Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

js06gv

Thanks, Corvette. That somehow didn't get my attention at the Dallas show last weekend.

corvette

I've seen the $399 Genesis lease around here too. It's the V6 model, though.

fintail

That'll be the majority of sales anyway, I'd guess.

Has to be a nice alternative to the usual Camcord, which in V6 form probably leases for similar money.

corvette

The interior is much more luxe than a Camcord. I understand the comparisons to the first-generation LS400--but only time will tell if the Genesis has the same bulletproof reliability and reputation as a watershed vehicle. Anyway, I'd want the V8. :P

sandman46

Got to sit in one of these at the dealership the other day and it was a very nice, well thought out dash layout...seats were comfortable to. The nice alloys made the look though...much nicer than the current Camcord twins. They both look "old" compared to the lines of the Sonata. Person opinion here, as many will probably disagree on this. Impressive car none the less...could actually see owning one eventually if the wife will move up to a mid sized driver.

The Sandman

woodyww

a neighbor of mine with a 99-ish Range Rover, it makes me squirmy

I had a '98 Range Rover, bought used with 18 months of warranty. I "dumped it" 6 mo. before the warranty ran out, because of too many repairs needed, & traded it on my current bmw.

I'd almost bought a Disco II, new, instead of the RR. Later, I saw 2 diff. Disco II's flipped over on their sides, on the highway......

tifighter

I've seen the $399 Genesis lease around here too. It's the V6 model, though.

Dunno; the Genesis V6 hit 0-60 in 6.0 in this month's Car & Driver, which seems more then adequate to me. A previous V8 hit it in 5.9. Anyhow, they really liked the the V6...it sounds like a lot of car to me.

tifighter

Yeah, moving from a LR product to a BMW is a no brainer for sure. I had a friend who bought a new Disco II and actually had few issues. But he sold it after 3 years out of fear...and bought an Audi :P

Ironically, late BMW motorcycles have a pretty iffy reputation at the moment...let's hope that doesn't jump over to the car side...

woodyww

2009 E300 4Matic......With $0 down and taxes it's about $850/month.

I just looked up my mortgage pymnt. on the 2nd property I ever bought--a 2 family in FL in the late '70's--$334/mo., PITI. (Those days are long gone!). I should have kept it maybe.

Now, I keep lowering the price range of properties I'm looking for, looking at smaller places, further off, etc., but my stocks crash faster than R.E. goes down (in New England). But I agree with buying property now, esp. if you need a place, & can afford it.......

I plan to go look at a couple/few 1800's houses, in the upper $200's, that all have nice looking 2 story small barns/garages. For a lot of guys, having a nice barn/garage with an upper level office/video/audio space, could make the actual house almost secondary, I'm guessing.......

roadburner

Ironically, late BMW motorcycles have a pretty iffy reputation at the moment...let's hope that doesn't jump over to the car side...

I've heard that too. I wouldn't mind having a Beemer, but I love my S3 and there's no way I could buy an equivalent BMW for anywhere near the same money. I also kind of like the fact that Triumphs are rarely seen in my area.

tifighter

I did a lot of moto research before buying my ST, and generally speaking, Triumph's of the past 10-15 years have a very good reputation for reliability. My friend has a 99 ST with nearing 50K miles, and its been rock solid. In contrast, BMW's have had more and more complaints in the last 10 years...I think that people spending that kind of money have high expectations, and why shouldn't they? Look up final drive failures on the boxers some time...its ugly. And electronics galore. But on the other side, BMW does push the limits of tech on their bikes in recent years, and cutting edge can have its costs.

All this said, I'd like to try a BMW RT bike someday. I mean, that's why I drive a Pilot, right? It makes a reliable back up.

boomchek

For a lot of guys, having a nice barn/garage with an upper level office/video/audio space, could make the actual house almost secondary, I'm guessing.......

That would be nice to have. But I think I'll settle for a new townhouse as they would require little or no fixing and maintenance, and my wife is not into old houses.

Plus we don't have time or money to be dumping into a place that we'd buy. We just want to buy and move in and not worry about anything for a few years. Sorta like with cars.

roadburner

I did a lot of moto research before buying my ST, and generally speaking, Triumph's of the past 10-15 years have a very good reputation for reliability.

I don't know how true this is, but I've heard that when John Bloor resurrected Triumph in the early '90s he knew that in order to succeed the bikes would have to be bomb-proof from the start. As a result he insisted that every part on the first generation bikes be over-engineered. The Triumph tech who recently serviced my bike told me that I shouldn't need any major engine work for at least 100,000 miles. Which means I have only 85,000 more to go...

anonymousposts

We dropped off little Gee and his auntie's house yesterday and went car shopping. We drove a BMW 335i, TSX, and the Genesis. Dropped by a Lexus dealer but when they heard we wanted a manual IS, the salesman disappeared.

The TSX is a nice car but we've been there done that. So nice car that I would recommend to a friend but not for us this time around. Drove the 6-speed manual with Tech package

The 335 put smiles on both of our faces. It was a sport package, NAV 335 whose only downside was that they didn't have a manual available.

Drove the Genesis and was surprised at what a great car this is. Quality feel, great power, looks amazing. Only downside it that it's a Hyundai and the handling is a bit soft, especially after driving a BMW 335 with sport package.

Here is what we were offered:

08 335 (leftover new) with NAV, Sport, premium, zero down/$569 a month + tax for a 36 month/12k lease

09 Hyundai Genesis with premium and technology package: zero down/$550 per month + tax for a 27 month/12k lease

We also still have this 06 330 with NAV that would be $18 grand with taxes, etc.

Don't know what to do ..... someone help us!

corvette

Wow, there are just no subsidized leases anymore...

woodyww

$550 per month for a Hyundai???? What?? What's the world coming to? People are cutting back on their detergent or cola brands to save $3, but Hyundai can get $550/month? Maybe if it was 50-60% of the cost to lease a new bmw.....(?)

The 06 330 with NAV for $18 grand: I don't know if it's the "right" bmw for you, or the best deal, etc. But it's far from a crazy choice. The new leased bmw: you'll pay more to lease for 3 years than to buy the '06 outright.

My 2cents: Avoid leasing, buy whatever you can pay cash for. You've got the bmw jones it seems, so focus on that search......And yeah, 6 mo. after you buy the '06 330i, you may find another used bmw you want more, but for what you're paying for it, you'll be able to do that trade. You're not locked in with a lease......

anonymousposts

http://www.jbainfiniti.com/VehicleDetails/361197923

seems like the perfect car. Although there have been some rumblings of problems with the fuel system on the first year 335.

roadburner

Although there have been some rumblings of problems with the fuel system on the first year 335.

I believe the problem was the high pressure fuel pump, although I believe most cars should now be fitted with the upgraded replacement pump. This is the other car that is tempting me:



I love the Coral Red/Black interior:



The thing is, I just hate the thought of taking out a car loan. The only debt I planned on carrying this year was a Best Buy 36 month no-interest loan for a Panasonic plasma and BD player. Whatever happened to the carefree Roadburner of yore, the guy who refinanced his house and cashed out enough money to buy an M6? Being responsible is Hell... :mad:

corvette

The thing is, I just hate the thought of taking out a car loan.

Penfed's online rate is 3.99% now, on new and used... That's low enough that I wouldn't be worried about paying a lot of interest to "the man." No house refinancing necessary.

nippononly

the Genesis isn't available with a stick? Would rule that one out for me....

qbrozen

great color combo

qbrozen

Did you drive a V6 or V8 Genesis?

$550 is alot for a Hyundai... however, is it fair to compare it to a 3-series? I haven't seen one, but isn't it more like 5-series size? Or maybe even bigger than that?

On the used 335 ... that's alot of miles on an '07. I didn't realize the 335 was rated 29 mpg highway. Is that correct? Or did they "accidentally" put the 328 numbers on there? In any case, are you really comfortable paying $28k for a car with over 40k miles? How many miles/year do you drive?

anonymousposts

We drove the V6 Genesis. THe V8 isn't faster and the MPG for the V6 is better. No real reason to get the V8.

The Genesis isn't a fair comparison to a 3-series. Two completely different animals. The Genesis is a regal lioness while the 3-series with the sport package is a roaring tiger. The Genesis would wow you with it's niceness, especially for a Hyundai. While the 3-series would put a smile on your face from ear to ear each day from pure driving pleasure. Build quality seems similar, but the Hyundai needs a little time to prove itself. I would actually have fewer concerns about the Hyundai's long-term quality than the 3-series.

We drive about 10-12k per year now. And I still have a demo that I can drive from work so not too concerned about the mileage for the year.

I'm about to give up and buy nothing. Checked into a 09 Accord EX-L with NAV/manual transmission. No gray or blue in the state. Only silver, which is low on my color list for the new Accord.

corvette

Car and Driver did a recent comparison, and the manual Accord EX-L beat the manual Fusion and manual Mazda6.

BMW has cut some corners on their interiors, but I think they invested the savings in their powertrains.

qbrozen

I just read that comparo, too. It was actually a virtual tie with the mazda.

anony - yes, the V6 seems to be the better choice in the Gen. Just wanted to make sure that's what you got a price on.

roadburner

BMW has cut some corners on their interiors, but I think they invested the savings in their powertrains.

I sure wish that I hadn't found this little video. The siren song of that Bavarian V8 is becoming much harder to resist...

corvette

And it's a slushbox... I also love the videos of Sabine Schmitz driving the Ring Taxi.

fintail

On that note, kind of, I have noticed a local high end dealer has had a couple of 06 M5s for around 40K. Still a bit more than I want to spend on a car, and I am not a lover of the "Dame Edna" 5er, but that seems like a lot of machinery for the money.

boomchek

500HP, V10, it is a high tech rocket.

Have you considered the previous gen M5? They can be had for much less, and the styling is less offensive.

fintail

That's the attraction, the engine. I find the styling tasteless at best, but the engine could compensate for it One of the cars this dealer had was Interlagos Blue, which is exactly what I would choose. Still...I wouldn't want that kind of car payment.

The old M5 is much nicer looking and almost half the price. But at the same time, an old E55 performs almost is well, is more subtle, and is a bit less money again. I am not tempted to part with my car when I see what similar money would buy.

woodyww

Years ago I test drove an e34 540i, it was "like a Rocket Ship". (my crusty Scottish Mechanic used that term after he had worked on one). An e39 540i........guys on roadfly who own them seem totally crazed & addicted to the cars.

If you want that Blue one......it sounds like you want it.......

sandman46

$18k sounds like a good price and y'all don't have to make it a long term commitment if it doesn't work out. Always have been lusting for a BMW but my #1 choice now if $ were no object...the new MB C class...really am salivating over this one especially in the gun metal gray or white color...outstanding!!! Too bad I don't have an extra $30k sitting around right now...expecting that much within the next 6 months but the wifey would absolutely kill me if I went out and bought it. But I've been dreaming about doing just that...but the frugal part of my brain is saying just bank it all when it finally gets here.
My whole life I've never had the $ to do something fun & foolish and buy a dream car...but really, really want to. Someone help me here as the fever is getting worse. Passed a white C300 on the way home and my heart was racing with excitement ...literally. Naturally, a good friend at work just got two cars...an '08 Highlander hybrid and a '02 MB CL ragtop. Still love my Civic but want something killer now.
HELP!!!!! :confuse:

The Sandman :confuse:

stever

Vegas, exotic car rental, cruise around the desert and blow a few grand on a nice vacation for you and the missus.

Maybe you'll win big at the slots. Or maybe the missus will be so thrilled she'll tell you to go buy a toy. :shades:

anonymousposts

is definitely top choice for us. The problem is finding THE ONE. That blue 335 is close to being THE ONE but it's up in Maryland. Heckuva drive to get up there and realize the car has been ragged out. I am still searching daily hoping to find something local.

I am beginning to wonder what a girl has to do to find a silver, white, blue, or gray 330 with sport package, premium package, cold weather package, Logic7, and NAV with a manual transmission in the Hotlanta area... that's not asking for too much right?

kyfdx

They only made the 330i for one year... That's got to cut down on the supply...

Have you thought about looking for '07 328i, as well? A little less horsepower, but still plenty...

roadburner

That's the attraction, the engine. I find the styling tasteless at best, but the engine could compensate for it One of the cars this dealer had was Interlagos Blue, which is exactly what I would choose. Still...I wouldn't want that kind of car payment.

I've driven several E60 5ers and they just don't do it for me. I don't like the exterior and I don't find the interior to be all that appealing either. However, if BMW NA brought the M5 touring over here I might reconsider:

fintail

I notice there's no view of the front end, which IMO is the worst angle. I also don't like the interior door panels in that 5er. That M5 touring is very cool though, I will agree.

MB brought over the W211 E55 wagon for a couple years, sold about 8 of them. Now it's gone from these shores with the E63. Maybe BMW doesn't want to go to the trouble. Europe gets wagon versions of the performance models....I think there is still speculation of an M3 touring too. Of course, it would probably never come to NA.

E55 wagon...that's something that could tempt me someday, in the right color and spec. I like uncommon cars.

jimbres

A friend of mine is currently leasing an '08 535 wagon with (cue trumpets) the 6-speed stick. Having driven it a few times, I can say that I'd take it over any SUV that I can think of. I'm kicking around the idea of following him to the dealer when he turns it in so that I can buy it as a CPO.

It doesn't hurt that the wagon looks better to me than the 5 sedan.

roadburner

I think there is still speculation of an M3 touring too.

I heard the idea was shelved. I was definitely going to buy an M3 Touring- even if I had to sell a kidney to pay for it... :P

fintail

That stinks. Oh well, at least MB has the C63 wagon...of course, not on this continent :sick:

anonymousposts

Gee wants whatever the top engine made in each year was, excluding the M3. So for 06 that was the 330 and 07 and later is the 335. We have started toying with the idea of buying the 06 automatic for $18,000 and selling the Accord to make room for a newer 335 with everything we want.

I sent that dealer with the 07 335 an offer. We will see if they accept.

woodyww

The 07 335 has lots-o-miles, but it sure looks nice. No SPP(?), or CPO? Still......

I agree with those who lust after a current-gen 3 or 5 series wagon, in some variation. Of course no M, probably ever, in the USA. And no diesel, in the wagons, is that right?

sandman46

Buy the $18k auto version and sell the Accord and just wait till the "perfect" car shows up...and it will eventually. Enjoy the beemer. Saw 2 nice '05 models today and was lusting again...not a good thing. Had to make my smarter, frugal side of the brain kick in over the lusting, gotta have it NOW part. It's just that I LOVE the smaller BMW's and Mercedes cars and would love to own one...finally but don't want the financial or reliability problems that would probably arise. That's why I always play it safe with an affordable Japenese make so I don't have the $ or reliability issues.

The Sandman

anonymousposts

history on that 07 335. Seems it too has been plagued by the fuel pump problem. Research indicates it's iffy on whether the problem was resolved until 2009. Had convinced myself to buy it. Talked them down to $26,000, then ran the VIN through our local BMW dealer. So it's enough to scare me off of it.

BUT .... I did find a 07 IS250 6-speed manual with NAV. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this one works out......

oregonboy

You realize that you have a problem.. a serious problem...

Oh, wait. I forgot which thread I was on. Nevermind.
You just go right ahead and do whatever feels good for you.
It will all work out fine.

qbrozen

from a 335 to an IS250?
Huh.
Have you looked for a 325? That would be more comparable, of course.

grandtotal

I did find a 07 IS250 6-speed manual with NAV.

Does the "buy the biggest engine for the model year" rule only apply to BMWs?

michaellno

... that my sister and BIL bought themselves a new ride.

She's the one who had the leased Pilot. I guess the lease is up this month. Last time I talked with her, she was leaning towards a CPO SUV .. Volvo XC90 was what the #1 choice was.

Well, I guess my sister went and bought an '06 Lincoln Navigator.

No clue on color or miles, but apparently the plan is for her to keep it 10 years, which is when her youngest will be close to obtaining his license.

She doesn't drive too many miles a year, as both work and the kids' school are pretty close (< 2 miles) from the house in San Diego.

qbrozen

apparently the plan is for her to keep it 10 years

Ah, the siren song of the CCB'er!

My wife has said that about our 7 of our last 9 vehicles. And we've only been married 8 years!

michaellno

Tell me about it.

Although she did keep her RX-7 for about that long, she's gone through quite a number of "mommy-mobiles" since her first kid was born:

Late 90's Explorer
1st generation Honda Odyssey
GMC Yukon
Honda Pilot

and now the Navigator.

Unless there are some serious quality issues with the Navigator, I can see her keeping it for the next decade. Will be interesting to see how she compares it to the Pilot, and why she bought American instead of foreign this time.

I know she was looking at XC90's that were selling in the low 20's - I wonder if the Navigator was substantially cheaper?