Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

rayainsw

akangl -
Great to see you posting again!
Congrats on the punch -
and good luck!
- Ray
My 'punch' is sitting at the port...

kyfdx

stickguy said:

Sandy, I googled a few articles about the new Golf. Still not clear if they are bringing the normal models over at all, or just the GTI and R (definitely overkill for you!). new interior does look nice though. Maybe you should just try out a GTI. At least you would get a good feel for the car, styling and interior. Heck, maybe you would get hooked on the extra HP and big wheels! Not really all that expensive either.

not sure when they are showing up stateside though either.

My GTI was assembled in Mexico.

nyccarguy

kyfdx said:

stickguy said:

Sandy, I googled a few articles about the new Golf. Still not clear if they are bringing the normal models over at all, or just the GTI and R (definitely overkill for you!). new interior does look nice though. Maybe you should just try out a GTI. At least you would get a good feel for the car, styling and interior. Heck, maybe you would get hooked on the extra HP and big wheels! Not really all that expensive either.

not sure when they are showing up stateside though either.

My GTI was assembled in Mexico.

Hecho en Mexíco

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

Sandy, I googled a few articles about the new Golf. Still not clear if they are bringing the normal models over at all, or just the GTI and R (definitely overkill for you!). new interior does look nice though. Maybe you should just try out a GTI. At least you would get a good feel for the car, styling and interior. Heck, maybe you would get hooked on the extra HP and big wheels! Not really all that expensive either.

not sure when they are showing up stateside though either.

I’ve been begging Sandy to drive a GTI for years!

nyccarguy

@akangl

Welcome back! Glad all is well. How old is your little one that plays hockey?

My 10 year old (who will soon be 11) played his final game of the season and at the Squirt level last night. He moves up to Pee Wee next season. Last night’s game was at the Greenwich Skating Club which has a beautiful, outdoor rink. Temps were perfect. Low to mid 30s, no wind.

The partying lot was lined with Suburban Premiers, Yukon XL Denalis, 2 Raptors, the requisite 4 Door Lifted Wranglers, & a Defender 110.

Speaking of Defenders, one of the parents gave the coach a hard time about my son being the goalie (if you really wanted a chance then don’t take your kid to India for 3 1/2 weeks in the middle of the season). My son got a chance to skate out and play defense last night. He had fun.

andres3

akangl said:

xwesx said:

akangl said:

Well put me down for a punch.....the kid decided to let the Focus go (thank goodness). 2019 Jeep Compass Trailhawk is joining the stable. Really nice car, I'm surprised. However, nothing makes me happier than my Cherokee.

Well that didn't take long! Farewell, trusty Focus, you protected thy occupants well!

That it did, but was starting to nickel and dime the kid. I don't blame her for moving on. She wants to go places that the Focus can't go and the Jeep fits the bill. The Focus will always hold a spot in my heart because it did keep my kids safe.

Did the Focus die a violent death in a collision? I missed it.

graphicguy

kyfdx said:

nyccarguy said:

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=544115325&LNX=PSEMAILLEAD

Comments?

Over priced. But, I like that model.

Had one of those as an airport runner. Loud but frugal. Couldn’t break it. My son had it for a while driving it back and forth the University of Cincinnati. Not the best of areas to drive and park it.

You’re right. A little high. But, I’d drop $2,500 on it if it hasn’t been wrecked.

jmonroe

kyfdx said:

stickguy said:

Sandy, I googled a few articles about the new Golf. Still not clear if they are bringing the normal models over at all, or just the GTI and R (definitely overkill for you!). new interior does look nice though. Maybe you should just try out a GTI. At least you would get a good feel for the car, styling and interior. Heck, maybe you would get hooked on the extra HP and big wheels! Not really all that expensive either.

not sure when they are showing up stateside though either.

My GTI was assembled in Mexico.

And almost disassembled in Colorado.

jmonroe

xwesx

andres3 said:

akangl said:

xwesx said:

akangl said:

Well put me down for a punch.....the kid decided to let the Focus go (thank goodness). 2019 Jeep Compass Trailhawk is joining the stable. Really nice car, I'm surprised. However, nothing makes me happier than my Cherokee.

Well that didn't take long! Farewell, trusty Focus, you protected thy occupants well!

That it did, but was starting to nickel and dime the kid. I don't blame her for moving on. She wants to go places that the Focus can't go and the Jeep fits the bill. The Focus will always hold a spot in my heart because it did keep my kids safe.

Did the Focus die a violent death in a collision? I missed it.

No, but nearly so. Several years ago @akangl relayed how another driver t-boned the car in the rear quarter. Her daughter was driving, and her young one (*very* young at the time) was in the rear seat, IIRC. Insurance ended up repairing the car.

oldfarmer50

akangl said:

qbrozen said:

Michaell said:

I do, too.

I test drove the Trailhawk trim level. Gutless with the 2.4L, and the headrest couldn't be adjusted so that I was comfortable behind the wheel.

I'd prefer a Cherokee Trailhawk, myself. With either the V6 or 2.0T engine.

I just don't like the Cherokee. Not attractive, IMHO.

Looks like I popped back in just in time to defend a Cherokee! I'm going on 3 years (April 21st) with my 2017 Cherokee Trailhawk V6. I love the goofy little thing. I've managed to put it in the ditch once last winter (my fault) and drive it off the driveway twice this winter (new house crappy driveway). It climbs back out of the snow every time like a champ, I'm just glad it can't talk. I can say with certainty it is hands down the best car I've ever owned out of who knows how many I've owned (I lost count a few years ago). It just rolled over 30k miles and will run out of warranty on time not miles which is a first for me, its never had a single issue.

Now let's see what's happened since I was here last.....we sold our house last summer and bought a smaller house last fall. Naturally right after we sold the big house our son got out of the Navy and came home. I do understand why though, his sister was not doing well and we didn't expect her to live to see Christmas. However, Vertex was able to release a new medication for cystic fibrosis called Trikafta early and she has a second chance at life. So we have 6 people living in a 3 bedroom home....its uh, cozy but temporary since our son and his gf will be moving out in April.

My little guy started playing hockey.....a hockey gear bag does not fit easily in the back of a Cherokee just an FYI. However, we won't be buying anything bigger since we bought a new travel trailer so we can have some camping adventures with the little guy and the rest of the clan.

So the stable sits at the following:

2001 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 139k purchased 4/2014
2015 Ford Focus SE HB 49k purchased 7/2015
2016 Ford Fusion SE 90k purchased 10/2016
2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk purchased 4/2017
2020 Pioneer 290BH travel trailer purchased 1/2020

My daughter is eyeballing a Jeep for herself so there might be a shake up this week.....

We’re you happy with the dual clutch transmission in your Focus. I drove a 2015 at work and it was an adventure with the herky jerky shifts. Later models were fine.

oldfarmer50

nyccarguy said:

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=544115325&LNX=PSEMAILLEAD

Comments?

Good basic transportation. Most parts are Toyota.

oldfarmer50

Never mind.

roadburner

Some idiot engineer at Ford thought a dry clutch DCT was just peachy.
A truly moronic idea..

oldfarmer50

ronsteve said:

corvette said:

roadburner said:

The Oxmoron Dealer Group in Louisville does the same.

Oxmoor CDJR is actually where I sold the Tahoe. I was very pleasantly surprised at how smoothly the transaction went, although I didn't browse the showroom or look at any window stickers on their inventory.

Edit: here it is!

To be fair I have never actively shopped that dealer group, but the one visit to their Hyundai dealer (service on the wife's Elantra) left me feeling like I needed a shower. At least they got the dealer back in NC to cover subpar work... a serp belt shouldn't be slipping 2 months after it's changed!

The big thing around here is paint protection. Huffman likes to hard sell something for 895 but you can opt in or out. The former Swope dealers (now owned by Terry's bigger corporation) advertise all their vehicles with a 599 add on for "permaplate."

For $895 they put a coat of THIS on once a year.

suydam

While charging the Volt at the mall, I saw a BMW i3 in the next spot. Wow, is that a tiny car! It’s 10 inches shorter than my Encore, which I consider to be a really small car! And a pretty short EV range too. I could see it as a runaround city car, but if you had any shopping to do its cargo capacity is pretty limited. I think a few of you have them. What’s the appeal? I will say it’s very cute, but it doesn’t seem very practical.

28firefighter

Punch. 2004 BMW 330i ZHP.

stickguy

that the one that was being bandied about last week? If so, I seem to recall liking it. Good job!

fintail

Neat pic. Kids on full ice make it look so big.

If I had my way, there'd be a huge distance between hockey parents and hockey teams. I wouldn't even let them watch. Either be in it for the kid having fun, or get out - stop living vicariously and/or hovering/bulldozing. No contact with coaching, no contact with officiating. Youth hockey has enough issues without wannabe type A personalities/entitled overmonied boors meddling with everything so their devilspawn can get a leg up.

I also play D. Threw out my back last game in a desperate reach/dive to clear the puck. Youth is wasted on the young

nyccarguy said:

Speaking of Defenders, one of the parents gave the coach a hard time about my son being the goalie (if you really wanted a chance then don’t take your kid to India for 3 1/2 weeks in the middle of the season). My son got a chance to skate out and play defense last night. He had fun.

oldfarmer50

28firefighter said:

Punch. 2004 BMW 330i ZHP.

Nice car. I thought I was the only one who bought cars that old.

rayainsw

28firefighter -
Congrats on the BMW punch !
- Ray
Many [s]miles for you, I hope

pensfan83

Nice! Congratulations!

carnaught

@28firefighter, congrats on the punch - looks very nice - should be lots of fun!

28firefighter

Thanks all! Indeed it is the one I showed way back. It is mechanically in tip top shape - major failure points all addressed within last two years and a binder full of records dating back to the original owner. A matching PPI to boot.

Despite coming up on an enclosed carrier (only $100 more than open carrier), the PO lived down a dirt road in mountains of the South Bay, so it needs a good wash and scrub. It has a ceramic coating on it so I expect it won’t take much to really clean up well.

It is mystic blue over natural brown. It is beautiful and I couldn’t be happier. I’ll share some more pictures once it’s cleaned up.

explorerx4

@28 firefighter,
Congrats!
How many are 'we'(I'm on the outside looking in ) up to already?

breld

@28firefighter - congrats!

Mystic Blue over natural brown...beautiful!!!

28firefighter

breld said:

@28firefighter - congrats!

Mystic Blue over natural brown...beautiful!!!

It’s 1 of 14 made over the run of the ZHP. Definitely a rare bird.

fintail

1 of 14? Wow, custom build? You'll have to give us a rundown of its history.

28firefighter said:

It’s 1 of 14 made over the run of the ZHP. Definitely a rare bird.

roadburner

suydam said:

While charging the Volt at the mall, I saw a BMW i3 in the next spot. Wow, is that a tiny car! It’s 10 inches shorter than my Encore, which I consider to be a really small car! And a pretty short EV range too. I could see it as a runaround city car, but if you had any shopping to do its cargo capacity is pretty limited. I think a few of you have them. What’s the appeal? I will say it’s very cute, but it doesn’t seem very practical.

It holds much more cargo than you'd expect- and four people also fit fairly comfortably. A 6.6 second 0-60 means it's no ball of fire, but not bad for an EV. The interior is just flat-out cool. Best of all, it's RWD. I'd get another in a heartbeat if I didn't already have the Clubman. Now, if I absolutely HAD to save the planet and needed something with unlimited range it would be an F30 or G20 330e M Sport- but I much prefer hybrids that burn gas and rubber...

jmonroe

28firefighter said:

Thanks all! Indeed it is the one I showed way back. It is mechanically in tip top shape - major failure points all addressed within last two years and a binder full of records dating back to the original owner. A matching PPI to boot.

Despite coming up on an enclosed carrier (only $100 more than open carrier), the PO lived down a dirt road in mountains of the South Bay, so it needs a good wash and scrub. It has a ceramic coating on it so I expect it won’t take much to really clean up well.

It is mystic blue over natural brown. It is beautiful and I couldn’t be happier. I’ll share some more pictures once it’s cleaned up.

Congrats, it looks good from here but, yes, please get the mud off the rocker panels before we see it again. You know there are a few in here that pick on stuff like that.

jmonroe

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

breld said:

@28firefighter - congrats!

Mystic Blue over natural brown...beautiful!!!

It’s 1 of 14 made over the run of the ZHP. Definitely a rare bird.

Congrats! Natty Brown is the best E46 interior.

You’ll have to re-post all of the details. Nice that you got a sedan.

benjaminh

@28firefighter congrats!!! Looks great already, but I'm looking forward to more pix and a driving report.

stickguy

was chatting with my son earlier. he sent me a link to some hot rodded GT350 package at a dealer near him. had a whopping 832 HP I think. for $109,000. The upgrade package was about 37K. I told him the base car would be OK, though he pointed out that 540 HP might not be enough to safely merge onto the highway (apparently he is related to RoadBurner!)

we ended up chatting about what to do in the future. He was leaning toward a PU (Tacoma maybe) as a winter beater type, and a toy (he likes a Cayman) to go with it, instead of another expensive sedan that is not very practical for carrying stuff or bad weather duty!

kyfdx

stickguy said:

was chatting with my son earlier. he sent me a link to some hot rodded GT350 package at a dealer near him. had a whopping 832 HP I think. for $109,000. The upgrade package was about 37K. I told him the base car would be OK, though he pointed out that 540 HP might not be enough to safely merge onto the highway (apparently he is related to RoadBurner!)

we ended up chatting about what to do in the future. He was leaning toward a PU (Tacoma maybe) as a winter beater type, and a toy (he likes a Cayman) to go with it, instead of another expensive sedan that is not very practical for carrying stuff or bad weather duty!

C&D had a test this month. The GT350 was about $94K, and had 7XX HP.

A pretty nice Mustang GT can be had in the mid $40s, and will smoke anything we are driving.

I like the Cayman idea, though

kyfdx

Thoughts?
https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/60504/bmw/x1/rust-or-something-else-on-a-brand-new-x1-can-you-comment-on-these-pictures-please#latest

stickguy

I told him I would go with a Ranger and older Mustang GT instead. Either one works.

cdnpinhead

@28firefighter: Very nice! That one's old enough to be worth owning -- no RFTs, a real dipstick, a battery you could change in the Auto Zone parking lot -- all the stuff I like and none of the stuff I don't. I didn't pay close enough attention. Does it have a manual transmission? If so, you've hit the jackpot, at least in my world.

28firefighter

cdnpinhead said:

@28firefighter: Very nice! That one's old enough to be worth owning -- no RFTs, a real dipstick, a battery you could change in the Auto Zone parking lot -- all the stuff I like and none of the stuff I don't. I didn't pay close enough attention. Does it have a manual transmission? If so, you've hit the jackpot, at least in my world.

Indeed. A 6MT that is truly a dream.

roadburner

The ZHP has a short-throw shifter IIRC.

akangl

@akangl

Welcome back! Glad all is well. How old is your little one that plays hockey?

My 10 year old (who will soon be 11) played his final game of the season and at the Squirt level last night. He moves up to Pee Wee next season. Last night’s game was at the Greenwich Skating Club which has a beautiful, outdoor rink. Temps were perfect. Low to mid 30s, no wind.

The partying lot was lined with Suburban Premiers, Yukon XL Denalis, 2 Raptors, the requisite 4 Door Lifted Wranglers, & a Defender 110.

Speaking of Defenders, one of the parents gave the coach a hard time about my son being the goalie (if you really wanted a chance then don’t take your kid to India for 3 1/2 weeks in the middle of the season). My son got a chance to skate out and play defense last night. He had fun.

My little guy just turned 6, they are just learning right now so no games. He's having fun learning to eat the ice! He will be at this level for a little big longer then can try out for the *real* hockey team.

akangl

oldfarmer50 said:

akangl said:

qbrozen said:

Michaell said:

I do, too.

I test drove the Trailhawk trim level. Gutless with the 2.4L, and the headrest couldn't be adjusted so that I was comfortable behind the wheel.

I'd prefer a Cherokee Trailhawk, myself. With either the V6 or 2.0T engine.

I just don't like the Cherokee. Not attractive, IMHO.

Looks like I popped back in just in time to defend a Cherokee! I'm going on 3 years (April 21st) with my 2017 Cherokee Trailhawk V6. I love the goofy little thing. I've managed to put it in the ditch once last winter (my fault) and drive it off the driveway twice this winter (new house crappy driveway). It climbs back out of the snow every time like a champ, I'm just glad it can't talk. I can say with certainty it is hands down the best car I've ever owned out of who knows how many I've owned (I lost count a few years ago). It just rolled over 30k miles and will run out of warranty on time not miles which is a first for me, its never had a single issue.

Now let's see what's happened since I was here last.....we sold our house last summer and bought a smaller house last fall. Naturally right after we sold the big house our son got out of the Navy and came home. I do understand why though, his sister was not doing well and we didn't expect her to live to see Christmas. However, Vertex was able to release a new medication for cystic fibrosis called Trikafta early and she has a second chance at life. So we have 6 people living in a 3 bedroom home....its uh, cozy but temporary since our son and his gf will be moving out in April.

My little guy started playing hockey.....a hockey gear bag does not fit easily in the back of a Cherokee just an FYI. However, we won't be buying anything bigger since we bought a new travel trailer so we can have some camping adventures with the little guy and the rest of the clan.

So the stable sits at the following:

2001 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 139k purchased 4/2014
2015 Ford Focus SE HB 49k purchased 7/2015
2016 Ford Fusion SE 90k purchased 10/2016
2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk purchased 4/2017
2020 Pioneer 290BH travel trailer purchased 1/2020

My daughter is eyeballing a Jeep for herself so there might be a shake up this week.....

We’re you happy with the dual clutch transmission in your Focus. I drove a 2015 at work and it was an adventure with the herky jerky shifts. Later models were fine.

It was horrible! She had to have it fixed a couple times and it was about due for another fix. I personally hated how the car drove. My son has a 2016 and its going down the same road, its been fixed once already.

akangl

xwesx said:

andres3 said:

akangl said:

xwesx said:

akangl said:

Well put me down for a punch.....the kid decided to let the Focus go (thank goodness). 2019 Jeep Compass Trailhawk is joining the stable. Really nice car, I'm surprised. However, nothing makes me happier than my Cherokee.

Well that didn't take long! Farewell, trusty Focus, you protected thy occupants well!

That it did, but was starting to nickel and dime the kid. I don't blame her for moving on. She wants to go places that the Focus can't go and the Jeep fits the bill. The Focus will always hold a spot in my heart because it did keep my kids safe.

Did the Focus die a violent death in a collision? I missed it.

No, but nearly so. Several years ago @akangl relayed how another driver t-boned the car in the rear quarter. Her daughter was driving, and her young one (*very* young at the time) was in the rear seat, IIRC. Insurance ended up repairing the car.

It was t-boned in August of 2015 when it was 3 weeks old by a Jeep Wrangler. The accident did about $11k in damage to the car but didn't total it, it did a very good job protecting the kids and continued to do its job after the repair. She loved the car dearly but was ready for something bigger and awd.

explorerx4

Seeing it's the 40th anniversary today, I watched Miracle.
Still an awesome movie.

fintail

A guy I skate with now and then (far above my level) was in Miracle. He played Phil Verchota.

explorerx4

@fintail,
I thought the movie was done, so I ejected it, but it had just started showing the actor's names with their characters, so I didn't see beyond who played Jim Craig.

Here's another minor miracle(Hurricanes won 6-3).
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nhl/hurricanes-turn-to-zamboni-driver-as-emergency-goalie/ar-BB10hDxo

fintail

It was a pretty big deal having someone from the local hockey scene in a movie like that, and who went that far in the game. This is not a hockey hotbed, although with all the transplants and NHL growth, there's some momentum.

That was a memorable game, I get the CBC broadcast - emergency goalies are a rare event. Now watching Canucks/Bruins, hoping someone embarrasses the rat, and rooting for the good guys (hint, they don't wear a "B").

explorerx4 said:

@fintail,
I thought the movie was done, so I ejected it, but it had just started showing the actor's names with their characters, so I didn't see beyond who played Jim Craig.

Here's another minor miracle(Hurricanes won 6-3).
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nhl/hurricanes-turn-to-zamboni-driver-as-emergency-goalie/ar-BB10hDxo

Sandman6472

Have never driven a GTI but probably will have to now. Not a real lover of any tire over 17" to be honest, think that's really the sweet spot. But, if it's really true that the Golf SE won't be coming stateside, might have to.
Did see and sit in a new Mazda CX-30 Friday and likes it, a whole lot! The only thing that stinks is the audio systems volume and controller are down in the console, a real safety hazard to be honest. And not loving the AWD but loved the size and it's a few inches higher than the regular CX-3. Could definitely work as a d d. Also watched a YouTube video of the new Buick Encore X and again, liked it a lot to. Raised a bit over the regular Encore and it is the perfect size.
Was speaking with our neighbor today who has an Audi X5 and she loves it. We were discussing our Audi's and mentioned that I'm starting to get itchy for something new. Mentioned the new Kia Seltos and she said be careful, it's not easy going back down into a more economy vehicle after you've had something more upscale. Thinking about this later, she might be right there. At least for me, my Golf is a pretty neat vehicle and not sure I'd be as happy with something with cloth seats and no premium audio system or even no sun roof for that matter. So, my next punch could be a lot harder than ever before. And might have to raise my budget a bit to get something really nice. So might have to bring leasing into the equation, something we've never ever considered before. And can really start testing soon but doubt I'd pull the trigger until the new 2021 Golf SE's future is decided as I know if it comes over here and I have something else, I might have a repeat of the Tucson debacle again, something that I don't want.

tjc78

@28firefighter
Congrats! Cool car.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

was chatting with my son earlier. he sent me a link to some hot rodded GT350 package at a dealer near him. had a whopping 832 HP I think. for $109,000. The upgrade package was about 37K. I told him the base car would be OK, though he pointed out that 540 HP might not be enough to safely merge onto the highway (apparently he is related to RoadBurner!)

we ended up chatting about what to do in the future. He was leaning toward a PU (Tacoma maybe) as a winter beater type, and a toy (he likes a Cayman) to go with it, instead of another expensive sedan that is not very practical for carrying stuff or bad weather duty!

I seem to remember reading that Ford had an arrangement with Rouch to modify Mustangs into screaming beasts while keeping the warranty.

Just thinking, if your son wants a truck he might consider a previous rental. I know our trucks get light duty...towing and plowing is prohibited. I think most of the mileage is run up driving them between offices as few people specifically rent trucks. Most go out to soccer moms when the mini van they booked isn’t available.

stickguy

The Seltos can be had with all the goodies. Turbo engine on the SX model that scoots along, big moonroof, 10 way power drivers seat, nice Bose stereo, all LED lighting.

No penalty box, unless you want to get the absolute base model.

stickguy

it was a Hennessey.

https://www.saratogaford.com/new/Ford/2019-Ford-Shelby+GT350R-Saratoga-Springs-NY-12866-cab4ceb50a0e08f737bce079ecb6bda3.htm?searchDepth=2:2

also noticed in the background this odd Brodozer, I assume it is a custom job.

https://pictures.dealer.com/s/saratogafordfd/1558/f76042c7b75d334e4640da95e24c86efx.jpg