Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

I would rather have this one. Way cool!

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1971-mini-austin-1000/

and this, wow. What a cool idea. Probably a lot of fun, and way more reliable.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1980-triumph-tr7-11/

that is a nice Cayman. And the NSX is gorgeous. Seats probably are fantastic too. I don't think I ever sat in one.

tjc78

Lol stick... I’ve passed that home before. Very close to work.

stickguy

I also have a strange affinity for the Bricks they have running. This is pretty darned nice for 40+ years old. Could be fun as is, or a nice platform for a restomod. After I hit powerball tomorrow of course.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1979-volvo-242-coupe-2/

this one would be even better. reminds me of our 1969 144. Also blue but I think the darker shade. love the dash though. The right engine and a manual trans, and away we go!

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1972-volvo-142/

xwesx

nyccarguy said:

I can tell you that the cost of lead has increased dramatically over the past 15 or so years.  I sell sheet lead and lead bends.  

I believe it. Lead feet can be rather expensive these days as well. :@

stickguy

tjc78 said:

Lol stick... I’ve passed that home before. Very close to work.

oops. not the link I meant to post (now corrected). My daughter is looking at houses with her BF including some in Berlin. That was for her.

this was the car:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1971-mini-austin-1000/

xwesx

nyccarguy said:

They call 5 minutes ago to tell me that the tires I want them to put on my Infiniti are “completely worn out.”  Now I’ll agree that they are nearing the end of their lifespan, but they aren’t “completely worn out.”  I told them to put the tires with the most meat on the back and I’ll look into new tires at another time.

I have to go through that with my Q7, Forester, and Econoline, too. Now, the Econoline tires are 24 years old, so I'll give them a pass. I am going to teach my son to drive this summer using that vehicle, so it's a good time to refresh them.

The Q7 tires are just garbage. I doubt they have more than maybe 15,000 miles on them and are, at best, about 4.5/32. Strangely, they're wearing more strongly in the middle of the tires than on the edges (about 3 to 3.5/32 in middle). I am debating pushing them through this season and replacing next year, or just putting better tires on now. I usually do not use tires down to 4/32, let alone below that, but Q7 tires are 275/45R20, so a new set is about a grand (my other vehicles' tires are nearly half that!).

For the Forester, I need to put new winter tires on for next season anyway, so I'm going to run the winters this summer, put a new set of winters on the stock rims (17"), and then replace the old winters on the 16" wheels with something a little burlier than the touring all-seasons I can get on the 17" rim size.

I also need to think about replacing tires on the C20, but those are only 22 years old, so I have plenty of time for further consideration there.

In all seriousness, though, I am on the stock rims for the C20, which are 16.5", and I simply cannot get that tire size any longer except in a crummy Firestone tire that costs upwards of $350 EACH. So, I think I may need to move to a 17" rim and abandon the stock units. I'm loathe to do so, though, because they are original, and I have all the original hubcaps on them. I dunno. I'm still waffling on that one. I could have bought a set of used American Racing rims that were a perfect fit last summer, but I'm just stuck on the originality aspect.

xwesx

corvette said:

Isn’t (or wasn’t) there a Subaru salesman in the PacNW who used to run a Subaru website on the side? All about cars or something? I’d probably try to buy from him if I could. 

cars101.com Joe Spitz is his name, IIRC. I've purchased two Subaru from him; painless, simple. Maybe too easy, because that's what got me to buying vehicles down south...! LOL

corvette

I wouldn’t knowingly drive on public roads on 20+ year old tires, if I could avoid it. How have they not dry rotted by now? The Uniroyals on my late grandfather’s S-10 had weather checking after only a couple of years. 

xwesx

Sandman6472 said:

Be happy that's all it was. On my third battery in my 5th year of ownership but down south, the heat makes them go much quicker for some reason. I usually try to catch it before it happens but the last couple of times, have got stuck in the garage and a guy with a hand held unit got me started each time. My VW roadside has expired so luckily, my Safeco insurance includes it also so we're both good. The Audi is still under warranty methinks or almost at the end. It's also on it 3rd battery come to think of it.
The Accent is home over night and that little guy keeps going and going. No issues to speak of and think it just hit the 40K mark. Still no talk of a replacement yet so I'm not saying a word. When it's time, I'll hear about it.

Sounds like a maintenance issue. I know they say that regular lead acid batteries are "maintenance free" nowadays, but they can and will lose fluid under extreme heat. If you keep them topped off, they'll last a long time. I have one that is fifteen years old now, and a couple that are ten+ years. I use the fifteen-year-old in my plow truck... and that's a really demanding application! They take fluid once every few years.

An AGM battery might be a better fit for your application.

laurasdada

GG: White, border-less cotton towels made in the USA. Ah, the cult of Zaino!

xwesx

corvette said:

I wouldn’t knowingly drive on public roads on 20+ year old tires, if I could avoid it. How have they not dry rotted by now? The Uniroyals on my late grandfather’s S-10 had weather checking after only a couple of years. 

I take care of them.

But, no... the tires on the Econoline are getting pretty iffy. I haven't driven it more than maybe fifteen consecutive miles in a long, long time, so they haven't really had much chance to heat up (which is boom-time when it comes to dry-rotted tires).

28firefighter

Survived another private party showing of the X1. They’re interested - on to credit approval. 

Michaell

28firefighter said:

Survived another private party showing of the X1. They’re interested - on to credit approval. 

Fingers crossed that this is the one.

qbrozen

stickguy said:

I would rather have this one. Way cool! https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1971-mini-austin-1000/ and this, wow. What a cool idea. Probably a lot of fun, and way more reliable. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1980-triumph-tr7-11/ that is a nice Cayman. And the NSX is gorgeous. Seats probably are fantastic too. I don't think I ever sat in one.

All that time, money, and energy to put a 3.8L GM lump in that car seems idiotic to me, personally.

stickguy

maybe they got tired of tripling up on head gaskets? People do strange things all the time though.

I assume that swap was based on what fit. Either that, or they had the engine and the car, and a case of beer, and decided what the heck!

Still must be a whole heck of a lot faster, and more reliable, than the old powertrain.

qbrozen

For a $4k rebuild, I’d have chosen a far better setup. If that 3.8 fit, I’m sure there are many other choices. Heck, a late model Miata drivertrain may not have as much power, but it would be far lighter. 

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

stickguy said:

I would rather have this one. Way cool!

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1971-mini-austin-1000/

and this, wow. What a cool idea. Probably a lot of fun, and way more reliable.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1980-triumph-tr7-11/

that is a nice Cayman. And the NSX is gorgeous. Seats probably are fantastic too. I don't think I ever sat in one.

All that time, money, and energy to put a 3.8L GM lump in that car seems idiotic to me, personally.

"People are strange" - J. Morrison

tjc78

Hey you BMW experts.. is the 4 door 4 series basically a 3 series hatchback?

tjc78

qbrozen said:

stickguy said:

I would rather have this one. Way cool!

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1971-mini-austin-1000/

and this, wow. What a cool idea. Probably a lot of fun, and way more reliable.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1980-triumph-tr7-11/

that is a nice Cayman. And the NSX is gorgeous. Seats probably are fantastic too. I don't think I ever sat in one.

All that time, money, and energy to put a 3.8L GM lump in that car seems idiotic to me, personally.

That 3800 is pretty shoe-horned in there too. See how close the alternator is to the electric fan?

stickguy

tjc78 said:

Hey you BMW experts.. is the 4 door 4 series basically a 3 series hatchback?

pretty much. the 4 series was just the renamed 3 series coupes (4 door variety). So I would consider the 4 door grand coupe to basically be a hatch 3 series. Might be a smidge longer, but interior, chassis and powertrain are essentially the same.

tjc78

Gotcha. I'm intrigued with the loaner deals Q scored and others are getting on the LH site.

I haven't driven a BMW in years, but everyone says they have softened up a bit so I'll probably like it more than what I drove years ago.

stickguy

I shopped a 4 series GC loaner deal. was pretty strong (relative to MSRP) but not close to what Q pulled off (and I would never likely get close to some of those LH people). Oddly, my wife was not that fond of the one we looked at (the interior, or size). They also are pretty low if that matters.

not sure when the loaner deals will not be there though, at least on the 3 series, once the old style ones run out.

But, definitely seems that if you want to lease (heck, or buy, maybe even more so) a "mainstream" BMW (330, or X1) a loaner is definitely the way to go.

tjc78

Yes that is what I figured a 3 would be better.  I’m not interested in any SUV since we have the Enclave.   

I don’t know what I want really... I’ll really be shopping things that lease well at the time.  I’m open to pretty much any brand so that will make things easy.  

stickguy

when does your lease run out. late this year (November?) If so, plenty of time.

of all odd things, the new Altima has gotten good reviews. I just read the latest issue of Automobile last night, and they picked their "all stars", and it was hard to believe they picked the Altima as one of them.

nyccarguy

I've officially owned my 2015 Q40 AWD for 2 years as of today. That means it has been 2 years since I punched my card.

tjc78

It goes back Nov 6th, so yes plenty of time.  

I’ll probably hit the pavement around Labor Day and see what’s out there.  

stickguy

You got the pilot before the Q40? I thought it was the other way around. But I don't keep detailed records!

kyfdx

The 4-series Gran Coupe is a hatchback? You sure about that?

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

You got the pilot before the Q40? I thought it was the other way around. But I don't keep detailed records!

You are right. I did get the Q40 1st, then the Pilot. SO it has only been a year and 3 months since my last punch!

stickguy

kyfdx said:

The 4-series Gran Coupe is a hatchback? You sure about that?

positive. the 4 door 4 series GC is really a 5 door hatch.

Gotta love BMW naming conventions.

qbrozen

tjc78 said:

Yes that is what I figured a 3 would be better.  I’m not interested in any SUV since we have the Enclave.   

I don’t know what I want really... I’ll really be shopping things that lease well at the time.  I’m open to pretty much any brand so that will make things easy.  

You may want to at least glance at an X2. Calling it an SUV is definitely a stretch. IIRC, it is all of 2" taller than my 3'er. Definitely closer to a wagon than SUV.

ab348

Took a look at the listing for that TR7 V6. Keep in mind that the 3.8 was a Buick V8 with 2 cylinders sawed off. Also keep in mind that the later TR8 had the Rover version of a Buick V8 from the factory. So the 3.8 is probably a pretty simple conversion as such things go.

Interesting thing in the comments on that listing. A previous owner chimed in with word that the conversion was done here in Halifax. He said the car back then was light green with a dark green interior. I may have seen it at a car show back then.

tjc78

qbrozen said:

Yes that is what I figured a 3 would be better.  I’m not interested in any SUV since we have the Enclave.   

I don’t know what I want really... I’ll really be shopping things that lease well at the time.  I’m open to pretty much any brand so that will make things easy.  

You may want to at least glance at an X2. Calling it an SUV is definitely a stretch. IIRC, it is all of 2" taller than my 3'er. Definitely closer to a wagon than SUV.

Will do... when it finally warms up I’ll probably start walking lots on Sundays checking out things.  

Often many cars are open and you can sit in them to get a feel for what you like. 

marcogallo1986

 New York car guy, wow that was fast you had it two years today the Q 40 crazy. How the time flies. 

kyfdx

stickguy said:

kyfdx said:

The 4-series Gran Coupe is a hatchback? You sure about that?

positive. the 4 door 4 series GC is really a 5 door hatch.

Gotta love BMW naming conventions.

Don’t know how I missed that. I’ve even had them for loaners.

Makes me want one.

marcogallo1986

 TJC, yes I like it when the dealers leave a lot of the cars unlocked and you could go when they’re closed and locked. Get a feel for what you would like, I want you don’t like pretty quickly. Type your comment

marcogallo1986

 New York car guy, wow that was fast you had it two years today the Q 40 crazy. How the time flies. 

marcogallo1986

 I hope the deal goes through 20 firefighter in the teeth the X one of you in your wife’s hands. Good luck. Type your comment

Mr_Shiftright

nyccarguy said:

I know some of you guys lurk (stalk) Bring a trailer.  What are your thoughts on that Green NSX with 187 miles?  I’m in love with those seats!

@Mr_Shiftright - there’s a Guards Red Cayman with less than 28K on it that I know you’ve seen out of the corner of your eye

That's pretty weird about that NSX. I wonder what the point was in not using it? The problem with the high price is, of course, now what do you do? Do you drive it and enjoy it and thereby negate the $30K ++ premium you paid for it, or do you return it to its state as a metal sculpture installed in your garage's art museum?

These are really nice cars to drive but they never did get the love from collectors. They're steady in the market, but never did catch fire. Such an easy car to drive fast!

RE: Cayman---nice looking car, but I think I'm gravitating more to motorcycles right now. I like the looks and performance of the Cayman but the cheap and dull interior continues to annoy me. And given that THAT'S what we all look at when we drive, and not the outside of the car, it's a hurdle I'm finding hard to overcome.

At least the Volvo C30s interior, while also plain and uninteresting, is quite functional and comfortable. Also $15K less to buy and only about a second slower.

graphicguy

qbrozen said:

stickguy said:

I would rather have this one. Way cool!

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1971-mini-austin-1000/

and this, wow. What a cool idea. Probably a lot of fun, and way more reliable.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1980-triumph-tr7-11/

that is a nice Cayman. And the NSX is gorgeous. Seats probably are fantastic too. I don't think I ever sat in one.

All that time, money, and energy to put a 3.8L GM lump in that car seems idiotic to me, personally.

First thing I thought,too. What could possibly go wrong with an ‘80 TR7 with a GM engine transplant? LOL!

Mr_Shiftright

I've seen some very weird engine swaps..what comes to mind is a GM V-6 in a Mercedes 190SL and a Mustang 5.0 in a 280SL, and a Chevy 350 in a Porsche 914. Both of the Benz were very well done btw. Not so much the 914.

carnaught

stickguy said:

kyfdx said:

The 4-series Gran Coupe is a hatchback? You sure about that?

positive. the 4 door 4 series GC is really a 5 door hatch.

Gotta love BMW naming conventions.

Certainly not worse than Infiniti and Cadillac’s.

breld

Went out over lunch to take a look at a CPO 228xi M-sport. But when I got there I was told the car was sold - this after I called this morning to confirm availability. Annoying. And then the person who set up the appointment called me half an hour later to ask if I was going to make my appointment. I wasn't pleased.

But...since I was out, thought I'd check out the new Mazda3. They had a couple hatchbacks, automatic only. Nevertheless, took one out and was extremely impressed. I'm already predisposed a bit to like Mazdas, but the attention to details and quality of interior components is pretty much at a luxury level, as was the ride quality.

The engine, even with 186 hp, is a bit antiquated compared to all the turbos offered these days, but there is something endearing about it. The automatic was great, though I do think I'd enjoy the stick shift.

They didn't have a sedan to look at, but I'm meeting up with @michaell and @jpp75 this evening for the Denver Auto Show, and the dealership said there would be plenty of examples there. The hatchback is good looking - the rear seems a bit bulbous at first glance.

This dealership does have a white hatch with the premium package and manual trannie due in, so could be a consideration.

Mr_Shiftright

What's the MSRP on that white hatch, do you know?

marcogallo1986

Nice Breld on the rite  up and the test. Drive of the new  mosda 3 you all have fun tonight at the auto show! I cant. Ware  to here all about it 

carnaught

breld said:

Went out over lunch to take a look at a CPO 228xi M-sport. But when I got there I was told the car was sold - this after I called this morning to confirm availability. Annoying. And then the person who set up the appointment called me half an hour later to ask if I was going to make my appointment. I wasn't pleased.

But...since I was out, thought I'd check out the new Mazda3. They had a couple hatchbacks, automatic only. Nevertheless, took one out and was extremely impressed. I'm already predisposed a bit to like Mazdas, but the attention to details and quality of interior components is pretty much at a luxury level, as was the ride quality.

The engine, even with 186 hp, is a bit antiquated compared to all the turbos offered these days, but there is something endearing about it. The automatic was great, though I do think I'd enjoy the stick shift.

They didn't have a sedan to look at, but I'm meeting up with @michaell and @jpp75 this evening for the Denver Auto Show, and the dealership said there would be plenty of examples there. The hatchback is good looking - the rear seems a bit bulbous at first glance.

This dealership does have a white hatch with the premium package and manual trannie due in, so could be a consideration.

Uh oh, the eagle is circling it’s prey...

breld

Mr_Shiftright said:

What's the MSRP on that white hatch, do you know?

$28k-ish.

Not cheap, but not much more than the sticker on my 2016 Mazda3 Grand Touring. The only way to get a stick (for right now at least) is the fully loaded hatchback. So it does have things like memory seats, moonroof, heads-up display, and all the safety nannies Mazda offers.

It's not gonna be as quick as a Civic Si, but it feels much more refined and grown up.

The CPO Clubman S All4 I've been eying has come down over a grand in price, so at $20,500 that's getting tempting.

28firefighter

I'd take the Mini over a Mazda any day. Way quicker.

breld

No argument there.

nyccarguy

28firefighter said:

I'd take the Mini over a Mazda any day. Way quicker.

I vote for quicker!