approaching was 290. I610 was a good 8 miles away. Sheesh.

tifighter

breld said:

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!  

@breld
Have you driven one yet?

tjc78

henryn said:

benjaminh said:

stickguy said:

I do use it when I need navigation....

If you use CarPlay then imho you should probably get a car with that. The navigation with AndroidAuto/CarPlay is much better than the built-in navi. I have built-in navi, but the only times I've used it have been when I've forgotten my phone. Just today AndroidAuto's google map navi saved us 45 minutes by routing us around some major construction on the interstate. I don't think the built-in navi can handle things like that.

The built in navigation on my 2018 F150 continues to live in an alternate universe. Telling me, "In four-tenths of a mile turn right onto I610". The actual freeway I was approaching was 290. I610 was a good 8 miles away. Sheesh.

Surprised at that. The built in NAV on our 2017 Enclave is pretty good. I don't subscribe to XM Nav traffice any longer but with that it was similar (but not as good) to WAZE

In the Elantra using WAZE over Car Play is just about perfect.

stickguy

The XM traffic, does that overlay the factory map with colors indicating traffic, and get factored into routing, like with google maps?

graphicguy

benjaminh said:

stickguy said:

the 2017 TLX I found that like (the colors I wanted) seems to have gotten cheaper. Must be the miles. Not a big deal to me, since I don't put a ton on, and it is certified. I would likely hold out for a 2018 though I suspect a 17 would be just fine.

https://www.turnersvilleautomall.com/detail-2017-acura-tlx-fwd_w_technology_pkg-used-certified-17996078.html

If you don't use CarPlay on your Elantra probably you don't need it. In that case, a 2017 would probably work fine for you. Seems like a pretty good price, but the carfax says it has had 3 owners, which seems a bit odd for a 2017. The interior color isn't my favorite.

I like that saddle interior. But, that’s why they make different colors. People like to be different.

Mr_Shiftright

breld said:

@Mr_Shiftright - wrong coast, but have you seen this?

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2007-bmw-m-coupe-3/

I really like the "stance" of these cars. Of course, I"m not paying BAT money for one, but that example looks very nice indeed. The key is maintenance records here. You don't want anything even remotely edgy in an older BMW. Man, I'm gettin' the itch. Enablers! Flee from me! Begone dark spirits!

Mr_Shiftright

nyccarguy said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Here's a beauty!

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/ctd/6730164046.html

Price needs to come down a few thou, but yeah, Cayman prices are still pretty strong. The equivalent Boxster would be considerably less. Another one of those rare cases where the coupe is worth more than the 'vert.

That’s sharp for sure Shifty!  Have a PPI done and make an offer.  The worst they can say is “no.”  

You know, I'm trying to stay "in budget". I'm pretty strict with myself once I've set a threshold. This habit does tend to quell spontaneity.

tjc78

stickguy said:

The XM traffic, does that overlay the factory map with colors indicating traffic, and get factored into routing, like with google maps?

It alerts you to traffic ahead and asks to re-route. The is an indicator on ours with the Green/Yellow/Rid to let you know the level of traffic.

roadburner

henryn said:

benjaminh said:

stickguy said:

I do use it when I need navigation....

If you use CarPlay then imho you should probably get a car with that. The navigation with AndroidAuto/CarPlay is much better than the built-in navi. I have built-in navi, but the only times I've used it have been when I've forgotten my phone. Just today AndroidAuto's google map navi saved us 45 minutes by routing us around some major construction on the interstate. I don't think the built-in navi can handle things like that.

The built in navigation on my 2018 F150 continues to live in an alternate universe. Telling me, "In four-tenths of a mile turn right onto I610". The actual freeway I was approaching was 290. I610 was a good 8 miles away. Sheesh.

My wife and I prefer the built in navigation in our 2er and i3. The traffic info is very accurate and it reacts to traffic issues in real time.

kyfdx

@Mr_Shiftright

Found one for you.. (or, for me)

https://www.porscheofkingsautomall.com/used/Porsche/2008-Porsche-Cayman+S-cincinnati-908558910a0e0a177585d9eca4909110.htm

Mr_Shiftright

Right in your home town! You only go around once in life you know (unless you're a Buddhist).

nyccarguy

kyfdx said:

@Mr_Shiftright

Found one for you.. (or, for me)

https://www.porscheofkingsautomall.com/used/Porsche/2008-Porsche-Cayman+S-cincinnati-908558910a0e0a177585d9eca4909110.htm

Damn! That's really nice (except for you anti black interior folks). I dig the car, the options, & those wheels. Your ZHP is gettin up there in age Walt!

kyfdx

nyccarguy said:

kyfdx said:

@Mr_Shiftright

Found one for you.. (or, for me)

https://www.porscheofkingsautomall.com/used/Porsche/2008-Porsche-Cayman+S-cincinnati-908558910a0e0a177585d9eca4909110.htm

Damn! That's really nice (except for you anti black interior folks). I dig the car, the options, & those wheels. Your ZHP is gettin up there in age Walt!

Yeah, and with the stock market doing so well, I deserve it!!

(yes, I've been sleeping all month.. Why?)

xwesx

Mr_Shiftright said:

Looks like the Ford Expedition might qualify? Seems to have good cargo space.

Flex would be a good option, too, with the Ecoboost. I imagine luggage would depend a lot on the length of stay and the, uh, tendencies of the passengers. Easy access to roof for skis, luggage, bikes, or anything in between. Used w/ 40-60K miles, they are pretty darn affordable, too. They don't have exceptional ground clearance, but they are capable and will likely work just fine on the roads indicated. Your friend certainly won't find anything that fits the bill better and can meet the level of passenger comfort a Flex provides.

xwesx

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.

For the miles on it, a little maintenance certainly would not go astray! Heck, just putting new struts on it will probably make it feel like a new car.

28firefighter

@Mr_Shiftright How much driving are you doing these days? With a car like the Mini needing that much, that has to be approaching downright painful...

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

@Mr_Shiftright How much driving are you doing these days? With a car like the Mini needing that much, that has to be approaching downright painful...

He drives 100 miles for a taco..

benjaminh

Re: The Mini Cooper S and reliability....I was hoping that maybe BMW was finally making more reliable Minis, but based on this video and some others not so much. The first comment on this video is:

"Im a mini tech and ive logged more engine rebuilds and timing chain jobs than most other techs. The single handedly worst thing i see customers do is use 87 gasoline instead of 93. Mini coopers specifically call for a high grade fuel. They are direct injection engines and they build up carbon insainly quickly. 93 will reduce that. You have no idea how many minis i get in with low compression misfire, with a corner of one of the exhaust valve burnt up. DONT USE CHEAP GAS FOR THE LOVE OF GOD IF YOU WANT YOUR R56 TO LIVE!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXsNSId3qY0

Anyway, clearly my idea of suggesting a new Mini was flawed. Never mind.

28firefighter

I really like this color combo:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2000-porsche-boxster-s-16/

It needs the IMS bearing done, doesn't have the glass top, and the low mileage is going to command a stupid premium, but that interior is awesome.

Mr_Shiftright

28firefighter said:

@Mr_Shiftright How much driving are you doing these days? With a car like the Mini needing that much, that has to be approaching downright painful...

I go in spurts. Some days only 30-40 miles; other days I might do 200. It's worse on the short trips because the roads I'm on are not in great shape, as they usually are on a freeway.

Yeah, occasionally I'll hit a bump and the glove box door will fly open, or the phone will jump off the dashboard.

tjc78

kyfdx said:

@Mr_Shiftright How much driving are you doing these days? With a car like the Mini needing that much, that has to be approaching downright painful...

He drives 100 miles for a taco..

You beat me to it!!

Mr_Shiftright

kyfdx said:

28firefighter said:

@Mr_Shiftright How much driving are you doing these days? With a car like the Mini needing that much, that has to be approaching downright painful...

He drives 100 miles for a taco..

For a GOOD taco.

henryn

Now this I like:

https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/2012-mercedes-benz-s550/6725581531.html



I think I would look really good cruising around in that. The only problem is that the cost of upkeep would probably exceed the GDP of several small countries.

Mr_Shiftright

28firefighter said:

I really like this color combo:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2000-porsche-boxster-s-16/

It needs the IMS bearing done, doesn't have the glass top, and the low mileage is going to command a stupid premium, but that interior is awesome.

I'm 6' 2"---you see that passenger seat? My knees actually dig into the dashboard on a Boxster from that era.

graphicguy

stickguy said:

I do use it when I need navigation. Which is not that often. The TLX has navi, just not sure about real time traffic tied to it. I could live without the rest of carplay if I had to, though it is nice to have.

Through Acura Link....

“HD Digital Traffic™57 uses the speed and bandwidth of digital radio to help you steer clear of gridlock within the major metropolitan areas of all 48 contiguous United States. This continuously updated traffic information does not require a subscription.

Color-coded interstates, expressways and busy side streets indicate traffic flow levels.
Data comes from highway sensors, other car navigation systems, construction alerts, incident reports and historical data.
Data updates can occur as fast as every 30 seconds.
If an alternate route is at least two minutes or 10% quicker, Traffic Rerouting™57 will suggest it.”

fintail

Sparsely optioned, highish miles, black on black, ex-livery, maybe? Lots of flash for the cash though. These aren't generally too bad to live with - fuel for in-city driving might end up being the biggest pain. These cars were much improved in terms of reliability compared to the prior W220.

henryn said:

Now this I like:

https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/2012-mercedes-benz-s550/6725581531.html



I think I would look really good cruising around in that. The only problem is that the cost of upkeep would probably exceed the GDP of several small countries.

henryn

fintail said:

Sparsely optioned, highish miles, black on black, ex-livery, maybe? Lots of flash for the cash though. These aren't generally too bad to live with - fuel for in-city driving might end up being the biggest pain. These cars were much improved in terms of reliability compared to the prior W220.

henryn said:

Now this I like:

https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/2012-mercedes-benz-s550/6725581531.html



I think I would look really good cruising around in that. The only problem is that the cost of upkeep would probably exceed the GDP of several small countries.

The cost of gasoline would be the absolute least of my worries. Heck, if I believed that fuel would be the biggest outlay, I would be driving one right now.

And just out of curiosity, what makes you say "sparsely optioned"? I can see NAV in one picture, what's missing? A sunroof? (which I don't like, and would pay extra to avoid?)

28firefighter

But my 5'11 frame fits just fine

Drivingfool

Roof needs some work and some mold on the outside walls! Ugh, the new insurance company is making us do all these things and it's getting A) annoying and expensive! Did the new fan with install last week plus the dryer vent cleaned out...more money paid out. Hell, it really is time to sell and get new construction again like our oldest. Explained to her again that we could possibly just over $400K according to Zillow.com and then plunk down around $260K for a new house or get a smaller place and bank the rest.
Had that discussion again today that I stop work sometime next year and after that, I want to be almost ready to leave. All I get back is "you've got too much stuff" and then a deer in the headlights look. Yes, I do have "stuff" but I'll do more tomorrow to get rid of stuff I no longer need. Lots of it is paper stuff I thought we'd need to keep and the rest is clothes I've had for like 20 or so years that I never got rid of. Did some purging when she was gone last week but just not enough. So, on to more tomorrow.

The Sandman/Driving Fool