Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

jmonroe

stickguy said:

rich guy with 5 cars. Nice rubbing it in to us peons!

Don't be so envius. @oldfarmer50 only showed us the good sides of his cars. The other sides are rusted out and propped up on milk crates. That's an old photographers trick. Just more proof that pictures don't tell the whole story.

jmonroe

roadburner

sda said:

They all look great. Your 318 ti, even new, was not common. If I recall, I tried to configure one similar, or with leather, I forget, but couldn’t get it with a sunroof, or fog lights, one or the other, I wanted both. I ended up with a black on black 95 VW GLX VR6 5sp, leather, remote entry.

Thanks! Yes. when the ti was released in North America in 1995 it was available in three trim levels: Base, Active, and Sport- and what you saw was what you got- although fog lights were an accessory you could order and install yourself or have a shop do it. Ditto for the trip computer, cruise control, and heated seats. The Club Sport was introduced in August and only around 300 were built- in either Bright Red or Black. There were three options: sunroof, LSD, and Premium Sound. I only wanted the last two, but BMW tried to make everyone take a sunroof AND pay the $1200 upcharge. My salesperson stood firm and mine was built sans a hole in the roof- as were no more than 9-10 other Club Sports. I've owned mine for going on 25 years; if my son doesn't want it I'm donating it to the BMW CCA Foundation museum in Greenville SC.

roadburner

Last but not least, my M235i:

benjaminh

tjc78 said:

Anyone detailing their ride(s)? Why don't we do a virtual Cars-n-Coffee? If you spruce up your rides upload some pics!

I didn't do the Enclave, but the Volvo came out nice....



That is a really good looking car. I'm sure you've reported on how it drives earlier, but I missed it. Any chance of a recap?

tjc78

Looking good everyone! Thanks!

@roadburner
I saw a 318 yesterday. It looked in pretty good shape. Nice and clean, navy blue outside couldn’t see inside.

sb55

xwesx said:

sb55 said:

Just because I'm a little bored and we're now in required stay at home/stay safe mode (although we have been for the last 2+ weeks anyway), I've updated the cars I've owned list (as best as I can remember). It represents 50+ years because I bought my first pick-up when I was 14 for $400.00. Where I lived was rural back then and it was used to muck the family's horse stalls.

Wow! 46! Maybe you need a tag in your signature like Q.... "46-car history and counting!"

To be fair, some cars were mostly driven by my wife. A couple were handed down to the 2 kids; even though we never bought a car just for them.

stickguy

jmonroe said:

stickguy said:

rich guy with 5 cars. Nice rubbing it in to us peons!

Don't be so envius. @oldfarmer50 only showed us the good sides of his cars. The other sides are rusted out and propped up on milk crates. That's an old photographers trick. Just more proof that pictures don't tell the whole story.

jmonroe

since I went to college close to the old farmer's farm (is that like Old McDonald?), and my wife is from just west of there, I am real familiar with that area. And was amazed back in the 80s-90s-00s how many rusted out cars there were. And not a little. Massive, up the trunk and over the roof, rust. Tailgates on a hatch all rusted, stuff like that. Especially out where my wife is from (more country, less money!)

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

rich guy with 5 cars. Nice rubbing it in to us peons!

Craigslist can be your oyster too.

stickguy

so more like 2 cars, and 3 hoopties?

oldfarmer50

roadburner said:

sda said:

They all look great. Your 318 ti, even new, was not common. If I recall, I tried to configure one similar, or with leather, I forget, but couldn’t get it with a sunroof, or fog lights, one or the other, I wanted both. I ended up with a black on black 95 VW GLX VR6 5sp, leather, remote entry.

Thanks! Yes. when the ti was released in North America in 1995 it was available in three trim levels: Base, Active, and Sport- and what you saw was what you got- although fog lights were an accessory you could order and install yourself or have a shop do it. Ditto for the trip computer, cruise control, and heated seats. The Club Sport was introduced in August and only around 300 were built- in either Bright Red or Black. There were three options: sunroof, LSD, and Premium Sound. I only wanted the last two, but BMW tried to make everyone take a sunroof AND pay the $1200 upcharge. My salesperson stood firm and mine was built sans a hole in the roof- as were no more than 9-10 other Club Sports. I've owned mine for going on 25 years; if my son doesn't want it I'm donating it to the BMW CCA Foundation museum in Greenville SC.

That’s a remarkably modern looking car. The average person would never guess it was that old. Great shape too. I’m guessing you don’t see much salt down your way.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

jmonroe said:

stickguy said:

rich guy with 5 cars. Nice rubbing it in to us peons!

Don't be so envius. @oldfarmer50 only showed us the good sides of his cars. The other sides are rusted out and propped up on milk crates. That's an old photographers trick. Just more proof that pictures don't tell the whole story.

jmonroe

since I went to college close to the old farmer's farm (is that like Old McDonald?), and my wife is from just west of there, I am real familiar with that area. And was amazed back in the 80s-90s-00s how many rusted out cars there were. And not a little. Massive, up the trunk and over the roof, rust. Tailgates on a hatch all rusted, stuff like that. Especially out where my wife is from (more country, less money!)

Up here you get 8-10 years before a car starts to rot. If you want a good car for winter you have to do a yearly undercoat with something like Krown. Many used to use Ziebart but they say that actually holds the rust in.

That’s why a lot of folks buy a winter beater and leave the good car in the garage.

sda

That pains me to see rust like that. End of the line for that vehicle. 😩

graphicguy

pensfan83 said:

Deps is great, lots of good store selections. I want to get to Cork N Bottle next time we're down there though.

That’s where I ended up yesterday. Right off I75...much easier for me than I71. Only now, it’s called “UNCORKED”. Always nice folks working there. Went in for a couple of things. Came out with a box full.

qbrozen

sb55 said:

xwesx said:

sb55 said:

Just because I'm a little bored and we're now in required stay at home/stay safe mode (although we have been for the last 2+ weeks anyway), I've updated the cars I've owned list (as best as I can remember). It represents 50+ years because I bought my first pick-up when I was 14 for $400.00. Where I lived was rural back then and it was used to muck the family's horse stalls.

Wow! 46! Maybe you need a tag in your signature like Q.... "46-car history and counting!"

To be fair, some cars were mostly driven by my wife. A couple were handed down to the 2 kids; even though we never bought a car just for them.

That’s OK. I count those, too. I still pay for and drive all of them.

tjc78

I always count the wife’s cars. The only one I don’t count is the one she had when we met. FWIW it was a 2004 Mustang V6 (with some package that made it look like a GT V8)

roadburner

oldfarmer50 said:

roadburner said:

sda said:

They all look great. Your 318 ti, even new, was not common. If I recall, I tried to configure one similar, or with leather, I forget, but couldn’t get it with a sunroof, or fog lights, one or the other, I wanted both. I ended up with a black on black 95 VW GLX VR6 5sp, leather, remote entry.

Thanks! Yes. when the ti was released in North America in 1995 it was available in three trim levels: Base, Active, and Sport- and what you saw was what you got- although fog lights were an accessory you could order and install yourself or have a shop do it. Ditto for the trip computer, cruise control, and heated seats. The Club Sport was introduced in August and only around 300 were built- in either Bright Red or Black. There were three options: sunroof, LSD, and Premium Sound. I only wanted the last two, but BMW tried to make everyone take a sunroof AND pay the $1200 upcharge. My salesperson stood firm and mine was built sans a hole in the roof- as were no more than 9-10 other Club Sports. I've owned mine for going on 25 years; if my son doesn't want it I'm donating it to the BMW CCA Foundation museum in Greenville SC.

That’s a remarkably modern looking car. The average person would never guess it was that old. Great shape too. I’m guessing you don’t see much salt down your way.

It's only been driven in salt twice. Aside from that I'll drive it anytime.

pensfan83

qbrozen said:

sb55 said:

xwesx said:

sb55 said:

Just because I'm a little bored and we're now in required stay at home/stay safe mode (although we have been for the last 2+ weeks anyway), I've updated the cars I've owned list (as best as I can remember). It represents 50+ years because I bought my first pick-up when I was 14 for $400.00. Where I lived was rural back then and it was used to muck the family's horse stalls.

Wow! 46! Maybe you need a tag in your signature like Q.... "46-car history and counting!"

To be fair, some cars were mostly driven by my wife. A couple were handed down to the 2 kids; even though we never bought a car just for them.

That’s OK. I count those, too. I still pay for and drive all of them.

I've been corrected more than a few times when claiming the Prelude is only mine. #moneyfromourjointsavings

kyfdx

graphicguy said:

pensfan83 said:

Deps is great, lots of good store selections. I want to get to Cork N Bottle next time we're down there though.

That’s where I ended up yesterday. Right off I75...much easier for me than I71. Only now, it’s called “UNCORKED”. Always nice folks working there. Went in for a couple of things. Came out with a box full.

I haven't been to that store since 1992, when I used to live off that exit. Of course, that was when the main store was still open by the bridge.

pensfan83

roadburner said:

Last but not least, my M235i:

Such a well balanced car. It will be several more years before one will be within a reasonable fun car budget for me though.

roadburner

One last thing about the 318ti; a lot of people like to say that the 318ti was a failure in the US because people didn't like hatchbacks, but that wasn't the case.
The ti was intended to be an entry level car- BMW's gateway drug, if you will. Lots of younger people were interested in the car, but at the time BMW Finance was essentially requiring the same credit scores for a ti customer as they required for a 7 Series customer- so lots of potential buyers were rejected.

BMW NA eventually found out that a large number of ti buyers already had a BMW or two, and the suits weren't overjoyed that a car with a razor thin profit margin was being sold to people already in the BMW fold.

Some people didn't like the M42 motor, you have to keep it wound north of 4500 rpm to make rapid progress. A 325ti was offered in Europe, but BMW NA nixed the idea because it would cannibalize sales of the 325is coupe.

Finally, I often hear know-nothing "experts" opine that the ti wasn't a very good car- and that the automotive press disliked it from the get-go. I reply with this collection of quotes:

"...it's the real thing, an honest BMW, forged with the firmness of a
540i and the presence of an 850CSi. Has BMW built the modern GTI? Not
really. BMW has built a great little BMW."
Mark H. Schirmer, "Small Wonders" Automobile 12/95

"Gimme the Bimmer! I need that car! Give it to me! I won't ask for
anything ever again. Maybe a little more engine... ah, who cares? It's
the best! It's a slot car! GIMME ONE!"
Eddie Alterman, "Small Wonders" Automobile 12/95

"Many cars may be faster, but few reward this type of driving like the
Club Sport. The steering is perfectly weighted and unencumbered by
front-drive torque steer. Strong brakes inspire confidence... There are
certainly faster cars, but this one makes you feel like a pro at more
sensible speeds."
Larry Webster, "BMW 318ti Club Sport" Car and Driver 6/96

In an ideal world, we'd put the VR6 engine in the 318ti chassis and
create our own hot hatchback. But since this can't be done, we'll pick
the BMW 318ti as the winner here."
Andrew Bornhop, "BMW 318ti vs.Volkswagen GTI VR6" Road & Track 8/96

"The firmer Sport suspension, as fitted to our test car, help makes the
most of the 205/60 R 15 tyres and contributes to steering that's quite
the the crispest and sweetest of any current 3-series this side of an
M3, and possibly any 3-series full stop."
"For those who value cars as objects of desire, the Audi A3 SE is the
best car of our trio. But for those who really understand, who love
driving cars and interacting with them, the BMW wins and the Alfa 145 is
a price-busting runner-up."
"Giant Test: Audi A3 1.8 SE v BMW 318ti Compact v Alfa 145 Cloverleaf"
CAR Magazine(England)

nyccarguy

@roadburner - I remember the dealer by my parent's house had a fleet of 318tiA(s) they used as loaner cars. I was interested in driving a 318ti as well as an E36 323is with a stick. I drove the 318tiA loaner car and was not impressed in the least bit. I'm sure the 4 turn uphill test drive didn't help matters either. Afterwards, I asked to drive the 323is. I was told they only had 328iA (automatic sedans) in stock. If I wanted a 318ti or 323is with a stick, I would have to put a deposit down and special order one.

kyfdx

I spotted a 318ti Club Sport at EAG, once...(2011?), backed up against the fence, door panels off and laying in the back seat. The M3 mirrors tipped me off that it was a Club Sport. Asked him about it, said I might be interested. He said to give him a couple of days to get it cleaned up and suitable for a test drive. Made an appointment. When I went back, they hadn't done crap to it.

They had taken it in trade from a guy in the Cleveland area, and had a folder with five years of records. Probably $8000 of invoices. They pulled it out, got it in semi-driveable condition, and I took it for a drive. It had a LOT of needs. He told me he would sell it to me for $6K, if I bought it, AS IS.

This was the same guy, that in previous visits said to never buy an old BMW without a PPI, etc, etc, blah, blah, blah.. But, he wanted me to buy that one from him, as is.... shewwwww...

tjc78

I’m afraid to admit this but I never knew a “Club Sport” was a “thing”. Whenever @roadburner called his car that I thought it was a BMW nickname type of thing.

I will go hang my head in shame now.

Not worthy !

qbrozen

tjc78 said:

I always count the wife’s cars. The only one I don’t count is the one she had when we met. FWIW it was a 2004 Mustang V6 (with some package that made it look like a GT V8)

Same. And would never want to lay claim to it, as it was a Mitsu Galant. Ew.

kyfdx

qbrozen said:

tjc78 said:

I always count the wife’s cars. The only one I don’t count is the one she had when we met. FWIW it was a 2004 Mustang V6 (with some package that made it look like a GT V8)

Same. And would never want to lay claim to it, as it was a Mitsu Galant. Ew.

'90 Nissan 240 SX hatch, automatic.

Of course, now they are cult cars, but I hated it.

xwesx

oldfarmer50 said:

It wasn’t quite warm enough in the great north (an I’m getting lazy) to wash the cars but here’s when the fleet was all clean at the same time.

Man, that's an old pic!

xwesx

qbrozen said:

xwesx said:

I broke another axle on my plow truck last weekend. I swear, I cannot make it through a single winter without something major breaking on that thing.

Aw, heck, get rid of that POS and get yourself an F250 diesel. I think I know where you can score one.

hahaha... the thought has crossed my mind.

xwesx

roadburner said:

Last but not least, my M235i

I can see the value in wearing the helmet, but that must do a number on your hair when you get to the office in the morning!

stickguy

the first time I went to the BMW dealer to look was when the Ti had come out. Did get to drive one with a stick. 25 years later, and I still have not managed to actually buy a BMW.

breld

I often wish we would’ve kept our 318ti.

carnaught

Disclaimer (no offense intended): not a fan of the chopped looking backend, but never drove one.

kyfdx

oldfarmer50

xwesx said:

oldfarmer50 said:

It wasn’t quite warm enough in the great north (an I’m getting lazy) to wash the cars but here’s when the fleet was all clean at the same time.

Man, that's an old pic!

Took it last summer. HERE’S an old picture.

graphicguy

kyfdx said:

graphicguy said:

pensfan83 said:

Deps is great, lots of good store selections. I want to get to Cork N Bottle next time we're down there though.

That’s where I ended up yesterday. Right off I75...much easier for me than I71. Only now, it’s called “UNCORKED”. Always nice folks working there. Went in for a couple of things. Came out with a box full.

I haven't been to that store since 1992, when I used to live off that exit. Of course, that was when the main store was still open by the bridge.

Nothing buy Ohio plates in the parking lot. Lots smaller than Party Source, but still had a nice choice of bourbons, gins and vodkas....even a nice selection of wine.

xwesx

This was more difficult than it should have been.... But, surprisingly, the Q7 doesn't look too bad on the outside. I'm not sure how I managed that, but Ill take it! Sun is bright today, but don't let that fool you into thinking it is anywhere close to warm.

xwesx

My wife's car looks a lot more like I figure mine should look (in terms of cleanliness):

jmonroe

xwesx said:

My wife's car looks a lot more like I figure mine should look (in terms of cleanliness):

I'll tell you right now...you can keep every flake of that white asphalt.

jmonroe

roadburner

xwesx said:

I can see the value in wearing the helmet, but that must do a number on your hair when you get to the office in the morning!

Back when I was a judge I decided to ride my motorcycle to work. All I had that day was a essentially a "jail docket"-arraigning everyone who was arrested the night before- so I figured my helmet hair would still be better styled than the inmates I'd see. As I walked in the door, my bailiff said, "The TV stations are in the courtroom- there was a murder last night." So there I was with helmet hair that night on the 6:00 and 11:00 news...

nyccarguy

@xwesx

What’s that white stuff?

tjc78

@xwesx Looking good in the snow!

Your poor van!

roadburner

xwesx said:

This was more difficult than it should have been.... But, surprisingly, the Q7 doesn't look too bad on the outside. I'm not sure how I managed that, but Ill take it! Sun is bright today, but don't let that fool you into thinking it is anywhere close to warm.

Nice!

stickguy

I don't know how anyone could live someplace with that much snow, especially this late in the year. If I never touch a flake of snow again, I will be perfectly happy. At least with that aspect of life!

Michaell

stickguy said:

I don't know how anyone could live someplace with that much snow, especially this late in the year. If I never touch a flake of snow again, I will be perfectly happy. At least with that aspect of life!

We had a few inches overnight, but nothing to move. Pretty much all melted now.

xwesx

roadburner said:

Back when I was a judge I decided to ride my motorcycle to work. All I had that day was a essentially a "jail docket"-arraigning everyone who was arrested the night before- so I figured my helmet hair would still be better styled than the inmates I'd see. As I walked in the door, my bailiff said, "The TV stations are in the courtroom- there was a murder last night." So there I was with helmet hair that night on the 6:00 and 11:00 news...

GREAT story! That's the best laugh of the day.

xwesx

stickguy said:

I don't know how anyone could live someplace with that much snow, especially this late in the year. If I never touch a flake of snow again, I will be perfectly happy. At least with that aspect of life!

Hey, we cheat quite a bit. That snow is accumulation since November, so, what... that's five solid months of slow accumulation. If you notice on the far right side of the photo (and a little on the left side), that shelf of snow is about 12" tall, and that was just in the last week. Total depth is a little under 36", so that's not so terrible. Buffalo can see that much in a single day!

stickguy

that is more like here. a couple storms a year normally, but it melts off after usually not too long. That is annoying but not horrible Massive storms, and staying there gray and slippery for months on end is just wrong.

xwesx

tjc78 said:

@xwesx Looking good in the snow!

Your poor van!

Hahah! The van doesn't have it so bad. It stays dry and I don't ask it to start at all when "the white stuff" is around. I cleared the snow off the top last week before the big snowfall, but I didn't have a chance to pull it from around the vehicle yet, which is why it looks nearly buried in the stuff.

It will be free of its frozen prison soon enough! At least it doesn't have a sheared axle like my plow truck. I just took a closer look at that today.... Not good. I'm pretty sure the part that broke is going to be a real chore to replace (sourcing the part, not doing the work). Q's truck is looking more and more attractive.

Michaell

stickguy said:

that is more like here. a couple storms a year normally, but it melts off after usually not too long. That is annoying but not horrible Massive storms, and staying there gray and slippery for months on end is just wrong.

We get snow, but because of the altitude, it tends to melt pretty quickly.

Of the 25+ winters I've had in Colorado, I can only think of one where we had so much accumulation that it lasted through spring.

breld

Is this one of those where the crazy low miles scares you off?

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/807818170/overview/

breld

This is actually kinda interesting.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/803777835/overview/

I find the seller's description amusing - "put this 550i into sixth gear and find out what fun is all about!"

Sixth gear would decidedly be the least fun gear to be in, no?