Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

henryn

I know there are some Mazda fans here, and I just got this in my email:

stickguy

I’d take it. But those get pricey.

I even have a chase card!

tjc78

stickguy said:

Tom, you might be interested in what l learned chatting with the sales lady during my G70 test drive. Apparently burns bought the old Leniham Jeep building on 73, and plan to build a stand alone genesis store there. Seems like way more land than they need for that, so maybe something else goes in too. They really need a much bigger Hyundai building.

Very interesting.   I’m surprised they wouldn’t keep Genesis next to Buick and move Hyundai to old Leniham site.  Either way it’s a good move.  I drive by that site frequently and it’s a busy area. 

That will four dealeships for them now in a pretty close area.  

corvette

graphicguy said:

A bit out of the price range, but a lot cheaper than new. I could live with this. Got all the goodies, and I like the colors. http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2017-bmw-3_series-certified_330i_xdrive_sport_line_awd_hud_led_blis_nav_cam-used-18279083.html

Like the car. But, I don’t think I’ve seen that color of interior on a BMW (or any other car, for that matter). Not something I’d want. But, it could be the cameras messed up the color on either a “tan” or “saddle” interior I’ve seen in BMWs.

I think the camera is messed up. Those photos make it look like the “baby poo brown” Volvo used to offer on the RWD cars. 

stickguy

I thought so too, keep genesis in the smaller building. Just give it a nice remodel.

tbirdmarco

 Yes they hatch is out already for that, like reading everything else above goal that’s been going on in here today everyone. 

suydam

Took the Volt in this morning for a tire rotation, and they will change the oil, because why the heck not? It’s free. Perused the Bolts on the lot. I really like the look and higher seating like we have in the Encore. Might consider one when the Volt lease is up in a year if they drive as nicely as the Volt.

nyccarguy

suydam said:

Took the Volt in this morning for a tire rotation, and they will change the oil, because why the heck not? It’s free. Perused the Bolts on the lot. I really like the look and higher seating like we have in the Encore. Might consider one when the Volt lease is up in a year if they drive as nicely as the Volt.

MY Cousin has a BOLT and LOVES it!

28firefighter

Surprised this one isn't over 20k yet:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2000-porsche-911-carrera-37/

Wife was asking whether, when I eventually get a Porsche, it will have a rear seat that Sam could sit in. I wasn't initially considering that, but that would mean I need to look at something like a 996. Even then, I don't know that the backseat would be big enough to house a rear-facing car seat?

tifighter

28firefighter said:

Surprised this one isn't over 20k yet:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2000-porsche-911-carrera-37/

Wife was asking whether, when I eventually get a Porsche, it will have a rear seat that Sam could sit in. I wasn't initially considering that, but that would mean I need to look at something like a 996. Even then, I don't know that the backseat would be big enough to house a rear-facing car seat?

No way. Sorry.

nyccarguy

28firefighter said:

Surprised this one isn't over 20k yet:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2000-porsche-911-carrera-37/

Wife was asking whether, when I eventually get a Porsche, it will have a rear seat that Sam could sit in. I wasn't initially considering that, but that would mean I need to look at something like a 996. Even then, I don't know that the backseat would be big enough to house a rear-facing car seat?

I'm stunned that the clutch/ims replacement on a friggin 911 ONLY cost $400 more than it did to replace the clutch on my HONDA!

28firefighter

tifighter said:

28firefighter said:

Surprised this one isn't over 20k yet:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2000-porsche-911-carrera-37/

Wife was asking whether, when I eventually get a Porsche, it will have a rear seat that Sam could sit in. I wasn't initially considering that, but that would mean I need to look at something like a 996. Even then, I don't know that the backseat would be big enough to house a rear-facing car seat?

No way. Sorry.

I didn't think so. And, I really don't want to pay a premium for the 996 - still would rather find a nicely kept Boxster S or a 968.

nyccarguy

28firefighter said:

tifighter said:

28firefighter said:

Surprised this one isn't over 20k yet:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2000-porsche-911-carrera-37/

Wife was asking whether, when I eventually get a Porsche, it will have a rear seat that Sam could sit in. I wasn't initially considering that, but that would mean I need to look at something like a 996. Even then, I don't know that the backseat would be big enough to house a rear-facing car seat?

No way. Sorry.

I didn't think so. And, I really don't want to pay a premium for the 996 - still would rather find a nicely kept Boxster S or a 968.

944s have a back seat don't they?

28firefighter

944s and 968s both have rear seats, but if a rear facing seat won't fit in a 996 then it definitely won't fit in those.

imidazol97

Drivingfool said:

Stopped into the social security office today and man, was it crowded. Decided to make an appointment to come back but the lady said it would only be about an hour. So I waited. Since I'm a civil service retiree, I get screwed with my s s thanks to that jerk Regan and the passage of the "Windfall Elimination Provision" of 1983 or so. Basically what it means is that I'll be getting "[non-permissible content removed]" each month due to my government pension. Honestly, doesn't seem fair but since when is anything the "right" does seem fair. But, not gonna get into politics here. Just think it really stinks!!

The Sandman/Driving Fool :@

The purpose of reducing the outflow of social securities monies to people who already have a government pension plan was to help save SS. A few years back I saw data that was something like this: most people starting SS would receive all they had put in in about a year and half to 2 years. They would receiving all the funds they, their employer, and a small rate of interest would ahve accumulated in 4-5 years. After that they were receiving "free" money as a subsidy.

One part of the problem is that many people believe SS is to be a retirement plan, when it's really just a subsidy to help with your retirement savings or plan.

Many people were juicing one plan, such as military or post office, and then working enough in the SS pay sector to receive SS on top of that government funded plan. I recall the father of one young lady I dated for a while working for the post office, going to Allison (GM) in Indianapolis and working a full time job there as well. At Allison he would be paying into SS as well as the GM-sponsored retirement plan. He would have trouble spending all the money he collects in retirement if all three plans were paying.

Blaming a President (Ronald Reagan) and speaking ill of him for trying to start saving the money pit we know as social security is not right. In fact, the President didn't "do it," he only signed legislation passed by the legislative arm of government. The House and Senate are the ones who did it, likely with a veto proof majority.

graphicguy

hey @stickguy ....did you give driving impressions and I missed it? If not, what did you think?

I'm becoming infatuated with the Stinger/G70 platform.

28firefighter

graphicguy said:

hey @stickguy ....did you give driving impressions and I missed it? If not, what did you think?

I'm becoming infatuated with the Stinger/G70 platform.

How long do we give the TLX?

imidazol97

I was passed by one who zoomed around me before the on ramp ended this morning. I guess he needed to exercise the horses under the hood. I was only going the speed limit on the ramp. LOL

I still like the looks of the TLX.

kyfdx

nyccarguy said:

28firefighter said:

Surprised this one isn't over 20k yet:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2000-porsche-911-carrera-37/

Wife was asking whether, when I eventually get a Porsche, it will have a rear seat that Sam could sit in. I wasn't initially considering that, but that would mean I need to look at something like a 996. Even then, I don't know that the backseat would be big enough to house a rear-facing car seat?

I'm stunned that the clutch/ims replacement on a friggin 911 ONLY cost $400 more than it did to replace the clutch on my HONDA!

I don't know exactly what the "clutch kit" involves, but there is no way you can buy the parts for a 911 clutch replacement for that amount of money. (clutch disc, pressure plate, throw out bearing)

Also, this must be a lot easier repair on a 911 vs. a Cayman. $960 for labor is cheap.

benjaminh

A couple of days ago as I was getting back from a bike ride in a nice part of town I noticed that the C300 next to my TLX was a similar color. The C300 is a very nice looking car. Seemed like it was maybe a few inches smaller than a TLX? Not sure....

Mr_Shiftright

nyccarguy said:

28firefighter said:

Surprised this one isn't over 20k yet:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2000-porsche-911-carrera-37/

Wife was asking whether, when I eventually get a Porsche, it will have a rear seat that Sam could sit in. I wasn't initially considering that, but that would mean I need to look at something like a 996. Even then, I don't know that the backseat would be big enough to house a rear-facing car seat?

I'm stunned that the clutch/ims replacement on a friggin 911 ONLY cost $400 more than it did to replace the clutch on my HONDA!

It's not that complicated a job--it's the parts bill that hurts.

graphicguy

28firefighter said:

graphicguy said:

hey @stickguy ....did you give driving impressions and I missed it? If not, what did you think?

I'm becoming infatuated with the Stinger/G70 platform.

How long do we give the TLX?

Nah.....won't do anything until the TLX S-Type is announced. That's probably at least a year from now....probably more given Acura doesn't announce new stuff until Spring, at the earliest. And, I don't expect they'll announce an S-Type with a total redesign slated to hit the showrooms until 2020.

The last time they did that was when they went from the S-Type TL to the Big Beak TL.

I'd want to see the redesign first.

I do like the Stinger/G70, though.

stickguy

I like that Porsche.

GG, I did post someplace.

And the tlx is quite a bit longer than a C class.

stickguy

stickguy said:

speaking of "what's next", I scoped out a couple options while at the Hyundai/Buick dealer (separate buildings, same lot). Checked out a Genesis G70 advance. AWD. This is the base model, so good starting point to see how it works. 2.0T engine. MSRP about $39,800. checked out the features, then took a quick drive.

Overall, it is nice. well equipped with electronic goodies, but no moonroof (Boo!). the 4 cyl pulled strong, but certainly not quite the V6 turbo. but plenty quick for me. road well, nice steering and handling. Did not really get to exercise it fully, but I don't doubt the test drives that praised the handling.

the one disappointment was actually the driver's seat (a primary justification for this exercise!). Comfy shape, but bottom cushion was a touch short, and only way to get enough rake was to drop the seat lower than I wanted. Not a great idea by Hyundai. Possible that higher line models have fancier seats though I guess. And the console encroached more than would prefer. Again, would need to spend a bit more time playing with it and adjusting to see if it was acceptable.

But, a really nice car if it fits you!

For GG.

stickguy

I did read brochure. 3.3t model has extendable thigh support, and 16 vs. 12 way seats. Not sure what that includes, but bolsters I think is some of it.

henryn

imidazol97 said:

A few years back I saw data that was something like this: most people starting SS would receive all they had put in in about a year and half to 2 years. They would receiving all the funds they, their employer, and a small rate of interest would ahve accumulated in 4-5 years. After that they were receiving "free" money as a subsidy.

I’m afraid you saw some wrong or incorrect data.

Let me throw out some ballpark numbers. I have been in the workforce for 40 years. Over that period of time, I have paid in 6.3% of everything I made into the social security system. My employer has matched that amount, another 6.3%. These past 8 years, working as a self employed contractor, I have paid in the full 12.6% myself.

Now for purposes of simplification, I’m going to assume an average income of $50k per year. The last half of my career, my income was higher than that. The first half, lower. But $50k is at least in the ballpark for an average. Also note that I am NOT including any interest income on this.

40 years times $50k times 12.6% is $252,000. If I retired today, I would get about $2,300 per month from SS. Divide that $252k by $2,300 and that gives you 109 months, or better than 9 years. If you try to add back in the interest, then it is very unlikely that I’m going to live long enough to get back out what I and my employer put in over the years.

ON EDIT: And here’s an interesting calculation on what adding back in the interest would do to the bottom line.

corvette

I really liked the C-class I rented in the UK. I’ve not driven the US model with the gas turbo four. Not a fan of the wheels on that gray one, though. 

kyfdx

Reminds me of the last time the lottery was really high. At least three people told me that they heard the jackpot was big enough, they could give everyone in the country $100K.

Including at least one person who had a perfect score on the Math section of the SAT.

28firefighter

Porsche sold for $19,500. That's definitely one of the cheapest I've seen with IMS and Clutch done. Is it that the Cabs are not as desirable?

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

Porsche sold for $19,500. That's definitely one of the cheapest I've seen with IMS and Clutch done. Is it that the Cabs are not as desirable?

Yes... coupes are worth more than Cabs. Stick worth more than Tiptronic

tifighter

graphicguy said:

28firefighter said:

graphicguy said:

hey @stickguy ....did you give driving impressions and I missed it? If not, what did you think?

I'm becoming infatuated with the Stinger/G70 platform.

How long do we give the TLX?

Nah.....won't do anything until the TLX S-Type is announced. That's probably at least a year from now....probably more given Acura doesn't announce new stuff until Spring, at the earliest. And, I don't expect they'll announce an S-Type with a total redesign slated to hit the showrooms until 2020.

The last time they did that was when they went from the S-Type TL to the Big Beak TL.

I'd want to see the redesign first.

I do like the Stinger/G70, though.

When you're in the market, you might as well test drive another RWD sedan starting in the forties that doesn't need oil changes...

tifighter

kyfdx said:

28firefighter said:

Porsche sold for $19,500. That's definitely one of the cheapest I've seen with IMS and Clutch done. Is it that the Cabs are not as desirable?

Yes... coupes are worth more than Cabs. Stick worth more than Tiptronic

Yep. And they really go nuts if it doesn't have a sunroof.

Mr_Shiftright

28firefighter said:

Porsche sold for $19,500. That's definitely one of the cheapest I've seen with IMS and Clutch done. Is it that the Cabs are not as desirable?

That's about market. Just replacing the IMS doesn't necessarily cure the problem. It's not a "fix"--it's preventative--like a flu shot

You still might "get it", and if it happens to you, the car is totaled.

28firefighter

A vehicle with the dual-row IMS bearing has a less than 1% chance of failure compared to the single-row. This particular cab had the dual row. You could install, in both cases, the IMS Solution which is more expensive but is a total fix.

stickguy

I would have taken my chances with this one.

28firefighter

I would have, too, I think.

The wife and I talked about it, because I received an unexpected bonus from work and she knows how much I want one. Decided that it was best to put it towards Sam's WA GET plan and prepay another year of UW tuition.

pensfan83

Being a responsible adult/parent can be a drag sometimes.

28firefighter

We both know I wouldn't enjoy it if I had something else hanging over my head we needed to save for.

Fun to think about, though.

corvette

pensfan83 said:

Being a responsible adult/parent can be a drag sometimes.

Yup. Here I am trying to figure up what percentage I'll need to contribute to max my 401k next year... :@

Mr_Shiftright

28firefighter said:

We both know I wouldn't enjoy it if I had something else hanging over my head we needed to save for.

Fun to think about, though.

28firefighter said:

We both know I wouldn't enjoy it if I had something else hanging over my head we needed to save for.

Fun to think about, though.

Well you don't really "save for" a 996 engine rebuild. You buy another car for the same $$$.

I would probably take a chance on this one, too--but only if I had a PPI and the oil filter cut in half and inspected. There are other issues with the 996 that have to be vetted as well.

28firefighter

I didn't mean saving for an engine replacement - I meant saving for Sam's college.

I recognize if the engine blows you turn it into a yard ornament.

tifighter

28firefighter said:

you turn it into a yard ornament.

So you can start planning...

tbirdmarco

 Wow lots have been going on in here everyone today. Like all posted since I was in here earlier this afternoon, stick guy would’ve mentioned a few pages back but of course you want to test drive the other day sound nice. Have to check one out down the road. 

nyccarguy

pensfan83 said:

Being a responsible adult/parent can be a drag sometimes.

Tell me about it.  Tomorrow is 1 year until my son’s Bar Mitzvah.  We have ZERO clue as to what we are doing.

kyfdx

I have a 24 year old, that still isn't totally independent (though, he did move out on October 1st )

ronsteve

kyfdx said:

Reminds me of the last time the lottery was really high. At least three people told me that they heard the jackpot was big enough, they could give everyone in the country $100K.

Including at least one person who had a perfect score on the Math section of the SAT.

That's some bad math too. The record-setting jackpot last month was $1.6 billion, which if we conveniently assume the US population to be 320 million, could give each person in the country FIVE DOLLARS.

kyfdx

ronsteve said:

kyfdx said:

Reminds me of the last time the lottery was really high. At least three people told me that they heard the jackpot was big enough, they could give everyone in the country $100K.

Including at least one person who had a perfect score on the Math section of the SAT.

That's some bad math too. The record-setting jackpot last month was $1.6 billion, which if we conveniently assume the US population to be 320 million, could give each person in the country FIVE DOLLARS.

Pretty sure that was my point..

tbirdmarco

Lol lol

stickguy

this is a nice looking S60. Certified, so another 2.5 years warranty (unlimited mileage). Got the required options and light interior. Black is not my first choice of color though. but price is pretty good .

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/748964453/overview/

Mr_Shiftright

28firefighter said:

I didn't mean saving for an engine replacement - I meant saving for Sam's college.

I recognize if the engine blows you turn it into a yard ornament.

Ohhhh, I get it now! Yep invest that $20K wisely and Sam's off to Stanford, no problem.