Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Sandman6472

Since I walk with a cane 100% of the time, will be interesting to see how we handle the walking her down the aisle thing. For both of us, our folks were on either side and were under the chuppa with the rabbi. G-d will be there but in the background as not to offend either side but as I said earlier, the after sundown has to be adhered to no matter what. I plan to make sure it's done in fine taste and will please her. We are very conservative and do not waste much, live below our means but will do our best to make our oldest a happy bride. It's all about their love for each other after all, that's what's important.

Sandman6472

Was very nice to be away, but Dorothy was so right, "there's no place like home"!!! Left around 12:45 but went out to I-95 and down to Jupiter and then back over to the turnpike to get back to South Florida. By 2:40, was pulling into our driveway. Saw a strange gray Hyundai in front of the house, then remembered the middle girl came home this morning. Had the ending of the flu, so she canceled her Orlando trip till the end of the month.
Hyundai store called Friday afternoon, door edge guards are in, so off to there in the a m and then back up to the pain doctor. Will stop by the old Hertz office to pick up my last pay stub and highly doubt they gave any end of year gift like they finally did back in 2018. If they did give them out, worked until December 2nd actually, so,...! Still, will be interesting to walk back in there as I was there just shy of 6 years. Was a decent job and would have no problem going back if that ever became the case. Left on a positive note, one just never knows in life and always better to leave that way.

pensfan83

Bourbon from New Riff and craft beer from Mad Tree are waiting to be picked up at my parents. Anyone from SW Ohio or Northern Kentucky familiar with either?

jmonroe

pensfan83 said:

Bourbon from New Riff and craft beer from Mad Tree are waiting to be picked up at my parents. Anyone from SW Ohio or Northern Kentucky familiar with either?

As you know I'm not from Ohio or Kentucky but if you invite me over we can do the rating ourselves. We dont need outsiders for that.

jmonroe

Sandman6472

Still very pleased that Starling Chevrolet in St. Cloud Florida gave my kid a basically free oil change/rotation on her 2019 Chevy Cruze. It was extremely nice of them and they gained a new customer at their service/parts department going forward. Luckily they live somewhat fairly close to their location on US 192 in St. Cloud and a nice dealership. They're also a Buick/GMC dealership also. A fairly nice amount of vehicles especially 2019 Buick Encore's, made in Korea mostly. A cousin of the Chevy Trax but the Buick looks to be a more upscale vehicle, inside and out. Almost bought one in 2018 when they were thinking of totaling my 2015 VW Golf. Saw a pic of the new 2020 Encore and if I were seriously in the market, I'd wait till the newer model came out. But they were offering a very nice discount to clear out the current 2019 models. But the new one has so many better changes, a no brainer to just wait.

stickguy

Decided to update the shopping list for the next car. Outback is officially off (wife just does not want a Subaru) but we are going to look at the CRV again since it jut had a minor refresh, but mostly to check out the new Hybrid model. That might be a winner. But we shall see. Otherwise the list remains at 2 (X3 and Santa Fe).

Car show should be fun this year, but a bummer that BMW bailed on the circuit. I assume they are missing this year again since they skipped last year for the first time.

I pointed out the nice Colorado ZR2 down the street and mentioned a "compact" PU as my car once she has the new one in place. She seemed less than enthused, thinking something enclosed made more sense. Though we really don't need 2 of those! Plus we have a PU in the family (daughter's BF has a Silverado), but I would be out of luck if they broke up!

what this really tells me, is get her the fancy new car of her dreams, then do whatever I want without telling her in advance!

corvette

pensfan83 said:

Bourbon from New Riff and craft beer from Mad Tree are waiting to be picked up at my parents. Anyone from SW Ohio or Northern Kentucky familiar with either?

Never heard of New Riff. I know I’ve had Mad Tree but can’t remember anything good or bad about it.

ab348

stickguy said:

what this really tells me, is get her the fancy new car of her dreams, then do whatever I want without telling her in advance!

That always works out well.

kyfdx

pensfan83 said:

Bourbon from New Riff and craft beer from Mad Tree are waiting to be picked up at my parents. Anyone from SW Ohio or Northern Kentucky familiar with either?

LOL... might know a little bit..

qbrozen

Not that I would ever get one of these, but just had to share a new car for almost half off.
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/share/240079240

stickguy

Price seems fair. Crazy that sticker for a FWD with no moonroof is over $30k. And something that small and tiny engine is only rated for 30 MPG highway.

ab348

Can't beat that for the price. People who own them seem to like them.

pensfan83

kyfdx said:

pensfan83 said:

Bourbon from New Riff and craft beer from Mad Tree are waiting to be picked up at my parents. Anyone from SW Ohio or Northern Kentucky familiar with either?

LOL... might know a little bit..

I was hoping you might chime in, haha. Do tell...

qbrozen

Out of curiosity, I plugged that Buick into carvana. Purchase offer is $15,250.

jmonroe

pensfan83 said:

kyfdx said:

pensfan83 said:

Bourbon from New Riff and craft beer from Mad Tree are waiting to be picked up at my parents. Anyone from SW Ohio or Northern Kentucky familiar with either?

LOL... might know a little bit..

I was hoping you might chime in, haha. Do tell...

I forgot to ask you how much of this stuff you're getting. If it's only one bottle of the hard stuff and a couple six packs, it probably wouldn't be worth my time.

jmonroe

kyfdx

pensfan83 said:

kyfdx said:

pensfan83 said:

Bourbon from New Riff and craft beer from Mad Tree are waiting to be picked up at my parents. Anyone from SW Ohio or Northern Kentucky familiar with either?

LOL... might know a little bit..

I was hoping you might chime in, haha. Do tell...

Mad Tree is one of the best craft brewers in Cincinnati (which is saying a lot). One of my favorite places. If you get a chance, you should visit (in Oakley).

New Riff is a fairly new distiller, located in Newport. I think they are just starting to get their first bottles of their own bourbon, out. (aged 4-5 years?). They started with a new, modern looking distillery, right in front of The Party Source, just across the river. They've since bought property on the West Side of Newport, where they have barrel houses, etc. We've been to events at both locations.

I'm not really a bourbon aficionado, so @graphicguy would be a better judge. I assume he's tried it.

Any more questions about local craft beer, I'm at your service.

fintail

I think GM inflates its MSRPs at least as much as the premium German brands.

stickguy said:

Price seems fair. Crazy that sticker for a FWD with no moonroof is over $30k. And something that small and tiny engine is only rated for 30 MPG highway.

graphicguy

kyfdx said:

pensfan83 said:

kyfdx said:

pensfan83 said:

Bourbon from New Riff and craft beer from Mad Tree are waiting to be picked up at my parents. Anyone from SW Ohio or Northern Kentucky familiar with either?

LOL... might know a little bit..

I was hoping you might chime in, haha. Do tell...

Mad Tree is one of the best craft brewers in Cincinnati (which is saying a lot). One of my favorite places. If you get a chance, you should visit (in Oakley).

New Riff is a fairly new distiller, located in Newport. I think they are just starting to get their first bottles of their own bourbon, out. (aged 4-5 years?). They started with a new, modern looking distillery, right in front of The Party Source, just across the river. They've since bought property on the West Side of Newport, where they have barrel houses, etc. We've been to events at both locations.

I'm not really a bourbon aficionado, so @graphicguy would be a better judge. I assume he's tried it.

Any more questions about local craft beer, I'm at your service.

Agree about MadTree. Love going there (and drinking their excellent beer).

I have some New Riff sitting in my cabinet right now. I’ve been to their distillery. As Walt mentioned, it’s right next store to one of those “Liquor Super Markets”.

I like the New Riff. It’s a relatively small distillery. Their first aged bbls just hit the market. The ones I’ve tasted were higher proof (100 or above). Which goes along with it being distilled in small batches and not mixed to even out and/or lower the proof. It’s a good bourbon. Fun place to go, also....especially combined with a visit to the Party Source next door. If you stay too long at either place, it’s about a 10 minute UBER ride to one of the hotels on the river (max). Or, you can call @kyfdx or me and we’ll come pick you up for a fifth.

graphicguy

Going out test driving again, today. A new Genesis dealership (in the old Hyundai dealership) just opened up nearer to me than the other one in Cincinnati I visited. Might boogie on over to the Volvo and Benz dealerships, too. They’re right across the street from each other. Got a gift card for jags.com which is close to the Volvo and Benz dealerships. Good steak and seafood joint. Probably finish up there.

tjc78

@graphicguy
That sounds like a great day to me.

stickguy

Certainly more fun than what I am doing!

At least I finally spent my $150 in test drive gift cards I got back in November. Need some more brands to start offering those.

fintail

I got an offer from Alfa for a $50 Amazon card with a test drive, but as I am just a little lazy this week, doubt I will do it. Dealership is just distant enough to be a chore, and I'd still feel like I am wasting their time.

suydam

Sandman6472 said:

Since I walk with a cane 100% of the time, will be interesting to see how we handle the walking her down the aisle thing. For both of us, our folks were on either side and were under the chuppa with the rabbi. G-d will be there but in the background as not to offend either side but as I said earlier, the after sundown has to be adhered to no matter what. I plan to make sure it's done in fine taste and will please her. We are very conservative and do not waste much, live below our means but will do our best to make our oldest a happy bride. It's all about their love for each other after all, that's what's important.

I’ve been at a wedding where the bride walked down the aisle with canes, and it was beautiful. I’ll bet you’ll be fine! We walked out daughter down the aisle but then she and the groom went under the chuppa and we sat in the front row. That’s an option too. They had theirs on a Sunday, which turned out to be cheaper for the venue as Saturday is the preferred day for most couples. Mazel Tov! I’m sure it will be wonderful.

kyfdx

graphicguy said:

Going out test driving again, today. A new Genesis dealership (in the old Hyundai dealership) just opened up nearer to me than the other one in Cincinnati I visited. Might boogie on over to the Volvo and Benz dealerships, too. They’re right across the street from each other. Got a gift card for jags.com which is close to the Volvo and Benz dealerships. Good steak and seafood joint. Probably finish up there.

Hope it is a big gift card!

kyfdx

Just noticed: My 109 HP Fit speedometer goes to 140 mph.

pensfan83

graphicguy said:

kyfdx said:

pensfan83 said:

kyfdx said:

pensfan83 said:

Bourbon from New Riff and craft beer from Mad Tree are waiting to be picked up at my parents. Anyone from SW Ohio or Northern Kentucky familiar with either?

LOL... might know a little bit..

I was hoping you might chime in, haha. Do tell...

Mad Tree is one of the best craft brewers in Cincinnati (which is saying a lot). One of my favorite places. If you get a chance, you should visit (in Oakley).

New Riff is a fairly new distiller, located in Newport. I think they are just starting to get their first bottles of their own bourbon, out. (aged 4-5 years?). They started with a new, modern looking distillery, right in front of The Party Source, just across the river. They've since bought property on the West Side of Newport, where they have barrel houses, etc. We've been to events at both locations.

I'm not really a bourbon aficionado, so @graphicguy would be a better judge. I assume he's tried it.

Any more questions about local craft beer, I'm at your service.

Agree about MadTree. Love going there (and drinking their excellent beer).

I have some New Riff sitting in my cabinet right now. I’ve been to their distillery. As Walt mentioned, it’s right next store to one of those “Liquor Super Markets”.

I like the New Riff. It’s a relatively small distillery. Their first aged bbls just hit the market. The ones I’ve tasted were higher proof (100 or above). Which goes along with it being distilled in small batches and not mixed to even out and/or lower the proof. It’s a good bourbon. Fun place to go, also....especially combined with a visit to the Party Source next door. If you stay too long at either place, it’s about a 10 minute UBER ride to one of the hotels on the river (max). Or, you can call @kyfdx or me and we’ll come pick you up for a fifth.

Ohhh, now I'm looking forward to getting my loot later tonight. I'm going to put both places on the list when we visit next and I'll definitely solicit feedback on future brewery and/or distillery visits from both of you

jmonroe

kyfdx said:

Just noticed: My 109 HP Fit speedometer goes to 140 mph.

Read the fine print at the top end of the speedometer and you'll see, "Caution: you can only do this once".

jmonroe

fintail

My 134hp (the old horsepower!) fintail has a 120 mph speedometer. Nope, not when new, not now. The diesel models had 100 mph speedometers, which are actually even more optimistic, as I doubt top speed is over 80.

andres3

suydam said:

I assume this was a regular Leaf with a shorter range. It’s no different than running out of gas because you forgot to gas up before a trip. People who haven’t owned electric cars are very worried about this type of scenario. One of the big surprises of owning one is how routine it becomes very quickly. I bought a plug in hybrid because I wanted a gas backup, but I wouldn’t hesitate to get a pure EV now with the longer ranges. Just like with a gas vehicle you have to charge regularly and plan your trips. Every winter we read horror stories of people who took a wrong turn and ran out of gas on some remote mountain road. Yet few people worry about buying a gas vehicle! The plug in hybrid is a good compromise that allow folks to see how easy owning an EV is.

To be fair, gas stations are everywhere, whereas, even in progressive CA, you don't have all that many charging stations. So forgetting to get gas isn't really a problem unless paying an extra buck per gallon irks you.

andres3

Saw a complaint from a Kia Stinger owner about the paint feeling like sand paper to the touch. Kia does have some potential painting issues if you ask me. I've noticed some irregularities myself.

Anyways, this same owner said the Stinger has the "same" engine as the Audi RS5. You know, they are both V6's with twin turbos.

Outback and Mortons both sell steaks that come from cows too! LOL.

Sandman6472

Still too early to get into it all. First thing they need to do is make up some "save the date" cards to send out to folks they want coming. Even though it's a bit away from now, it's also a holiday weekend so folks might plan stuff early. Our son got married in mid October 2017 and they were starting to plan their vacation for this year but his sister got to him first and told them to please, come to Florida for that vacation to her wedding.

tjc78

Before sending out save the dates.... make sure you have the venue locked in. October is a busy wedding month!

Sandman6472

Got the door edge guards put on the Accent. Clear ones that go down the whole door and really look good. Added protection. They sent me to a stereo shop near the dealership and they did the work. Hell, the Audi sales guy went to AutoZone and got my wife the cheapy kind, look terrible now. One fell off and another is coming off. I had metal ones inblue from the VW parts department but they stopped making them so since my 2018 accident destroyed one, they replaced it with a blue one but is totally different. Gave me the choice of replacing the other three to have a consistent look but declined since it would've been on my dime. If the shop had done them all, might've said o k. But car looks great!!

tjc78

Outback and Mortons both sell steaks that come from cows too! LOL.

Yeah, but you can’t get a Blooming Onion at Morton’s.

jmonroe

tjc78 said:

Outback and Mortons both sell steaks that come from cows too! LOL.

Yeah, but you can’t get a Blooming Onion at Morton’s.

The Blooming Onion is pretty big. Started to get the Bloom Pedals because of that. Same great sauce though.

jmonroe

stickguy

getting ready for the biggest day of the year in early February. Car show day! Just got curious so checked the site. Looks like Mercedes joined BMW in skipping the show now too (BMW dropped out last year). Going to be interesting because MB had a huge display, probably about 15 different cars at least. And they had a large side room that they shared with Lexus, set apart from the main hall. So I am thinking they consolidate down to just the main hall this year and stick Lexus in there someplace.

corvette

jmonroe said:

tjc78 said:

Outback and Mortons both sell steaks that come from cows too! LOL.

Yeah, but you can’t get a Blooming Onion at Morton’s.

The Blooming Onion is pretty big. Started to get the Bloom Pedals because of that. Same great sauce though.

jmonroe

I haven't been to an Outback in years. Too much really good local flavor around here.

ab348

Ugh, onions.

28firefighter

stickguy said:

getting ready for the biggest day of the year in early February. Car show day! Just got curious so checked the site. Looks like Mercedes joined BMW in skipping the show now too (BMW dropped out last year). Going to be interesting because MB had a huge display, probably about 15 different cars at least. And they had a large side room that they shared with Lexus, set apart from the main hall. So I am thinking they consolidate down to just the main hall this year and stick Lexus in there someplace.

I’ll be in for it!

stickguy

poked around in my Carvana account. Shan't be trading in the TLX early, that is for sure! But they still want the RDX. Just not quite as badly as the last time I checked in the fall!

Can't really complain about the cost of that car, even though my wife talked me into blowing the budget. Based on what they offered for it, after 7 years and 3 months (59,000 miles), I would be getting 45% of my original purchase price (about 40% of MSRP or so from what I remember it being). Not bad depreciation IMO, since it was not really horribly expensive. There are some leases that are not much more than that for a residual!

jmonroe

corvette said:

jmonroe said:

tjc78 said:

Outback and Mortons both sell steaks that come from cows too! LOL.

Yeah, but you can’t get a Blooming Onion at Morton’s.

The Blooming Onion is pretty big. Started to get the Bloom Pedals because of that. Same great sauce though.

jmonroe

I haven't been to an Outback in years. Too much really good local flavor around here.

There are quite a few good eateries in the Burgh but I don't feel like going there and then have to pay to park or try to find a spot on the street somewhere. There are a few mom-and-pop places out my way especially a couple Italian places so I'm good just doing that. If the Blooming Onion was served at a fine restaurant there would be more than a couple folks doing flip-flops over it but since it is served at a chain restaurant a lot of folks look at it as a greasy glob, which it is, but I like it. I can't pass up garlic bread at the Italian restaurants I go to and that ain't exactly health food either.

jmonroe

kyfdx

No judgment here on the Bloomin Onion..

graphicguy

kyfdx said:

graphicguy said:

Going out test driving again, today. A new Genesis dealership (in the old Hyundai dealership) just opened up nearer to me than the other one in Cincinnati I visited. Might boogie on over to the Volvo and Benz dealerships, too. They’re right across the street from each other. Got a gift card for jags.com which is close to the Volvo and Benz dealerships. Good steak and seafood joint. Probably finish up there.

Hope it is a big gift card!

It was a $50 card. Covered about ½ the bill. It had been awhile since I was there. Great steaks, and great food/service in general. Sat at the bar to eat. Had a nice time.

Cars driven....

2019 Mercedes C300 and E300. Pretty cars...quite nice inside. Pretty leisurely insulated type of drive. That’s not a bad thing. Just typical of lux vehicles. I understand the appeal and why some here love Mercedes. Just not my cup of tea.

Genesis G70 2.0t. Pretty darned sprightly given it has the same size turbo motor as the Mercedes. Handled much better, too. Still, hard to forget the drive in the Stinger GT or G70 3.3. Nicely appointed with nice materials. Genesis still has the same problem that has been plaguing them since they decided to be desperate from Hyundai. Good luck finding a dealership with much in the way of stock, or staff that is still stuck in the “high pressure” Hyundai type of process. If they ever get their act together, they have a great product.

Volvo S60....really nice car. Drove a T5 Momentum. Interior was quite nice. Little gruff drivetrain and relatively tepid performance. Drove an Inscription, too. Much better performance. But, about $10K more than the Momentum.

All-in-all, a fun day! The push to make a deal before the end of the year was very palpable at all the dealerships.

jmonroe

I've often wondered about what the salesforce thinks about these "take a test drive and get a gift card" offers. I've heard of people that tell the sales people that they don't want to waste the sales guy's time, so, "just give me the card and I'll be on my way", only to be told, "thanks but our policy is you have to take a test drive". I've also wondered what percentage of those offers turn into sales. Probably enough because they keep offering them. I've never wanted to be in car sales, what with the crazy hours they work and the flakes they run into and then this free card thingy. They can have it.

jmonroe

corvette

I've never had a problem getting them to put the code down on my offer card. If the policy was I had to take a test drive, I'd probably take one--after all, that is supposedly a requirement to get the card signed--but after I made it clear I'm not in the market.

qbrozen

graphicguy said:

kyfdx said:

graphicguy said:

Going out test driving again, today. A new Genesis dealership (in the old Hyundai dealership) just opened up nearer to me than the other one in Cincinnati I visited. Might boogie on over to the Volvo and Benz dealerships, too. They’re right across the street from each other. Got a gift card for jags.com which is close to the Volvo and Benz dealerships. Good steak and seafood joint. Probably finish up there.

Hope it is a big gift card!

It was a $50 card. Covered about ½ the bill. It had been awhile since I was there. Great steaks, and great food/service in general. Sat at the bar to eat. Had a nice time.

Cars driven....

2019 Mercedes C300 and E300. Pretty cars...quite nice inside. Pretty leisurely insulated type of drive. That’s not a bad thing. Just typical of lux vehicles. I understand the appeal and why some here love Mercedes. Just not my cup of tea.

Genesis G70 2.0t. Pretty darned sprightly given it has the same size turbo motor as the Mercedes. Handled much better, too. Still, hard to forget the drive in the Stinger GT or G70 3.3. Nicely appointed with nice materials. Genesis still has the same problem that has been plaguing them since they decided to be desperate from Hyundai. Good luck finding a dealership with much in the way of stock, or staff that is still stuck in the “high pressure” Hyundai type of process. If they ever get their act together, they have a great product.

Volvo S60....really nice car. Drove a T5 Momentum. Interior was quite nice. Little gruff drivetrain and relatively tepid performance. Drove an Inscription, too. Much better performance. But, about $10K more than the Momentum.

All-in-all, a fun day! The push to make a deal before the end of the year was very palpable at all the dealerships.

You can step up from a T5 Momentum to an AWD T6 Momentum for just $4k.

tjc78

GG I really think the R-Design T6 would be the best S60 for you. The T5's performance wouldn't do it coming from a TL and the Inscription is geared more toward luxury.

I'm pretty sure all T6's have the same suspension but the R has a sportier seat and exterior touches.

I am still pretty much in love with my S60 and see no reason I won't be happy for the entire term.

stickguy

I am always willing to take the drive. And never actually go in unless there is something I could theoretically consider buying, or at least put on the list to consider. And I would never think of telling them I am only there for the card and would never consider their car. Even if it happened to be true!

kyfdx

Someone with EZPass experience, and safety systems co-habitating:

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/59862/subaru/outback/eye-sight-with-ez-pass/p1?new=1

venture

corvette said:

I've never had a problem getting them to put the code down on my offer card. If the policy was I had to take a test drive, I'd probably take one--after all, that is supposedly a requirement to get the card signed--but after I made it clear I'm not in the market.

I assume you are getting the tabulation together for the number of vehicles bought this year. I don't think I reported in here that I bought a 2020 Subaru Ascent last month.