Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Michaell

Radio silence from @stickguy …. he's either in F&I, hammering out the details, or the deal fell through, and he's ashamed to admit it here.

Not to worry, @stickguy, we won't judge.

Just let us know what's going on!

sb55

Come on @stickguy. I can't wait all night

tbirdmarco

 Agree with you guys above, can’t wait all night, but that I have much of a life ha ha Ha but talk to Spence is killing me. Question for you guys in the meantime I really been considering selling the Thunderbird no one wants to drive it for me feel bad having it sit around. I can’t rely my cousin that often every now and then with the nice weather is here. So I was thinking of selling it and leasing something every two or three years, the family is more willing to drive that for me paid me did it to me yesterday, supine pumping  so I’ve been on the putting what to do. What do you all think I need your advice and feedback. But we wait for stick guy with his story on but car he hopefully bought. Hopefully yes he’s at the dealer in finance sorting it all out and getting it done. 

tbirdmarco

 Part of the above is supposed to say, the family admitted they would drive a newer car for me so big. Modern car you know like you’re used to driving. I’m not 100% opposed to having a new leased car that someone could drive for me every two or three years. 

qbrozen

@tbirdmarco
how many miles a month do you need someone to drive you around?

tbirdmarco

Won’t be much at all, I know it sounds crazy if you just be going out whenever the stores and things or just if we’re going to road trip can use that car instead of using tears because my moms is a lease also. But can get a Mustang or Camaro or something or charger. I think it’s a cool idea and at least it won’t be sitting around like this poor car does more than being driven which is not a good thing which bothers me. I don’t know if this helps you I am like the rest of you in here just can’t drive ha ha Ha. One day it’s going to happen technologies coming

stickguy

Finally back. Been a long tiring day running around all over. But, a deal has been inked. Required a dealer swap so won't actually pick it up until sometime next week. But that is OK. Wife is happy to have the process (almost) over.

recap will take a while. I am glad to have entertained all of you, so will try to fill in the gaps in installments. At least what I remember.

anyway, back story over last month or whatever it has been of poking around looking. at various times, cars on the short list (until test driven) (and often thanks to Honcker enticement) were the QX50 (great deal offered, did not like driving it). Mazda CX5 (a little pokey) and 6 (a solid option, missing a couple things and not best seats). RDX (wife's dream, too expensive). Highlander (too big). Audi Q5 (loved that, but just too expensive). Tiquan (wife would never do a VW, but nice car and roomy). Subaru outback 3.6 (very impressive, but not sport content at all). Volvo S60 (probably would have pulled the trigger but day after I drove it incentives vaporized).

you might have noticed there is a mix of CUVs and sedans. we went back and forth. Wife was fine either way, as long as it was comfortable and had the right features and goodies. She was OK with driving either some days commuting, and we really don't need 2 CUVs, so it was just personal preference.

Key concept was to make sure this time, don't compromise on a real want item, or talk myself into settling. Love it, or don't bother! And it needed to have all the good stuff we were used to or wanted to be (BLIS, carplay, navi, power seats (both sides), and various extra nannies (her desire mostly), and a kick A stereo. Plus I wanted something reasonably fun to drive, and fairly quick.

stickguy

along the way, I found that Carvana had a serious crush on the Elantra Sport. And Carmax wanted it too (about $500 less though!) Dealers were up and down. Went to 2 last week (within a day of Carmax). One was the exact same offer. The other was $2,500 lower and seemed to think it was all the money in the world. So, was hoping to match up a dealer with a great lease offer, and good trade in (spoiler alert: that train never met).

So, the shopping consisted of shopping a deal, and looping the trade in at the end. Got serious this week to get this done before the holidays (and before Carvana came to their senses). Plus I was getting tired of looking (well, looking is fun, shopping was draining). Was actually across the parking lot from the BMW dealer QB was at last week buying his X2 while he was doing it. Small world!

so by end of last week, we had a negotiated (well, I had, she did not discard any of them) a short list consisting of (drum roll please) of a BMW loaner (X1, 330i, or 430iGC), Lexus NX300, and Acura TL. Spent time on the weekend and during the week running around looking at them a few times, making contacts, trolling online, etc. different cars for sure, but no losers in the bunch.

Tuesday wandered down to the other BMW dealer local (in the automall, TJC knows the place) to look at their supply. Which was zilch pretty much. So wandered next door to Acura. Liked the TL, sat down to chat, got numbers that were not too bad (not good enough, but close enough to hash it out if they would talk). And they are the one that matched Carmax offer, so a good trend. But, I wanted a 4 cyl tech package. The particular trim which for some reason Acura decided not to make enough of. This dealer had none, the other dealer had 1 (sold before I got there, that story comes later).

But, they had 1 unit in transit I could reserve, so I did (no obligation). It was black over tan, something I really did not want (and the reason for the discussion about black cars). So I kept poking around.

I also went back to Lexus. That was going to be the most expensive option, but while compact in cargo room very nice and loaded. Though wife found it a little cramped up front (big console) was still a compelling package. And nice colors! Never tried to haggle numbers though (I got a first offer, quite a bit higher than Honcker, which was my target).

stickguy

Oh, thanks to the various posters responsible for some of these choices. I forget who floated the NX300 idea (I never would have thought of that one), and TJC for mentioning the other dealer had a bunch of BMW loaners. And QB and Michael for advice behind the scenes.

anyway, Yesterday I had time and saw BMW had a gorgeous gray 430 GC, all loaded up, at a big discount. And a nice looking X1 with sport seats. so went to check them out. Sadly the GC was sold the night before, so drove the X1 (after the dealer had to move cars all over the showroom to get it off the floor). Was nice in many ways, but missing a few things we really wanted. Plus it was not quite what we wanted. Wife does not like the sport seats, and it did not drive the same as the 330 I had driven earlier. Pretty strong offer on it, but decided to pass.

discussed with the wife, and decided that the TLX was probably the best idea after all (and what I originally started out wanting) so went to other dealer (where Ben had done some legwork for me already, and I had done a few test drives, so was practically a regular. I figured it would be an easy deal, but ended up getting more attitude than cooperation. And ended up explaining Honcker to a salesguy that ended up just being rude and dismissive. So, I left without even bothering to get a trade estimate (the main reason I went in person).

Got home late, tired and in a bad mood, figuring I would just go back to the 1st acura dealer, and try to shave the OK but far from special deal down a little and if not, take it and hope to love a black car.

stickguy

after grouching to the wife, I decided to poke around on Honcker. And what turned up on deal of the day? a really low (as in, $50 less than all the others) on a TLX, but this was a gray A spec (still the 4 cyl I was planning to get). So, I showed the wife, she liked, so said what the heck, and pushed "purchase now". And away we went. Had to shoot pictures of DL and OK a credit pull (this was the odd point where it asked for a picture of current lease agreement. I sent a picture of random papers). In any case, it said my request was accepted, and wait to hear I was approved.

All seemed a little hinky, but I figured nothing risked. I was skeptical it would go through, but low and behold, I got a call about 9:30 from the Honcker affiliated dealer, wanting to know when I was coming in. So a pleasant surprise. The big hassle was they were up in Scarsdale NY (2+ hours from here (though close to Bradd up in CT.)). And a major pain to get to, especially on a Friday afternoon. so we tried to figure logistics. Not too bad if I could trade, but he took info, and came in a couple grand light. so, I would have to get there somehow (probably 2 cars back, a hassle for my wife).

Oh, while these discussions were going on, we were at BMW in Princeton (45 minutes from us) looking at another 430 GC. I liked it more than wife did. They made a strong offer, but still strained budget just too far for something that would not replace her car too. So we passed.

xwesx

tbirdmarco said:

Won’t be much at all, I know it sounds crazy if you just be going out whenever the stores and things or just if we’re going to road trip can use that car instead of using tears because my moms is a lease also. But can get a Mustang or Camaro or something or charger. I think it’s a cool idea and at least it won’t be sitting around like this poor car does more than being driven which is not a good thing which bothers me. I don’t know if this helps you I am like the rest of you in here just can’t drive ha ha Ha. One day it’s going to happen technologies coming

Honestly, I don't think that "having a vehicle" is really the point in your scenario. Having your old T-bird is a lot different than just some modern vehicle on lease. If there's no actual need for the vehicle (by others, not just by you), then my advice is either keep the T-bird or sell it, but do not replace it with anything.

stickguy

then went up the road to a different Acura dealer so we could actually look at at TLX Aspec. while there, shot them an offer (basically the Honcker deal) and he just said there was no way they could get close so I should take it. So we left, and I called guy in Scarsdale (unfortunately getting voicemail) and telling him we wanted to try and finalize, without a trade. And I mentioned (since I forgot they offered it) maybe we could have it delivered! But, while at dealer, we decided that we really wanted a different color, so I asked if he would swap out units in the same deal terms.

as an aside, shortly after I locked the Honcker deal, another one came up at the normal price. So, when you see one, grab it!

so we start heading home. About 15 minutes away, get a call which I happened to answer. Was Acura dealer we were just at. Said manager went looking, and found just just released Honda Financial incentives, so if I could leave a deposit they would match the deal. So, I said OK, hung a U turn, and headed back.

Minor glitch looking at the numbers (how to treat 1st payment) but it was close enough, and simpler, so we just said do it. Plus we liked the dealer ( a small, friendly, family oriented place, instead of a big glass palace). They also would get our preferred color. Unfortunately, they also came in real low on the trade, so that cost a little money (against the local guy, no different than Honcker guy). So we left deposit so they could go do a trade.

I could have gone back to 1st dealer (with good trade offer, and closer) to see if they would match (might have, don't know, but doubt it), but at that point would have had to back out of a deposit, and we liked the place we hooked up with, so i called it quits.

28firefighter

So what happened with the NY dealer?

stickguy

told the other players we decided to do something else,, now just have to wait for car.

So, got home (nearly dinner time, wife was not too pleased to have spent her only day off before Xmas on car looking!), and logged into Carvana. Got PO'd because it came up as offer expired (only did it Monday, so should not have) so I was worried the renewed offer would be lower (when I ran it Monday, it had dropped a couple hundred bucks from 2 weeks back). For some unknown reason, it was actually $100 higher than before! So, offset more of the lost tax credit.

got everything uploaded, and just waiting to hear back that it is all approved, and to schedule a pick up.

so, in theory, the process is over. Other than not having the new car yet, and still having the old one. So assuming no flies in the ointment, by the end of the week should be new wheels in the garage.

tbirdmarco

Stick guy very nice but it’s all working out, so what kind of car did you end up choosing? Look on the prior page to see if maybe you posted about it there. Have a good weekend I’ll be back in here in a little while.g stick guy very nice but it’s all working out, so what kind of car did you end up choosing? Look on the prior page to see if maybe you posted about it there. Have a good weekend I’ll be back in here in a little while. 

stickguy

this is the winner.

28firefighter

That is a beautiful car, @stickguy!  What’s the final deal?

tbirdmarco

 Stick guy enjoyed reading all you went through today glad you have a car picked out are you both happy with, don’t think you mentioned the color and your postings. Maybe I missed it, anyway can we please have this new car in the garage and the other one trade it in next week. 

stickguy

shocked us both that we fell in love with the red. Black interior (the full Graphicguy look was too much for us!)

And after researching the A Spec, very glad I got it over the base Tech. Had a couple of key upgrades. Besides style stuff, a bit sharper handling, but also added ventilated seats, and most important, the power extending driver's seat cushion. It is like sitting in a recliner. after playing with that, I was done!

The modern steel (gray) was attractive, but the red on this car just pops.

and the A spec tech is loaded. Other than a spare tire (which is an accessory I am considering adding if it can be residualized) it has everything on our wish list, and more. And the ELS stereo is killer.

the wife loved it too. Liked it a lot more than the BMW. Roomy, comfortable, and it just "speaks" to her. Will not be long (well, not more than 3 years) before she finally gets the RDX she wants. When her time to buy comes, that will be an easy one. Just pick the color, and shop a deal!

she said she will be happy driving it to work sometimes (other than being afraid of somehow damaging it). I am sure she will. And she got her wish of not getting an "old person's car".

tbirdmarco

 West thank you for your feedback on my posting from earlier tonight, I get where you’re coming from. It’s definitely not the same and older car any modern one that’s for sure ha ha Ha. Others please chime in when you get a chance. Type your comment

stickguy

I just told the NY dealer that without the trade the logistics would not work so we needed to pass for now. He was fine with it, just cancelled the deal. No problem

Honcker is easy, and worked as expected. I am interested in the delivery option (maybe next time). Basically they just lock the deal for you and send info the dealer. At that point, largely just another deal (though some details of delivery, etc. might run through honcker). If I needed another car soon, as long as no trade involved, I would be happy to use it. Just be prepared to travel a bit since their geographic regions are a bit broad!

stickguy

some quick numbers.

The deal that popped up last night on deal of the day (on a car with an MSRP of ~$40,150) was $406 DAS and payments of $398. Other units were more in the $450/450 range. This also significantly undercut the deal I had on the tech, while also getting more car (A spec adds about $2,700 to the sticker).

I ended up at $500 for inceptions, $400/month, and no trade. Just snuck in under the 1% threshold, and with little cash into the deal. Might not be up to the pro standards of some of the experts, but at this point, I was pretty much winging it by gut. I wanted to keep DAS low, and payment $400 or below, so I am satisfied that even if I left some meat on it, the carcass was pretty clean.

28firefighter

You did really great, stick, and on a car you’re going to be super happy with.  Use it well!

xwesx

Heck ya. Nice work on it, and it sounds like your wife maybe "grew" in her automotive tastes (and communication!) a bit in the process, too!

tifighter

Congrats, Stick. Red color over dark grey all day and every day. Nice work!

stickguy

I did some quick calcs on the Elantra's brief time with us (fun while it lasted, got it out of my system!) factoring in depreciatio, taxes, DMV, no disposition fee on the Sonata, a little interest) it basically amounted to driving it for a true S&D deal at about $250/month. so I got good value out of it, and a perfect time to pull the rip cord.

and best of all, we are really stoked to be getting it. In many ways, with the performance and handling, it is a "grown up" version of the Elantra. Unlike some other options, has a nice blend of sport, fun and comfort. And many features.

I have wanted one of these pretty much since they came out. Thought about it last year but was too much then. and the right used one never popped up at the right time. I think we are going to really enjoy having it.

residual is also pretty blah, so very well could be a viable buy-out option down the line. If not, goes back and I get something else.

stickguy

thanks all. I promised you a book, and glad I could be your entertainment for a while. Got tiring, but I had fun looking. Just have to do it until you just know you got the right car in sight.

after this ordeal, I expect we are going to be out of the market for a while. Next punch should be when we celebrate paying off the last of the college money (on the heloc).

28firefighter

I’m seriously impressed and that is a gorgeous car. 

stickguy

Thanks. It really pops in person in that red. Just makes a statement kinda, instead of blending in like the gray.

I just better be careful speeding though.

Michaell

Congrats! That makes 3 TLX's in the group.

Makes me think more and more that a CPO TLX could be in my future.

Drivingfool

Marco, all is good. Going up to St. Cloud tomorrow for 4 days to see my kid and see how she's doing. She's a young woman now but she'll always be my baby! The pain level was such today that I went into work and stayed until 6, a 9.5 hour day. Will work all day Wednesday, 1/2 day Thursday and then next Friday at this point. Will be good to get away for a few days. Might even extend it till the 26th, when I have to see my dentist to put the crown in. Plus have to have my ears flushed out as the wax is getting too built up in there. So even if I extend my stay, gotta be home by 10 am for an 11 am appointment so would probably come home on the 25th since it's not a holiday we observe.
Got my first s s check though small, I mean under $100, I started it already, hopefully we'll get a cost of living increase in January. And hope the same thing goes for my civil service pension but no word on that yet. Still thinking of doing Plan A right now as leaving just as hurricane season starts seems to be the smart thing to do. But, I may just wake up one morning and in a lot of pain and say, that's it...I'm done! But mid year is looking to be my sweet spot right now. But never say never about not staying another full year to make that extra income and stop once I turn 65. Nothings set in stone now which is great as I like the flexibility on this subject.

nyccarguy

@stickguy - Mazel-Tov!  Bravo!  Excellent job at landing the car you liked the most at your price point!  The Red is gorgeous!  I love how the A-Spec package looks!  So you did 36/10K?

I’m glad you didn’t buy from Curry in Scarsdale.  I used to live about 5 miles up the road from there.  I wanted to buy my TSX from them.  I test drove the car 3x (2x myself and my wife once).  When it came down to price, they wouldn’t give me a number over the phone.  They wanted me to come and “sit with their team.”  No Thanks.  I drove the car.  I liked it.  I want to buy it.  Give me a price and I’ll give you my CC over the phone and you can fax a buyer’s order to me.  Oh well.  They are a successful dealership and do lots of business.

stickguy

they are probably moving a lot of units over Honcker too. Salesguy I dealt with was OK, but got quite confused about sales tax savings in NJ. So, can't really say how it would have gone, but so far we are happy about the small dealer we are dealing with in Princeton.

Michael, I think this makes 4 TLXs. GG, Ben and I think Pensfan? 2 new, and a 2016 CPO purchase already.

stickguy

wife was also glad to not get another white car, and wanted something different than gray since we already have a dark gray one. This seems to fit the bill!

Drivingfool

Very nice vehicle! I have the new ILX on my short list though I'd take a 2018 model if they still had one in stock. Sounds like you got the killer audio system, a must for me also. Have gotten used to the moon roof so that's a must have also. Plus all the safety nannies available would be very nice. Not sure we're leasing folks but once I leave Hertz, my driving will be reduced by a substantial amount. So a 12K lease just might work. And after 3 or 4 years, say adios and get something new.
I like having a warranty and think the Acura's are like the Audi's with the 4 year/50 K miles on their leases. That would definitely be doable. Just have to be extra careful about not having any accidents that require a big fix as no matter what, CarFax always finds out. Glad the wifey is also on board cause mine sure wasn't on the Tucson and still hear about that every so often. But since yours is o k with the vehicle and also that she'll get to drive it, a win/win for you. And I predict that she'll like it so much that she'll just take over the keys! But hey, driving an older RDX as a d d is nothing to be unhappy about. Just a bit of drama with the whole thing but suspect drama plays out in the Stick house on a frequent basis!
Whatever, congrats for a job well done sir, I tip my hat to you and your persistence.
Think I'll mosey over to the Acura dealer sometime over the next couple of weeks just to check things out. If I could find the right vehicle, think I'd swap out of my beloved Golf to be honest. But the new vehicle would really have to speak to me!!

The Sandman/Driving Fool

ronsteve

stickguy said:

Thanks. It really pops in person in that red. Just makes a statement kinda, instead of blending in like the gray.

I just better be careful speeding though.

At least it's not the bright "arrest me!" red. You could still blend just enough to avoid "unwelcome" interest.

Michaell

stickguy said:

Michael, I think this makes 4 TLXs. GG, Ben and I think Pensfan? 2 new, and a 2016 CPO purchase already.

Ah, I forgot about Ben - I knew about @graphicguy and @pensfan83

tbirdmarco

 Love the color stick by my favorite color of all time like I mentioned in here last week or earlier this week. Also arrest me read could work too. But love this one have to say beautiful color good luck with it. 

tbirdmarco

 Driving fool glad to hear everything’s going well with you and the family, enjoy your time with your daughter the next four days. Glad you got your Social Security going and pension checks. Yes we’ll see what happens with moving and retiring, maybe a little sooner than you want will be better, or maybe the date that you like also be seen. Type your comment

benjaminh

stickguy said:

this is the winner.

Wowza!++

I think you and your wife are going to really enjoy this car.

tjc78

@stickguy
Congrats!! It’s been a heck of a ride on this one.  My favorite color! 

qbrozen

Congrats, stick.

i'm a little confused. Probably reading too fast. But the final deal is with a dealer who doesn't actually have the car? Is that correct? 

breld

Congrats @stickguy!  

That’s quite the upgrade on the Hyundai.  And I’m a sucker for a nice coordinated garage!  

kyfdx

@stickguy

Really sharp. Hope everything goes through, as planned.

ab348

Congrats stick. After reading all those posts I still had no idea what you ended up with until you posted the picture.

breld

Alright - I wasn't sure if I was gonna share this, at least until it's all said and done, but I'll throw it out there.

The Macan may reluctantly be toast. I'd ask that you read on before responding too quick.

This is perhaps the one time when we aren't looking for an excuse to make a switch. The wife loves her car...I love her car. I drove it last night taking my son to a movie. It's pure pleasure to drive (for any of us who actually enjoy driving).

As I've shared on occasion before, my stepson, who is 22, has special needs - being autistic and having down syndrome combines for a fairly low level of functionality. He's by all means a sweet boy (as @michaell and @jpp5862 can attest to), but certainly has his eccentricities and behaviors that can be challenging.

When he was a child, he would scream in the car. With a new mix of drugs and a PT Cruiser (apparently that’s what he ended up being okay in), he got comfortable in the car.

Unfortunately, he’s regressed somewhat and has now resumed screaming most of the time while in the car. Almost all the time in the Macan. In the second row of the Q7. Not in the Miata...not in the third row of the Q7...not in the third row of his caretaker’s van...and curiously, not in the Jetta.

But again, very consistently in the Macan. A 22 year old disabled young man screaming for miles on end...it’ll set you on edge.

So...very reluctantly, the Macan may have a premature departure.

sb55

Congrats @stickguy
That car looks beautiful.

breld

So...a third row vehicle could work, though she doesn’t need the space nor wants a larger vehicle.  A Tiguan maybe.  

But sedans seem to do the trick.  We think perhaps he actually doesn’t want “too much” room.

She drove a Model 3 last night.  I was hoping it would at least be something interesting for a sedan.  Which it definitely is.  Right now, she’s just not that enthusiastic about anything.  For all our shenanigans she actually landed on a perfect car for her, only to be thwarted by this new challenge.  

So we’ll see.  I keep offering to just switch the cars up for the time being, which is an easier answer if she gets comfortable with the size of the Q7.  

sda

I’m

breld said:

Alright - I wasn't sure if I was gonna share this, at least until it's all said and done, but I'll throw it out there.

The Macan may reluctantly be toast. I'd ask that you read on before responding too quick.

This is perhaps the one time when we aren't looking for an excuse to make a switch. The wife loves her car...I love her car. I drove it last night taking my son to a movie. It's pure pleasure to drive (for any of us who actually enjoy driving).

As I've shared on occasion before, my stepson, who is 22, has special needs - being autistic and having down syndrome combines for a fairly low level of functionality. He's by all means a sweet boy (as @michaell and @jpp5862 can attest to), but certainly has his eccentricities and behaviors that can be challenging.

When he was a child, he would scream in the car. With a new mix of drugs and a PT Cruiser (apparently that’s what he ended up being okay in), he got comfortable in the car.

Unfortunately, he’s regressed somewhat and has now resumed screaming most of the time while in the car. Almost all the time in the Macan. In the second row of the Q7. Not in the Miata...not in the third row of the Q7...not in the third row of his caretaker’s van...and curiously, not in the Jetta.

But again, very consistently in the Macan. A 22 year old disabled young man screaming for miles on end...it’ll set you on edge.

So...very reluctantly, the Macan may have a premature departure.

I’m sorry to learn. From what you’ve shared in the past I know you and your wife do your best to love and take care of him.

tbirdmarco

Sorry to hear about all of this breld. You have to do what   You have to do we hear for you