Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

28firefighter

I've been periodically researching options that would power our home and allow us to function off the grid for an extended period of time - e.g. in the event of an earthquake. That latter requirement basically eliminates natural gas, propane, etc as a potential fuel because of the expectation that (1) natural gas will be broken/shutdown, and (2) travel to buy propane will be impossible, assuming there was even any left to buy.

Basically only leaves Solar, which brings along it's own bag of issues in a cloudy climate.

jmonroe

28firefighter said:

jmonroe said:

That's still a lot of money for a toaster.

jmonroe

Our family plan for our phones is more expensive than that...

You can't drive those either.

jmonroe

breld

Alright - just got off the phone with the service manager at the dealership. They determined that the pressure plate failed (I won't pretend to know what that is - I'm sure you all can educate me) and, as such, the repair/replacement will be covered.

@michaell, @jpp75 and I have had long text conversations about what the consequence really should be for VW, but at the end of the day, covering the repair is probably the appropriate response.

venture

breld said:

Alright - just got off the phone with the service manager at the dealership. They determined that the pressure plate failed (I won't pretend to know what that is - I'm sure you all can educate me) and, as such, the repair/replacement will be covered.

@michaell, @jpp75 and I have had long text conversations about what the consequence really should be for VW, but at the end of the day, covering the repair is probably the appropriate response.

I remember when that happened on my old Chevy. Pedal stayed down. We jacked it up in the alley and replaced it. It took about an hour.

stickguy

It’s unfortunate to happen. Likely a defective part. And absolutely should be covered. Would have been a non issue really, if the service advisors had not jumped the gun.

So you end up right where you should have, warranty repair and not goodwill.

qbrozen

breld said:

Alright - just got off the phone with the service manager at the dealership. They determined that the pressure plate failed (I won't pretend to know what that is - I'm sure you all can educate me) and, as such, the repair/replacement will be covered.

@michaell, @jpp75 and I have had long text conversations about what the consequence really should be for VW, but at the end of the day, covering the repair is probably the appropriate response.

it basically houses the clutch plate. It bolts up to the transmission housing.

corvette

@qbrozen good luck with surgery!

suydam

jmonroe said:

qbrozen said:

I believe the Ioniq draws 12 amps. I actually just ordered stuff to install a dedicated outlet for it. Of course, surgery is coming up Monday, so I'll have to move my butt if I want to install it anytime soon.

The generator and automatic-transfer switch weren't too bad. $3299 shipped to my driveway. I then had to spend a few hundred bucks on wire and a car battery. So figure $3500 or so. If it was just me, I certainly wouldn't spend that kind of money for something that doesn't get used all that much, but the wife and kids are a PITA.

12 amps ain't nothin. Your electric dryer can pull 12 amps so can your toaster. I hate to be the one to tell you this but your Ionig is the definition of an appliance on four wheels.

jmonroe

That’s with a a level 1charger at the slowest charge. Level 2 of course much faster and fast chargers better yet. Level 1 is perfectly adequate for a plug in with limited range. It will cost you very little to charge and you Won’t need to buy gas in town. And a cheap lease. If it’s like my Volt it’s nice to drive as well. Win win!

cdnpinhead

"The generator and automatic-transfer switch weren't too bad. $3299 shipped to my driveway."

What manufacturer did you go with? Generac, Kohler, or what? I'm seriously considering an 8 or 10 kW setup here at the cabin, which is all that's needed to keep the refrigerator, boiler, water heater and the lights on. I don't need the dryer to be included, and the stove's propane. I'll definitely pay a pro to get it up and running, so am interested in how your system works out. My next-door neighbor has a Generac, and there are several other places with generators within a couple of blocks. When it's 10-15 deg F, it's peace of mind to not be dependent on Arizona Public Service to get things working again, especially in three feet of snow with more falling.

explorerx4

I watched this video about a generator the other day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SbpdzIDjfk

oldfarmer50

OK, explain this:

https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Events/Event/Details/2017-FORD-SHELBY-GT350-238332

Sold for $77k with 28 actual miles. MSRP was around $68k.

Certainly one of my dream cars but if I had the hot pants for it to that degree I would have bought it new for $68k or better yet buy a new 2020.

mjfloyd1

oldfarmer50 said:

OK, explain this:

https://www.classic.com/a/barrett-jackson-scottsdale-2019-ln1kbpB/lots/2017-ford-shelby-gt350-liberty-walk-custom-ln16mvW/

Sold for $77k with 28 actual miles. MSRP was around $68k.

Certainly one of my dream cars but if I had the hot pants for it to that degree I would have bought it new for $68k or better yet buy a new 2020.

When I click on it, it says sold $51700.

What an ugly body kit...

oldfarmer50

mjfloyd1 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

OK, explain this:

https://www.classic.com/a/barrett-jackson-scottsdale-2019-ln1kbpB/lots/2017-ford-shelby-gt350-liberty-walk-custom-ln16mvW/

Sold for $77k with 28 actual miles. MSRP was around $68k.

Certainly one of my dream cars but if I had the hot pants for it to that degree I would have bought it new for $68k or better yet buy a new 2020.

When I click on it, it says sold $51700.

What an ugly body kit...

Yeah, I posted the wrong link. I’ll try to find the right one but I just saw it on the Motor Trend channel.

Ok here’s the right link:

https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Events/Event/Details/2017-FORD-SHELBY-GT350-238332

I think the price listed includes all auction fees too.

I’ll fix it in my original post too.

stickguy

and if you scroll down a couple, there is a 1974 Pinto sold at $18K. Incredible.

qbrozen

cdnpinhead said:

"The generator and automatic-transfer switch weren't too bad. $3299 shipped to my driveway."

What manufacturer did you go with? Generac, Kohler, or what? I'm seriously considering an 8 or 10 kW setup here at the cabin, which is all that's needed to keep the refrigerator, boiler, water heater and the lights on. I don't need the dryer to be included, and the stove's propane. I'll definitely pay a pro to get it up and running, so am interested in how your system works out. My next-door neighbor has a Generac, and there are several other places with generators within a couple of blocks. When it's 10-15 deg F, it's peace of mind to not be dependent on Arizona Public Service to get things working again, especially in three feet of snow with more falling.

Here is my setup. Of course, its $100 less now. Lol.

https://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/Briggs-&-Stratton-40626-Standby-Generator/p102543.html

mjfloyd1

stickguy said:

and if you scroll down a couple, there is a 1974 Pinto sold at $18K. Incredible.

When is the last time that you saw a perfect two tone pinto?😂

corvette

@qbrozen interesting! Did you run the gas line yourself?

stickguy

they weren't perfect when they rolled out of the showroom.

qbrozen

corvette said:

@qbrozen interesting! Did you run the gas line yourself?

Yes.

I've run a few gas lines in this house. Shortly after moving in, I called "a guy" to get a quote on running a line to my garage for the heater, about 25 feet, and one to the patio for the grill. He said it would be $2k!! That's just insane. So I did it myself for less than $200. Thankfully, I had the luck of running 3/4" pipe to the patio, so when I wanted to add a line for the generator 2 years later, I just T'd off that.

mjfloyd1

stickguy said:

they weren't perfect when they rolled out of the showroom.

Well you have to overlook the exploding gas tank deal

rayainsw

M340i My test drive - I don't think I posted this.
For anyone interested . . .
Car:
Lightly optioned 2020 M340i – standard 18” wheels + runflats – no Premium package, no leather, etc.
Link [ if it is still at the dealership ]
https://www.bmwofgwinnettplace.com/inventory/new-2020-bmw-3-series-m340i-rear-wheel-drive-sedan-wba5u7c0xlfh83098
The increased power and torque of this updated 3 liter is immediately apparent.
And appreciated. [ smiley face ]
The published numbers suggest that it is roughly a half second quicker
in the quarter mile than the 2007 Corvette I had.
It certainly feels very satisfyingly quick.
The 8-speed ZF automatic is even better than in my 340i.
The ride, on the 18”, medium profile [?] 45 & 40 series runflat tires, is quite acceptable, to me.
The cornering, in brisk driving, is steady and confidence-inspiring.
The dash displays are certainly different than my 340i, and the tach swinging
counterclockwise will take some getting used to, but are certainly bright & clear.
There is a lot of information displayed.
The sport seats remain comfortable & supportive & widely adjustable.
Overall, as a friend said to me last week, if BMW had heard my list of the
few things about my 340i that I like [ a lot ] but would appreciate improvement –
the M340i addresses every one – very well.
Did I mention that it is very quick ?
Kudos to BMW.
- Ray
Torque junkie.
Obviously impressed . . .

corvette

One of the Ubers I took to a wine bar last night was a 2014 Jeep Wrangler with a stick shift. You never forget you're in a truck. The stiff ride of my Tahoe Z71, but a hundred times worse, and extremely noisy. The engine (I think they had the Pentastar by then) seemed to provide good torque. In that price range, I think I'd buy a 4Runner or Tacoma instead.

stickguy

A strippo is $56k+? Ouch. I love that at that price, under premium options, they list a BU camera (required by law now anyway). And Bluetooth.

graphicguy

Thanks for the impressions, Ray. Sounds like the one you ordered is really nice. Can't wait for you to take delivery!

nyccarguy

corvette said:

One of the Ubers I took to a wine bar last night was a 2014 Jeep Wrangler with a stick shift. You never forget you're in a truck. The stiff ride of my Tahoe Z71, but a hundred times worse, and extremely noisy. The engine (I think they had the Pentastar by then) seemed to provide good torque. In that price range, I think I'd buy a 4Runner or Tacoma instead.

Who thinks it is a good idea to have a 6 speed Wrangler as an uber?

stickguy

I hope it was at least an unlimited.

qbrozen

nyccarguy said:

corvette said:

One of the Ubers I took to a wine bar last night was a 2014 Jeep Wrangler with a stick shift. You never forget you're in a truck. The stiff ride of my Tahoe Z71, but a hundred times worse, and extremely noisy. The engine (I think they had the Pentastar by then) seemed to provide good torque. In that price range, I think I'd buy a 4Runner or Tacoma instead.

Who thinks it is a good idea to have a 6 speed Wrangler as an uber?

The person who has to cough up $500/mo for one.

Michaell

qbrozen said:

nyccarguy said:

corvette said:

One of the Ubers I took to a wine bar last night was a 2014 Jeep Wrangler with a stick shift. You never forget you're in a truck. The stiff ride of my Tahoe Z71, but a hundred times worse, and extremely noisy. The engine (I think they had the Pentastar by then) seemed to provide good torque. In that price range, I think I'd buy a 4Runner or Tacoma instead.

Who thinks it is a good idea to have a 6 speed Wrangler as an uber?

The person who has to cough up $500/mo for one.

I was sort of thinking the same thing.

corvette

stickguy said:

I hope it was at least an unlimited.

It was. Uber requires at least four doors and capability of holding at least five people. The back seat was far from spacious, though.

kyfdx

corvette said:

stickguy said:

I hope it was at least an unlimited.

It was. Uber requires at least four doors and capability of holding at least five people. The back seat was far from spacious, though.

People see them and think "cool SUV". Nope, still a Wrangler. I couldn't live with one, I don't think.

stickguy

I would not mind a 2 door, manual, T top hardtop of older vintage, as my spare “fun” car. But not for something I drove a lot or long distances.

rayainsw

Addendum to my M340i impressions above:
"In SPORT and SPORT+ modes, which can be activated via the Driving Experience Control switch, the valve-controlled exhaust system generates a particularly distinctive sound."
This feature works EXACTLY as I would have specified.
Just enough sound to notice, when driven normally.
Just enough added 'distinctive sound' when I want.
- Ray
Had an aftermarket exhaust on my 2007 'Vette . . .

28firefighter

@rayainsw - Really love the M340 and really love your build. Looking forward to your official punch!

In other news, this popped up on CL...
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/federal-way-bmw-330xi/7057335965.html

Missing a lot of information around maintenance, but not a bad deal if you want the Sport Pack on an E90 and avoid the issues with the turbo.

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

I would not mind a 2 door, manual, T top hardtop of older vintage, as my spare “fun” car. But not for something I drove a lot or long distances.

My best friend has a 2 Door Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock with a 6-SPEED stick. He bought it because he got sick and tired of dumping money into the 1990 Z28 Camaro he bought. It also helped that his friend & business partner had this Wrangler that he wanted to part ways with. His business partner was willing to sell him the Wrangler for what he got for the Z28 Camaro. So he got it for an excellent price.

By best friend's daily driver is a 2017 GMC Sierraa 1500 Denali. He LOVES his truck for long trips. He LOVES how much stuff for work (he owns a few restaurants) it holds, but it is BIG. He has gotten use to the Jeep and it's simplicity. He drives the Wrangler a lot more than he thought he would. So much so that it is helping him stay within his lease miles.

stickguy

an older guy in my neighborhood has a nice simple wrangler that he seems to use every day (I assume driving to work). Black 2 door, not sure the vintage but after they went back to round lights. I would say a couple generations ago, maybe 2000-2005? But that is a manual. I like it.

qbrozen

28firefighter said:

@rayainsw - Really love the M340 and really love your build. Looking forward to your official punch!

In other news, this popped up on CL...
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/federal-way-bmw-330xi/7057335965.html

Missing a lot of information around maintenance, but not a bad deal if you want the Sport Pack on an E90 and avoid the issues with the turbo.

Damn. Awesome find, IMHO.

28firefighter

qbrozen said:

28firefighter said:

@rayainsw - Really love the M340 and really love your build. Looking forward to your official punch!

In other news, this popped up on CL...
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/federal-way-bmw-330xi/7057335965.html

Missing a lot of information around maintenance, but not a bad deal if you want the Sport Pack on an E90 and avoid the issues with the turbo.

Damn. Awesome find, IMHO.

I’m tempted. Sorely tempted. I’d be more tempted if it was RWD.

corvette

28firefighter said:

Missing a lot of information around maintenance, but not a bad deal if you want the Sport Pack on an E90 and avoid the issues with the turbo.

@roadburner - correct me if I'm wrong, but I think SP on the AWD E90s doesn't include sport suspension.

28firefighter

I believe that is correct - it is an appearance package vs. sport suspension.

qbrozen

the seats are far far more important, though.

28firefighter

Apparently the cooling system was overhauled for the E90 vs. the E46, so that is less of a concern. Still potential for valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket leaks.

ab348

kyfdx said:

People see them and think "cool SUV". Nope, still a Wrangler. I couldn't live with one, I don't think.

Lots of people buy them and discover the same thing. That's why there are usually plenty of them on used car lots.

stickguy

like that 330. If it was on this coast I would be tempted to take it in to become my next car. In 2 years. But gotta plan ahead.

RWD would make it very hard to resist. Tan interior would be an added bonus.

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

@rayainsw - Really love the M340 and really love your build. Looking forward to your official punch!

In other news, this popped up on CL...
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/federal-way-bmw-330xi/7057335965.html

Missing a lot of information around maintenance, but not a bad deal if you want the Sport Pack on an E90 and avoid the issues with the turbo.

Not a fan of the grilles, that year.. but, that is a really sweet engine. We had the same engine in our '08 X3 and '11 Z4. Maybe the peak of NA BMW six cylinders. (non-M). One year only in the 3-series

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

Apparently the cooling system was overhauled for the E90 vs. the E46, so that is less of a concern. Still potential for valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket leaks.

Valve cover gasket work is cheap. Oil pan... not so much.

pensfan83

That is a nice 330.

This seemed promising at first. The colors are nice, mileage even better, and some maintenance done with more that would have to be verified. But then there's that little problem with the title. Not crazy about the exhaust mod either.

https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/d/ligonier-2004-e46-bmw-330i-zhp/7054228161.html

stickguy

ok, that ZHP is the right colors!

kyfdx

pensfan83 said:

That is a nice 330.

This seemed promising at first. The colors are nice, mileage even better, and some maintenance done with more that would have to be verified. But then there's that little problem with the title. Not crazy about the exhaust mod either.

https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/d/ligonier-2004-e46-bmw-330i-zhp/7054228161.html

Salvage title
coil overs (why? lowered? tracked?)
Aftermarket wheels (and, not a good look, I don't think)
I must be old... I don't get the exhaust thing, either.

I think that's a $5K-$6K car... I wouldn't trust the mileage with a salvage title, either.

Pretty color combo

28firefighter

pensfan83 said:

That is a nice 330.

This seemed promising at first. The colors are nice, mileage even better, and some maintenance done with more that would have to be verified. But then there's that little problem with the title. Not crazy about the exhaust mod either.

https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/d/ligonier-2004-e46-bmw-330i-zhp/7054228161.html

That is ridiculous $$$ with a Salvage title. Maybe at $3k...

qbrozen

ab348 said:

kyfdx said:

People see them and think "cool SUV". Nope, still a Wrangler. I couldn't live with one, I don't think.

Lots of people buy them and discover the same thing. That's why there are usually plenty of them on used car lots.

Yet they get huge money. Go figure.