Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

jpp75

stickguy said:

I’m bored. And have a strong desire to buy a new car this weekend. That might not end well.

Same here.

jpp75

@Mr_Shiftright

No pics yet but this might be worth a look:

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/754160293/overview/?aff=emailav&emc=emailav&smtrctid=1173036650

jpp75

jpp5862 said:

@Mr_Shiftright

No pics yet but this might be worth a look:

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/754160293/overview/?aff=emailav&emc=emailav&smtrctid=1173036650

Edit.

Never mind, I read the description and it lists it as both a 6-speed manual and an automatic and says it's sold AS-IS. Once the pictures are up you may decide it's worth looking at but my confidence is low.

I subscribe to alerts on cars.com that tells me when new C30s pop up with a manual, and as expected about half of them are really automatics.

roadburner

I HATE Carvana and Vroom; I have Autotrader and Cars.com set up to notify me when Wrangler Saharas or GC Trailhawks are listed and I get multiple links to the same vehicle from those two sites. I wish I could exclude them from my searches.

ab348

stickguy said:

ab, must be a country thing. The base sport (at least, the 2017s I was looking at) did not come with BLIS, moonroof, Navi, etc. standard. Those were options or packages.

You may be right. I never understood why manufacturers do that.

tjc78

Three is tough.  We have two 18 months apart (3 and 5 in March) and we never stop. 

Good friend of mine at work just added a baby to kids virtually the same ages as mine.  Can’t imagine his house right now! 

Mr_Shiftright

I dunno....after taking that RX-8 for a burn a Volvo C30 seems awfully tame to me right now...it's only a little slower, however.

We are still working on the RX-8 sale. Being extra cautious for obvious reasons.

tbirdmarco

 Sounds good Mr. shift right, I hope it works out and you end up buying that car, sounds really nice. Yes the manufactures can figure cars are at times weird Waze I noticed over the years. 

Mr_Shiftright

You have to really like a car or you'll get bored. Of course, if your goal is getting from A to B, then bored might actually be irrelevant. Sometimes in heavy traffic, having a nice comfy little sensory deprivation chamber is a good thing. I am not at all opposed to that kind of logic.

With any luck I'll be dead in 10-15 years--so I need to cram in just a few more automotive "experiences". You young 'uns are still under warranty.

stickguy

the C30 and RX8 might be close performance wise on paper, but they are pretty much on opposite ends of the spectrum as to how they accomplish getting up to speed!

pensfan83

Grille installed, the change is subtle and hard to see in pics but in person you can see the difference. Top is the new one.

stickguy

looks good. makes it appear more finished.

jpp75

stickguy said:

the C30 and RX8 might be close performance wise on paper, but they are pretty much on opposite ends of the spectrum as to how they accomplish getting up to speed!

Agreed, and personally I'd go for the RX8 myself if I were in Shifty's shoes.

stickguy

interesting car. Not sure if quite cheap enough for the miles. But looking at the carfax, someone must have been doing a serious highway commute. for 1.5 years, put on 60,000 miles. But carfax shows an oil change ever 8-10 weeks, so well maintained. I like these. GT so loaded up pretty well.

https://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cfx?partner=DEY_0&vin=JM1BM1W79E1199364

https://www.acuraturnersville.com/inventory/used-2014-mazda-mazda3-4dr-sedan-manual-i-grand-touring-front-wheel-drive-sedan-jm1bm1w79e1199364

qbrozen

stickguy said:

the C30 and RX8 might be close performance wise on paper, but they are pretty much on opposite ends of the spectrum as to how they accomplish getting up to speed!

My choice would depend on the intended purpose. The C30 will never handle like the RX8, but can be made to be quicker in a straight line. Not to mention more comfy and, probably better reliability, better fuel mileage, and better utility. So, if an autocross car, RX8, hands down. As a street car, C30 for me.

Mr_Shiftright

stickguy said:

the C30 and RX8 might be close performance wise on paper, but they are pretty much on opposite ends of the spectrum as to how they accomplish getting up to speed!

How true. The C30 really has no vitality or edge to it. The 5 cylinder engines have a rather odd exhaust note as well.

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

stickguy said:

the C30 and RX8 might be close performance wise on paper, but they are pretty much on opposite ends of the spectrum as to how they accomplish getting up to speed!

My choice would depend on the intended purpose. The C30 will never handle like the RX8, but can be made to be quicker in a straight line. Not to mention more comfy and, probably better reliability, better fuel mileage, and better utility. So, if an autocross car, RX8, hands down. As a street car, C30 for me.

Did you just mention Volvo & Better Reliability in the same Post?  Lol!  Just breakin chops!

tbirdmarco

Agree  with stick. Guy. Looks  good the above 

Mr_Shiftright

I dunno...the RX-8 is not an uncomfortable car by any means. Certainly the C30 has more utility and probably is a better long-trip type of car.

I liked driving the C30 but I wouldn't call the experience "engaging". As usual, Volvo managed to leech the excitement out of it.

It's interesting as to how we all react differently to the first few minutes in a car we don't know. I've fooled myself any number of times.

I remember back when I looked forward in anticipation to driving a Porsche 996--having some familiarity with the 993----and it was a very nice car, but I didn't go "OH YEAH" in my head as I took off down the freeway.

With the C30, what popped into my head was "well, this is pleasant enough".

When I drove my first supercharged Mini, I remember the eagerness, flat cornering, greenhouse effect, and the siren-like whine of the blower, and it all really tickled my fancy. Same with my first ride in a Porsche 928--that big V-8 rumble, the interior like a leather cave, and the effortless power up to scary numbers on the speedo.

With the RX-8---it just puts a smile on your face. It's so.....ridiculous in a way.

The Cayman S also made me smile--but it was a far more expensive smile, at $20K more than the RX-8 was advertised. Do I get 4X the fun for 4X the money? Hard to say.

stickguy

well, I was not really extending to the whole driving experience. Just that the C30 was a relatively low revving, torque monster motor that was happy loafing around town. And the RX8 was a Banzai sewing machine motor that had to be revving like crazy.

Wondering about the Denver crowd. I know that NA engines suffer at high elevations (turbos not so much) but does a rotary suffer more or less than a piston engine?

Mr_Shiftright

Interesting question. I couldn't find any solid info on that. I can tell you that my supercharged Mini really did suffer at altitude in spite of ramming air into that engine.

sda

I remember driving a friend's RX-3 when I was in high school. I had read how smooth and rev happy these cars were. Compared to the rough engine in my Vega, wow. I immediately, without trying hit the rev limiter and a red light and buzzer went off startling me. It was so smooth and comparatively quiet and quick. I was smitten.

corvette

When I drove my four-banger Altima to Denver a few years ago, I remember noticing how much harder it had to work at altitude. I remember seeing lots of Volvos, BMW SUVs, Subarus, and RAV6-es (back when Toyota still sold the RAV6).

stickguy

I like this little buggy. One of these could likely make us happy. Should hit the dealer and go drive one. Like the colors on it, though not sure the interior and exterior go together (but I like each individually)

http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2016-audi-q3-certified_audi_q3_2_0t_quattro_prestige_awd_bose_cam_nav-used-18257411.html

fintail

Those RX3s are seriously collectible now, and quite rare.

sda said:

I remember driving a friend's RX-3 when I was in high school. I had read how smooth and rev happy these cars were. Compared to the rough engine in my Vega, wow. I immediately, without trying hit the rev limiter and a red light and buzzer went off startling me. It was so smooth and comparatively quiet and quick. I was smitten.

qbrozen

stickguy said:

I like this little buggy. One of these could likely make us happy. Should hit the dealer and go drive one. Like the colors on it, though not sure the interior and exterior go together (but I like each individually) http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2016-audi-q3-certified_audi_q3_2_0t_quattro_prestige_awd_bose_cam_nav-used-18257411.html

Doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me when you can get a Q5 of same vintage for damn near the same price. 

stickguy

if you say so, but they seemed to be listed for 20% or $5K more similarly equipped, years and miles. This one is already straining the budget until it squeals! Definitely more room, but this seems to be acceptable. Would have to drive back to back though, since I have heard that dynamically the 3 is a downgrade from the 5. this one seems comparable: http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2016-audi-q5-certified_q5_2_0t_quattro_premium_plus_awd_tech_camera_nav-used-18086124.html

even this 2015 is more. though I love the colors on this unit, I am not dropping $30K on a now 4 YO Audi. Plus the 5's don't come with the adjustable sports seats. I really like those in my son's A3.

http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2015-audi-q5-certified_q5_2_0t_quattro_premium_plus_awd_camera_blis_navi-used-18196762.html

stickguy

or could get one of these instead. Nicely loaded. And I am a sucker for 5 doors like this

http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2016-bmw-4_series-certified_428i_xdrive_gran_coupe_awd_sport_tech_navi-used-16007897.html

qbrozen

The Q3 you posted is priced very well, while the Q5s are overpriced. Just luck of the draw. But auction values are only $1k apart.

stickguy

interesting. I started looking at couple year old premium model cars like this, and prices seem all over the place. Though for same basic price, I think the 4 series is a nicer car. I also found a few in the low to mid teens that are interesting. Not as new, but miles reasonable. As long as it has moonroof, navigation, a BU camera, and push button start, it is modern enough for me. Oh, and be reasonably quick, respectable handling, and great seats.

most of them are in that gray area (to me) of being just a little bit too expensive to make it worth pulling the trigger, since I can talk myself into something newer for not that much more money. Though a nice Accord EXL of similar vintage/miles can retail for just about as much as some of these.

RWD (I can't fit my leg in an AWD version. I honestly don't see how anyone ever bought one) and low, low miles. Just needs to be a few grand cheaper. But lots of options on it.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2013-lexus-is_250-4dr_sport_sedan_automatic_rwd-used-17965688.html

Too big, but seems like a pretty good value. Will last a long, long time and run cheap.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2014-toyota-avalon-4dr_sedan_xle_touring-used-18202479.html

I liked this vintage ES, and this is the last year of the model run. Great seats. Might consider acting my age eventually. I know the wife would love it.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2012-lexus-es_350-4dr_sedan-used-18155243.html

cheaper version of a CUV, but might be worth spending the money for something newer.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2011-bmw-x3-28i-used-18202478.html

and finally, I like the colors on this one. seems like a pretty good option to not cost too much and last a long time. Size is perfect (this and the IS250 are the only sedans that are not on the big side to me)

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2012-infiniti-g37_sedan-4dr_x_awd-used-18051195.html

breld

@stickguy - having owned one, I'd say a 4-series gran coupe would be an excellent choice. Super stylish and practical. If you don't "have to have" the higher seating position of an SUV, the 4-series seems to be a much better buy, since you avoid what seems to be the standard "SUV premium."

cdnpinhead

Superchargers don't run faster at higher elevations the way turbos do. Since the turbocharger is discharging into a lower absolute pressure, it speeds up which provides more boost which offsets the effect of the higher elevation.

corvette

That X3 looks good and seems well equipped other than it lacks the sport package. I'd veto the IS250. The 2.5 liter has to feel underpowered in a car like that.

Mr_Shiftright

fintail said:

Those RX3s are seriously collectible now, and quite rare.

sda said:

I remember driving a friend's RX-3 when I was in high school. I had read how smooth and rev happy these cars were. Compared to the rough engine in my Vega, wow. I immediately, without trying hit the rev limiter and a red light and buzzer went off startling me. It was so smooth and comparatively quiet and quick. I was smitten.

If I ever saw an RX-3 wagon I'd be tempted--world's first rotary engine wagon---okay, also the world's last?

I think in Australia they were called the "Savanna". (I think)

henryn

I owned an RX-3 wagon. If memory serves, it was a 1973 model purchased used in 1976. I didn't keep it for all that long, not one of the cars that I look back on fondly. You really had to keep an eye on the oil dipstick, it would suddenly decide to eat several quarts. And if you wanted to achieve those high rpms, you had to clean the spark plugs about once a week. All in all, not a car that I would want to own again.

Mr_Shiftright

Yes, they were troublesome and would need various corrections to live in the modern world.

jpp75

Mr_Shiftright said:

I dunno...the RX-8 is not an uncomfortable car by any means. Certainly the C30 has more utility and probably is a better long-trip type of car.

I liked driving the C30 but I wouldn't call the experience "engaging". As usual, Volvo managed to leech the excitement out of it.

It's interesting as to how we all react differently to the first few minutes in a car we don't know. I've fooled myself any number of times.

I remember back when I looked forward in anticipation to driving a Porsche 996--having some familiarity with the 993----and it was a very nice car, but I didn't go "OH YEAH" in my head as I took off down the freeway.

With the C30, what popped into my head was "well, this is pleasant enough".

When I drove my first supercharged Mini, I remember the eagerness, flat cornering, greenhouse effect, and the siren-like whine of the blower, and it all really tickled my fancy. Same with my first ride in a Porsche 928--that big V-8 rumble, the interior like a leather cave, and the effortless power up to scary numbers on the speedo.

With the RX-8---it just puts a smile on your face. It's so.....ridiculous in a way.

The Cayman S also made me smile--but it was a far more expensive smile, at $20K more than the RX-8 was advertised. Do I get 4X the fun for 4X the money? Hard to say.

If you get the chance you need to drive a manual C30. I was the same way when I drove the automatic, it was pleasant enough, but the 6 speed totally changed the car. It still wouldn't compare to an RX8 but I promise you'll like the C30 better with a manual.

jpp75

stickguy said:

I like this little buggy. One of these could likely make us happy. Should hit the dealer and go drive one. Like the colors on it, though not sure the interior and exterior go together (but I like each individually)

http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2016-audi-q3-certified_audi_q3_2_0t_quattro_prestige_awd_bose_cam_nav-used-18257411.html

Odd colors but like you I kind of like them.

You should go drive it, I had one for a rental a year or so ago. It didn't wow me but it was fine for what it was.

kyfdx

If you drove an old 1.8T model from the first year, then you definitely wouldn't be impressed.

Mr_Shiftright

I think part of the allure of a sport coupe is to get away from driving a hatch for a while. Part of it is that I need more security for my car.

jpp75

stickguy said:

interesting. I started looking at couple year old premium model cars like this, and prices seem all over the place. Though for same basic price, I think the 4 series is a nicer car. I also found a few in the low to mid teens that are interesting. Not as new, but miles reasonable. As long as it has moonroof, navigation, a BU camera, and push button start, it is modern enough for me. Oh, and be reasonably quick, respectable handling, and great seats.

most of them are in that gray area (to me) of being just a little bit too expensive to make it worth pulling the trigger, since I can talk myself into something newer for not that much more money. Though a nice Accord EXL of similar vintage/miles can retail for just about as much as some of these.

RWD (I can't fit my leg in an AWD version. I honestly don't see how anyone ever bought one) and low, low miles. Just needs to be a few grand cheaper. But lots of options on it.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2013-lexus-is_250-4dr_sport_sedan_automatic_rwd-used-17965688.html

Too big, but seems like a pretty good value. Will last a long, long time and run cheap.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2014-toyota-avalon-4dr_sedan_xle_touring-used-18202479.html

I liked this vintage ES, and this is the last year of the model run. Great seats. Might consider acting my age eventually. I know the wife would love it.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2012-lexus-es_350-4dr_sedan-used-18155243.html

cheaper version of a CUV, but might be worth spending the money for something newer.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2011-bmw-x3-28i-used-18202478.html

and finally, I like the colors on this one. seems like a pretty good option to not cost too much and last a long time. Size is perfect (this and the IS250 are the only sedans that are not on the big side to me)

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2012-infiniti-g37_sedan-4dr_x_awd-used-18051195.html

The G37 would be the best mix of sport and luxury to me. And as little as you drive the MPG wouldn't be a big deal.

I wanted to like the IS250 but it's so boring to drive. Not a bad thing but I don't think you'd like the muted driving experience.

ab348

stickguy said:

interesting. I started looking at couple year old premium model cars like this, and prices seem all over the place. Though for same basic price, I think the 4 series is a nicer car. I also found a few in the low to mid teens that are interesting. Not as new, but miles reasonable. As long as it has moonroof, navigation, a BU camera, and push button start, it is modern enough for me. Oh, and be reasonably quick, respectable handling, and great seats.

Well, yesterday the lack of BLIS was a deal-killer. And 2012s are unlikely to have anything close to the rest of the in-car tech you currently are used to. I don't get it. I don't mean to be harsh, but you are just spinning your wheels.

corvette

stickguy, they've had that bronze G37 for a while. Looks like the front bumper needs repair. The wood trim looks great in that car.

tbirdmarco

All nice above that you did. Post stick guy.

stickguy

BLIS is not a deal breaker. just something I like, but won't be included on an older car that will be significantly cheaper. So, not a huge deal. If I am laying out the large cash for a new (or really close to new) one, it will have it. The stuff I won't give up is a moonroof, BU camera, some sort of Navigation, and power seats (and they better be really comfy). Keyless entry/pushbutton start would also be tough to give up. So, all the ones I picked out have all those features. Just a bit of a range of years/miles/sizes, in the same rough price point.

stickguy

Breld, I agree about the 4 series. I like the utility of a hatch, but don't really need another CUV style. Certainly not if I have to pay more for it. I don't need to sit up real high, but would prefer to not be sitting on the ground and climbing in and out like in a Miata. I have no problem with a 3 series, so I assume the 4 series is about the same.

benjaminh

Mr_Shiftright said:

....I need to cram in just a few more automotive "experiences"....

Have you ever tried a car with 4-wheel steering? If so, what did you think of it?

Mr_Shiftright

I have not tried a car with 4WS as far as I can recall. I suppose that with the types of cars I drive, on the roads that I drive, it might not make that much of a difference.

Drivingfool

Our three are all within 21 months and sure, it was chaos for awhile there, but now, it's great. They're all out on their own, with the oldest moving into her brand new home a week from Wednesday outside of Orlando. Had the discussion again with the wife that by early 2020, we'll, or I'll be living there also as I've had enough of South Florida. October 2019 will be 50 years I've lived here minus those four in New Orleans for school. I've had enough hurricanes to last me a lifetime and I do know if we do get one before the end of 2019, I'll retire then and there so I can go up north to avoid it.
Our kids are all good people who we taught well, I'm guessing. So happy to see them move on with their lives and make their own way. Think they know we did the best we could with what we had. Now that we're empty nesters again, plan to start purging stuff as it's time to clean out all the "stuff" I have so when it does get time to move, we'll be all set.


The Sandman/Driving Fool

breld

benjaminh said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

....I need to cram in just a few more automotive "experiences"....

Have you ever tried a car with 4-wheel steering? If so, what did you think of it?

The turning radius on my Q7 (w/the adaptive suspension package and 4WS) is amazing.