Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

Very nice color combo on that X1.

breld

I decided to go with a 18" winter wheel set from Tirerack instead of throwing on the 19" snow tires on the existing rims. All in all, it was a mere $400 more for the whole set than the 19" tires themselves.

I googled a lot of pictures of Audis with the wheels I purchased and believe it should have a nice OEM look.

Tirerack is great too - they have a distribution center in Denver, not far from where I live. So I can just go pick it up tomorrow (with a $80 discount for "pick-up").

Mr_Shiftright

OK, team. Wanna jump in on this? Think of it as missionary work.

Best Used Sports Car Under $15K?

qbrozen

Mr_Shiftright said:

qbrozen said:

Another crazy good deal popped up on Honcker. Sent to me BIL, but I'm sure he'll reject it.
Terrain SLE 4x4 with convenience pack. $32,170 MSRP, 24/12k, $228/mo with $236 DAS. Wow.

Yeah but then he's driving a Terrain. Gee, I dunno about that vehicle. 4 recalls already and 2018 ain't even over yet! "brakes" "fire" "defective airbag" "fractured driveshaft".

But his Fusion lease ends in 2 weeks. Could the Terrain really be worse?

qbrozen

breld said:

qbrozen said:

Temptation just came and went ... I think.
Saw a post elsewhere for an ex-loaner 330i coming in REAL cheap. So I ran some numbers and it looks like I could have shot for about $280-$290/mo on a 24/12k deal on a couple of units at the dealer we just got the X2 from. Then, just to confirm the Alfa situation, I plugged it into Carvana again. This time it came up $1100 on the short end. Whoops!

$1,100! Say it isn't so.

I should be so lucky.

Just got a Vroom quote. $400 below my buyout.

I actually haven't called Ally to see if the buyout is any different today than simply remaining payments plus residual.

qbrozen

kyfdx said:

The 330i will definitely be quicker. I think 20 more HP? It's not the same engine.

Testing shows something like 3/4 of a second or so quicker for the 330 than the x2 28.

kyfdx

qbrozen said:

kyfdx said:

The 330i will definitely be quicker. I think 20 more HP? It's not the same engine.

Testing shows something like 3/4 of a second or so quicker for the 330 than the x2 28.

That is substantial

qbrozen

28firefighter said:

Why are you so tempted?! I think the Alfa is a better drive than a 330i...

You could probably do a lease transfer on the Alfa, if you were so inclined. I'm in for the duration on mine.

There is a bit to be said for having an Alfa over one of the countless 3-series on NJ roads.

At the same time ... and I know this is purely my first-world problem ... I am explaining on a pretty regular basis that I got a ridiculous deal on the Alfa. Like I am apologizing for having such an expensive vehicle. The same would not be true of a 3-series, even if it had a higher MSRP, oddly enough. Folks just seem to perceive the Alfa has being a top-tier vehicle, while bimmers are so damned commonplace that folks don't give them a second look. Just yesterday it happened again with a couple of coworkers. They got very wide-eyed and made a comment about what I must be getting paid. Yet I can guarantee they both make more than me.

Mr_Shiftright

qbrozen said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

qbrozen said:

Another crazy good deal popped up on Honcker. Sent to me BIL, but I'm sure he'll reject it.
Terrain SLE 4x4 with convenience pack. $32,170 MSRP, 24/12k, $228/mo with $236 DAS. Wow.

Yeah but then he's driving a Terrain. Gee, I dunno about that vehicle. 4 recalls already and 2018 ain't even over yet! "brakes" "fire" "defective airbag" "fractured driveshaft".

But his Fusion lease ends in 2 weeks. Could the Terrain really be worse?

My experience with cars suggests that if you find yourself in what appears to be the deepest pit of grief with a car, that in fact ---you can find a shovel and go lower, yes.

stickguy

same issue with PU trucks. You show up in a Jag XE, and they think you are rich and flaunting, but no one thinks twice about a GMC Denali. When that stickered for 20-30K more.

but would you really want to be driving a relatively small, pretty low, sedan at this point? I liked it, but I was coming out of an Elantra (and still consider the TLX a big car).

I also assume that 330 is pretty low optioned. The one I drove (white over beige) had nothing. Not even Navi (or carplay). Pretty much the same tech as our 2013 RDX, and that seems like an antique now.

kyfdx

I wouldn't let that Alfa go..

Start lighting big cigars with C-notes, and laugh it up!

roadburner

pensfan83 said:

Taking advantage of Christmas shopping being done and everyone flocking to the malls we decided to sprinkle in a test drive today for one of the contenders to replace the Altima. First up was the Jeep dealer, which was relatively quiet. We were greeted pretty quickly and made clear up front we were there just to test drive. No problem we were told, we told him what we were interested in and first up was a 2019 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, black over black. Had the Trailhawk Luxury package and Active Safety. My wife did all the driving and reported the V6 was more than adequate for her, the seats were comfortable (we were told they are the same seats that are in the SRT model), and she really liked how it drove. I can't speak for the driving experience but I will agree it's comfortable, rides well despite its off road suspension, and would be more than enough room for the 4 of us and the ever growing list of sports of equipment we have to tote around. When we got back to the dealer the salesman had us drive around back where the other Jeep we were interested in was parked. That one was an Overland model and we were offered a test drive of that as well but we declined because my wife commented in just a side by side comparison she preferred Trailhawk over the Overland.

Before we could leave though the inevitable question of whether we were ready to start talking numbers came up and since I liked our salesman thought why not. First offer was $637/month (tax incl.) for 39/12 with only first month due at signing. LOL, no thanks. Our salesman asked if he could swing $600 would that work? Nope. I asked to see the numbers and the dealer discount was around 4%, not great. I pointed out the total "discount" the sales manager highlighted included incentives and he would need to have more dealer discount. The math wasn't adding up either, we were about $20 apart in calculations. I gave him a counter offer and he was gone almost 10 minutes this time showing up with his sales manager who looked like he just graduated college. Things went south pretty quick due to his attitude, I felt bad for our salesman who just sat there quietly. When I called out the difference in payments he said leasing has a lot of moving parts (not really) and they use state of the art software with everything prefilled in (except what you're padding the deal with). I reiterated my offer and suggested we have no problem waiting and his response was then you're going to be waiting a long time and said he'll "compromise" and come down to $575. Said thanks but we'll stop wasting each others time. Oh and when our salesman offered to walk us out he walked us over to the Jeep we test drove and sure enough taped on the window was a protection package worth $750, the $20 difference. Guess he couldn't or wouldn't say anything in front of his boss but I appreciated it nonetheless.

That's exactly what we were looking at before the X1 showed up and thus we decided to keep the Wrangler and become a 5 vehicle family yet again.

28firefighter

qbrozen said:

28firefighter said:

Why are you so tempted?! I think the Alfa is a better drive than a 330i...

You could probably do a lease transfer on the Alfa, if you were so inclined. I'm in for the duration on mine.

There is a bit to be said for having an Alfa over one of the countless 3-series on NJ roads.

At the same time ... and I know this is purely my first-world problem ... I am explaining on a pretty regular basis that I got a ridiculous deal on the Alfa. Like I am apologizing for having such an expensive vehicle. The same would not be true of a 3-series, even if it had a higher MSRP, oddly enough. Folks just seem to perceive the Alfa has being a top-tier vehicle, while bimmers are so damned commonplace that folks don't give them a second look. Just yesterday it happened again with a couple of coworkers. They got very wide-eyed and made a comment about what I must be getting paid. Yet I can guarantee they both make more than me.

Maybe it's just where I live, but everyone I know thinks its a Kia. No one has a clue what the heck it is.

qbrozen

stickguy said:

same issue with PU trucks. You show up in a Jag XE, and they think you are rich and flaunting, but no one thinks twice about a GMC Denali. When that stickered for 20-30K more.

but would you really want to be driving a relatively small, pretty low, sedan at this point? I liked it, but I was coming out of an Elantra (and still consider the TLX a big car).

I also assume that 330 is pretty low optioned. The one I drove (white over beige) had nothing. Not even Navi (or carplay). Pretty much the same tech as our 2013 RDX, and that seems like an antique now.

moonroof, heated sport seats, navi. Nothing missing from my preferences. Was leaning towards this one:
https://www.bmwofmtlaurel.com/exotic-used/BMW/2018-BMW-330i-Mount-Laurel-9fce16f10a0d04fe195b5e76c083ac0b.htm

28firefighter

I would seriously think twice about giving up the Alfa. I mean, sure, it's got the build quality of a Chrysler 200 Dodge Dart, but it doesn't drive like it!

qbrozen

I know, I know, it is fun to drive, which is what I tell everyone. My standard answer is "It is a blast to drive, but I would not want to commute every day in it." Honestly, the infotainment is driving me far more nuts than I thought it would. My wife gets mad at me for not knowing she has texted me. More first-world problems.

28firefighter

Definitely a first world problem, but I also ignore my phone while I'm driving unless someone calls.

I'm happy if the HD radio works (doesn't always), my presets stay there (frequently erased), and the Nav doesn't take me offroading (so far so good).

May I should trade it in...

pensfan83

Well the brown X1 is a no go unless the prospective buyer backs out. They'll let me know either way.

tbirdmarco

Lol lol on all above 

tbirdmarco

Nice on the testdrives pams man 

tbirdmarco

lol lol lol Type your comment

au1994

stickguy said:

same issue with PU trucks. You show up in a Jag XE, and they think you are rich and flaunting, but no one thinks twice about a GMC Denali. When that stickered for 20-30K more.

but would you really want to be driving a relatively small, pretty low, sedan at this point? I liked it, but I was coming out of an Elantra (and still consider the TLX a big car).

I also assume that 330 is pretty low optioned. The one I drove (white over beige) had nothing. Not even Navi (or carplay). Pretty much the same tech as our 2013 RDX, and that seems like an antique now.

+1 on that. My BIL is on his second loaded out SLE Z71 GMC PU, sister has a top of the line Acadia but I’m the one with the ‘fancy’ cars. Guarantee the PU stickered for close to what the X6 did and of course the Acadia was more than the X1 but I guess I’m paying the Roundel penalty.

qbrozen

Our plates are in at the dealer anyway, so I'll at least test drive a 330 next week. 

benjaminh

28firefighter said:

I would seriously think twice about giving up the Alfa. I mean, sure, it's got the build quality of a Chrysler 200 Dodge Dart, but it doesn't drive like it!

And didn't you also call the infotainment on the Stelvio a "dumpster fire"? Must have fantastic power and handling....

(But I'd rather have a 4-cylinder Acura.)

roadburner

stickguy said:

same issue with PU trucks. You show up in a Jag XE, and they think you are rich and flaunting, but no one thinks twice about a GMC Denali. When that stickered for 20-30K more.

Same here; the value of all three of my BMWs adds up to maybe 75% of the price of a loaded F-150 or Silverado- but I'm the "rich guy." I don't care anymore; let people think what they will.

roadburner

If the X2 M35i does a good enough job of hiding it's FWD roots I'll be interested.

corvette

qbrozen said:

I know, I know, it is fun to drive, which is what I tell everyone. My standard answer is "It is a blast to drive, but I would not want to commute every day in it." Honestly, the infotainment is driving me far more nuts than I thought it would. My wife gets mad at me for not knowing she has texted me. More first-world problems.

Does it have an aux input? Just disconnect the Bluetooth and use that, and tell the wife you can’t text while driving. 

28firefighter

benjaminh said:

I would seriously think twice about giving up the Alfa. I mean, sure, it's got the build quality of a Chrysler 200 Dodge Dart, but it doesn't drive like it!

And didn't you also call the infotainment on the Stelvio a "dumpster fire"? Must have fantastic power and handling.... (But I'd rather have a 4-cylinder Acura.)

It does have fantastic handling and power. 

pensfan83

@roadburner my wife was very pleased with the Jeep. I'm smitten with the V8 but the V6 is more than adequate for her. We could do without the active safety group and save $1500 but won't bend on the luxury group.

Drivingfool

Super busy today, all working tomorrow also. The Miami Central office has like 100 reservations for today and tomorrow. Seems it's cheaper to go to an HLE location than rent it at the airport. Just moved vehicles to different locations as the airports aren't giving the HLE's any vehicles till after the first of the year.
Was smitten with the Imprezza back in March when they implied the Golf would be totaled. Drove a few and liked them all. Decent acceleration on the expressways as it's 90% of my driving now. Since they fixed the Golf, stopped looking but do remember how each drove.
So punching in at 7 in the morning and hope to get out by 1 or so. Early release on Monday though no time was given. Betting on either 1 or 2 though. Wouldn't be surprised if they ask us all to work Sunday to. Hurting & tired but pushing through and see where I land. Will start the 2 days/week after New Years.

qbrozen

corvette said:

qbrozen said:

I know, I know, it is fun to drive, which is what I tell everyone. My standard answer is "It is a blast to drive, but I would not want to commute every day in it." Honestly, the infotainment is driving me far more nuts than I thought it would. My wife gets mad at me for not knowing she has texted me. More first-world problems.

Does it have an aux input? Just disconnect the Bluetooth and use that, and tell the wife you can’t text while driving. 

Not quite so simple. The phone is completely silenced while the car is on. I get to where I'm going and don't even realized I had received any texts or emails. I've missed work messages, too.

Drivingfool

Also have Safeco Insurance and get a bill for the whole years. So much easier. Thought Liberty National owns Safe co but no sure. Hoping they renew us next month with no increase though I did have the accident about 3 weeks after our policy started. We shall see though!
Heard from oldest, she got a holiday bonus and wants to pay me back for the gutters and Versa repairs this week. Told her wait till your financials work out and see after a full month there what your overhead is. Then we'll talk if you still want to. Never expected to be paid back though...very proud of her and her ethics about finances. She wants to do it all on her own which I get but wait till you feel more relaxed. And then make small payments when you desire. But not necessary and she now knows I've got her back no matter what.
We did real good in the kids department!

corvette

qb, maybe just unpair the Bluetooth? Then the phone should operate as normal.

On the JGC, it looks like it performed poorly on the 10% overlap front crash test. That's a relatively rare occurrence, and one that has to be specifically engineered for (unlike a poor performance on the 40% overlap test, which to me, indicates poor structural integrity overall). Considering how rare it is, I don't consider it a huge failing, but all things being equal, I'd rather have a car that performed well on all tests.

Drivingfool

Had to drive a 2019 Kia Rio today and no SAT radio. Plugged my iPhone in and the Apple Carplay took over and it was impressive. For a bare boned vehicle, drove pretty nicely though it definitely needs 17" rubber, or at least 16", as the high winds were blowing the 15"'s all over the road. Very windy day due to the front which passed through right as we got out of work. In rain, I'd keep the Rio in the garage...definitely.
Time for bed as 6 am comes pretty fast lately. Putting off the 2 day/week schedule till after the new year which I'm cool with. Wife also gave the new plan a thumbs up, a pleasant surprise!!

stickguy

Q, that is the exact equipped 330 I wanted. Though at the time was avoiding black interior. oops. Though when I test drove the white one (can't recall now if it had BLIS or not) and had preliminary number chats they were up in the mid 4's. I obviously needed you there, because if minimal down would get that car in the mid-low 300's I will be made at myself for not trying again!

qbrozen

stickguy said:

Q, that is the exact equipped 330 I wanted. Though at the time was avoiding black interior. oops. Though when I test drove the white one (can't recall now if it had BLIS or not) and had preliminary number chats they were up in the mid 4's. I obviously needed you there, because if minimal down would get that car in the mid-low 300's I will be made at myself for not trying again!

They also have a similar white on beige, but no pics up yet.

if I talk numbers, I'll be sure to keep you in the dark.

qbrozen

corvette said:

qb, maybe just unpair the Bluetooth? Then the phone should operate as normal. On the JGC, it looks like it performed poorly on the 10% overlap front crash test. That's a relatively rare occurrence, and one that has to be specifically engineered for (unlike a poor performance on the 40% overlap test, which to me, indicates poor structural integrity overall). Considering how rare it is, I don't consider it a huge failing, but all things being equal, I'd rather have a car that performed well on all tests.

But then what if I get a phone call?
my accessibility is pretty important given that I work remotely 99% of the time. It was actually a fairly significant problem on Thurs when I was in the car for about 2.5 hrs during business hours. No, that won't happen often, but it concerned me nonetheless and caused some issues and actually lost me some income on the day. 

Mr_Shiftright

qbrozen said:

corvette said:

qb, maybe just unpair the Bluetooth? Then the phone should operate as normal.

On the JGC, it looks like it performed poorly on the 10% overlap front crash test. That's a relatively rare occurrence, and one that has to be specifically engineered for (unlike a poor performance on the 40% overlap test, which to me, indicates poor structural integrity overall). Considering how rare it is, I don't consider it a huge failing, but all things being equal, I'd rather have a car that performed well on all tests.

But then what if I get a phone call?
my accessibility is pretty important given that I work remotely 99% of the time. It was actually a fairly significant problem on Thurs when I was in the car for about 2.5 hrs during business hours. No, that won't happen often, but it concerned me nonetheless and caused some issues and actually lost me some income on the day. 

You can just punch the speakerphone button on your phone--it's not great but you will be able to tell them you'll call them back once you can park. That's what I do. Of course, all this works better with a little holder for the phone on the dash.

28firefighter

Can’t they call you?

tjc78

I don’t blame Q for being upset.  At this point any car I own must do connectivity correctly, too important.  

28firefighter

I’m not saying I disagree with the fact it sucks, I’m just not understanding the text message issue completely 

qbrozen

I was trying to recall another glitch my sons and I were laughing about the other night. I recall now it was the car not responding to the remote properly. The tailgate wouldn't open. It is another irritating minor thing...you can't open the tailgate manually with ease. The motor fights you if you try. It will NOT be rushed! Lol. They have witnessed the stereo restting itself on multiple occassions, so their response to these glitches is "there goes the car being Italian again!"

stickguy

qbrozen said:

stickguy said:

Q, that is the exact equipped 330 I wanted. Though at the time was avoiding black interior. oops. Though when I test drove the white one (can't recall now if it had BLIS or not) and had preliminary number chats they were up in the mid 4's. I obviously needed you there, because if minimal down would get that car in the mid-low 300's I will be made at myself for not trying again!

They also have a similar white on beige, but no pics up yet.

if I talk numbers, I'll be sure to keep you in the dark.

thanks I guess. This is why I should never pull the trigger. there is always just another car around the corner I should be waiting for! Of course, walking everyplace is going to get tiring!

kinda sorry I did not go the CUV route. If I had, and a too good to pass up 330 came along, I could just lease that too, and Carvana out the RDX. win win! Other than the 2nd payment, but we would have all that cash out of the old car to put elsewhere.

Oh well. I am done for 2.5 years minimum, unless something happens to the RDX to make the wife insist on a replacement (unlikely). My card might get revoked, unless 2 punches in the span of 14 months buys me a grace period.

28firefighter

I think we need to take away @stickguy’s Honcker and forum access. Too much temptation. 

pensfan83

I recall someone on leasehackr scoring a sub $400 340i with M Sport not long after I got the Acura. East coast deal too. I think I would have taken that over the Acura at the time all things being equal but overall I'm happy and thankful Acura AFS doesn't allow lease transfers because its kept my wandering eye at bay....somewhat.

stickguy

I did drive it tonight. Took daughter out to pick up something and took a quick ride. Got to goose it a little, and took a windy road. Really drives nice. Good growl, seems quick, sharp shifts. Very smooth ride but excellent steering and road holding.

She liked it a lot. I also started playing with some settings to get them how I like. All doors unlock now with the drivers door. And I turned off having the seat go back when the car is turned off. Will poke around in all the menus next week to see what else is in there.

Still need to getvwife out for a ride. I assume she will like it a lot.

tjc78

I hate that feature that makes the seat go back, seems so unnecessary 

qbrozen

Alfa has that seat thing too. Doesnt always work though of course. Haha

stickguy

I am skinny enough that it is really silly. Annoys me. Plus I think of it as wear and tear on the motor and battery! Of course, was not an issue on the old car, with no power seats.

ab348

28firefighter said:

I think we need to take away @stickguy’s Honcker and forum access. Too much temptation. 

Yep. Two days in and already expressing buyer's remorse. Of course, nobody saw that coming.