Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

guss

Thursday ! As in tommorow., and your are just coming to us for help. This should have been done 6 months ago.

I know you were talking about leasing, but on the Malibu forum people are posting insane prices paid, and if you have $2k in GM cash you better use it or lose it before they or it goes away. You should be able to buy an LS for $16-$17k , but you have to have faith GM will be around for 3 years.

Have you looked at Elantra's , CR gave them top honors over the Civic. Make sure you do the car seat test in both though. I found the Civic back seat tight with 2 booster seats and 1 out of her seat.

sandman46

Only the SE version got the recommended from CR...not the GLS. Pretty happy here with the Civic actually...it's a nice, inexpensive daily driver. Besides that, we have a mazda 3s, a new Accent & a new Versa. All very good cars and cheap to keep. They all ride very nicely and have enough power to get out of their own way.
There are many good choices out there.

The Sandman

roadburner

Well, my plan to dump the Mazdaspeed 3 in favor of a beautiful 2003 540i 6-speed is on indefinite hold. :mad: :mad: :mad:
The Kentuckiana region got slammed with a pretty good ice/snow storm- @500,000 homes don't have power. The storm also dropped fifteen or so trees across our long gravel driveway. Thank heavens for my Wrangler, which allowed us to cut through our corn field and escape to civilization- where hot coffee is more than just an elusive dream. In all seriousness, we are very thankful; our power was restored after just 14 hours. Some poor souls may not get their lights back on for a week or more.

boomchek

Thank heavens for my Wrangler, which allowed us to cut through our corn field and escape to civilization

Corn fields, no civilization: sounds like a scene from Children Of The Corn. :P

corvette

I was really fortunate--my power was only off for about six hours. They were telling us that we might run out of water, and we actually did run out at the office, but it's back on now.

kyfdx

Aaahh... the joy of underground utilities...

sandman46

Wish we had them in South Florida...when hurricanes pass thru here, we always loose power and with Wilma, it was 9 long days! Guess every area has it's own unique weather problems. Still proves the fact that Mother Nature is truly in charge.

The Sandman :shades:

roadburner

I was really fortunate--my power was only off for about six hours. They were telling us that we might run out of water, and we actually did run out at the office, but it's back on now.

We have a cistern to provide water. When there's no electricity we have no water...

woodyww

Thank heavens for my Wrangler which allowed us to cut through our corn field and escape to civilization

In the Fitchburg MA area, about an hour NW of Boston, a few weeks ago, 1000's of people were w/o power for about 2 weeks. They're holding town meetings & petitioning the gov. to get a diff. electric co. that actually has enough repair trucks, crews, etc. to fix the downed power lines. (????!)

But I'm not sure what kind of vehicle would get over/out out of my surburban driveway after the weekly blizzard?: a packed 12-16" snow mass at the end of the driveway courtesy of the town plow trucks. Takes me 3 days to shovel out (bad back, etc.), & no matter what snow tires you put on a RWD bmw, well, you know.....

Does anyone here have a generator? Gas, or diesel-?

anonymousposts

so far I love it. It is a bit grumbly at take-off and the 6-speed manual could learn a few things from a Honda. But it drives great, handles great, and feels solid. Overall, not sure we could have gotten more car for $12,000.

Bad part is it has it's first war mark. Somebody bumped into it and didn't have the decency to stick around. Not that bad, just knowing it wasn't there before is upsetting.

If I had a budget of $250 per month and wanted a new car I would stick with a Civic EX or Si 4-door with NAV. Got some quotes for $275 per month for the SI sedan with NAV when I was deciding whether to buy the G35 or go the new car route.

lilengineerboy

so far I love it. It is a bit grumbly at take-off and the 6-speed manual could learn a few things from a Honda. But it drives great, handles great, and feels solid. Overall, not sure we could have gotten more car for $12,000.

We have one of those in the family as well. It has been a great car, and a great drive. If my working situation was different, that would be a vehicle very high on my list. Congrats.

corvette

"If I had a budget of $250 per month and wanted a new car I would stick with a Civic EX or Si 4-door with NAV."

Is that to buy or lease?

It's been a while since I drove one, but I remember the G35 as a nice-driving vehicle. They are good deals on the used market, and seem to be reliable. The new Hyundai Genesis coupe has ambitions of competing with the G37. If it's as good as they say it will be, a used Genesis will be a bargain in a couple of years.

anonymousposts

per month was a 36 month 15k lease quote with zero cap cost reduction.

The new Genesis is the closest I have come to saying I might actually lease or buy a Hyundai. It still looks a bit nondescript, kind of like the car with no badges Consumer Reports uses for its cover, but overall seems like a raging bargain.

lilengineerboy

The new Genesis is the closest I have come to saying I might actually lease or buy a Hyundai. It still looks a bit nondescript, kind of like the car with no badges Consumer Reports uses for its cover, but overall seems like a raging bargain.

Its not a G35/37, or even a Cadillac CTS, but I think its going to eat the entry level Lexus' lunch. The ES is pretty nondescript as well, and this car seems to have more character. It kind of reminds me a little of the old Lincoln LS in character, and that isnt' a bad thing.

corvette

You know we're talking about the Genesis Coupe, right? It's supposed to be a different animal than the sedan.

lilengineerboy

You know we're talking about the Genesis Coupe, right? It's supposed to be a different animal than the sedan.

I didn't notice no, but I just saw the link, WOW that thing is sweet. I guess it won't eat Toyota/Lexus since they don't even have an entry in that area, but Nissan and some Germans might be nervous.

corvette

Shame they don't plan to put the V8 in the coupe. The interior leaves something to be desired, but if the price is right and the go-fast hardware works like it's supposed to, it will sell.

qbrozen

Congrats!

So what are the details on this $12k G again?

I was just commenting yesterday how its been nearly 9 whole months with mine and I still love it. That says ALOT about the car coming from me.

As a matter of fact, since I loved my 350Z so much and love the G so much, yesterday I decided to purchase the 3rd Nissan product of my life. I've never owned 3 of the same manufacturer before. Anyway, its an '85 300ZX 5-spd non-turbo. Sweet little car that needs some repairs before I can take it out and enjoy it. But incredibly in tact and solid for $1100.

guss

I've never owned 3 of the same manufacturer before.

You must be just a baby,I was on a Mazda roll for awhile, 4 of them.

Congrats on the Z. I have always love Z's since my first ride in one in 1974. I still see a fair number of 300ZX's around, but most are in pretty bad shape. I guess they have hit that cheap fun point and no one wants to put alot of money into them.

qbrozen

You must be just a baby,I was on a Mazda roll for awhile, 4 of them.

haha. well, depends who you ask. Don't forget what board we are on here. This is my 18th vehicle. 24th if you count what we've owned for the wife since getting married.

But I have had 12 different manufacturers .... OH... well... see, it gets kinda fuzzy. Should I count a '66 Mustang, '78 Mercury Zephyr, and '03 Lincoln LS as all from the same? I guess maybe since I'm saying my Infiniti and Nissans are the same ... ?? And then there was the '97 Dodge Dakota and a pair of '87 Cherokees that I never got on the road. Then if you add my wife's Pacifica, we COULD say I've had 4 Chrysler products.

OK ... I can DEFINITELY say this #3 Nissan makes the most from any manufacturer that I've had as my personal vehicle that is legal/road worthy.

roadburner

I've owned nine BMWs so far; all but two were purchased used:
1972 Bavaria 3.0
1973 Bavaria 3.0
1987 535is
1988 M6
1997 528i
1998 318ti
I still have three:
1975 2002
1995 318ti Club Sport
2004 X3 2.5

As for other makes:
Buick- 1984 Skylark T-Type
Chevrolet- 1974 Monte Carlo Landau
Datsun/Nissan- 1969 SPL-311, 1993 Pathfinder SE
Ford- 1973 Bronco, 1984 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
Jeep- 1999 Wrangler Sahara(still own)
Mazda- 2007 Mazdaspeed 3(still own)
Merkur- 1987 Scorpio
Plymouth(Mitsubishi)- 1979 Arrow GT 2.6
Volvo- 1991 740 Turbo

So I guess that makes 20 in all...

guss

I was just over at the project vehicles board. Project looks like the appropriate word for the 300ZX, but from the pictures it looks to be in great shape.

For under $2k that Z will be nice once you get it fixed up.

BTW, does your wife have a sister ?

qbrozen

As a matter of fact, she has 5 sisters.
All are married, however.
;b

qbrozen

picture time!

roadburner

Nice!

corvette

Even the interior looks good!

qbrozen

Interior is definitely one of its better attributes. Its amazing to see 25-year-old seats and dash that are still soft and have no cracks or rips. And a completely functioning all-electronic dash is a blast from the past. The rugs are a bit stained, but easily replaced. And, for some reason, it tickles me that the spare tire, jack, etc, have never once been used. Still has the untouched "Datsun" branded can of tire inflator, too.

Kirstie_H

A reporter is looking to talk with consumers who have considered purchasing a luxury car in the past, but would not do so currently because of the economy, or consumers who have traded-in their luxury vehicle. Please send your email address and phone number to ctalati@edmunds.com by Friday, February 6, 2008.

anonymousposts

is a 2005 with 54,000 miles. 6-speed with the premium package. Drives great on the highway but can be a bear in stop and go. Car was maintained very well it seems and it is very nice to look at.

However ............. we have come across a 2006 330i that might be jeopardzing the G35's status already. It has 46k and Navigation. Silver over gray. Only downfall is that it's an automatic. The previous owner was a slob it seems so it will need several hours of elbow grease. The exterior is in pretty good shape but the interior is nasty. But it's cheap at $17,000. Clean carfax and still under warranty. Thinking of buying it and putting it and the G on that certain free site to see which one sells first.

qbrozen

Hmmmm... seems TOO cheap to me. Have you asked volvomax for the trade value? If this asking price is under that, then its obviously too good to be true.

don't forget, a clean carfax does not mean a clean car.

woodyww

How much would a 2006 330i cost w/o a "nasty interior" & with more than 4K miles left on the warranty? And did the slob ever change the oil say? Of course if you think you can clean it up & flip it for more $$$.......

qbrozen

Well, I see volvomax says the Bimmer is worth mid-$20s. So you gotta ask yourself why in the world someone would sell it for $17k when they could sell it right to a dealer for more $$. The dirtiness won't bother a dealer. That's just a $100 detail.

kyfdx

Service is free on the BMW... so, chances are, it's been serviced..

If you take the VIN into the local service department, they will at least verify that the maintenance is up to date..

Not sure why the Manheim numbers are so high..... BMWFS has been knocking $6K off the residuals for the ones coming off lease... I'd say $21K is closer to wholesale... (non-expert opinion)

qbrozen

But even at $21k, why would someone private sell for $17k.

"If it sounds too good to be true ..."

anonymousposts

all maintenance is up to date according to the BMW dealer. Tires are new OEM Turanzas, which puzzled Gee because the interior is so "not new". Looks like the previous owner ran it through the car wash and kept it maintaned but didn't give a crap about the inside. It does have paintwork on the right fender and the rear quarter but all VINs are there and we have verified no frame damage. Is it a perfect 330? No. Is it perfect for $17,000, pretty darn close if you ask me. We have already had it inspected by a mechanic who found no mechanical issues at all. With taxes I will be out the door at $18,000. Still better than I will find this car for anywhere else.

corvette

BMWFS has been knocking $6K off the residuals for the ones coming off lease...

That's more like it. If Audi had been offering that back in September/October, I would've kept the A4 at the end of the lease!

Karen_S

A magazine reporter is interested in consumers who have purchased a used vehicle in the past few months. Please send your email address and phone number to jfallonedmunds.com by Wednesday, February 11, 2009, if you fit the bill.

woodyww

Thinking of buying it and putting it and the G on that certain free site to see which one sells first.........the previous owner didn't give a crap about the inside. It does have paintwork on the right fender and the rear quarter

Personally, I'd look for an '05 or '04 in mint condition instead. And I can't help but mentally running thru the $18K-ish used bmws one could buy in really nice condition......(or up the range to $22K-ish).

Back in the early '90's, I almost bought a used 190e 2.6 from a rich kid 19 y.o. The interior was awful, with weird stains even on the back package shelf & all over (??!). (Even more than how disgusting the stains were, I didn't want to speculate on their origin, yuck). I'm guessing it's a kid who owned the bmw in question?

anonymousposts

an older woman. The car really isn't in that bad of shape. The bones are still good, they are just dirty. There are no stains on the seats, just the carpet where liquid was spilled. We are going to spend a few hours on it tomorrow. Will take before and after pictures. Put the G35 up for sale today. Will see what happens. While I was taking the pictures I realized what great shape it is in. I won't be too mad if it doesn't sell. Priced it at $14,500. That would put a grand in our pocket and would free up space for the 3-series.

roadburner

Back in the early '90's, I almost bought a used 190e 2.6 from a rich kid 19 y.o. The interior was awful, with weird stains even on the back package shelf & all over (??!).

About the same time I was looking at a 1988 M3. The idiot owner told me about 50 times that he changed the oil every 3000 miles. I finally asked him when the brake fluid was last changed. The doofus had a blank look on his face and said, "Duhhh... Change the brake fluid?" Needless to say, that car was crossed off my list immediately.

oregonboy

I think that is a serious problem with used BMWs. The average owner treats them as if they were Toyotas or Hondas and thinks that is enough.

fintail

And those same people complain when the cars need more maintenance or have more....quirks....than appliance cars. European cars have never been zero maintenance and fault free, and never will be.

corvette

It's a sad testament to the marketing of the quick lube joints that many people now think that if they change the oil every 3,000 miles, a car needs no other maintenance.

roadburner

And those same people complain when the cars need more maintenance or have more....quirks....than appliance cars. European cars have never been zero maintenance and fault free, and never will be.

I was at my indie shop one day and some kid came in with a 944. One front pad was completely gone and the rotor was trashed. The hapless fool asked-with a straight face-if my tech would R&R the pads and rotor on just that one wheel...

fintail

If that 944 finds another home after that kid, I pity the fool who buys it.

He should probably stick to a souped up SX.

woodyww

I'm sure you're making a sensible choice for the $$. If it was someone with less experience/used car savy, that might be different.

The only thing is, when you go to sell a used bmw or m-b or porsche, the guys who show up can be the pickiest ballbr***ers on earth. Some of them show up just to "test drive" the car, then pick on the slightest details, then tell you they really want to buy a diff. model bmw. And if you have another bmw around that you're keeping, they'll start ragging on that too.........

corvette

I've got a client whose mechanic installed used brake pads... To me, that's about as sensible and appealing as used toilet paper.

fintail

I'll admit my fintail is wearing used shocks. Several years ago I was out at my old MB specialist, and he had a W108 parts car he was disassembling. The shocks on the fintail were pretty bad, and he mentioned I could have the ones on the parts car for free if I removed them. They were nearly new, still shiny paint and clean. I couldn't say no.

anonymousposts

Hopefully selling it won't be an issue for a while. I would rather keep it and sell the G35. The G35 is a beast to drive in stop and go. Though it is a dream on the highway. We spent hours on the BMW and restored it to 85%-90% of it's original goodness. You can still see some signs that the previous owner didn't cherish it. But it's at the high end of good now.

Here are a couple of photos of the G35 and some before shots of the 330. WIll post after shots tomorrow when it is daytime.

link title

sandman46

Really love the Bimmer in that color with those awesome alloys. And y'all paid how much for it? Wife keeps bringing up new cars all of a sudden...not sure what this all means. Personally after just buying 2 cars in the last few months, I'd like to hold off for a good long while...say into mid 2010 when our boy graduates college. Really like the upcoming Mazda 3...a nice evolution from our '05 S version. Won't ever buy a 1st year model again like my '06 Civic. Only a few recalls performed so far but will wait until at least year two from now on. Anyways, with only 57k on our current Mazda which has been problem free, I'd like to get at least 80k on the odo before we look for a replacement vehicle. And I like the looks of the '05 alot. Taking it up to Orlando on Friday and should be a hoot to open up that throttle a bit...clean out that engine a bit.
She's already said she doesn't want anything wider than the current ride. She likes the Versa SL sedan but I think that's too small for the main family car. Since I plan to keep my '06 Civic at least another four years, only have the mid 19 k's so far, she really needs a hauler at least the same size with similar power as she has now. I know her and she won't be happy with a 2.0 liter car after having 2.3 and above cars since her Buick Skylark back in the mid 1970's. She needs a car that can move it when needed and I know she'd like memory seats at least. Something tells me we'll have something new by the end of the summer!

The Sandman :shades: