Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

corvette

oldfarmer50 said:

I see ads like this and wonder if I should take the plunge now or wait until I actually need one in a couple of years. It seems like some dealers are slashing prices big time.

https://www.easthillschevroletoffreeport.com/VehicleDetails/used-2011-Chevrolet-Malibu-LS-Freeport-NY/3591325703

It's 10 years old, but finding one with 19k miles is pretty unusual. Looks like a fair price to me. I think Hankook tires may have been OE on that car, will probably need to be replaced due to age if they're original.

pensfan83

I'm currently helping a friend with a Tundra purchase and mentioned the LH broker across the state but wants me to try and get that same deal around here first. Plus I think Jim is out of stock on Tundras. I reached out to the SM we worked with on our Tacoma and I'm waiting on numbers. They don't use Ally or USB so I'm not expecting the sub $300 deals that are so common.

stickguy

Just emailed my sister for an update. Turns out she pulled the trigger on a Forester last night. But ended up with a touring instead of the Limited she was originally looking at (not sure if it was color/supply related or something she actually wanted on that model).

now just needs to set up the connectivity stuff since it was too late at the dealer to do it yesterday. That should be easy on one of those.

roadburner

@qbrozen; you have a PM.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

Farmer, that looks like a really good deal. Heck, if I was shopping for a cheap spare car I would consider it. Of course I would take myself out of it!

what is the age limit on those? That is about to be 10 model years old. Miles are great, so is price, as long as you can get a few years out of it.

but my opinion is not to buy something much before you need it. certainly not a couple years! Heck, who knows if Uber will still be the same by then. Is your son still working at all now?

No he’s not working by his own choice. That system is in turmoil like everything else. One day they’re begging him to work because all the drivers are staying home. The next day we read that they’re laying off everybody. What a mess.

I know intellectually I should wait but the lure of the bargains has me up at night.

28firefighter

My Dad’s Stelvio lease is up in a few months. He’s trying to figure what is next. He was thinking about a Tacoma 6spd or a Jeep Gladiator - drove and really liked both. But right now he’s considering buying my old TDI.

All over the place, as usual.

roadburner

stickguy said:

I’m liking that MR-2

I rented a 1986 MR-2 for a Thanksgiving trip to celebrate winning my first election. It was a hoot.

pensfan83

stickguy said:

28firefighter said:

I’ve been making small purchases for the ZHP because I can’t help myself. New shoes, alignment, Bluetooth phone and audio module (coming next month).

Looking at swapping out the ZKW brand xenons with the AL OEM equivalent because the bowls are burnt on mine.

None of this expensive, either, because so many of the parts overlap with the regular E46.

what's the point of buying an older toy car if you can't buy some fun stuff for it?

My recent spending spree on a few interior bits for the ZHP is all I'm doing this year and I had things lined up for install in mid-April but like everything else that's delayed a bit.

corvette

pensfan83 said:

I'm currently helping a friend with a Tundra purchase and mentioned the LH broker across the state but wants me to try and get that same deal around here first. Plus I think Jim is out of stock on Tundras. I reached out to the SM we worked with on our Tacoma and I'm waiting on numbers. They don't use Ally or USB so I'm not expecting the sub $300 deals that are so common.

When I used him, he could get any that are incoming but not yet on the lot. Might not be any incoming, at the moment, though.

stickguy

she got the horizon blue. Touring always has the brown leather. Nice combo.

stickguy

roadburner said:

stickguy said:

I’m liking that MR-2

I rented a 1986 MR-2 for a Thanksgiving trip to celebrate winning my first election. It was a hoot.

as long as there is more leg room than my Miata had so I can drive it without being a contortionist, should work!

pensfan83

corvette said:

pensfan83 said:

I'm currently helping a friend with a Tundra purchase and mentioned the LH broker across the state but wants me to try and get that same deal around here first. Plus I think Jim is out of stock on Tundras. I reached out to the SM we worked with on our Tacoma and I'm waiting on numbers. They don't use Ally or USB so I'm not expecting the sub $300 deals that are so common.

When I used him, he could get any that are incoming but not yet on the lot. Might not be any incoming, at the moment, though.

Personally I think his Tacoma his fine for his towing needs and he can stand pat but he claims he needs a bigger truck. Maybe towing with his manual is a different experience but I've towed far heavier loads than he does with our Tacoma and while you know you are carrying extra weight I never felt the truck was overburdened.

stickguy

well, this might be the cheapest car I ever saw for sale at a real car dealer. "as traded" usually means don't look too close, but I would really be interested in what is up with it to be that cheap. And why they would have it on the lot.

https://www.subaruofcherryhill.com/used/Hyundai/2009-Hyundai-Santa+Fe-cherry-hill-nj-bce8707b0a0e0a1716b9777b5840d0e8.htm

corvette

@stickguy - No pics is your first clue.

corvette

pensfan83 said:

Personally I think his Tacoma his fine for his towing needs and he can stand pat but he claims he needs a bigger truck. Maybe towing with his manual is a different experience but I've towed far heavier loads than he does with our Tacoma and while you know you are carrying extra weight I never felt the truck was overburdened.

If he is dead set on leasing, you can't beat the USB deals on Tundras. If purchase is an option, I'd look for an EcoBoost F-150, the XL with STX package isn't as well equipped as the Tundra I got, but has a decent level of equipment. I think the incentives on the Fords are much higher.

qbrozen

corvette said:

qbrozen said:

So I told her let's just go through the broker. It will run $5/mo more in the end, but you would have choice of colors. She texted him at 4pm yesterday and had the deal locked and loaded by 5:30 on her #1 color choice (Cement) with sidesteps and black wheels.

The guy on Leasehackr? That's who I went through. Easy deal, will probably do again in 22 months if the same sorts of deals are on the table.

Yup. Plan is to fetch it on Sat. I don’t think they have seen any paperwork yet, though, so who knows. I believe they are going to come to my house and take one of my cars out past Philly to pick it up. Right now, they have a friend’s car and don’t want to take his that far.

We are waiting to see what May brings before seeking out their 2nd replacement vehicle.

qbrozen

stickguy said:

well, this might be the cheapest car I ever saw for sale at a real car dealer. "as traded" usually means don't look too close, but I would really be interested in what is up with it to be that cheap. And why they would have it on the lot.

https://www.subaruofcherryhill.com/used/Hyundai/2009-Hyundai-Santa+Fe-cherry-hill-nj-bce8707b0a0e0a1716b9777b5840d0e8.htm

That’s odd. Could get that (or more) from a scrapyard without any of the paperwork and BS of selling to a buyer.

stickguy

well, always a possibility that the price listed is a typo. just out of curiosity I will keep an eye on it.

stickguy

qbrozen said:

corvette said:

qbrozen said:

So I told her let's just go through the broker. It will run $5/mo more in the end, but you would have choice of colors. She texted him at 4pm yesterday and had the deal locked and loaded by 5:30 on her #1 color choice (Cement) with sidesteps and black wheels.

The guy on Leasehackr? That's who I went through. Easy deal, will probably do again in 22 months if the same sorts of deals are on the table.

Yup. Plan is to fetch it on Sat. I don’t think they have seen any paperwork yet, though, so who knows. I believe they are going to come to my house and take one of my cars out past Philly to pick it up. Right now, they have a friend’s car and don’t want to take his that far.

We are waiting to see what May brings before seeking out their 2nd replacement vehicle.

unless at least one of them works outside the home still, I would not even bother until life opens up enough that you need 2. I can't even find enough miles to keep one car exercised.

at least the RDX should get a real run this weekend. Need to pick up a U haul tomorrow (hopefully a Transit) to haul my daughter's crap to her new apartment in Wilmington. Which she really won't have a need of for a while, but sadly she signed the lease shortly before everyone got sent home for at least 3 months. oops.

Michaell

Even though we made the decision 8 months ago, I have to admit that becoming a one car family (2 if you count the daughters MINI) has been pretty easy. I think the wife has driven the Outback 2 or 3 times total, since the Jetta went back.

We are closing in on 36,000 miles on the Subie, but it may be another 2 or 3 weeks before we hit the milestone.

I would really like some sort of fun car at some point, but there is no rush. Gotta get the business back up and running first.

stickguy

technically I think we were a one car family for a while when the daughter was in HS. She had the Volvo, which technically was my car. but it was around in case I needed to take the RDX someplace. Then later my son was home with the old TL that we somewhat shared. So I consider you to have 2 cars since that is how many "live" at your house.

I could get away with that. Just not 1 car for 2 people! Well, at least not when under pandemic restrictions. Right now, 1 is plenty.

stickguy

my fun car likely won't happen until the TLX lease is up. or at least getting close to it, when I start looking since it can take a while.

xwesx

tifighter said:

Let's get to today's random craigslist posting. Want a truck? Want a vette? Have some heavy equipment? Have we got the thing for you...

I admit I'd like to test drive this one, just to see what the heck it's like.

There is a bright yellow SSR locally. I generally see it out every summer. It sure sounds nice, but otherwise may be an acquired taste.

xwesx

abacomike said:

andres3 said:

Now everyone go out and buy a nice new car!

I'm trying hard to do that - believe me!

We know, Mike. You're a man of your craft, for sure! Good luck!

breld

nyccarguy said:

I saw a very sharp looking Miata RF in Black the other day. That looks like a fun car to drive!

It is. In fact, I think I’ll be getting another one at some point.

ab348

I was reading an article today (which referenced reporting by C&D) stating that the next Mazda 6, due out late next year, will have an inline 6-cyl engine, RWD, and will be moving upmarket in terms of luxe features to compete with the likes of M-B and BMW.

I wish them luck.

explorerx4

Santa Fe has 221k miles on it.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

well, this might be the cheapest car I ever saw for sale at a real car dealer. "as traded" usually means don't look too close, but I would really be interested in what is up with it to be that cheap. And why they would have it on the lot.

https://www.subaruofcherryhill.com/used/Hyundai/2009-Hyundai-Santa+Fe-cherry-hill-nj-bce8707b0a0e0a1716b9777b5840d0e8.htm

That’s a joke right? Maybe the scrap yard is closed and he needs to move it to make room. Just about the price he would get for it there by weight.

It would sell in 5 minutes on Craigslist although you would still get a few low ball offers.

oldfarmer50

Michaell said:

Even though we made the decision 8 months ago, I have to admit that becoming a one car family (2 if you count the daughters MINI) has been pretty easy. I think the wife has driven the Outback 2 or 3 times total, since the Jetta went back.

We are closing in on 36,000 miles on the Subie, but it may be another 2 or 3 weeks before we hit the milestone.

I would really like some sort of fun car at some point, but there is no rush. Gotta get the business back up and running first.

I admire your discipline. I can’t even get down to a 4 car family and I’m obsessed with buying more.

You should open a CCBA detox facility.🤪

stickguy

I should show up with $223 in singles. see if they take it. of course, being a dealer, they will want to add $479 onto the deal for "doc fees".

oldfarmer50

ab348 said:

I was reading an article today (which referenced reporting by C&D) stating that the next Mazda 6, due out late next year, will have an inline 6-cyl engine, RWD, and will be moving upmarket in terms of luxe features to compete with the likes of M-B and BMW.

I wish them luck.

That’s a bold move but might work out to get away from being an also-ran in a crowded field. Too bad it’s former partner didn’t do something similar with the Fusion.

stickguy

good news on the "home is falling apart front". finally got out the pipe wrench and worked up the ambition to crawl under the sink and replace the leaking hose. Probably took 20 minutes total, including rooting around the workbench looking for the wrench and tape, looking at the instructions, and wedging my creaky old body under the sink a few times. the faucet is tucked into the back corner behind the sink, and the disposal takes up a lot of space so somewhat of a pain to get your hands up into where everything connects. Good thing I am built like a stick!

but, very easy design, looks and works fine again. Nozzle retracts like it is supposed to, water comes out the end but not under the sink, so all seems good. I even cleaned the aerator (first time ever on that) and the wife cleaned out the nozzle head itself, so we are ahead of the game there. Moen thankfully had designed it well so it was a very easy DIY project. Pretty hard to mess up putting it together. I hope!

imidazol97

stickguy said:

good news on the "home is falling apart front". finally got out the pipe wrench and worked up the ambition to crawl under the sink and replace the leaking hose. Probably took 20 minutes total, including rooting around the workbench looking for the wrench and tape, looking at the instructions, and wedging my creaky old body under the sink a few times. the faucet is tucked into the back corner behind the sink, and the disposal takes up a lot of space so somewhat of a pain to get your hands up into where everything connects. Good thing I am built like a stick!

You'll pay for this tomorrow by being stiff and sore, if my experience is any example.

How's the fence coming?

abacomike

Just got a call from my dealership. My car was released from the port and is expected at the dealership today or tomorrow. Just waiting to hear about May lease and finance programs and USAA and customer loyalty cash.

NOW I AM GETTING EXCITED🤪😜😛

stickguy

laying down in the grass at the moment. Fence guy is coming by this afternoon to look at it and give an estimate. At minimum some of the posts need to be replaced and the sections reset, and gates rehung.

abacomike

Well, got the finance program information and USAA/Loyalty incentives, however the pull-ahead program is now only 3 months, not 5 months like it was last month. So, it will cost me an additional $1260 in lease payments on the S450. I guess it "is what it is".

More news to follow once I pick up the car.

28firefighter

If they ran your credit in April through MBFS, does't that "lock" the April incentives? BMW does that...

oldfarmer50

Anybody interested?



Less than a 1000 miles a year is a waste for the owner but maybe salvation for the buyer.

abacomike

28firefighter said:

If they ran your credit in April through MBFS, does't that "lock" the April incentives? BMW does that...

I'll have to check with the dealership on that - MBFS can't help me - they said everything has to go through the dealership.

abacomike

I need some advice from all you "mavens":

Which purchase option would you select?

36 months with $5000 down at 0% interest OR 48-72 months with $15,000 down at 2.99% interest?

Michaell

oldfarmer50 said:

Michaell said:

Even though we made the decision 8 months ago, I have to admit that becoming a one car family (2 if you count the daughters MINI) has been pretty easy. I think the wife has driven the Outback 2 or 3 times total, since the Jetta went back.

We are closing in on 36,000 miles on the Subie, but it may be another 2 or 3 weeks before we hit the milestone.

I would really like some sort of fun car at some point, but there is no rush. Gotta get the business back up and running first.

I admire your discipline. I can’t even get down to a 4 car family and I’m obsessed with buying more.

You should open a CCBA detox facility.🤪

Not my discipline - my wife's.

roadburner

oldfarmer50 said:

Anybody interested?



Less than a 1000 miles a year is a waste for the owner but maybe salvation for the buyer.

I remember two new cars I saw on the showroom floor as a pre-teen kid that I wanted so bad that it hurt; one was a 1968 GT500 and the other was a 1970 Boss 429. I'm sure neither would have lived up to my dreams but I still remember them like it was yesterday.

qbrozen

abacomike said:

I need some advice from all you "mavens":

Which purchase option would you select?

36 months with $5000 down at 0% interest OR 48-72 months with $15,000 down at 2.99% interest?

If you can afford to pay off in 36, then I'd do that. The interest, even at 2.99%, on $50k adds up quick. Almost $1500 in the first year.

graphicguy

abacomike said:

I need some advice from all you "mavens":

Which purchase option would you select?

36 months with $5000 down at 0% interest OR 48-72 months with $15,000 down at 2.99% interest?

Ooooo...a finance question. Something that I can honestly say does not enter into my equation when I buy a car. But, let me give you the advice that’s worth what you paid.

In all seriousness Rough guess after doing some quick ciphering., financing $60K (assuming that gets you close with the $15K down) and splitting your loan length down the middle at 60 months, you’re paying ~$4,500 in interest, thereabouts.

Obviously, at 36 months on 0%, you just divide the financed amount by the number of months for the monthly payment. Personally, if you can pull it off, I’d go 36 mos @ 0% interest. Subtracting your down payment and financing $55K over 36 mos, your monthly payment is north of $1,500.

That was more than my house payment when I had a mortgage. I might grow a little irritated at my car if I were writing that check for it every month.

qbrozen

Carvana and Vroom seem to be offering buyouts again. I submitted to both about 36 hrs ago. No response from Carvana, but Vroom just got back to me with $17.4k on my Hyundai. Not as good as it was, but should still be above buyout. I emailed my salesperson this morn to see if he is still at the dealership and if he could help me get the dealer buyout letter.

The Hyundai just sits here. Hasn't moved in weeks. Thankfully it is cheap, but still a waste of money. Not a great time to have a lease.

graphicguy

Oooops....I forgot to subtract your $15K downpayment for the 60 month note. You’d be paying ~$3,400 in interest at 60mos, 2.9%

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

If they ran your credit in April through MBFS, does't that "lock" the April incentives? BMW does that...

@abacomike

Nope.. Mercedes doesn't lock.

28firefighter

I'd be walking away - that S class is too subsidized and too nice to have to pay to get out of it, IMO.

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

carnaught said:

Wasn’t on the C & C board since early morning and now I see it’s been closed. I’m bummed .

Last I check they just removed a bunch of even remotely political posts. Did something happen after that?

Anyway, I‘m reading about precipitous drops in used car prices. I imagine the high end cars you guy prefer would be less affected but the meat & potatoes basic car that I look at might be a bargain. I’m always on the look out for my son’s next a Uber car. My opinion on driving for ride share is that to make it work you need to reduce your capital investment by buying a basic car that is mostly depreciated. Otherwise the economics don’t seem to work. 10 year old +- domestic cars seem to fit the bill.

I see ads like this and wonder if I should take the plunge now or wait until I actually need one in a couple of years. It seems like some dealers are slashing prices big time.

https://www.easthillschevroletoffreeport.com/VehicleDetails/used-2011-Chevrolet-Malibu-LS-Freeport-NY/3591325703

Looks OK but for the extra price I think this one is a better buy;
2015 MALIBU LS
A 2011 20000 miles $7000 or
a 2015 9000 miles $11000

driver100

stickguy said:

well, this might be the cheapest car I ever saw for sale at a real car dealer. "as traded" usually means don't look too close, but I would really be interested in what is up with it to be that cheap. And why they would have it on the lot.

https://www.subaruofcherryhill.com/used/Hyundai/2009-Hyundai-Santa+Fe-cherry-hill-nj-bce8707b0a0e0a1716b9777b5840d0e8.htm

I'm back!

Obviously "as is". Cheaper than towing it to the scrap yard.