Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

I'm not surprised. The Hummer has been on the table a few times. usually when there is smoke for that long, a fire eventually breaks out!

qbrozen

I’ll miss lease hacking for the time being, but I’m kind of getting carried away, in a good way, in eliminating monthly debt payments. Will soon be down to just the mortgage and wife’s lease.

stickguy

did you finally unload the spare house? Or still renting that out?

I hear you on the debt. We are plowing extra each month to wipe out the balance on the HELOC (basically the last of the college expenses). Once that is gone, monthly cashflow gets way better! I of course plan to celebrate by getting a head start on the next car. Maybe. If they wife wants to make the upgrade.

xwesx

28firefighter said:

We have 1500 miles on it. Honeymoon is over. It’s the best car we’ve bought (for us).

1500 miles and the honeymoon is over already?! I wouldn't even be home yet if I had bought it.....

xwesx

Michaell said:

Don't ask. She names everything. The crabapple tree we planted in our backyard is Sebastien. The willows we have in the front yard are will.i.am.willow, grandmama willow and will 'o the wisp.

I'm not sure if it is funnier that she names them, or that you remember those names! My daughter names everything as well, but I don't remember 95% of them.

xwesx

Probably not a surprise either, but I'm going to buck the preferences trend on @qbrozen 's listings and say that my favorite of the group is the SHO, followed by the TTs.

I love SHO's cinnamon brown exterior color; I still want a Flex, and that's my preferred color on it. Interior is dark, but I've been in these before and they are quite roomy and comfortable. Sadly, never driven a SHO; the standard V6 scooted the car well enough, though, so I suspect the SHO could be a fun experience without breaking the bank and while taking everyone (and everything) along for the ride! The trunks on these things are just huge. We had a rental once that swallowed six peoples' luggage and still had room for more.

ab348

xwesx said:

Probably not a surprise either, but I'm going to buck the preferences trend on @qbrozen 's listings and say that my favorite of the group is the SHO, followed by the TTs.

I love SHO's cinnamon brown exterior color; I still want a Flex, and that's my preferred color on it. Interior is dark, but I've been in these before and they are quite roomy and comfortable. Sadly, never driven a SHO; the standard V6 scooted the car well enough, though, so I suspect the SHO could be a fun experience without breaking the bank and while taking everyone (and everything) along for the ride! The trunks on these things are just huge. We had a rental once that swallowed six peoples' luggage and still had room for more.

Trouble is, the use of interior space is so inefficient on the Taurus/SHO that you would have had to leave 2 of those 6 people at the curb. Or perhaps make them ride in the trunk. :laughing:

qbrozen

stickguy said:

did you finally unload the spare house? Or still renting that out?

I hear you on the debt. We are plowing extra each month to wipe out the balance on the HELOC (basically the last of the college expenses). Once that is gone, monthly cashflow gets way better! I of course plan to celebrate by getting a head start on the next car. Maybe. If they wife wants to make the upgrade.

Still renting that out.

qbrozen

Oh, FYI, in trying to get me to incentivize my 330, a shopper who “works in finance [somehow] related to BMWFS” claims cheap 2019 leases will be here next month (I didn’t bother asking if he meant Sept or Oct). Guess I should have asked who will win the next superbowl and bet my house on it. Oh well.

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

I’ll miss lease hacking for the time being, but I’m kind of getting carried away, in a good way, in eliminating monthly debt payments. Will soon be down to just the mortgage and wife’s lease.

Good job! Part of the reason I want to keep my Infiniti is because it will be paid off in less than a year. The major reason I want to keep it is because I really LOVE driving it. Then our debt will be Mortgage, HELOC, & Pilot.

xwesx

ab348 said:

Trouble is, the use of interior space is so inefficient on the Taurus/SHO that you would have had to leave 2 of those 6 people at the curb. Or perhaps make them ride in the trunk. :laughing:

We didn't have any problem with it.

Sandman6472

Well, we dodged a bullet here in South Florida. Still a bit windy and squally though sun just came out. Went out for a bagel this morning and some debris on the roads but things starting to open up. Publix was open and my bagel place had a few folks. Next door, a tall light fixture fell onto the road and blocked a good 3/4 of it, owned by the H&R Block folks but besides small debris, we made out just fine. Never lost power and n/s today, so stayed home. Will report tomorrow as everything open tomorrow.
Feel terrible for the Bahamas as this thing just sat there for hours. It's picked up speed now and winds have died down. Now folks in South Carolina and North Carolina need to get their act in gear cause Dorian is coming your way. G-d speed folks and do take heed of any warnings just in case!!

Sandman6472

I guess being a bit older than you guys, just the thought of any debt makes me shiver. I even hate having any balance on our credit cards and pay off one of them within days of any charge. But think that comes with always living under our means during married life and coming from a pretty comfortable family growing up. Sure, once I started work and left my parents roof, I lived in a much lower bracket and it's been that way ever since. We've brought the kids up the same way and all three are excellent with credit and right now, only the oldest has a mortgage as she paid off her new Cruze within six months.
As much as I'd like a fun vehicle also with the Golf, never seeing it happen though it would be cool. Guess I'd rather see the $ in the bank or in retirement investments as I plan on retiring sometime within the next 12 months, if not sooner. And leaving South Florida is number one on my list of changes if I have my way!! So, right now any new vehicle is just so low on the priority list or it is unless something major happens with the Golf.

qbrozen

I’m getting the feeling maybe I should not buy an H3. I know my previous research told me it is very reliable, yet I have now personally inspected 2 with issues, been told by salespeople on 2 other candidates that they are dumping the trucks at auction because they have too much wrong with them, and 1 other that told me they had to put so much into repairs that they can’t reduce their price.

stickguy

Plus it must drive like a beast.

28firefighter

I could see you coming to that conclusion based on all of those factors. Pretty sure I had a similar experience with the Viggen and still bought it. So far, no one was wrong!

tjc78

@qbrozen
Would something like a Land Cruiser or Four Runner (the off road one) do the trick ?

pensfan83

Thoughts?

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2270052186638897/

stickguy

You posted that last week. Did you go see it? I like it. Not the price of course.

stickguy

tjc78 said:

@qbrozen
Would something like a Land Cruiser or Four Runner (the off road one) do the trick ?

Wrangler? Nissan Xterra? I like those!

ab348

stickguy said:

tjc78 said:

@qbrozen
Would something like a Land Cruiser or Four Runner (the off road one) do the trick ?

Wrangler? Nissan Xterra? I like those!

They both ride like buckboards.

stickguy

Doesn’t a hummer also?

mb_enthusiast

I just got the 2010 GL450 back from the body shop after it was stuck there for more than a month waiting for a rear windshield. I am so spoiled by the adaptive chassis package on the Q8. Driving the GL around today felt like a chore—really makes me want to buy something else.

In other news with the Q8, the windshield has to come from Deutschland, and it will take at least ten days to get here. The body shop is letting me pick the car up in the meantime.

Any recommendations for a well-handling luxury SUV that is not a 2020 GLS with E-Active Body Control...? Preferably has a pre-owned supply.

corvette

The GMC Canyon my parents had (same in-line 5 engine) had repeated misfire issues - spark plugs and coils had to be replaced on multiple visits. Part of why they traded it for the Element.

pensfan83

stickguy said:

You posted that last week. Did you go see it? I like it. Not the price of course.

No, didn't get out there to see it yet. It's been posted for a few weeks now so I suspect he's not getting many bites so I haven't been in urgent mode.

stickguy

A 2nd toy. Bold move, cotton.

pensfan83

This would replace the Prelude.

pensfan83

In other news this happened over the weekend.

Son#1: Why are you sitting at the stop sign?
Me:*shows him pic*
Son#1: 😐
Me:This only happens once, I wont see 67890!!
Son#1: 😐

tjc78

Ha ha I do that too!

When I had the 04 Grand Marquis my wife had it the day it was flipping over to 100k. I told her I wanted a picture. She rolled her eyes.. but did it

stickguy

pensfan83 said:

This would replace the Prelude.

Could be interested!

tjc78

I rode in a new Wrangler this weekend. It was a four door, with a canvas soft top.

It didn’t ride all that harsh, it was brand new but lifted and on some pretty tall 17’s.

kyfdx

stickguy said:

pensfan83 said:

This would replace the Prelude.

Could be interested!

Same here, but I'm holding out for @breld 's GTI

stickguy

well, my budget does not stretch nearly as far as yours!

pensfan83

kyfdx said:

stickguy said:

pensfan83 said:

This would replace the Prelude.

Could be interested!

Same here, but I'm holding out for @breld 's GTI

3rd times the charm!

Michaell

kyfdx said:

stickguy said:

pensfan83 said:

This would replace the Prelude.

Could be interested!

Same here, but I'm holding out for @breld 's GTI

I'm hoping I'll be back in the market when he decides to let it go. It may never leave Colorado.

But, I found a nice white 2016 S "Carrera" (what is that?) GTI

37,000 miles for $18K at a local VW dealer.

Stick shift with plaid seats.

tjc78

Ahh...License plates in and all dealer bling removed. So much better.

Michaell

tjc78 said:

Ahh...License plates in and all dealer bling removed. So much better.

That was a drive for you, wasn't it?

kyfdx

Michaell said:

kyfdx said:

stickguy said:

pensfan83 said:

This would replace the Prelude.

Could be interested!

Same here, but I'm holding out for @breld 's GTI

I'm hoping I'll be back in the market when he decides to let it go. It may never leave Colorado.

But, I found a nice white 2016 S "Carrera" (what is that?) GTI

37,000 miles for $18K at a local VW dealer.

Stick shift with plaid seats.

Maybe, the color is Carrera White?

tjc78

90 minutes each way. Exit 3 to Exit 16W on the NJTP.

They mailed me my license plates.

Michaell

kyfdx said:

Michaell said:

kyfdx said:

stickguy said:

pensfan83 said:

This would replace the Prelude.

Could be interested!

Same here, but I'm holding out for @breld 's GTI

I'm hoping I'll be back in the market when he decides to let it go. It may never leave Colorado.

But, I found a nice white 2016 S "Carrera" (what is that?) GTI

37,000 miles for $18K at a local VW dealer.

Stick shift with plaid seats.

Maybe, the color is Carrera White?

I suppose. The ad made it seem like it was a package.

xwesx

qbrozen said:

I’m getting the feeling maybe I should not buy an H3. I know my previous research told me it is very reliable, yet I have now personally inspected 2 with issues, been told by salespeople on 2 other candidates that they are dumping the trucks at auction because they have too much wrong with them, and 1 other that told me they had to put so much into repairs that they can’t reduce their price.

They are getting up in years. The environment in New England is not forgiving for vehicles not treated well. Expand your search to nationwide, and you'll find a nice one. Need me to deliver it for you?

corvette

mb_enthusiast said:

I just got the 2010 GL450 back from the body shop after it was stuck there for more than a month waiting for a rear windshield. I am so spoiled by the adaptive chassis package on the Q8. Driving the GL around today felt like a chore—really makes me want to buy something else.

My friends were looking for a daily driver with good towing capabilities and kind of had their hearts set on a used Sequoia. Budget was a concern, so I suggested a subsidized lease on a pickup, but they ended up with a used GLS550 and are really delighted with it--I think I would be too! They have other cars, are both mechanically adept, and connected in the auto industry, so I don't think potential repair costs weighed into the decision as much as it would for the average person.

jmonroe1

tjc78 said:

90 minutes each way. Exit 3 to Exit 16W on the NJTP.

They mailed me my license plates.

90 minutes ain't nothin. When I was at my fighting weight I could hold my breath that long.

When I got my '09 Genny I went to Akron Ohio to get it. That's about a 2 1/2 hour drive from the Burgh (didn't even try to hold my breath for that trip).

When Mrs. j got her '12 Legacy we went to Columbus Ohio. That's about a 5 hour drive (no breath holding for this trip either).

When I got my '15 Genny we went to Fairfax Virginia. That's about a 3 1/2 hour drive (again, no breath holding).

Lastly, when Mrs. j got her replacement '18 Legacy this past April, I cheated. Just drove down the road about 5 miles. Was barely blue from holding my breath when we got there.

jmonroe

28firefighter

jmonroe1 said:

When Mrs. j got her '12 Legacy we went to Columbus Ohio. That's about a 5 hour drive (no breath holding for this trip either).

How often did you stop? I used to do Pitt to OSU 3x a month during college. 3 hours 10 mins door to door.

qbrozen

xwesx said:

qbrozen said:

I’m getting the feeling maybe I should not buy an H3. I know my previous research told me it is very reliable, yet I have now personally inspected 2 with issues, been told by salespeople on 2 other candidates that they are dumping the trucks at auction because they have too much wrong with them, and 1 other that told me they had to put so much into repairs that they can’t reduce their price.

They are getting up in years. The environment in New England is not forgiving for vehicles not treated well. Expand your search to nationwide, and you'll find a nice one. Need me to deliver it for you?

Oh, I HAVE been searching nationwide.

Nowww...where do you live...?

stickguy

Actually, I have not bought anything close lately either. both Hyundais came from (different) dealers in Philly, so about 30-45 minutes (depending on traffic). RDX from N. Jersey, so about 2 hours. TLX from Princeton, about 50 minutes or so. Jetta from up that way too.

Can't really see my self going more than 2 hours again, and I really don't want to go that far if I can help it.

28firefighter

I’ve gone as far south as Portland to buy a car. Which is about 3 hours if no traffic.

jmonroe1

28firefighter said:

jmonroe1 said:

When Mrs. j got her '12 Legacy we went to Columbus Ohio. That's about a 5 hour drive (no breath holding for this trip either).

How often did you stop? I used to do Pitt to OSU 3x a month during college. 3 hours 10 mins door to door.

I'm pretty sure we only stopped once. Thinking about the time again, I'd say it was more like 4 hours not 5. In any case, Columbus is about as far as I'd go to get a car. Son #1 once said he'd go as far as Chicago to get a car he really liked but only if he could steal it. His mother almost passed out when she heard him say that and I'd probably be right next to her.

jmonroe

28firefighter

Dedication to the craft.

tifighter

Some might remember when I flew down to Berkeley to look at a used BMW I found online the day before. Although I guess that was only a 2 hour flight. Haven’t repeated that move, yet.