Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

boomchek

Motorhomes should have bonus points attached, I think Bentleys too. Or anything over $100k in MSRP.

Either way Mark, I think it would be hard to outdo you on a monetary scale.

corvette

I got a loan approval from my credit union, good for 90 days. I've been kicking around some ideas for my next vehicle. My main gripes with the Audi are that the dealer is far away, and I just plain don't like the sound that a four-cylinder engine makes, especially in a luxury-ish car. The interior panels creak and pop a lot for a car with 16,000 miles on it. On the plus side, the ride, handling, and automatic transmission are great.

Ideas:
2002-2004 Infiniti I35 - like the Maxima, but with all the luxury options standard. No nearby dealer, but should have excellent reliability. Has a quiet engine and good ride and handling. Tasteful styling.

2006 Hyundai Azera Limited - No nearby dealer, but Consumer Reports says they've been dependable (!). Inexpensive for what you get, still under warranty, probably a cushier ride than the I35 with mushier handling. Don't see many of them on the road. Gets good mileage, even with ~260 HP.

Unspecified year Infiniti Q45 - No nearby dealer, dirt cheap on the used market, also reputed to be dependable. Probably not as sporty as the I35, and thirsty at the pump.

2000-2005 Cadillac Seville or Deville - GM dealer nearby, inexpensive on the used market, not so high marks in reliability. Most of the problems I read about are irritating rather than "leaving you stranded." Powerful, quiet, but sloppy handling (and hard to find bucket seats) on the Deville.

2007 Chevrolet Malibu LT V6 or 2008 Malibu Classic LT V6 - Plainest car in the bunch. GM dealer is nearby, dirt cheap to purchase, OK reliability. Ride is smooth and the V6 is quiet in normal driving, but noisy at higher revs. Not many luxury features, and the handling is not very sharp.

Any thoughts?

boomchek

Some nice choices you posted, how long are you planning to keep this car for? The Malibu and the Caddies will take the biggest hit on depreciation.

But here's my take on each one:

I35: Very nice car to drive, subdued styling, but comfy and nicely equipped inside. Lots of room. Make sure the 3.5L V6 is not leaking or burning oil. During my stint at Nissan, they did one to two motor replacements a week due to faulty 3.5L engines, in all their models from G35s to Maximas, to Pathfinders etc... Would be my 2nd choice.

Azera Limited: Haven't driven one, but I love the styling and the bang for the buck. It would be my number one choice. Darker colors show best on this car imho. I'd also choose this for the sake of being different. My number 1 choice.

Q45: Lots of tech in these cars, not too many around though, oddball styling, don't overpay as they're not popular resellers because the G35s, and M series have equal or better performance for same or less money on the used market. If you're looking at the Q45s, also look at the M45s. Would be my 4th choice.

Caddy Deville or Seville: Deville is my 3rd choice, due to nostalgia (had lots of fun when I rented them 8 years ago, and they're very comfy). Super easy to drive for a big car yet retain some decent handling. I haven't driven a Seville so can't comment on it. I was going to find a pre owned 01 up Deville but my friend who's a service manager at a GM dealer said to make sure I have "bumper to bumper warranty on them until the very last day I own it" He said if the 4.6L motor leaks, it's not fixable, and lots of computer modules that can go bad and pricey to fix in them ($1k a pop).. He also told me "don't go from one lemon to another" referring switching my C240 to the Deville. Very nice car but risky in reliability department.

Malibu Classic: my last choice. You get the newest car for the buck, but you might get bored of it really fast. Correction: you will get bored of it really fast. Was never a fan of that generation's styling. I'd pick a 06-07 Impala instead. Can you see yourself in those Malibus for next 1- 2 years? Rent one and see if it suits you.

Good luck

roadburner

Any thoughts?

How about a G35? RWD and much more capable than any of the cars on your list.
I think the Malibu is a very unsafe car; you'd likely die of boredom while driving it.

corvette

I like the G35. I'm trying to stay under $20k, but I think I can get a 2003-05 in that price range.

The '07 and newer Malibu has curtain airbags standard, but I'm guessing those don't help if you have a stroke from boredom...

corvette

Looking to keep the car an indefinite period of time. Don't really want to drop a ton of money on a newer/nicer vehicle unless/until I get a better paying job.

My understanding of the oil consumption on the VQ-series engines is that it's not a longevity issue so long as you keep it topped up.

And the Northstar headgasket problems are most prevalent on the pre-2000 models. Don't know about the computer modules. There are irritating things with those cars, though, like vibration issues, motor mounts, and plastic window regulators (just like VW)...

The depreciation on the Malibu was mostly absorbed by the first owner. I figure an '07 can be had for $12k or so. Probably $3k depreciation the first year I'd own it as a used vehicle, and around $2k the second year.

mark156

You know Boom, I've been fortunate in a lot of ways and thank my lucky stars everyday.

I've been a car nut since I was 5 yrs old and nothing has changed! I learned to shift gears on my sisters 1963 Plymouth Valiant (3 on the tree) when I was five yrs. old.

M156

guss

I took advantage of GM's Employee pricing yesterday and picked up a imperial blue metallic Malibu 2LT. It was the last '08 in my area and happened to be almost exactly as I would have ordered it. The price was $23,400 of which I only have to pay about $1000 because it will be a company car.

The heated suede seats were the deciding factor. I hate leather but like heated seats so these worked out nice. It cam with onstar nav for a year and XM radio for 3 months free, both nice touches. The interior is very quite because of the special glass they used on all the windows. Someone can be talking right next to the car and you can't hear a word.

I got the 4 cylinder with 4 speed transmission, not a rocket by any means, but seems adequate for my daily stop and go commute. So far I am getting about 27 mpg's in

The truck is good size but the opening is kinda small. My road bike fits in because it is long and thin but the jumbo roll of paper towels from Costco may be a squeeze.

Being a company car I guess I will be out of the club for at least 4 years. Oh wait, our mini van is 5 years old, I'll have to start working on that.

lemmer

What are you driving right now? What have you owned in the past that you really loved?

corvette

I have an Audi A4 right now. I like it a lot--other cars I've owned and loved include a 3-series and a Jetta.

lemmer

Well, I am not sure you'd be really happy with any of the cars on your list. Even a Maxima SE is sportier than an I35T. Cadillac and Q45s are snoozers. Malibu is an ugly, cheap snoozer. Azera is a snoozer with poor resale value. The I35 would be ok if you only do highway driving, all the rest leave me completely cold.

How about another 3 series or a G35?

corvette

The 3-series is not a good value on the used market, and I don't live near a dealer. I don't live near an Infiniti dealer either, but having owned a Nissan, I'm not that worried about it needing repairs. The G35 is a better value used than the 3-series. I'm adding it to the list...

qbrozen

I agree with the above who said these are a bunch of snoozers.

Out of the list, Q45 would probably be at the top for me. I wouldn't bother with an I35 thanks to the FWD.

G35 is easily under $20k. I picked up my '04 G35x with 34k miles back in May for $18,800. And I overpaid just a bit (for the cleanliness and remaining factory warranty). If you went RWD, now 3 months later, and found one with less than 40k miles, you'd be looking at ~$16k. Could step up to an '05 and get the increased ponies (although that's up for debate) and still keep it well under $20k.

lemmer

I'm with QB. You might even find a G with a stick if you are lucky. The '05s also had nicer interior materials.

What's up for debate about the 05 HP? I've never heard anything about that.

andre1969

That Malibu seems like a decent price. I'm not a big fan of leather seats either, but I kinda like the suede.

Which trim level of Malibu comes with the 4-cyl/6-speed auto? Or is that a 2009 option?

corvette

I don't want a stick shift since this will be a daily driver. And I do want a RWD model--having owned an AWD car, I don't think I need it. And if I own the car past the warranty, it's something else to break.

On the first-generation G35, can you swap from snows to summer wheels & tires without having to have a tire pressure monitor reprogrammed? Edit: looks like the answer is "no."

guss

Which trim level of Malibu comes with the 4-cyl/6-speed auto? Or is that a 2009 option?

For '08 you can get the LTZ with a 4 cyl and six speed transmission, but that would mean leather. For '09 the LT2 will have the six standard and I believe the LT1. By standard though there is about a $500 bump in MSRP over the '08.

boomchek

You know Boom, I've been fortunate in a lot of ways and thank my lucky stars everyday.

It's good to hear that your vehicular interests haven't died down. I loved cars ever since I remember and I don't think it's going to change either,

boomchek

The older G35s are not bad too, but the I35 will give you a tiny bit more room.

I have good memeories of them too as I "won" one for a week in a contest when I was 19. Couldn't find any faults or complaints with it. Plus I think the I35 models were generally purchased by an older demographic, meaning they might not have been flogged as hard as G35s.

qbrozen

What's up for debate about the 05 HP? I've never heard anything about that.

I've read lots of stuff on a dedicated G board, and plenty of dyno results have been posted, showing that the '03-'04 may have been slightly underrated while the '05-'06 is slightly overrated, making them near equals in reality.

lemmer

Dynos lie, manufacturers lie, enthusiasts probably lie the most. It seems like the G added a few mph to its trap speed when the HP went up. Of course, that could be due to testing conditions, production line variances, etc.

I've never quite understood all the whole science between underrating and overrating engines. I could see how it could make sense on the G, kind of like how Corvettes and Mustangs used to find a few more HP every year to keep sales rolling along. I also understand it when the Japanese were trying to keep in under the 276 HP cap. It is in the general sense that it doesn't add up. Overrating always seems to be chalked up to an attempt to one up the competition. Underrating is usually linked to reduced insurance premiums. If one manufacturer is simultaneously doing the same on two cars, they are "protecting their big dog." Maybe, just maybe, there isn't any truth to any of this. Maybe HP is what it is. I honestly don't know.

People are just as adamant that the EPA underrates and overrates the MPG of cars. That makes even less sense to me.

woodyww

Oh, and the V70 will be cheaper I expect

I would abso-tutely support buying a used CPO V70. 2.4, no turbo? They look great, hold tons of stuff, you said low $20's I think for used? A stripped new 3 series--what, minimum $10K more, or $20K more well equipped........

I do start getting a little crazy when I see a current-gen 3 series AWD wagon......but I'd have to wait until they age enough to buy one used.

woodyww

2000-2005 Cadillac Seville or Deville

You could look for a white one, with red leather seats, & join the country club. (Sorry, I had a 70 y.o. relative with one of those).

The Q45 idea sounds interesting. Would a GM P/U or Tahoe or something make sense, if there are great deals used? At least you could have 4wd for mid-western winters. And "utility".....

corvette

I'm liking the G35 (today)... Most of the cheap pickups and SUVs I'm seeing have a zillion miles on them.

My local GM dealer used to have access to the Nissan factory auction. I wonder if he can still get a Nissan/Infiniti, or if it's restricted to their franchise dealers only now?

laurasdada

"Well, I am an interesting mix for CCB. I want to buy cars, and I like nice stuff, but I am also the tightwad in the family and can't end up pulling the trigger!"

Wow, parallel universe! I prefer the term, "cheapskate" when applied to me vs. "tightwad," however!

To try and "scare" the Evil Wife, on the way back from dropping a few $$$ on a new gas fireplace insert for her, and on the way to Home Depot to buy a new storm door for her, I stopped at our local Jag dealer. I showed her the XK I so strongly desire. She looked at the price, gave me a dirty look and then told the saleswoman to write it up! "My husband wants this car, so let's get it done!"

I had to, unfortunately, let the saleswoman down by saying I was nowhere near ready to buy and apologize for my wife's quick trigger finger (the EW honestly did not realize what she had done to the poor saleswoman...).

This is why she is the Evil Wife: my little plan to scare her crushed a poor Jag saleswoman and gave me a mild heart episode... The fireplace and front storm door are quite lovely, btw... :sick:

boomchek

lol funny story. i hope that I won't have to refer to my wife as Evil though.

My wife is a good sport though.
She doesn't mind if I change cars as long as it doesn't end up costing us too much and as long as they're presentable.

We'll see how she'll react and deal with it all when I 'll try to buy a 70s barge I don't need sometimes this winter. :lemon:

So far I'm trying to drag her out to Bonneville Salt Flats for the World Finals of land speed racing this October and she seems to be ok with the idea!

jchevrolet

It's really good to know that you have positive feedback on the Malibu. Good to hear!!!

Jupiter Chevrolet

bumpy

Hmmm. Off-lease Acura TL Type-S?

boomchek

Hmmm. Off-lease Acura TL Type-S?

i was thinking the same. Like an 03 model. Very nice cars to drive, good amounts of room.

corvette

Yes, a 2001-03 TL-S can be had for a very good price. There is a pretty widespread transmission problem with them, and I imagine as the second or third owner I'd have to pay out of pocket to fix it. If you luck out and get one with a good transmission, it's supposed to be a great car. Most of the used ones I see have a zillion miles on them, though...

What about a late-model Pontiac GTO? Edit: Looks like most of them have various "mods." I usually prefer the near-stock look, feel, and sound... And, they get about the same mileage as a Yukon Denali. Ouch!

roadburner

What about a late-model Pontiac GTO?

I looked at a couple of 2005 Goats last year. I loved the interior but I hated the mutated-Cavalier-on-steroids styling. I also figured that the size and mass would make it a less than thrilling track rat. I've also heard-but have no direct knowledge-that the final drives are a bit fragile. A lot of bang for the buck though.

boomchek

Another one that comes to mind for you is a Dodge Charger. It's RWD, they're usually nicely equipped, and the one to two year olds are priced attractively.

mark156

I had to take the Land Rover LR3 in for service this morning. I noticed that the service light was coming on and inquired with the service advisor when I had the SUV last serviced. He said it was in January when I had 21,000 miles. I now have 22,500 so I only drove 1,500 miles in 8 months! They wanted to change the oil, etc., to keep up with the schedule of service.

Anyway, while at the dealer, I checked on the Bentley and picked up the brochures, etc., explaining all the improvements/options for the 2009 model. I think I know what I want as I will look at the color charts for the exterior and interior leather and wood colors. I like the Mulliner package which gives you the cross-stitching in the seats, sport shifter, picnic tables for the rear seats, sport pedals, etc.

I didn't feel the need to get the "Speed" edition that has the 600 hp engine for a $25,000 premium. Actually, if they offered an 8 cylinder engine I would probably go for that. The 550 HP W-12 gets 10 mpg with a $3,700 gas guzzler tax. The salesperson said that there might be a hybrid available in 2010.

Anyway, I'll place my order soon as I need to go through all the brochures, etc., to figure out what I want.

M156

roadburner

Another one that comes to mind for you is a Dodge Charger. It's RWD, they're usually nicely equipped, and the one to two year olds are priced attractively.

A local Dodge dealer had a used SRT-8 that I was enthusiastic about- until I sat in it. I hated the high beltline and the poor rear visibility. And it's also a big heavy sled. If that's not a concern, there are great deals to be had.

corvette

I had a Charger rental with the 2.7-liter V6 and no options--not enough steam for such a big heavy sled, and little in the way of comfort/convenience/safety features. And yes, the visibility is bad. When I returned it and saw that the guy behind me had gotten a Sonata V6, I felt a twinge of jealousy.

woodyww

This may be nothing you'd want, but I've been shopping used 4runners a bit on craigslist. It seemed like low-mileage '04's-'05's were in the mid $teens, & low-mileage '98's or so more around $10-$11k.

Tempting (to me), given what they cost new, & cargo & winter capability........& I always get this vibe from toyotas; "this thing ain't gonna break".......

Maybe I've been repressed for too long (8 years) in buying a 2nd car......it's a dilemma because I want to keep the 5-series wagon. If I buy a summer toy like a Z4, I can use it for 6 mo., but not even in summer when I need to "schlep stuff", which is a lot of the time. A used 4runner or Subie wagon of some type.......not exciting like a Z4, but I could keep snows on it year-'round, & hopefully get out of my driveway a lot easier than even with snows on my bmw.

(New England is about WINTER: "Summer" is just a brief treat.....)

akangl

Thinking about downsizing the dually into a 1/2 ton, so going truck shopping today. Might just have to get my membership card back after all.

Hubby is going to drive a few trucks and then decide if he wants to downsize or just keep the dually as a hauler. The trailers we have left to pull are all light enough for a 1/2 ton to pull.

More later.........

qbrozen

what's the reasoning? You guys looking for a 1/2 ton that's cheaper than the current ride? Cause the gas savings can't be all that much, right? (considering the dually is a diesel)

akangl

yeah we are looking at trucks that are quite a bit cheaper. Not to mention less maint, tires, stuff like that too.

Plus looking for an automatic, I have a terrible time driving the dually being that its a stick and I have a bad knee/hip. Hubby used to like it that way, I never drove it, but now he's stuck hauling my horses for me, lol.

greanpea68

It's really good to know that you have positive feedback on the Malibu. Good to hear!!!


Hey JC good to see you on the forums :shades:

Maybe we will get Stories back and have some good stories there. By the way What do you do for Jupiter Chevrolet? Slaesperson? Sales Manager? F&I? Owner?

Public relations?

GP

stickguy

Woody, if I went with a V70, I would probably go with the 2.4T (low pressure turbo). More grunt, and usually a bit better equipped. Plus I mentioned more grunt? The base engine will be IMO a little taxed with any kind of load. And the mileage is going to be about the same. Plus it's faster!

If I did a 3 series, it would be CPO. Would like an '07 at this point, but would consider a '06 with modest miles. Not that the dealers seem to price them like used cars!

also going on a tangent and checking out a SAAB 93 (CPO of course, thanks to the famous SAAB depreciation!) I like the seats, would have lots of goodies, and a nice long warranty. Plus it could be pretty good bang for the buck.

Corvette man, get the G35 and get it over with.

corvette

Corvette man, get the G35 and get it over with.

I got the "blank check" from my credit union in the mail today... Good for up to 90 days. 4.5% rate on the loan.

I should probably sleep on it a few nights before I start to look for the "right" G35...

guss

Get the G35, but get the coupe. You are way to young to be driving a 4 door sedan.

lemmer

Coupes tend to run a lot higher in price than sedans, for the G35 anyway.

guss

You are probably right on the coupe being more. I suppose that they are different than most where the sedan is usually more. But what you pay on the front end you will usually get on the back end.

I just think the coupe is the better looking of the two, and if you rarely use the back seat I would go for the coupe.

kyfdx

Your nearest BMW dealer has a 128i coupe for sale for $33,500.... ;-)

guss

Enabler.

Is that with some goodies or a loss leader (if there is such a thing with a BMW).

kyfdx

Admittedly...

I'm just here to watch... I have no interest in a cure... :shades:

EDIT: Sticker is $35,350.. I think it has premium pkg and automatic.. Which is decently equipped...

corvette

Trying to stay under $20k... Well I did say "trying..."

boomchek

How about a 4 - 5 year old Lexus GS. RWD, lots of room.....