Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

marcogallo1986

 Saw one last Monday but it was after hours and the place was closed near me, I’ve gone with my cousin didn’t get to sit in the one in the showroom, upstate this weekend, visiting a family, but next weekend probably will go and see one in person. Type your comment

tifighter

Polestar retails for something like $1195, but can be sometimes found for a bit less. My local dealer gave me something like 20% off for some special they were doing. +25hp and +29 ft/lb in my case. Polestar sends a packet to you later with a certificate, serial number for the tune etc for records. The blue badge is supposed to be available from the dealer but mine didn’t have them. After some emailing, I got a packet from Sweden with the badge, as well as a template to use when putting it on so it would be in just the right spot. Too funny.

Mr_Shiftright

I might do this, too, once I get the car to the point where I want it.

nyccarguy

The Pilot earned some stripes today.  177.3 miles doesn’t seem like a lot, but I took my 3 kids with 4 hockey bags & sticks to 3 different hockey games at 3 different rinks scattered throughout our somewhat small state.

Mr_Shiftright

That's a worthy day's work for CT driving conditions! In California, we calculate in Dog Miles

stickguy

I'm creeping closer to 1,000 miles on mine! In just over 2 months. Though it came with 60 on it.

fintail

Test drove a couple of cars today. Car 1: 2018 E43 AMG, demo, ~3K miles on it. Nice car, fun in sport mode, sounded great and was very nicely finished. Car 2: 2016 G550, ~46K miles, trucky but not as bad as I expected, easy to drive with its visibility and shape, sounded good, but didn't feel as stiff as I like, and honestly outside of a responsible budget.

No purchases, couldn't make a deal on the E43, G550 would require terms longer than I really want. Also got a response about Bluetec buyout - a few grand under residual, but still several grand more than I want to pay. Options are still wide open.

nyccarguy

Mr_Shiftright said:

That's a worthy day's work for CT driving conditions! In California, we calculate in Dog Miles

To top it off, it was raining cats and dogs all day too!

corvette

@nyccarguy that's quite a haul, considering you had three games to attend! My Tahoe would've probably gotten 16 MPG or worse on those trips.

au1994

kyfdx said:

Weird sighting today.

Z71 trim pickup. Regular cab, short bed. Proportions were jarring, compared to all the crew cabs out there.

Yeah, that’s a rare bird especially if it was a recent model. Most of the regular cabs nowadays are stripped down models.

au1994

tjc78 said:

ab348 said:

@tjc78 I have no idea about this but is GM offering blowout deals on soon to be discontinued Lacrosses, Impalas or other sedans? What about the new Altima?

Definitely a possibility, monitoring that closely. I would take either of those. Problem is
(I can see it now). There will be MF close to zero, huge rebates and a whopping 39% residual that kills the whole deal.

When exactly are they done? I’ll be shopping in Sept/Oct. For the right deal could certainly do summer as the remaining few payments on the Elantra won’t be hard to swallow ($210 / month).

Altima/Maxima would be in play because you can get some deals, but I’m not a huge fan of either.

I really like the Maxima for some reason. I thought it drove very well.

Big fan of the Mazda as well but haven’t driven one.

I’d opt for the Accord over the Camry. For some reason I’ve just never been a big fan of the styling of the Camry. Obviously I’m in the minority based on sales numbers!

kyfdx

au1994 said:

kyfdx said:

Weird sighting today.

Z71 trim pickup. Regular cab, short bed. Proportions were jarring, compared to all the crew cabs out there.

Yeah, that’s a rare bird especially if it was a recent model. Most of the regular cabs nowadays are stripped down models.

Didn't get a long look, but it was definitely from this last model run.

au1994

Michaell said:

Had the MINI in for service this morning, and since the Honda dealer is next to the MINI dealer, I took the opportunity to test drive the new Passport.

Test drove a navy over black Sport trim. This is the entry level trim - the others are EX-L, Touring and Elite.

First, the outside. This is a handsome vehicle; the proportions are just right. Not a fan of the 20" black wheels, but that's a personal preference. Typical overwrought Honda grille treatment.

Inside - unconventional dash. Gauges for temp and fuel only; digital speedometer and tach, which would take some getting used to. As this is the base trim, the infotainment system is very basic. I'd have to look at an EX-L to see if it's better. Buttons for the transmission, similar to the Acura TLX.

Got behind the wheel, fired it up, and noticed the parking brake is set. Ok, no handle, which is becoming more common, but I didn't see a switch under the transmission buttons for the electronic parking brake. What the...?

Oh my. An honest to God parking brake pedal. I can't remember the last car I drove with one of those.

On the road. We had a brief, but intense, storm last night that dumped about 6" of snow, so the roads were either wet or slushy. Good to test the AWD system. Good power from the corporate V6, and the 9-speed transmission was unobtrusive. One thing I really liked was the big windows all around, especially in the rear. Fantastic visibility. The ride was good, and it drove a bit smaller than it is.

The Sport stickered at just under $35k. Comparing it to the Cherokee Trailhawk I drove a couple weeks ago, I actually liked the Jeep better.

But, it's a great alternative to both the CR-V and Pilot. I think Honda will sell every one of them.

The Passport is an interesting play by Honda. Slotting something between the Pilot and CR-V will likely be a sales boon but I looked online and was shocked by the pricing of these. At that price I’d definitely opt for the Jeep.

I kinda thought they might go cheaper and try to capture some of the Jeep/Subaru outdoors crowd market. I think they are trying that too but again, I’m surprised at some of the price points on these models.

Not a bad looking SUV though.

au1994

tifighter said:

Not all LEDs are created equal. I've now had them on our Leaf, 86 and now the 3. The ones on the Leaf were pretty poor in my opinion. The color was about all it had going for it...poor pattern, average brightness at best. The 86 was better and pretty liveable. The 3 has great lights, good pattern and brightness. But I still may give the nod to our Volvo. HID's are becoming older tech these days, but there is some secret sauce in the lens design here or something, because these babies flat out work in the darkest, remote areas. And they're adaptive too. I've had three other cars with HID's and none were close. It gets dark in Sweden, mina vänner...

Xenon’s are a requirement for my old eyes now. Getting old blows.

au1994

stickguy said:

The CRV was very practical. But not very exciting. My wife really did not car for driving it (I think it was teh CVT on this one). I also want to be sure they have resolved the issue with the 1.5t engine in that car.

We looked at a EX-L AWD. I was thoroughly impressed with the bang for the buck. The motor issue gave me pause though. But it was an extremely luxurious CUV at that price point and quite roomy. Especially with the seat down for cargo duty.

Sandman6472

I drive a lot at work each day, have never really counted the miles to be honest. Don't even remember what kind or how many vehicles I drive on an average day. It's kind of robotic right now. They throw me a set of keys, I ask where do I go & I'm gone. Every day is different from the last and up to now, it's been quite enjoyable. But now, new boss and new requirements...and I'm not to happy right now. I don't work four days a week, I just don't as it's a bit too hard on my body. The every other day scenario seems to be the best fit, as when I work a double, I feel it the next day. And now wanting us to clock off at 3:30 on a daily basis, our hours will be cut back. And with having to punch in and out for lunch every day, is plain dumb. Many times I just eat on the road and don't go back to our office to eat as the computer takes out lunch automatically. OSHA rules state, I've been told, that after 6 hours, lunch is taken out automatically.
So, figure I'm just going to work my 3 days and play it by ear as to the hours. The other day, didn't leave until a bit after 4 so it's not going to work out exactly each day at 3:30. A shame that they had to try to fix what ain't broke but hey, it's their ball. I'm just not sure how much longer I plan to stay in the game!

nyccarguy

corvette said:

@nyccarguy that's quite a haul, considering you had three games to attend! My Tahoe would've probably gotten 16 MPG or worse on those trips.

Don't be fooled by the trip computer. It likes to state "alternative facts." The 20.9 is probably more like 18.5.

ab348

kyfdx said:

Weird sighting today.
Z71 trim pickup. Regular cab, short bed. Proportions were jarring, compared to all the crew cabs out there.

I saw one of those locally not too long ago. "Jarring" is a good way to describe it. It looks like some sort of mutant, with that massive front end and cab attached to what looks like an underdeveloped pickup box. Proportions are way off.

Michaell

au1994 said:

Michaell said:

Had the MINI in for service this morning, and since the Honda dealer is next to the MINI dealer, I took the opportunity to test drive the new Passport.

Test drove a navy over black Sport trim. This is the entry level trim - the others are EX-L, Touring and Elite.

First, the outside. This is a handsome vehicle; the proportions are just right. Not a fan of the 20" black wheels, but that's a personal preference. Typical overwrought Honda grille treatment.

Inside - unconventional dash. Gauges for temp and fuel only; digital speedometer and tach, which would take some getting used to. As this is the base trim, the infotainment system is very basic. I'd have to look at an EX-L to see if it's better. Buttons for the transmission, similar to the Acura TLX.

Got behind the wheel, fired it up, and noticed the parking brake is set. Ok, no handle, which is becoming more common, but I didn't see a switch under the transmission buttons for the electronic parking brake. What the...?

Oh my. An honest to God parking brake pedal. I can't remember the last car I drove with one of those.

On the road. We had a brief, but intense, storm last night that dumped about 6" of snow, so the roads were either wet or slushy. Good to test the AWD system. Good power from the corporate V6, and the 9-speed transmission was unobtrusive. One thing I really liked was the big windows all around, especially in the rear. Fantastic visibility. The ride was good, and it drove a bit smaller than it is.

The Sport stickered at just under $35k. Comparing it to the Cherokee Trailhawk I drove a couple weeks ago, I actually liked the Jeep better.

But, it's a great alternative to both the CR-V and Pilot. I think Honda will sell every one of them.

The Passport is an interesting play by Honda. Slotting something between the Pilot and CR-V will likely be a sales boon but I looked online and was shocked by the pricing of these. At that price I’d definitely opt for the Jeep.

I kinda thought they might go cheaper and try to capture some of the Jeep/Subaru outdoors crowd market. I think they are trying that too but again, I’m surprised at some of the price points on these models.

Not a bad looking SUV though.

Meant to compete with the Edge, Murano, etc.

And yes, much more masculine than either the CR-V or Pilot.

The Cherokee can be optioned up to over $40K, as well. The Trailhawk seems to be a nice compromise of features and functionality (hey, it's a Jeep!). Nice size, decent pricing, if you don't go crazy with the options.

stickguy

I actually really like the new edge for some reason.

breld

Agreed on the Edge - @michaell, @jpp75 and I were browsing a few weekends ago and looked at a new Edge ST in the showroom. I thought it was really sharp.

28firefighter

Third for the Edge ST. Big fan.

nyccarguy

2 notable sightings on this AM's slog. A new Ford Ranger (Black). I didn't even know these were out yet.

A Black Corolla Hatchback/Wagon - looks very cool. Give it to us with some sort of upgraded suspension and a turbo please.

stickguy

bring back the SR5!

tjc78

Give it to us with some sort of upgraded suspension and a turbo please.

This is Toyota you are talking about.

Not
Gonna
Happen

xwesx

nyccarguy said:

2 notable sightings on this AM's slog. A new Ford Ranger (Black). I didn't even know these were out yet.

A Black Corolla Hatchback/Wagon - looks very cool. Give it to us with some sort of upgraded suspension and a turbo please.

Saw my first Ranger in the wild on Friday morning. Nice, pleasantly styled vehicle. I hope they do well with it.

au1994

xwesx said:

nyccarguy said:

2 notable sightings on this AM's slog. A new Ford Ranger (Black). I didn't even know these were out yet.

A Black Corolla Hatchback/Wagon - looks very cool. Give it to us with some sort of upgraded suspension and a turbo please.

Saw my first Ranger in the wild on Friday morning. Nice, pleasantly styled vehicle. I hope they do well with it.

I saw one yesterday in gray. Nice looking. Not small of course but they will still move a ton of them.

28firefighter

This is going to bring absolutely stupid money:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2008-acura-tl-3/

stickguy

I liked those. I recall driving one, and an AT version, and thinking the AT was better suited for the car. But it was 12 years ago!

Sandman6472

I never use the trip computer on my Golf as I'm probably not wanting to know how bad it really is. Just know that with 3 days of driving down to work, I use about 1/8 under a 1/2 a tank of petrol each week. But once a week like clockwork, I still fill that used part of the tank. Guess it's just a habit by now. My month's usage of petrol is standing at 2 tanks, which includes any little driving I do around the house. 98% is really highway driving.

Sandman6472

My back is giving me all kinds of issues today so have decided to just stay the night and possibly go into work tomorrow. I've let my office know I won't be in tomorrow just in case I'm not in less pain as I am now.
Took the Cruse to the dealer and they tinted it as promised plus filled her tank. Gave us a loaner, a 2019 Equonix, but they took a copy of my license and insurance. Only put on 18 miles as we went to a Starbuck's for the wifi as she had some work to do and then to a Bob Evans next door. My second time there, the wife took me in Louisville back in October 2017 when we drove home form our son's Chicago wedding. Pot roast was very good but salty, guess most folks like salty foods but I'm getting away from them.
Will leave tomorrow a m, get some petrol and a bite to eat and go home. If I feel a bit better, will just continue down to work for a few hours.

Sandman6472

Saw a new Ranger at the dealer the other day. Nice looking and yes, they will sell a ton. As good as the Colorado/Canyon are, and they are very good, think the Ranger will be just as good. The one I saw was in a steel gray color and was extremely nice in that color.

Mr_Shiftright

28firefighter said:

This is going to bring absolutely stupid money:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2008-acura-tl-3/

I dunno...it has a dirty CARFAX. I see these commonly for sale for around $6,500--7,000, but generally with higher miles. So, given the current bid and the low miles on the BAT car, the bids seem reasonable.

tifighter

28firefighter said:

This is going to bring absolutely stupid money:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2008-acura-tl-3/

Agreed. The carfax doesn't seem to be phasing the commenters. The 6MT's are rare. I'd take one of the beaked 2009+ if I had to choose because SH-AWD, but the earlier gen has a lot of followers.

Mr_Shiftright

If you criticize a car on BAT too forcefully, even with all the facts solidly in hand, everyone beats up on you. Ask me how I know...

The seller wisely posted a comment about the accident right in the description.

stickguy

the carfax even says "no damage reported". I like that car, quite a bit, but there would certainly be a limit to what you want to pay for it to just use.

seems to be in that gray area, between buy it to just use and beat up on, vs. keeping as an occasional use toy. And it is a weird option for a toy. Probably OK for someone like me that works from home, and can put fairly low miles on it even using it as a DD.

28firefighter

I’d pay $10k for it just for the maintenance history and condition. But that’s it and this will go for 13-15, I think. 

stickguy

was up to 10K with 3 days to go, so good chance it does.

stickguy

just curious, I checked for TLs within 100 miles of me on cars.com. out of 231, 11 listed as Manual trans (though I bet at least a few are actual ATs). This one looks identical, with 20K more miles, at 14K. And they have it ID'd as a "good deal".

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/763724336/overview/

or the BaT car. Not sure I ever saw one of those auctions also just listed as a dealer too. I figured from the writeup it must have been there.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/764250645/overview/

a really pricey beak mobile.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/746199608/overview/

corvette

stickguy said:

I liked those. I recall driving one, and an AT version, and thinking the AT was better suited for the car. But it was 12 years ago!

I test drove an AT model and it just didn't do it for me. It didn't feel appreciably faster than a four cylinder first-gen TSX.

28firefighter

They can’t have a price listed through another medium while listed on BaT. But many cars are attempted to be sold elsewhere before hitting BaT (usually CL, enthusiast forums etc). 

28firefighter

Broker over on Leasehackr is advertising a 101k BMW M3 Competition for $775/mo plus tax. First month, tags, bank fee and MSD upfront. That is absurd. 

kyfdx

No one ever got a good deal from an auction on BAT.

I love to look at the cars, but I pay no attention to the prices. If I want a car, I don't need 50K other shopper bidding up the price.

fintail

BaT is fun to browse, anyway.

A friend of mine will go nuts over this - best Accord design ever?

It'll be interesting to see what a sound but non-roadworthy fintail brings

Depreciation floor = high

tjc78

I would have to agree. That generation is a great looking car. Seller must be a Honda guy, notice the Civic R in the garage?

fintail

4th gen Accord is such a smooth design with tall greenhouse and airy interior, and I recall the engines were also very smooth. Just gotta keep the timing belt changed.

graphicguy

28firefighter said:

This is going to bring absolutely stupid money:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2008-acura-tl-3/

Yes it will. That’s a very nice example of a Type-S.

28firefighter

Viggen goes in for a little love today.

The reverse light switch has shorted out, so every time I was shifting into reverse, it would blow the reverse light fuse every time. Would not be a huge deal except that fuse also controls the windshield wipers, so that needs fixed. Tried to get to it myself but without a proper jack and taking off the front driver wheel, it is impossible.

Also, the rear hatch struts have given up the ghost and are having some difficulty staying up. [Insert joke here] Of course in true Saab fashion they're a different part from other 9-3s.

Michaell

tjc78 said:

I would have to agree. That generation is a great looking car. Seller must be a Honda guy, notice the Civic R in the garage?

I had two of that vintage Accord.

First was a '92 LX. First wife kept it when we split.

After I moved to Colorado, I picked up a '93 DX with a 5-speed. That car was way more fun that looks would have you believe.

stickguy

Loved those. Built like a Swiss watch. Just rare to see without rust around rear wheel lips.