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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

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  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,748
    oops.
    forgot you were SELLING a bmw. :)

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,748
    Oldest I can pull up on Galves for non-luxo cars is '96. A '96 300Z 2+2 with ~100k on the clock will pull $5500 tops on trade-in. So your $7500 should buy you a very nice one with quite a bit less than 120k. The SC300 with manual is just behind that at $5250. An M3 stands at $7900.

    They don't list Supra values. I guess they don't hit auction very much, if ever.

    For comparison, a Prelude VTEC is worth all of $3500. Although Galves allows up to 116k miles on that one. With the 97k the others are allowed without penalty, it puts it at $3750.

    And ... just to add another to the mix. If you happen across a real nice MX-6 M Edition coupe with ~100k miles and manual trans, a dealer would give you as much as $1700 for it!

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    I had a major craving for a new SC400 in the early '90's. Bought an e-24 M6 instead. But I think an SC300 is a great idea. I've heard it's $2K to replace the fancy dash/gauge display if it fails, but what the heck. Beautiful cars.

    An e36 M3 "could" be a good/great idea. I also like the used WRX idea.

    But all that is theoretical: what is FS w/in 100-200 miles of you, in really nice shape, at a good price, that you would like better than your current car?
  • lemmerlemmer Member Posts: 2,689
    It's almost like you forgot what forum you are in - this is CCBA, isn't it?

    Option 2 is to keep the BMW, sell my 944 for $3,500 and buy something else in the $3-6K range. That car would be without any constraints (within reason, the wife would never allow a Mustang). I could get an SC300 or an MGB GT, a CRX Si or a '75 Corvette (not that I necessarily want any of these).

    The two main things I don't like about my car - the color (in and out) and I don't like having a convertible as a daily driver.
  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,791
    buy something else in the $3-6K range

    Playing fantasy car purchase in that range, I'd be looking for the best condition MR2 I could find. 1st gen, 2nd gen, whatever...best condition available. I've always wanted one...

    In reality, I will buy a MR2 spyder sometime. Probably in white. With the accessory hardtop. Great second car.

    Can a single guy have 2 cars and 2 motorcycles?

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0

  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] ColoradoPosts: 0
    Can a single guy have 2 cars and 2 motorcycles?

    ...well unlike a non-single guy, who's gonna tell you no? :sick:
  • lemmerlemmer Member Posts: 2,689
    Now you are talking. I like MR2s. But it sure is hard to find a decent one. There are no MR2s listed on Autotrader within 100 miles of me.

    I had four cars at once when I was single. I could never get away with that now.
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    I think most of the MR2s you'll find are molested with aftermakret stuff on them too. I always liked the 2nd gen MR2s as they have very stylish lines that still look good today.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,791
    I think most of the MR2s you'll find are molested with aftermakret stuff on them too.

    I agree 100%, which is why I'd personally not get hung up on color, year, etc and more let condition be my guide. I once found a mint '92 2nd-gen 5 speed, red, 62K miles that was bone stock...still sometimes kick myself for letting it getaway...

    HA, who am I fooling; as a CCB, I would have probably sold it 5 times over by now... ;)

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,352
    For an M3, you'll have to go back to pre-'99 to get into your range. I have NO idea how a '98 M3 compares to an '01 330. We'll have to look that up.

    While in CCBA mode I compared an E36 M3 to the 330i ZHP, and they are-based on Car and Driver tests-identical with respect to objective performance numbers. It all comes down to personal preference. Me, I'd probably go with the M3.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    I was SHOCKED to discover there are currently TWO 5-speed manual SC300s for sale near me! A black '96, 105K miles, records of a new t-belt at 70K, asking $10K ("JUST REDUCED!") at a dealer, and a pristine-looking white '92, 145K, claiming always garaged and all records, one owner, selling privately and asking $7500.

    I am sorta tempted, just because I think this may have been the single best-looking Japanese car from the 90s (although it's a close race with that gorgeous '93+ RX7), and it's like a non-turbo Supra only without the handling. I have driven them in the past, and their handling is not terrible, just middling. It's a good cruiser, especially for highway trips. Very comfortable. Mileage only slightly better than a 6-cylinder 4Runner of the day though. :sick:

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • lemmerlemmer Member Posts: 2,689
    I've not driven an SC300 but I have driven an SC400. Frankly, it was pretty boring. The V8 is so quiet and smooth that I hardly noticed it. I've always heard that they are so good that they grow on you. Of course I'd probably sell it before it had teh proper time to do so. My other complaint is that they are almost always that nondescript beigy gold color and the interiors are almost always a generic beige and tan. Find a 5-speed SC300 in silver or gray with a gray or black interior and I might be happy.

    The more I think about it, I might just be better off looking for a Prelude.
  • lemmerlemmer Member Posts: 2,689
    Funny you should mention a 4Runner. I've noticed the '90s models are cheaper than dirt. I've considered buying one of those as my daily driver and freeing up more cash for a fun car. I've always admire their simplicity and ruggedness. I'm not sure what their real world MPG is. I do only do city/suburban type driving with my car, so the highway number is almost irrelevant.
  • bumpybumpy Member Posts: 4,425
    I have driven them in the past, and their handling is not terrible, just middling.

    I wouldn't let that be a deterrent. There are all kinds of aftermarket suspension setups made for the JDM Soarer that will also fit the US SC models.
  • lemmerlemmer Member Posts: 2,689
    Wheels and tires are usually about as far as I am willing to go with modifications to an old car. If I buy an SC300 for $7500 and put $2000 into the suspension, I now have a $6500 car. And an aftermarket handling/ride compromise almost always pales in comparison to that of a factory sports package. Why not just move up to a better handling car that costs $2000 more in the first place?
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    Very good point, and kind of the way I think usually too. I'm very averse to doing a lot of expensive wheel and suspension work on a car as old as the ones I mentioned.

    As for the 90s 4Runners, I owned both models. The earlier one will sweat to break 18 mpg and will usually be lower. The later model will pull 20 mpg in normal driving if you don't drive too hard. That's V-6 stick shift 4WD in both cases. I have heard that the older models will save a fair amount of gas if you go 4-cylinder 2WD. In the newer models the 4-cylinder option was fairly pointless for fuel economy improvement, and was mainly useful for lowering the price of the truck.

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • lemmerlemmer Member Posts: 2,689
    All else being equal, is it worth another grand or two to move up to the newer body style?
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    If you're going with the V-6 (the majority of the Runners built) then YES, very much so. The 3.4 in the '96 and up is a much more appropriate engine for the size of the truck, and much more durable too - the pre-'96 V-6s (3.0L) had lotsa troubles...

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    I agree with nippononly: the '96 & up (thru '02 I think?) V-6 4Runners are really superior to the previous-gen, in a whole lot of ways. Good trucks. What kind of prices are you seeing?
  • lemmerlemmer Member Posts: 2,689
    This one is really close to my house:

    4Runner
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] ColoradoPosts: 0
    Would you be leary of the miles on that one, or is it just now broken in? I've been looking more in the '00-'02 with around 70-90K miles, but then we're talking more in the $16K-$19K range as well.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,316
    $16-19k for a nearly ten year old car that gets under 20 MPG sounds nuts...

    Over on RWTIV, volvomax just quoted a trade-in value of $9,000 for a fully loaded 2002 330i with 90,000 miles. A different beast, to be sure, but a better value, I think...
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] ColoradoPosts: 0
    Oh, I agree with you there, that one listed under $10K sounds better, just curious on the miles...
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    Looks nice. That thing should have had at least one new timing belt in its lifetime, preferably in the last 50K miles. At 140K that series of 4Runner CAN be just getting broken in. Everything depends on the maintenance it had from its previous owners.

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • gussguss Member Posts: 1,167
    someone will be buying. Way to go lemmer, it just goes to show you all it takes is two snipers that have to have it and e-bay can be a good way to sell a car.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,316
    Uh-oh, his wife's gonna be mad... :P
  • lemmerlemmer Member Posts: 2,689
    The sniper was in my basement. He emailed me two hours before the end of auction, finished his test drive with ten minutes left in the auction and bid from my computer with less than a minute left. Should be an easy, clean transaction that we will finish up tomorrow (he is waiting on his loan check from USAA bank).

    The other bidder was a dr in WV. He told me Friday that we was going to choose buy-it-now, but apparently decided that he would wait and try to get it for less. I don't blame him for trying as it came really close to saving him some money. Of course he really wanted the car and is now empty handed.

    The wife went through anger, slight depression, and finally acceptance last night. This morning she seems to be repeating that whole process as she woke up angry asking how I plan on getting to work and my daughter to school Wednesday morning.
  • gussguss Member Posts: 1,167
    You better make the next purchase something the wife likes or you and that basement are going to become close.

    I traded cars twice without full consent of my my wife. Never again, women have too long of a memory. :sick:
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,748
    i said this in the project cars forum, but it needs repeating. go get a rental and take your time shopping!

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,748
    oh boy! shopping vicariously!

    pretty blue G35?

    Base MINI?

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • lemmerlemmer Member Posts: 2,689
    I had a G35 two years (and three cars) ago. I would buy one again, but not yet.

    The wife says I look ridiculous driving a MINI.

    I do appreciate the suggestions.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I did a real Doh! of a move with a buy it now when I bought the Celica. It looked like I was getting in cheap but right in the last minute the snipers came out and I ended up OVER the buy it now price by $100. Some you win some you lose.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    The wife went through anger, slight depression, and finally acceptance last night. This morning she seems to be repeating that whole process as she woke up angry asking how I plan on getting to work and my daughter to school Wednesday morning.

    This is a very entertaining saga.

    Problem is: anything one says here along the lines of: just to keep a nice, good condition, car, vs trading it, may not be all that popular. But some genius like Einstein should come up with a formula to equate: not only the condition, mileage, performance, safety, gas mileage of whatever car you're selling, VS whatever car you're buying, but also: How Pi****-off your wife is gonna be. (Personally, I drove my ex-GF crazy with my car buying/selling/repairing obsessions....)

    But no-one ever said being a car addict would be easy...... Best of luck, I'm sure it'll work out, woody
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,748
    huh?
    You had a G35 and managed to wind up in a much older 323?

    Ahh... now I see the problem. You are working BACKWARDS. ;P

    So I should be suggesting like an '88 Dodge Omni.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • lemmerlemmer Member Posts: 2,689
    The wife seems to have moved on to fear. She has called and emailed me today asking what kind of cars I am looking at on AutoTrader. I think she is scared that I am going to come home with something odd like a '75 Trans Am with a screaming chicken on the hood.
  • lemmerlemmer Member Posts: 2,689
    I had a brand new G35, sold it and bought an older Lexus for cash. I decided to only buy cars for cash from now on.

    By the way, the '98 323ic was more fun that the '05 G35.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,316
    Wow, I'm surprised that a ten-year-old BMW still holds, what, around 25% of its value? I mean, compare that residual with a 1998 Buick...

    I think you did really well!
  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,791
    I think she is scared that I am going to come home with something odd like a '75 Trans Am with a screaming chicken on the hood.

    :P

    Can you do a good 'Bandit' impression? Everything comes back in style sometime...

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0

  • lemmerlemmer Member Posts: 2,689
    The other way of looking at is - "Wow, I can buy a $45,000 car for only $11,000."

    Or in the case of a V12 BMW sedan - "Wow, I can buy a $100,00 car for only $8,000."
  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    something odd like a '75 Trans Am with a screaming chicken on the hood.

    Someone pls. explain to me: what is so wrong with buying a '75 Trans Am with a screaming chicken on the hood????? :D

    Do you have any used Mustang urges? In your price range? Or, any nice older bmw's FS locally? (E30, E28, E24, etc.) What does a nice E28 M5 go for now??? Or a 2002?

    What about a late '60s Pontiac? Bonneville, Tempest? Or a nice '60's Mercury like in "Swingers"? (You've gone this far, might as well do something radical.....)
  • lemmerlemmer Member Posts: 2,689
    We have oodles of late model BMWs for sale around here, but they start getting real sparse once they are around ten years old.

    The CCBA gods are apparently smiling on me. I took my check and gave the guy my Bimmer around 6:30 pm . By 8:30, I had my old 944 running again. So, that takes a little pressure off me to find something instantly.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,435
    I am helping a relative car shop again. She currently has a lease running out on an XC90 3.2, which she really likes. So, this is the base criteria:

    "my wish list-maybe flexible if needed on some items

    A crossover suv, hybrid/much better mileage, optional 3rd row seats, blue tooth included, maybe movie in back seat, still would like to keep my monthly lease payments around 400-450 a month if possible??"

    Ignoring the lease payment issue (as much as possible), let's have the wonderful ideas.

    Oh, and she is a touch brand consious (OK, snobby), and in the past some more mainstream brands haven't flown. And nothing related to Germany.

    Anyway, my first thought was Highlander, either regualr or hybrid. An Escape hybrid would never fly. Probably not the Mercury version either. And I think she does want to stay with the 3rd row.

    A new MDX could work too, depending on the lease deal (she needs by October, so year end deals will come at a good time!), although the mileage issue comes into play.

    Thoughts???

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,748
    an MDX won't get her better mileage.
    If its a 3-row crossover with mileage better than the volvo, I can only think of the Highlander hybrid you mentioned or maybe a RAV4 ... although I'm not sure you can get DVD with that, but could always have the dealer install an aftermarket unit, I'm sure.

    But is Toyota snobby enough?

    There are always the diesel Benz suvs, but you ain't touching that lease payment with one of those.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,435
    that is more of a liberal/ecoweenie issue, not really financial (for the miles she does, and I think work pays for some of the gas). So in the end, that may be a compromise.

    No diesels either. They are in NY, a pump your own state, and she sure ain't gonna be pumping that stuff!

    No German manufacturers either. Chrysler may be OK again though!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 266,591
    No idea on the price, but for snobby eco-weenies, there is always the Lexus RX400h..

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  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    Can't be that snobbish considering the XC90 she is driving now. :lemon:
  • gussguss Member Posts: 1,167
    not any better mileage or any more prestige but I would take a look at the Mazda CX-9. The Buick Enclave while big pulls ok mileage numbers , might be worth at least a look too.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,748
    Can't be that snobbish considering the XC90 she is driving now.

    Volvo is still considered a higher-level brand by 95% of the population.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,748
    Chrysler may be OK again though!

    Anything in Chrysler's current stable will get worse mileage than the volvo. Count on it.

    If mileage is less of a concern, I agree with the CX9 suggestion. At least it looks more expensive than the nameplate indicates (kinda like Chrysler). Or how about the SRX? Not sure how the numbers would work out on that. Forget the RX400h. Go straight for the RX350. Mileage won't be all too dissimilar and the initial savings will more than make up for it over the life of a lease.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    Volvo is still considered a higher-level brand by 95% of the population.

    That makes sense since 95% of the population never owned one.
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