Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

graphicguy

Happy Birthday, Marco.

28firefighter

fintail said:

Does that have the same system as a Grand Cherokee? I remember a quirk in my rental is that it wouldn't save presets if you turned the car off. As long as it was on, the presets were there, but turn it off, all gone. A little irksome.

Regarding black cars, I can't do it in the rain here, I'd end up losing it. Maybe a truck, as they can get away with being dirty, but I like to keep my cars clean, and all it would take is a 5 minute drive on a wet day to ruin that.

Nah, the Alfa infotainment is a homegrown hot mess designed especially for Alfas. I would happily take the standard Dodge/Jeep/Chrysler infotainment.

28firefighter

qbrozen said:

I'm at about 2400 miles. Not a single rattle. But, based on reports I've read, including yours, it would seem the quality is extremely inconsistent.

Terrible mileage, though. Granted, I flog it A LOT, but was not expecting 20 mpg.

I'll be happy if it doesn't start dropping body or interior panels on a rough road by the end of the lease. If I was paying what some people do (in the 400s-500s) I'd be furious. At least at this price point, I'm getting what I pay for - something that can hold it's own next to an SQ5 at 1/3 the price...

stickguy

Ben, that modern steel? In any case, looks sharp. what interior color do you have with that?

roadburner

sb55 said:

I live 1.5 miles from pavement on a dirt road. So, it's either mud or dust and it's really hard to keep a car completely clean. I don't think that black is any worse than dark blue (or any other darker hues). For us, "medium" hues work the best. The wife's BMW is white, and this color is even OK after a power wash rinse.

My gravel drive is about 1800 feet long; there was no way I could keep a black car looking anywhere close to pristine...

stickguy

I don't worry about pristine. I go for passable and the better it is at hiding dirt, the easier that is!

tjc78

Then get silver or gold.  They never look dirty! 

fintail

My prior silver car was good at hiding dirt. White wasn't too bad, it just becomes a different shade of white, and a high pressure hose can work wonders.

Dark grey car drove me nuts, medium-dark blue car I have currently sometimes irks me in the same way. It's a job.

stickguy

our RDX is dark gray (I think it is called graphite luster). Nearly as dark as black, but a much different shade, and seems to hide dirt better. More muted/grayish. My white car is like snow. looks the same, just dingier!

benjaminh

stickguy said:

Ben, that modern steel? In any case, looks sharp. what interior color do you have with that?

Actually it's the Lunar Silver with black leather int. Seems like TLX is out of the running for you, but if your wife liked the Sonata I bet she'd like the TLX more. I feel like I'm getting more than I'm paying for in terms of the feel, handling, features, etc.

But the X1 is great package if you can get the price low enough. I looked at the stats and it is surprisingly roomy inside. Good cargo area too.

tjc78

White is pretty good too. I would love another white car, or maybe a nice blue. I'm certainly not going silver again unless it's a steal.

breld

I like the look of the dark metallic blue on my Q7, but I also am a "member" at Waterway car wash, so I can use that as frequently as I want. Plus, I enjoy hand washing and detailing the cars often.

Having said that, I would have much preferred a silver or white model.

fintail

I sometimes think about a SUV or truck for my next car just to keep the clean car monkey off my back. With one of those, run it through a wash monthly and you're good.

xwesx

ab348 said:

It may just be me but I always find the metallic blacks never look clean, even when they are. The metallic component makes the car appear dusty even when it is spotless.

I owned one black car, the GTI. That was enough for me.

Well, that's the secret to why it looks better overall! If non-metallic black only looks clean for about five minutes before it looks dusty, and metallic always looks dusty (even if it is worse than dusty), I call that a win!

28firefighter

I really like this one: https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/volvok/6756087473.html

stickguy

Very nice!

jpp75

28firefighter said:

I really like this one: https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/volvok/6756087473.html

Me too!

jpp75

xwesx said:

Happy birthday, Marco!

@jpp5862 , I'm honestly not sure I would enjoy driving a gasoline vehicle on a regular basis anymore. However, I would enjoy a truck! I've been passively eyeing the new diesel F150 and Silverado. I have this silly idea to own a 2019 Silverado just so that I can have one fifty years newer than my '69 C20. But, I like the F150 a lot more than the Chevy offering.

Oh, well. For now, my current stable is stable.

I certainly get the appeal of the diesel, the torque was great on the highway. I have to say though, personally I like being able to hit the gas off the line and have the car actually go. I ran out for lunch today at work and as I was coming back I was making a left turn, in the Touareg there was no taking chances on a left because of the turbo lag, I had a couple of close calls where in theory there was plenty of time, but 2 seconds for the turbo to spool up can make a big difference in those situations.

xwesx

The mapping of the transmission on the "fix" is just horrible. It definitely stole the off-the-line punch that the engine itself can provide, and the faster you want it to move out, the more pronounced this is. I think it must have been a way for them to minimize the changes' impact on fuel economy (they were required to keep it within 5% of origional, if I recall correctly, which means they could lose 1 mpg on the ratings.... which they did).

graphicguy

Red paint on my TLX also looks quite good. Haven't washed it in about 3 weeks. Not pristine looking, but not bad, either. When clean, I think it actually glows.

Looks like it as put on with some care. And, I've yet to see any noticeable chips or scratches, which is way unusual for any car that's well into its 2nd year of wear and tear.

kyfdx

graphicguy said:

Red paint on my TLX also looks quite good. Haven't washed it in about 3 weeks. Not pristine looking, but not bad, either. When clean, I think it actually glows.

Looks like it as put on with some care. And, I've yet to see any noticeable chips or scratches, which is way unusual for any car that's well into its 2nd year of wear and tear.

My wife bought a gift certificate to our local detailer for my birthday (in June). Just got around to using it, two weeks ago. Forgot how great the paint could look with wax on it. Even 13 years old, it looks good.

nyccarguy

graphicguy said:

Red paint on my TLX also looks quite good. Haven't washed it in about 3 weeks. Not pristine looking, but not bad, either. When clean, I think it actually glows.

Looks like it as put on with some care. And, I've yet to see any noticeable chips or scratches, which is way unusual for any car that's well into its 2nd year of wear and tear.

I feel the same way about my Prelude's Milano Red Paint. It never looks dirty unless it is caked in salt and dirt. It shines from a block away when clean and always looks good even weeks after a wash.

stickguy

I debated bright red on a couple models but not sure if I would actually do it. Wife I don't think is a big fan, but on a couple of options she seemed to be OK with the red (but something darker). On a used car, different story because you are buying availability and condition.

henryn

My 2018 F150 is "White Gold". It looks very nice when clean, and it is definitely above average at not showing the typical road grim from driving in the rain.

I have owned a few black cars, and trucks. I won't say "never again" (never say never), but it will never be my first choice of color. Exterior or interior.

benjaminh

If the deal is killer for a nicely equipped BMW X1 I personally wouldn't let any color stand in my way. Imho moving up from an Elantra to a BMW would be nothing short of awesome. Just my 2 cents.

kyfdx

No killer lease deals on the X1. It would have to be used.

Mr_Shiftright

ONE OF THOSE DAYS!!


So I sold the Mini Cooper. Guy is on his way up to close the deal. I clean it up, take it to smog station and it passes with flying colors.

Guy texts me that he's ten minutes way.

Great. Go to move the car to the street and..........AND?

The AIR BAG LIGHT comes on!!

Rush to friends repair shop. Something to do with seat belt receptor or retractor. No time to diagnose today, regular technician on vacation until Tuesday.

I could just scream.

So the deal is merely postponed. The guy was willing to take it and "have the dealer look at it" (yikes!) and "settle up with me"---but I said no on both counts. I don't want the dealer involved unless absolutely necessary and b) I don't want him driving with a possible inactive air bag.

So...back to Square One. To be continued....

28firefighter

It knows. The car always knows.

stickguy

I did stop at the BMW dealer. Supply of leasable loaners was nil. I think one low option X2 was about it.

nyccarguy

28firefighter said:

It knows. The car always knows.

I was following a friend to trade in her extremely problematic ‘03 GTI for a 2012 ish Tiguan.  The GTI threw a CEL about 1/2 mile from the dealership.  She was livid!

28firefighter

The appropriate end to that story would be that the 2012 Tiguan threw a CEL a half mile from home on the return trip.

nyccarguy

28firefighter said:

The appropriate end to that story would be that the 2012 Tiguan threw a CEL a half mile from home on the return trip.

Nope.  No more CELs on her VW products!  She leased the Tiguan for 3 years, then turned that in and leased herself an Audi Q5.  

See @stickguy lEASing is EASy

tjc78

stickguy said:

I did stop at the BMW dealer. Supply of leasable loaners was nil. I think one low option X2 was about it.

Mt Laurel has a bunch under Courtesy cars.   Only one out of that whole group is leasable? Wow 

stickguy

last night I was in Turnersville. Mt. Laurel was last week. I have to spread out my stroking so I don't get blackballed from too many dealers.

T'ville is just so much easier when you want to look at multiple brands in the same trip.

Mr_Shiftright

28firefighter said:

It knows. The car always knows.

It rarely throws a light. Not in EIGHT Years did I see more than a low tire pressure 1X and a CEL that went off by itself. That's it! (until now, of course).

Well, I think the buyer is still in. He got a good deal. Now with my "new" car in the corral, I am soooo done with this one. I hope not to have to spend much more $$$ on it.

But as someone here pointed out, after 8 years and 90K miles of use, a car really doesn't owe you much. Including all costs, including depreciation, it ran me maybe $1300 a year to run it (not including gas and insurance of course). Of course, I"m not counting some sweat equity. :@

tjc78

stickguy said:

last night I was in Turnersville. Mt. Laurel was last week. I have to spread out my stroking so I don't get blackballed from too many dealers.

T'ville is just so much easier when you want to look at multiple brands in the same trip.

Actually forgot there was a BMW dealer there. I like to go there on a Sunday and walk the lots. So many are open for you to try out.

tbirdmarco

 Man Mr. shift right, glad the deal still on with this guy hopefully he’ll come and pick it up sometime next week the latest get it off your hands. Big big fan of a bright red color on any car, blue like a medium shade of blue I like I think there’s a blue Ford has that I like on the trucks, but the one they have on the edge and stuff the dark blue not crazy about used to look better couple of years back. Sore when I was at the dealer a few weeks ago wasn’t impressed, but the red so the bright  The bright whatever read the quality and one Ford F1 50 that someone I think it was test driving and loved it. Can you think of the name oh I think it’s Reece read, just came to my memory. Not a fan of black white silver or gray. Any other interesting color definitely I’d be interested in just something different. That stands out, but that’s just me ha ha Ha hope everyone had an awesome day have a good night all. PE [non-permissible content removed] stick guy how’s the car Looking going? Are you close to a possible candidate. Have to read back on the prior page didn’t read it yet.g looking going? Are you close to a possible candidate. Have to read back on the prior page didn’t read it yet. 

tbirdmarco

JPP.  Thank you for the birthday wishes. 

tbirdmarco

 Thank you so much for rent for the birthday wishes. Anyone else in here that I might be forgetting reading back on all the postings in here today that were posted. 

stickguy

and all this debate in our house about a black car, shocking to me, the wife saw a couple of lighter reds she liked. She never liked red before.

must be related to her obsession about not getting an "old people's car"

tbirdmarco

 Countries 3 nice to hear about the guy follow you with the 370 Z yesterday, and good to hear from you man I know you haven’t posted in quite some time. Hope all is going well with you and the family. 

stickguy

Geeze. You people and your comments. Ended up finding a couple more for the list that I was not aware of being out there. So shot over an Email to the saleslady at that dealer. Quite likely her response will shoot down any chance of them working.

one way or another something is going under contract tomorrow (Friday AM at the latest)!

I do have an incoming unit on reserve, but final details not yet nailed down. Most likely that ends up being the winner, but might as well turn over a few more kicked tires in the meantime.

I probably am not the right person for making a deal on a car that is not due in for another week!

xwesx

stickguy said:

and all this debate in our house about a black car, shocking to me, the wife saw a couple of lighter reds she liked. She never liked red before.

must be related to her obsession about not getting an "old people's car"

Buick has a beautiful red you should consider.....

andres3

tbirdmarco said:

 Countries 3 nice to hear about the guy follow you with the 370 Z yesterday, and good to hear from you man I know you haven’t posted in quite some time. Hope all is going well with you and the family. 

Thanks @tbirdmarco - now I know what my next handle will be on here, Countries 3.

I need a license plate reading "4 Banger"

370 Z driven the way it was meant to be driven is actually a rare sight.

stickguy

I actually stopped in and checked out a Regal in the showroom. It just didn't do anything for me.

graphicguy

Mr_Shiftright said:

ONE OF THOSE DAYS!!


So I sold the Mini Cooper. Guy is on his way up to close the deal. I clean it up, take it to smog station and it passes with flying colors.

Guy texts me that he's ten minutes way.

Great. Go to move the car to the street and..........AND?

The AIR BAG LIGHT comes on!!

Rush to friends repair shop. Something to do with seat belt receptor or retractor. No time to diagnose today, regular technician on vacation until Tuesday.

I could just scream.

So the deal is merely postponed. The guy was willing to take it and "have the dealer look at it" (yikes!) and "settle up with me"---but I said no on both counts. I don't want the dealer involved unless absolutely necessary and b) I don't want him driving with a possible inactive air bag.

So...back to Square One. To be continued....

ARRRRGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

corvette

Groupon oil change on the Tahoe at the local place (Medley's) went well, they don't do appointments, are first come, first served. I paid about $6 for an additional quart of oil and fees. Another customer came in and waited with the most adorable five month old puppy ever--he was part Boxer, but smaller and seemed to have a lot of other breeds mixed in. His coat was grey and white and very pretty. In a way, it's fortunate that my dog doesn't get along with other dogs, or else I'd probably have a house full.

HVAC company came out today and installed a floor mounted console mini-split in the upstairs of my house. This is less than two weeks after I approved the bid. I'm super impressed that they got the parts and did the job so quickly, especially with the holidays plus the fact that it's not something that has to be dealt with immediately (like the phone calls from people who have no heat).

28firefighter

It’s amazing how quickly the AC installers work when you install in winter. 

corvette

28firefighter said:

It’s amazing how quickly the AC installers work when you install in winter. 

Not to jinx it, but I'm very redundant at this point, with two completely separate systems for the upstairs and downstairs. The downstairs has a newer furnace and air handler, but the A/C is pushing 30 years old, and at this point, I'm comfortable riding it out until it dies of natural causes. My utility bills are reasonable and I can always just sleep upstairs if the A/C dies and it takes a while before they can replace it.

stickguy

should be an exciting morning. Waiting on 2 dealers to get back to me with a number (2 different brands) so I can make a final decision and go someplace today to finalize a deal. Hoping to have it done today, though the wife and I both have tomorrow off and will be running around doing final holiday errands so could mix in some car shopping. I am sure she would love that! And by love, I mean just go off on her own after giving me the evil eye.

would be nice if I could surprise her by having a new car in the garage when she gets home from work tonight. One of the options I am waiting on numbers for is on the lot (the other they have one, but I was hoping for a different color combo so might be a locate or waiting for something in transit).