Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

no, don't need 2 SUVs, unless we decide to get rid of the RDX at some point then it would be required to get a replacement. For leasing, definitely below $400.

nyccarguy

A few interesting Honcker vehicles.  I realize these aren’t the sub $400 or sub $300 per month cheap leases we are always chasing, but for 1st payment DAS and 18,000 miles per year the payments seem to be in line with my monthly payment on the Infiniti.  Do these cost more money than the Infiniti?  Absolutely.  The Blue 6cyl Trail Hawk is only for 27 months.  The Black (I know you all HATE black cars) Limited is for 39 months and most importantly, “It’s got a HEMI!”

stickguy

I was actually thinking yesterday about a GC, as I looked at my car buried in snow and the giant snow/slush piles on the roads. Though I would be fine with the V6 model.

I work from home, and yesterday (talk about bad timing) was the first time in ages I had to go into the office for a meeting. And with the wife commuting now, the RDX wasn't home to take. Though by the time I left, the Elantra drove just fine on the slop. Quite stable.

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

I was actually thinking yesterday about a GC, as I looked at my car buried in snow and the giant snow/slush piles on the roads. Though I would be fine with the V6 model.

I work from home, and yesterday (talk about bad timing) was the first time in ages I had to go into the office for a meeting. And with the wife commuting now, the RDX wasn't home to take. Though by the time I left, the Elantra drove just fine on the slop. Quite stable.

They have 7,500 mile per year leases as well

Drivingfool

We have a few Edge's in the fleet and they are a pleasure to drive actually. I'd even drive one if need be as my d d as they are quite nice inside. Not a Ford guy but they done good with the Edge and surprised I don't see more on the roads. Guess the Escape is taking away sales from it as it seems to slot in between that and the Explorer. But seriously, if I needed such a rig, I'd seriously have the Edge on my short list.

The Sandman/Driving Fool

Drivingfool

A front came through last night and when I went to breakfast this morning, car showed 52 and at 5 am, my phone showed 49. Felt so good to finally have some cooler temps but unfortunately, still warm at home, which is only 188 miles due south. Again, mentioned to my wife last night as we were face timing that she needs to give serious thought to moving up here. Lots of building going on with dynamite prices and we could get something new again, our last two places were new builds, and bank a nice chunk of change. Think it makes sense as we go into our senior years and also makes sense as the current abode is going to be 32 years old and next month have to have some roof work done, about $1200 worth. Am tired of throwing $ into it already and I know it'll sell quick as it's in a great school district and it's a nice 4/2 on a cul-de-sac. Mostly young families buy there as they move from their starter homes into something a bit bigger for an expanding family. Sure, it needs some work in the interior but most folks are going to come in and redo the kitchen and master bath anyways. I did the 2nd bath back in 2009 and it's held up very nicely so nothing to do there. And it does need a paint job in the interior also but better for the new folks to pick their own colors. I'd even reduce our asking price to get us out of there faster but do think it'll sell quickly once we do list it. The last year, the comps are showing that houses our size in our location don't last long on the market, maybe a couple of weeks with some being sold within days!
Spending the last few days up here in St. Cloud has shown me how much there is to offer. Lots of new developments going up with signs saying "homes from the low $200's", which is really good. I think once one adds some upgrades like my kid did, the price could be anywhere from $260K and up. She paid just north of that and did many upgrades that I would also choose. They painted the garage floor with that paint they advertise in the back pages of Motor Trend and must say it looks great! She'll finally use it when she gets back from Thanksgiving at our place. But both our vehicles should fit very nicely. I do think that once the wife finally sees the finished product, I'll have a better shot at convincing her to move. Have already started purging "crap" at home as I have a lot to go through after 31 years. So much stuff I really need to just let go but now I'm motivated to do it!!


The Sandman/Driving Fool

suydam

It depends upon the area, of course, but when we sold our house we were told buyers now expect “move in” condition. If it needs work they move on unless you sell at a substantial discount. I’d have a real estate agent give you an appraisal before you put your house on the market. A paint job, for example, really makes a room look better and is relatively cheap to do.

Drivingfool

Think it also depends on the buyer. Think kitchens and bathrooms are two rooms where one needs to get the finishes just right for the majority of buyers. Since I'm not a real designer, I think the new owner should get to do it their way but I agree that a reduction in price would have to occur. But right now, I don't have a problem with that since it's really time for us to go and get into our last place as we aren't getting any younger. And I do think I've got one more major move in me and just like my wife, I want new construction going forward. By just seeing what my daughter did here just makes me want it more. Am still waiting for furniture delivery as I type, she got the internet done yesterday morning and it's so much faster than ours at home, like night and day.
She didn't have furniture for every room but am waiting on a new couch coming before noon today. She also bought a new king bed and frame and put her old queen into the back bedroom I'm using. We gave her our futon for the third bedroom plus we swapped desks that she has put into her dedicated office, she works from home. I know she wants bedroom furniture for the master plus a entertainment center but she's going to take her time as we all agreed to get quality furnishings even if she has to wait a little longer and save more for them. When one buys cheap, one gets cheap! Better to wait and see what one really needs and go with quality furnishings. Since she'll be here by herself for the first few months, probably the best course to take. We've tossed around the idea of me retiring early and moving up here temporarily as we build our own new place. But no real plans have been made. But the idea actually came from my other daughter and my wife so we'll see. I'd say right now, there's better than a 50% chance that we'll move somewhere near here by the beginning of 2020. So maybe, just maybe, the wife is finally seeing it my way, finally!!

The Sandman/Driving Fool

28firefighter

@graphicguy and @stickguy:

https://jalopnik.com/the-2019-genesis-g70-is-as-great-as-it-needs-to-be-1830343875

Quite the review.

pensfan83

That's one sharp looking car. I like it better, inside and out, than the Stinger.

stickguy

It was nice. And I only sat in a base 4 cyl. Only flaw was the seat needed more front tilt and thigh support.

graphicguy

28firefighter said:

@graphicguy and @stickguy:

https://jalopnik.com/the-2019-genesis-g70-is-as-great-as-it-needs-to-be-1830343875

Quite the review.

Thanks @28firefighter .....I’ve seen some other reviews of the G70, in addition to my personal test drive of the STinger.


Truth told, if I wasn’t so hell bent on waiting for the TLX S-Type, I probably would have pulled the trigger on the Stinger GT2 at $40K when I test drove it a few weeks ago. I’m certainly not as hard core sports car loving at @roadburner or @Mr_Shiftright , but I do like a fast, sporty car done well. The Stinger GT did that in spades. I expect the G70 to do that even more so.

I’ll test drive a G70. Right now, it seems the closest ones in stock are in MI, though.

As much as we might complain about the whole “Kia experience” (and there’s good reason to complain about it), at the end of the day, if we get a good/great price and have a service dept that covers any glitches, it’s all good.

What I don’t know is how much I’d miss the Acura dealership, which has taken great care of me over the years. Plus, even though not as fast, my TLX is built to a higher standard with better materials than the Stinger. Plus, it’s more refined, too. Not sure how much I’d miss that.

28firefighter

I am keen to drive the G70 6spd. I really like the styling inside and out.

stickguy

Genesis is no issue about dealers. They include 3 years of concierge service, where they bring you a loaner and take your car back. So no need to ever see the service department.

I like hatchbacks, but the stinger is just too big and overdone for my taste. A G70 though, is a perfect size, just in a sedan.

Price though is an issue. Need to give it a few years for used ones.

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

I am keen to drive the G70 6spd. I really like the styling inside and out.

Isn't the stick only available with small engine and RWD?

stickguy

GG, I know what you mean about not needing or wanting hard core. I don’t track it, and roads around here suck. So something more of a comfy luxury oriented car, that is still quite with at least respectable (marginally at least fun when desired) is great for me. I think a base 3series, a TLX, Q50, S60 all fit the profile to some degree

28firefighter

Yes, @kyfdx - but still pretty powerful 2.0. Plus I don't need AWD.

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

Yes, @kyfdx - but still pretty powerful 2.0. Plus I don't need AWD.

No one needs AWD.

roadburner

kyfdx said:

28firefighter said:

Yes, @kyfdx - but still pretty powerful 2.0. Plus I don't need AWD.

No one needs AWD.

Exactly!

Mr_Shiftright

28firefighter said:

This would be a fun DD.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2001-porsche-911-turbo-41/

The nice part about the 996 Turbo is that it doesn't use the flawed engine from the N/A cars. Porsche apparently knew very well, thank you, that the regular 996 engine wouldn't handle this level of power and/or stress.

So, short answer: No IMS worries!

Mr_Shiftright

Well the Mini hit a hay bale that fell off a flatbed. No major damage except some inner fender lining now hitting the tire (popped those plastic rivets). The little bugger just hopped right over that bale. I didn't much feel like pursuing a truck in the middle of a dark country road, but it did remind me to keep on car-shopping.

nyccarguy

28firefighter said:

@graphicguy and @stickguy:

https://jalopnik.com/the-2019-genesis-g70-is-as-great-as-it-needs-to-be-1830343875

Quite the review.

I just got done reading that. Very complimentary and impressive review indeed. Pretty well written too. Not the usual "Man if only they would sell this thing with cloth seats, crank windows, & rear defroster delete..."

I like the idea of the Stinger. I just don't LOVE the styling of the Stinger. It looks ok in WHITE & SILVER with the right wheels and the upgraded headlights.

This G70 is a very nice looking vehicle.

nyccarguy

@graphicguy - did I miss your test drive review of the Stinger?

xwesx

Drivingfool said:

But the idea actually came from my other daughter and my wife so we'll see. I'd say right now, there's better than a 50% chance that we'll move somewhere near here by the beginning of 2020. So maybe, just maybe, the wife is finally seeing it my way, finally!!

The Sandman/Driving Fool

Just when your daughter was thinking, "Ah, just the right distance from my parents...." :P

benjaminh

Mr_Shiftright said:

Well the Mini hit a hay bale that fell off a flatbed. No major damage except some inner fender lining now hitting the tire (popped those plastic rivets). The little bugger just hopped right over that bale. I didn't much feel like pursuing a truck in the middle of a dark country road, but it did remind me to keep on car-shopping.

Yikes! Glad you are ok. We need your insights and humor around here.....

xwesx

Mr_Shiftright said:

Well the Mini hit a hay bale that fell off a flatbed. No major damage except some inner fender lining now hitting the tire (popped those plastic rivets). The little bugger just hopped right over that bale. I didn't much feel like pursuing a truck in the middle of a dark country road, but it did remind me to keep on car-shopping.

Well, convenient, then, that the deal on the RX-8 fell through!

I'm glad you're okay. It must not have been one of those MONSTER bales. I can see one of those swallowing your Mini whole. They wouldn't find you until the cattle consumed better than half the bale....

Mr_Shiftright

Takes a lickin', keeps on tickin'.

Another sobering aspect of the RX-8 is/was the poor fuel mileage. I figured out that factoring in CA gas prices for premium fuel, + the suggestion of adding a premium pre-mix oil to the fuel for the rotary engine, that I'd be paying about .25 a mile to drive an RX-8.

nyccarguy

So the Jalopnik article peaked my interest enough to go and check out the Genesis website. As much as I'd like to be all gung-ho about the RWD 6MT version, I think I'd be very happy with the Standard 3.3T AWD version in White with Black guts. Looks like it has everything I need and nothing I don't. $46,745 sticker price seems reasonable too.

28firefighter

I think I'd like to drive the 6spd RWD and compare it to the 3.3T AWD auto. You know, due diligence.

coldinohio

nyccarguy said:

28firefighter said:

@graphicguy and @stickguy:

https://jalopnik.com/the-2019-genesis-g70-is-as-great-as-it-needs-to-be-1830343875

Quite the review.

I just got done reading that. Very complimentary and impressive review indeed. Pretty well written too. Not the usual "Man if only they would sell this thing with cloth seats, crank windows, & rear defroster delete..."

I like the idea of the Stinger. I just don't LOVE the styling of the Stinger. It looks ok in WHITE & SILVER with the right wheels and the upgraded headlights.

This G70 is a very nice looking vehicle.

nice care on line; agree with about still worry about buying from a hyundai-housed genesis dealer vs standalone genesis

genesis atlanta has several in inventory (both 2.0 and 3.3)

stickguy

I found the AWD and AT model plenty quick. More than I’m likely to be able to use around here!

Bradd, going to be too small for you. Especially as a hockey dad!

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

I found the AWD and AT model plenty quick. More than I’m likely to be able to use around here!

Bradd, going to be too small for you. Especially as a hockey dad!

All of the equipment fits in the trunk of my Q40, how much smaller is this?

graphicguy

Mr_Shiftright said:

Takes a lickin', keeps on tickin'.

Another sobering aspect of the RX-8 is/was the poor fuel mileage. I figured out that factoring in CA gas prices for premium fuel, + the suggestion of adding a premium pre-mix oil to the fuel for the rotary engine, that I'd be paying about .25 a mile to drive an RX-8.

When did you lose your sense of adventure?

stickguy

Smaller I bet.

graphicguy

nyccarguy said:

@graphicguy - did I miss your test drive review of the Stinger?

Few weeks ago.....

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/comment/5587466#Comment_5587466

nyccarguy

graphicguy said:

nyccarguy said:

@graphicguy - did I miss your test drive review of the Stinger?

Few weeks ago.....

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/comment/5587466#Comment_5587466

Excellent write up. I jumped off that thread a little while back! Miss some, not others.

fintail

I used to fit 4 guys plus all gear and sticks in the fintail no problem, and it isn't a huge car. I think a lot of sports parents think they need SUVs, maybe because of the "S" part, but it can be overkill.

stickguy said:

I found the AWD and AT model plenty quick. More than I’m likely to be able to use around here!

Bradd, going to be too small for you. Especially as a hockey dad!

ronsteve

kyfdx said

No one needs AWD.

If I lived somewhere that was subject to heavy snow, and by that I mean Buffalo, and continue to hold a job that I have to get to work regardless, then I'd feel a need for AWD.  

I have AWD now, but I wouldn't say I need it here in Louisville. 

Drivingfool

Luckily, our girls have no issue living near us if need be because we don't bother them or just drop in. They do that because our home is still home to them. Sure we text daily just to see how all is going but we're not intrusive in the least as we also have our own lives. But, when needed, we're right there as parents should be. When the oldest had her engagement broken, it was just assumed that she's move back home, no questions asked. All I knew was that I was going to make things as good as I could for her no matter what. They always come first no matter what, always has been and always will be. Maybe that's not the norm but I just love my kids so much that I make sure they know I've got their backs no matter what.
And luckily, they like us as well as love us. Makes a big difference really. Just the opposite of what I had growing up which is probably why I try to be the best parent as I can because my folks weren't. But that's another can of worms!!

The Sandman/Driving Fool

Drivingfool

We never got to the supermarket today so we had to eat out. Got there and the place was super crowded so we decided to get take out instead. While in line, the wife calls. Seems like someone tried to get into our AT&T account and since it's in my name, I need to call the Fraud Department asap. Great, she's getting the emails and a phone call from AT&T and she's in South Florida while I'm almost 200 miles away. Finally get through to the Fraud Department and after going through all the hoops they make you jump through, I just ask them to call her as she knows the issue and I don't. But I have to give my permission since the account's under my name.
Her cell is the only android unit on our 4 cell phone account and she does want to switch over and now I think she'll do it once we get back home. She talked to my oldest about the new XR unit so since this new issue seems to stem from her cell according to the fraud lady, think her android unit is doomed and will shortly be replaced. I like my iPhone so much better than the couple of androids that I had, easier I think but that's just my opinion.
We seem to be having fraud attempts every couple of years and I just don't get it. We try to be so careful and I tend to check certain things on a regular basis due to the amount of times we've been a fraud victim but guess crooks are getting much smarter and will keep trying to get in somehow and someway. Just very frustrating that's all and especially now that I'm in the middle of the state and she's home alone. Haven't heard back from her yet so hopefully the fraud lady was able to help her through this new issue. But the timing sure sucked and my dinner was ruined!

The Sandman/Driving Fool :@

Mr_Shiftright

Well I just crossed another car dealership off my Christmas list. THIS TIME I located a nice Volvo C30--good colors and equipment--pretty much what I wanted.

So I call them up and they tell me. "Sure you can come up anytime--but the car is being reconditioned, so call us in the AM and it should be ready."

Shiftright, FOOL that he is, trusts them.

So I call promptly in the AM--car all gassed up, checkbook in hand.

"Oh, sorry, that car was sold last night...."

(Cue gnashing of teeth, tearing of paper, unprintable language).

benjaminh

c. $20k for a certified 2015 TLX with 18k miles. White with greystone interior. A low cost upgrade from an Elantra Sport?

https://www.parkaveacura.com/used-Rochelle+Park-2015-Acura-TLX-24L-19UUB1F37FA016607







My local Acura dealer has its "black Friday specials" already up. For the TLX base this is their offer....

Lease a 2019 Acura TLX 2.4L 8-Speed DCT for $239/mo. for 36 months
$2,499 due at signing, $0 security deposit. Stock #AM158 Vin 19UUB1F35KA004465. 36 month closed-end lease on approved credit. 7,500 miles/year. Plus tax, title, license, dealer processing fee.

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

stickguy

I won't got back as far as 2015. 2017 is the earliest I think.

Sandy, our kids still like us. That is a nice thing. Our daughter seems to be home most weekends. Including this one. She is sitting next to us right now (after hustling a free meal of course!) playing songs from the old days and making fun of them. But she is happy to hang with us anyway.

corvette

Drivingfool said:

...this new issue seems to stem from her cell according to the fraud lady, think her android unit is doomed and will shortly be replaced. I like my iPhone so much better than the couple of androids that I had, easier I think but that's just my opinion.

There is still a lot of fragmentation in the Android world insofar as which handsets get updated, for how long, and how long after new software is released does it take before they receive it. I loved my LG Nexus 4, but got rid of it as soon as it was no longer supported, and I know I will upgrade my iPhone as soon as they stop releasing iOS updates for it, for security reasons in both cases.

The iPad, I might let slide, because I don't use it much, or I could also just replace it with whatever cheap, currently supported Fire tablet is available at the time.

tbirdmarco

Have some catching up in here to do over two pages, I know we can meet Thursday night was crazy, took Uber home and had to cancel my boss then I use over here. They take your door to door. So took over half an hour, traffic everywhere has mentioned others took hours to get home I’ve mentioned. The main thing is that everyone gets home safe and sound. All interesting cars and things posted in here everyone.g have some catching up in here to do over two pages, I know we can meet Thursday night was crazy, took Uber home and had to cancel my boss then I use over here. They take you door to door. So took over half an hour, traffic everywhere as mentioned others took hours to get home I’ve mentioned. The main thing is that everyone gets home safe and sound. All interesting cars and things posted I’m here everyone. 

tbirdmarco

 Stick guy hand driving funny, yes it’s good how close you are with your children I think that’s awesome, and they’re all around my age. 

tbirdmarco

 Glad you are OK just minor damage to that many. 

tbirdmarco

 Not sure when else I missing in here. Thank pretty much covered it all. Anyone doing any car shopping this weekend? Enjoying the weekend all. Type your comment

breld

stickguy said:

I won't got back as far as 2015. 2017 is the earliest I think.

Sandy, our kids still like us. That is a nice thing. Our daughter seems to be home most weekends. Including this one. She is sitting next to us right now (after hustling a free meal of course!) playing songs from the old days and making fun of them. But she is happy to hang with us anyway.

That's awesome - my stepdaughter is in her 3rd year of college, and we still have to encourage her to stay up in Fort Collins some weekends (it's like a 45 minute drive). It seems if she had it her way, she'd be down most every weekend hanging with us, as well as her boyfriend who lives down this way too.

I have to remind my wife once in awhile that we should be flattered and enjoy it while it lasts (and truthfully, we hope it lasts a long time).

ab348

This '91 10K mile Prelude is already bringing insane money and still 6 days to run.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1991-honda-prelude-7/