Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

breld

Thanks @sda and Marco.

carnaught

Congrats @stickguy! Beautiful car. I am partial to red. Well done!

breld

She likes sitting up higher in the Macan.  Haven’t driven one, but a Tiguan SEL premium seems nice on paper.  No doubt the third row is tight, but I think that’s what he likes.  The Q7s third row isn’t anything to write home about.  

And the Model 3 is in the running too.  Apparently there’s a large selection of inventory here, so purchasing one prior to year end to take advantage of the full tax rebate is not a problem.  

I’ll continue to suggest swapping cars for the meantime.  We’re working with his doctor on a new mix of drugs, so ideally that addresses the issue...before a PT Cruiser does. 

suydam

That is one GORGEOUS car. Congrats!

cdnpinhead

Beautiful car, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it, but I was exhausted just reading about what you went through to get it.

au1994

Congratulations stick! You didn’t disappoint. Great choice!

@breld - I admire you for your patience and courage.

roadburner

Belated congrats, stick!

roadburner

breld said:

She likes sitting up higher in the Macan.  Haven’t driven one, but a Tiguan SEL premium seems nice on paper.  No doubt the third row is tight, but I think that’s what he likes.  The Q7s third row isn’t anything to write home about.  

And the Model 3 is in the running too.  Apparently there’s a large selection of inventory here, so purchasing one prior to year end to take advantage of the full tax rebate is not a problem.  

I’ll continue to suggest swapping cars for the meantime.  We’re working with his doctor on a new mix of drugs, so ideally that addresses the issue...before a PT Cruiser does. 

So sorry to read of that. A couple we know has an autistic child in his teens. I admire your commitment..

28firefighter

Never feel afraid to share that here, @breld. None of us are here to judge and, under normal circumstances, most of us are envious of how often you switch rides. At least, I am. 

I have a brother with special needs and we have been through similar growing up. Ours manifested as “car sickness” but the net was the same - if he didn’t like the car, he got sick in it after a minute or two. Right combo of meds helped but we still have setbacks occasionally. 

No good answer  here - hopefully you can find a solution that doesn’t involve her giving up the car she really likes.  The Tiguan has a tight third seat, and is very nice, but it is sloooowww. 

kyfdx

This got me thinking. If I had a 3rd row, could I get my wife to sit back there?

qbrozen

breld said:

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.  

Out of curiosity, has he tried riding in the front seat of the Macan? It is kind of surprising since it is small and not much higher than a sedan. I'm wondering if there isn't something more at play than just the room. 

henryn

@breld, my sympathies for your predicament. Truly a no win situation, but I know you will do what you must.

On the new TLX for @stickguy, the one picture posted here for some reason reminded me of a Camaro. In real life, no, no resemblance, but that picture, from that angle ...

breld

qbrozen said:

breld said:

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.  

Out of curiosity, has he tried riding in the front seat of the Macan? It is kind of surprising since it is small and not much higher than a sedan. I'm wondering if there isn't something more at play than just the room. 

I actually suggested the same thing, and she may try it.  Here’s the thing though, once in the X5 he was in the front seat and he opened the door and started unbuckling the seatbelt as if to get out...while on the highway.  

That took a few years off my wife’s life I believe, as she screamed at him, grabbed him, then finally was able to pull over.  

So...he’s been in the backseat with child locks on since then.  😀

But you’re right, there’s something going on that doesn’t make any rational sense to any of us.  So far we’re just going off anecdotal evidence.  

qbrozen

You made me curious to poke around, stick.
i think you missed your opportunity for the whole superman color scheme.

qbrozen

breld said:

qbrozen said:

breld said:

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.  

Out of curiosity, has he tried riding in the front seat of the Macan? It is kind of surprising since it is small and not much higher than a sedan. I'm wondering if there isn't something more at play than just the room. 

I actually suggested the same thing, and she may try it.  Here’s the thing though, once in the X5 he was in the front seat and he opened the door and started unbuckling the seatbelt as if to get out...while on the highway.  

That took a few years off my wife’s life I believe, as she screamed at him, grabbed him, then finally was able to pull over.  

So...he’s been in the backseat with child locks on since then.  😀

But you’re right, there’s something going on that doesn’t make any rational sense to any of us.  So far we’re just going off anecdotal evidence.  

I hear ya! We've had exactly that scenario with my son on multiple occassions. You mentioned the Miata, which is why I figure he is ok in the front. Honestly, they should offer childlocks on all passenger doors. I wonder if there is an aftermarket fix. 

The other thought I had was seating height in relation to the front passengers. Many SUVs have theatre seating. Does the Macan? My stelvio does not. 

corvette

That stinks, breld. 

I think the easy “aftermarket fix” would be to disconnect the interior release on the front passenger door handle, which would create complications in the event you had other passengers in that seat. 

xwesx

Michaell said:

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

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

I think we move in cycles like that.

We also have two Tesla 3's in the group now. Who's next? Your choices are Tesla or Acura!

xwesx

breld said:

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

Not to make light of your situation, @breld.... I think you now have a new criteria to incorporate in your test drives!

xwesx

kyfdx said:

This got me thinking. If I had a 3rd row, could I get my wife to sit back there?

I think the bigger question is whether it would get her to quit screaming (at you)!

tbirdmarco

You are welcome  breld

tbirdmarco

lol  lol lol onn    Else above about having your wife try to sit in the third row ha ha Ha ha ha ha ha Hah Hah Hah. Type your comment

benjaminh

stickguy said:

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.

Seems to me like you did hit the 1% goal, since the msrp for a 2019 TLX 2.4 A-spec is $40,395. Seems like a good deal on a really good car.

For $2900 the A-spec trim does add quite a few things to the car, inside and out....

breld

qbrozen said:

breld said:

qbrozen said:

breld said:

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.  

Out of curiosity, has he tried riding in the front seat of the Macan? It is kind of surprising since it is small and not much higher than a sedan. I'm wondering if there isn't something more at play than just the room. 

I actually suggested the same thing, and she may try it.  Here’s the thing though, once in the X5 he was in the front seat and he opened the door and started unbuckling the seatbelt as if to get out...while on the highway.  

That took a few years off my wife’s life I believe, as she screamed at him, grabbed him, then finally was able to pull over.  

So...he’s been in the backseat with child locks on since then.  😀

But you’re right, there’s something going on that doesn’t make any rational sense to any of us.  So far we’re just going off anecdotal evidence.  

I hear ya! We've had exactly that scenario with my son on multiple occassions. You mentioned the Miata, which is why I figure he is ok in the front. Honestly, they should offer childlocks on all passenger doors. I wonder if there is an aftermarket fix. 

The other thought I had was seating height in relation to the front passengers. Many SUVs have theatre seating. Does the Macan? My stelvio does not. 

********************

The Miata is just a funny thing - he’s always been fine, and seems to enjoy, both Miatas we’ve had. It’s so hard to say what exactly is aggravating him, and he’s not saying. (Sorry, bad joke about him being non-verbal).

We’ve thought seating height could definitely be part of it. Hence why he may be okay in a sedan. But the third row of the Q7? Contrary to most everyone, he simply may prefer confining spaces.

This really has caught our attention - seems like a nice price for such a low mileage Sportback. Would certainly be comfortable, yet with a low stance, and the wife would still be in something a little different and stylish.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/755571284/overview/

It’s sort of nice to be starting with the Macan - everything’s cheaper.

I also reached out to the broker we bought it from - we have a good ongoing relationship, and I would hope they may step up on a trade back in.

rny421

Michaell said:

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

I've got a TLX as well! It's a 2015 - black on black. I bought it from a dealer near @stickguy actually.

fintail

Great deal on that Acura, congrats. Stories like that really make me think about my own upcoming move, although the real steals seem a lot more rare in this corner of the world.

corvette

The responsive throttle on the G37 is not playing nicely with the Yokohama YK580 tires that are currently installed on it. They are down to about 5.5/32" all around, however, they seem to do fine in heavy rain. It's accelerating briskly on moist surfaces that's the issue, even if there appears to be no water standing on the road. I think it's the tread compound and not the depth, but given that they're near the end of their life anyway, am looking for replacements.

Factory size is 225-55/17, which seems a bit narrow considering the amount of power it has. I was thinking a 235 width would be better, but those look like a plus or minus 1.5 to 2% on the speedometer/odometer. The closest "plus zero" is a 245-50-17, which is only off by 0.5%.

I went from 245mm width all seasons to 255mm width summer tires on the Mustang, and it felt like overkill, as I never ran out of traction traction again. I'm concerned going with the 245s on the G37 would be major overkill. Any thoughts? Should I just stick with the OE size, or try a 235mm or 245mm width tire? If I went with a larger diameter tire, it would help correct the speedometer, which reads about 2-3 MPH too high.

Mr_Shiftright

@breld -- I've had many years of experience observing my friend's autistic (and very highly challenged) son and most definitely he prefers confined spaces, and even doesn't mind being restrained to a degree himself. Loud noises and big crowds are a no-no.

tbirdmarco

 Corvette, really no experience here ha ha, but would say stick with the stock size tires. Hope this helps, 

henryn

I have tried going with non OEM size tires on many cars and trucks, down through the years. Sometimes it works out well, and sometimes not. But staying stock is a very safe bet, and one I have never regretted.

breld

Mr_Shiftright said:

@breld -- I've had many years of experience observing my friend's autistic (and very highly challenged) son and most definitely he prefers confined spaces, and even doesn't mind being restrained to a degree himself. Loud noises and big crowds are a no-no.

Thanks Shifty - it helps to hear other experiences to contrast and/or corroborate our own.  

tifighter

xwesx said:

Michaell said:

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

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

I think we move in cycles like that.

We also have two Tesla 3's in the group now. Who's next? Your choices are Tesla or Acura!

Yeah. And we meet up in alleys after dark and get all West Side Story on each other. It’s fun.

@breld if you do go the Tesla route, be sure to use a referral code. I can give you one, or use a friend’s, or whatever but it’s 6 months of free supercharging just for a copy and paste. And check out the white interior. Because why not.

stickguy

QB, that is almost definitely the same dealer. Within a couple dollars of what I hit the button on. And yes, the dealer we were at that agreed to match (and we were worn out at that point, so I did not bother circling back to my initial dealer, which in retrospect, was a bad (non) move). But, they did not have that color in stock, though I think it was late enough we would have had to go back another day anyway.

I should hear Monday what day. Not really a hurry. end of the week is fine.

I also got my text/email from Carvana today saying they are excited to buy my car, so just log in to set up a time.

Since you just did this, do you know if they bring a check (though I guess in your case, it was take a check!)

corvette

Yes, they brought me a check when they picked up the Mustang. They took it for a drive around the block and we signed papers.

I'm going to go with "definitely need new tires," I was out getting groceries in the G37, with a cop behind me, and still managed to spin the tires when the traffic light turned green. I'm leaning towards the 235mm width, 10mm is a small enough increase in width to provide additional traction, but not large enough that it should create issues.

nyccarguy

corvette said:

Yes, they brought me a check when they picked up the Mustang. They took it for a drive around the block and we signed papers. I'm going to go with "definitely need new tires," I was out getting groceries in the G37, with a cop behind me, and still managed to spin the tires when the traffic light turned green. I'm leaning towards the 235mm width, 10mm is a small enough increase in width to provide additional traction, but not large enough that it should create issues.

I’ve noticed the Q40 is a little squeamish in the rain on its soft compound snow shoes.  

nyccarguy

@breld

Hang in there!  “You’re a good man Charlie Brown.”

Michaell

I know @breld does his best with his step son. He rode with us when I test drove the TLX V6 a few months ago. Not a peep.

nyccarguy

@stickguy - Did you drive the 6cyl AWD TLX as well?

corvette

I ordered the 235/55/17 Cooper Zeon RS3-G1s to replace the 225/55/17 Yokohama YK580s on the G37. The Continental ExtremeContact was also in the running. It's an excellent tire, but at a significant price discount, the Coopers appear to only give up some snow/ice traction and some tread life. Some people claim only 20,000 miles or so out of the Coopers--for me, on that car, that's probably four or more years down the road--if I still own it!

stickguy

I drove a V6 FWD a few times. It certainly had a lot of power. Never did try an AWD version though.

rny421

@stickguy - forgot to say congrats! I think you'll like the TLX. I really like how quiet mine is, which was not always an Acura/Honda strong suit historically-speaking. The seats are very comfortable, leather is durable (looks like nobody has sat in them), and the gas mileage is pretty good as well.
I just recently put a set of snow tires on, but surprisingly, we've had very little snow this year thus far. The jury is still out - these are my first dedicated snow tires, but I have heard nothing but good things.

stickguy

thanks RNY. I don't bother with snow. We really don't *(usually) get enough down here to worry about, and when there is snow on the road, my car stays in the garage. I had my Sonata lease 3 years, and that car never touched it once I don't think.

One thing we really liked about the A Spec with the black interior is that the seats are a leather/Alcantara combo. Bolsters are leather, but the center seating surfaces are the suede. So not as hot, and very comfy too. Plus they upgrade to ventilated. Between being fabric and ventilation, should go a long way to offsetting black being hot in the summer. And it gives a little bit of contrast to liven things up.

breld

tifighter said:

Congrats! That makes 3 TLX's in the group. Makes me think more and more that a CPO TLX could be in my future.

I think we move in cycles like that. We also have two Tesla 3's in the group now. Who's next? Your choices are Tesla or Acura!

Yeah. And we meet up in alleys after dark and get all West Side Story on each other. It’s fun. @breld if you do go the Tesla route, be sure to use a referral code. I can give you one, or use a friend’s, or whatever but it’s 6 months of free supercharging just for a copy and paste. And check out the white interior. Because why not.

Thanks @tifighter - will definitely do that if we go that route.  

Anything surprising or particularly disappointing about your Tesla ownership thus far?  

breld

nyccarguy said:

@breld

Hang in there!  “You’re a good man Charlie Brown.”

Thanks Bradd! 

breld

Michaell said:

I know @breld does his best with his step son. He rode with us when I test drove the TLX V6 a few months ago. Not a peep.

That’s right - when was that?  Probably in August or September?  I remember not worrying about it at that time at all.  So it’s definitely a more recent phenomenon.  Maybe he’s just averse to the beige interior like his mom!  

nyccarguy

rny421 said:

@stickguy - forgot to say congrats! I think you'll like the TLX. I really like how quiet mine is, which was not always an Acura/Honda strong suit historically-speaking. The seats are very comfortable, leather is durable (looks like nobody has sat in them), and the gas mileage is pretty good as well. I just recently put a set of snow tires on, but surprisingly, we've had very little snow this year thus far. The jury is still out - these are my first dedicated snow tires, but I have heard nothing but good things.

The 1st snow storm you’ll notice the difference.  Night and day.

tbirdmarco

Corvette nice on the new tires for the G37  

anonymousposts1

corvette said:

I ordered the 235/55/17 Cooper Zeon RS3-G1s to replace the 225/55/17 Yokohama YK580s on the G37. The Continental ExtremeContact was also in the running. It's an excellent tire, but at a significant price discount, the Coopers appear to only give up some snow/ice traction and some tread life. Some people claim only 20,000 miles or so out of the Coopers--for me, on that car, that's probably four or more years down the road--if I still own it!

I was going to recommend Michelin Premiers. A little more expensive but we’ve had them on 4-5 cars now and won’t use anything else. Even at 4/32, they handled the rain like new. 

henryn

anonymousposts1 said:

corvette said:

I ordered the 235/55/17 Cooper Zeon RS3-G1s to replace the 225/55/17 Yokohama YK580s on the G37. The Continental ExtremeContact was also in the running. It's an excellent tire, but at a significant price discount, the Coopers appear to only give up some snow/ice traction and some tread life. Some people claim only 20,000 miles or so out of the Coopers--for me, on that car, that's probably four or more years down the road--if I still own it!

I was going to recommend Michelin Premiers. A little more expensive but we’ve had them on 4-5 cars now and won’t use anything else. Even at 4/32, they handled the rain like new. 


-=-=-=-==-=-=-=- end quote =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

I used to only buy Michelin tires. They last so long that you always seem to get your money's worth.

These days, however, I drive so little and trade cars so often, it's just not a good investment for me.

Mr_Shiftright

breld said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

@breld -- I've had many years of experience observing my friend's autistic (and very highly challenged) son and most definitely he prefers confined spaces, and even doesn't mind being restrained to a degree himself. Loud noises and big crowds are a no-no.

Thanks Shifty - it helps to hear other experiences to contrast and/or corroborate our own.  

Every child is different of course--that's why they call it the autistic "spectrum". But lots of love and care has given his son the best possible life given the circumstances--he's made tremendous progress over the years.

Mr_Shiftright

OPINION POLL: AN ETHICAL CAR-SELLING QUESTION

So let's say that someone.....oh, I don't know...someone like ME for instance.... sold a car, only to find that on the day it was to be transferred to the new owner, a serious fault/warning light appeared on the dash display.

Now let's say it was...oh, I don't know...something like a fault in the air bag/seat belt restraint system... and that this was going to cost a fair amount of $$$ to repair.

Is the owner still required to sell the car at the agreed upon price, or can he offer the seller a renegotiated price that the seller can accept or reject?

Some might argue that a handshake is a legal contract; others may argue that a higher price is justified because the car cannot be sold in an unsafe condition.