Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

andres3

nyccarguy said:

andres3 said:

Okay, @oldfarmer50 or @nyccarguy has hidden a secret Audi punch from us, which one of you is confessing first?

https://www.newyorkupstate.com/news/2020/04/driver-cited-for-going-142-mph-in-a-55-mph-zone-on-new-york-parkway.html

How much is that ticket? $$$

Funny. That's near where I grew up (and my parents & sister still live). New York? The ticket is probably only $200. The surcharge is probably $2K.

Shouldn't be a problem for an S8 owner.

driver100

fintail said:

That C should keep going for a long time, late W204s especially aren't known to be bad. A retrofitted camera is also not impossible.

driver100 said:

I couldn't possibly give up the 2014 C250 which runs beautifully for $11000. That would be criminal. Maybe when it starts to fall apart or cause trouble

I agree. I always admire older cars that are kept up. Saw a 1999 C250 (I think it was...or 240?) and it looked like new....at 20 years old. Besides, the 2014 C250 is unique, you see way more newer ones than the 2014. But hearing that it should go for a long time by our MB expert is encouraging.

Maybe I should post the picture with striped T-shirt over here

driver100

ab348 said:

fintail said:

That C should keep going for a long time, late W204s especially aren't known to be bad. A retrofitted camera is also not impossible.

We had several pages of discussion on that very question over in the dearly-departed C&C board.

Still might install a camera....but, to be brief, hoping they make one that doesn't need to be hard wired in....from the camera to the display screen, and the display screen has to have it's own power - don't want to plug it in to cigarette lighter or wired into the current wiring.

stickguy

so Vroom just tells you what they are paying from the car, but you don't know what you will net until they get the actual dealer (they being the dealer) payoff from HMF? That kinda makes sense.

stickguy

so, got new wheels in the driveway! But just temporary. Picked up a U haul cargo van this afternoon to haul my daughters collected crap down to her new apartment. so already swung through the storage place on the way home and cleaned out the unit she rented. Later need to load all the boxes that have overtaken my living room (furniture and stuff she ordered to here) and hope it all fits! Then tomorrow drive to Delaware and offload it all (and carry it up a tight staircase to 2nd floor apartment in an old house. Ugh).

thankfully got a newer (5,700 miles) Transit. They drive so much nicer than the old E series of Chevy cargo vans. really like a big smooth car, and not a bouncy truck. Too bad it obviously had smokers in it. Yucky but will roll the windows down to blow it out.

my first drive more than about 5 miles from my house in almost 2 months. Can't wait!

even filled up the RDX with gas for the first time since we bought it (and it still had 1/3 of a tank left). Also getting it's "maiden voyage" since until now, the longest trip was the roughly 8 mile trip home from the dealer. Will be good to stretch it's legs!

greg128

andres3 said:

Okay, @oldfarmer50 or @nyccarguy has hidden a secret Audi punch from us, which one of you is confessing first?

https://www.newyorkupstate.com/news/2020/04/driver-cited-for-going-142-mph-in-a-55-mph-zone-on-new-york-parkway.html

How much is that ticket? $$$

how about this:
https://nypost.com/2020/04/29/driver-caught-going-180-mph-on-michigan-highway-police/

omarman

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

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

I can’t connect to that link you posted on the 2015 Malibu but all things being equal I would go for the newer car...except....

We’re talking about a car that is going to be used up in 2-3 years of Uber use no matter what. Depreciating a $11,000 capital expense is worse than depreciating a $7,000 one. Assuming 30k miles per year after 3 years what would be the difference in value between a 2011 with 120k and a 2015 with 99k? I’m guessing not $4k.

A few things though to factor in. One is the 2011 is in all probability need more repairs and sooner, and if we are considering the final net worth of the car - either the 2015 will last about a year longer because of lower mileage, or be worth a bit more because it is 3 years younger.

Here is the link, which I tried to shorten using the tools above, because it is so long;
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=544673530&zip=33573&referrer=/cars-for-sale/searchresults.xhtml?zip=33573&startYear=2011&maxMileage=30000&incremental=all&endYear=2015&modelCodeList=MALI&makeCodeList=CHEV&listingTypes=USED&sortBy=relevance&firstRecord=0&marketExtension=off&searchRadius=200&trimCodeList=MALI%7CLS&isNewSearch=true&listingTypes=USED&startYear=2011&numRecords=25&firstRecord=0&endYear=2015&modelCodeList=MALI&makeCodeList=CHEV&searchRadius=200&clickType=listing

Boy, that is dirt cheap. $4100 price drop. That’s a good example of what I was talking about. Dealers may be dumping cars. The CarFax shows an accident but it’s a minor (less than $1000) one.

Do you think they’ll honor that home delivery promise from Fort Lauderdale?

I was reading some fine print at the dealer site and found:

All prices plus dealer installed equipment or accessories and based on financing being obtained with Grieco Chevrolet Fort Lauderdale. See dealer for complete details. All prices reflect nine hundred ninety eight cash or trade. Must Finance with dealer. Plus, tax, tag, dealer fee, and any applicable activation or reconditioning fees.

Car Smack also shows unspecified damage report from January this year: Front and Front Right.
Not all damage is caused by an accident. Get the car inspected before you buy.

greg128

duplicate post

stickguy

apparently when your fence falls down, the wildlife takes over. Though with meat shortages pending, maybe I should have tried to catch this?

was making lunch, and this guy just walked around from behind the fence, through where the gate normally would be, and just wandered across my back yard. I expect a herd of deer soon (there is a deer superhighway just into the woods behind me)

stickguy

sorry about orientation. just hold your device sideways.

carnaught

stickguy said:

apparently when your fence falls down, the wildlife takes over. Though with meat shortages pending, maybe I should have tried to catch this?

was making lunch, and this guy just walked around from behind the fence, through where the gate normally would be, and just wandered across my back yard. I expect a herd of deer soon (there is a deer superhighway just into the woods behind me)

@stickguy, nice 90-degree of Lemu Emu.

driver100

stickguy said:

apparently when your fence falls down, the wildlife takes over. Though with meat shortages pending, maybe I should have tried to catch this?

was making lunch, and this guy just walked around from behind the fence, through where the gate normally would be, and just wandered across my back yard. I expect a herd of deer soon (there is a deer superhighway just into the woods behind me)

Wow...that could make a nice dinner for you.

explorerx4

Potential boyfriend in my yard.

fintail

Definitely, a well maintained older car says more positives than a neglected newer car. For MY 1999 it was C230 and C280, 4cyl vs 6cyl, and the seldom-seen C43 AMG. Those W202 also weren't too bad (mostly watch for rust in those areas), I had a W202 C43 AMG, now a quite rare car with nice ones on the cusp of being minor collectibles, if pristine low mileage survivors:



Regarding the camera, now that I think of it, I remember the discussion. I still think you should seek out a good indy shop, and have them retrofit an upgraded COMAND with factory camera. It might cost more than an aftermarket one, but I bet it will work better, and I think will include other functionality.

MBs of the past decade have been a lot less troublesome than of the decade prior. None of them really scare me.

driver100 said:

I agree. I always admire older cars that are kept up. Saw a 1999 C250 (I think it was...or 240?) and it looked like new....at 20 years old. Besides, the 2014 C250 is unique, you see way more newer ones than the 2014. But hearing that it should go for a long time by our MB expert is encouraging.

Maybe I should post the picture with striped T-shirt over here

driver100

omarman said:

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

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

I can’t connect to that link you posted on the 2015 Malibu but all things being equal I would go for the newer car...except....

We’re talking about a car that is going to be used up in 2-3 years of Uber use no matter what. Depreciating a $11,000 capital expense is worse than depreciating a $7,000 one. Assuming 30k miles per year after 3 years what would be the difference in value between a 2011 with 120k and a 2015 with 99k? I’m guessing not $4k.

A few things though to factor in. One is the 2011 is in all probability need more repairs and sooner, and if we are considering the final net worth of the car - either the 2015 will last about a year longer because of lower mileage, or be worth a bit more because it is 3 years younger.

Here is the link, which I tried to shorten using the tools above, because it is so long;
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=544673530&zip=33573&referrer=/cars-for-sale/searchresults.xhtml?zip=33573&startYear=2011&maxMileage=30000&incremental=all&endYear=2015&modelCodeList=MALI&makeCodeList=CHEV&listingTypes=USED&sortBy=relevance&firstRecord=0&marketExtension=off&searchRadius=200&trimCodeList=MALI%7CLS&isNewSearch=true&listingTypes=USED&startYear=2011&numRecords=25&firstRecord=0&endYear=2015&modelCodeList=MALI&makeCodeList=CHEV&searchRadius=200&clickType=listing

Boy, that is dirt cheap. $4100 price drop. That’s a good example of what I was talking about. Dealers may be dumping cars. The CarFax shows an accident but it’s a minor (less than $1000) one.

Do you think they’ll honor that home delivery promise from Fort Lauderdale?

I was reading some fine print at the dealer site and found:

All prices plus dealer installed equipment or accessories and based on financing being obtained with Grieco Chevrolet Fort Lauderdale. See dealer for complete details. All prices reflect nine hundred ninety eight cash or trade. Must Finance with dealer. Plus, tax, tag, dealer fee, and any applicable activation or reconditioning fees.

Car Smack also shows unspecified damage report from January this year: Front and Front Right.
Not all damage is caused by an accident. Get the car inspected before you buy.

Great detective work omarman. I am not surprised by much these days but that does surprise me. Makes me not very trustful...I don't think I would even follow up after seeing that. The $998 (which they write out in letters so you won't see it easily) is bad enough, but, you must finance with them, and what is installed equipment or accessories? What is a reconditioning fee?
The thing is though, in Florida it is probably hard to find dealers who don't play these games.

stickguy

that looks like the area right behind my fence!

driver100

I wonder what the deal is on this one same dealer. 2017 Malibu, 55000 miles, for $11,700 + at least the $998!
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=550500255&zip=33573&referrer=/cars-for-sale/searchresults.xhtml?zip=33573&startYear=2011&maxMileage=30000&incremental=all&endYear=2015&modelCodeList=MALI&makeCodeList=CHEV&listingTypes=USED&sortBy=relevance&firstRecord=0&marketExtension=off&searchRadius=200&trimCodeList=MALI%7CLS&isNewSearch=true&listingTypes=USED&startYear=2011&numRecords=25&firstRecord=0&endYear=2015&modelCodeList=MALI&makeCodeList=CHEV&searchRadius=200&clickType=otherVDP

How many accidents?

sda

stickguy said:

so, got new wheels in the driveway! But just temporary. Picked up a U haul cargo van this afternoon to haul my daughters collected crap down to her new apartment. so already swung through the storage place on the way home and cleaned out the unit she rented. Later need to load all the boxes that have overtaken my living room (furniture and stuff she ordered to here) and hope it all fits! Then tomorrow drive to Delaware and offload it all (and carry it up a tight staircase to 2nd floor apartment in an old house. Ugh).

thankfully got a newer (5,700 miles) Transit. They drive so much nicer than the old E series of Chevy cargo vans. really like a big smooth car, and not a bouncy truck. Too bad it obviously had smokers in it. Yucky but will roll the windows down to blow it out.

my first drive more than about 5 miles from my house in almost 2 months. Can't wait!

even filled up the RDX with gas for the first time since we bought it (and it still had 1/3 of a tank left). Also getting it's "maiden voyage" since until now, the longest trip was the roughly 8 mile trip home from the dealer. Will be good to stretch it's legs!

Good luck and don’t over do. Your princess needs to treat you nicely, at least a peck on the cheek.

stickguy

driver100 said:

I wonder what the deal is on this one same dealer. 2017 Malibu, 55000 miles, for $11,700 + at least the $998!
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=550500255&zip=33573&referrer=/cars-for-sale/searchresults.xhtml?zip=33573&startYear=2011&maxMileage=30000&incremental=all&endYear=2015&modelCodeList=MALI&makeCodeList=CHEV&listingTypes=USED&sortBy=relevance&firstRecord=0&marketExtension=off&searchRadius=200&trimCodeList=MALI%7CLS&isNewSearch=true&listingTypes=USED&startYear=2011&numRecords=25&firstRecord=0&endYear=2015&modelCodeList=MALI&makeCodeList=CHEV&searchRadius=200&clickType=otherVDP

How many accidents?

well, miles a little steep, malibus depreciate, not super new, market is bad. so basically selling for $13,000 for a 4 YO car is not out of line.

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

I wonder what the deal is on this one same dealer. 2017 Malibu, 55000 miles, for $11,700 + at least the $998!
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=550500255&zip=33573&referrer=/cars-for-sale/searchresults.xhtml?zip=33573&startYear=2011&maxMileage=30000&incremental=all&endYear=2015&modelCodeList=MALI&makeCodeList=CHEV&listingTypes=USED&sortBy=relevance&firstRecord=0&marketExtension=off&searchRadius=200&trimCodeList=MALI%7CLS&isNewSearch=true&listingTypes=USED&startYear=2011&numRecords=25&firstRecord=0&endYear=2015&modelCodeList=MALI&makeCodeList=CHEV&searchRadius=200&clickType=otherVDP

How many accidents?

No accidents but all those BS fees make knowing the real price impossible. $998 trade or down payment. Typical of what I hear about Florida but closer to home CT dealers typically list prices without mentioning a $499 fee.

Got to do your homework.

andres3

What does a sports car with 60,000 miles but 6 owners already tell you? Scream to you?

That sports cars are bought without proper thought put into it, or that this car is a lemon?

andres3

greg128 said:

andres3 said:

Okay, @oldfarmer50 or @nyccarguy has hidden a secret Audi punch from us, which one of you is confessing first?

https://www.newyorkupstate.com/news/2020/04/driver-cited-for-going-142-mph-in-a-55-mph-zone-on-new-york-parkway.html

How much is that ticket? $$$

how about this:
https://nypost.com/2020/04/29/driver-caught-going-180-mph-on-michigan-highway-police/

Pacific Northwesters won't make it in California:

https://nypost.com/2020/04/23/speeding-tickets-soar-in-california-amid-coronavirus-lockdown/

Chaching!!!!! $$$$ The CHP is cashing in right now! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

At this rate, I'm sure the gas tax will be eliminated by 2021

ab348

Is that one of those rogue wild turkeys? Must be visiting from Toms River.

fintail

Most Seattle drivers would be eaten alive in LA traffic. However, the migration flows go the other way, so we get Californicators - who bring us traffic, inflated housing costs, and whine about the problems here, all while not realizing the common denominator in those problems.

Given the revenue downturn, money is needed no doubt. It all helps.

andres3 said:

Pacific Northwesters won't make it in California:

https://nypost.com/2020/04/23/speeding-tickets-soar-in-california-amid-coronavirus-lockdown/

Chaching!!!!! $$$$ The CHP is cashing in right now! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

At this rate, I'm sure the gas tax will be eliminated by 2021

stickguy

there is a farmette nearby that has turkeys on it. we see them, and guinea hens, wandering around the neighborhood at times.

stickguy

got the U Haul all loadeed. the 112 pound sofa in a box was a bear. of course, the princess seems to have disappeared to go distance hang with a friend. but she owes us dinner and drinks tomorrow! at least all the heavy loading is done. tomorrow, breakfast, throw a little light stuff up top, and head out. with the sweaty work being at the receiving end.

I told my wife that this is it, I am done moving. way too close to 60 to be doing this nonsense. Thankfully by the time we go up to Albany to see our son and his new house, he will have already gotten friends to move his stuff. I will just be doing handyman stuff, not heavy lifting. so after these moves, they are on their own. Happy to drive the truck, as long as young friends of theirs do all the carrying!

28firefighter

The point in my life where I could justify paying for movers was a revelation. Letting them pack was like Nirvana.

stickguy

the last few times we moved (been quite a while now) we had pros do it. We packed, but man, hiring the muscle was wonderful. Since then it has just been the kids, and that was dorm rooms/small apartment stuff that fits in a small uhaul. so not terrible.

if we finally get out of our big house, definitely hiring movers, but not sure if getting packers in will fly with the boss. I don't mind that part really. just pack the boxes and leave them in place.

driver100

stickguy said:

got the U Haul all loadeed. the 112 pound sofa in a box was a bear.
I told my wife that this is it, I am done moving. way too close to 60 to be doing this nonsense.

We have moved several times....always did the packing - don't enjoy that part. But, the actual moving....I call "The Guy", don't want to ruin my back for the rest of my life!.

driver100

stickguy said:

driver100 said:

I wonder what the deal is on this one same dealer. 2017 Malibu, 55000 miles, for $11,700 + at least the $998!
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=550500255&zip=33573&referrer=/cars-for-sale/searchresults.xhtml?zip=33573&startYear=2011&maxMileage=30000&incremental=all&endYear=2015&modelCodeList=MALI&makeCodeList=CHEV&listingTypes=USED&sortBy=relevance&firstRecord=0&marketExtension=off&searchRadius=200&trimCodeList=MALI%7CLS&isNewSearch=true&listingTypes=USED&startYear=2011&numRecords=25&firstRecord=0&endYear=2015&modelCodeList=MALI&makeCodeList=CHEV&searchRadius=200&clickType=otherVDP

How many accidents?

well, miles a little steep, malibus depreciate, not super new, market is bad. so basically selling for $13,000 for a 4 YO car is not out of line.

Good point. If a 2014 C250 with 30000 miles is worth $11500 I guess a 2017 Malibu with 55000 miles at $13k doesn't sound out of line.

corvette

driver100 said:

The thing is though, in Florida it is probably hard to find dealers who don't play these games.

And the Gulf States Toyota cartel controls the supply of Toyota products--seems like most of them have thousands of dollars in extra-cost regional packages installed.

I clicked on an ad today featuring Palm Beach area properties at "too good to be true" prices. A 1,400 square foot townhouse for $20k and a 2,200 square foot house for $100k. Townhouse requires that you pay the HOA an initiation fee of $9,000 (non-refundable), plus a buy-in of $65k (refundable when you sell), and the dues were around $800 a month, which is higher than my mortgage payment. So you're essentially paying $94k for the privilege of renting a townhouse for $800 per month. The deal with the house appeared to be similar.

corvette

andres3 said:

What does a sports car with 60,000 miles but 6 owners already tell you? Scream to you?

That sports cars are bought without proper thought put into it, or that this car is a lemon?

I can see that happening with some Jeep Wranglers--I've had a few friends who bought one because they're cool, but couldn't live with the refinement level after driving mainstream vehicles for decades. They hold their resale value, in spite of this.

driver100

fintail said:

Definitely, a well maintained older car says more positives than a neglected newer car. For MY 1999 it was C230 and C280, 4cyl vs 6cyl, and the seldom-seen C43 AMG. Those W202 also weren't too bad (mostly watch for rust in those areas), I had a W202 C43 AMG, now a quite rare car with nice ones on the cusp of being minor collectibles, if pristine low mileage survivors:



Regarding the camera, now that I think of it, I remember the discussion. I still think you should seek out a good indy shop, and have them retrofit an upgraded COMAND with factory camera. It might cost more than an aftermarket one, but I bet it will work better, and I think will include other functionality.

MBs of the past decade have been a lot less troublesome than of the decade prior. None of them really scare me.

driver100 said:

I agree. I always admire older cars that are kept up. Saw a 1999 C250 (I think it was...or 240?) and it looked like new....at 20 years old. Besides, the 2014 C250 is unique, you see way more newer ones than the 2014. But hearing that it should go for a long time by our MB expert is encouraging.

Maybe I should post the picture with striped T-shirt over here

I watched youtube videos of guys in Eastern Europe who can install the camera into the built in media unit. They do it like it is nothing. It is fairly complicated, and you could really mess up the electronics. In America they don't want to risk messing it up and paying to correct it. It would cost over $1200. Wiring in a unit will cost about $700.......I don't know if I want to do it and it could lead to other problems. I would like one, but only if it is a stand alone unit....nice and neat, no wires.

But, glad to know the 2014 should be a good reliable year. We had a 1999 C230.......our first Mercedes. We had a 1995 Volvo, Mrs D100 was getting it repaired for the 20th time under warranty.....and she walked across to the Mercedes dealer and took a test drive. She came home and said she wanted the Mercedes, even if we could only afford a used one. Fortunately, the 99 C230 came out at a much lower price point for Mercedes.....so we bought a new one. Loved that car with it's Kompressor. What a change from the constantly breaking down Volvo.

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

I wonder what the deal is on this one same dealer. 2017 Malibu, 55000 miles, for $11,700 + at least the $998!
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=550500255&zip=33573&referrer=/cars-for-sale/searchresults.xhtml?zip=33573&startYear=2011&maxMileage=30000&incremental=all&endYear=2015&modelCodeList=MALI&makeCodeList=CHEV&listingTypes=USED&sortBy=relevance&firstRecord=0&marketExtension=off&searchRadius=200&trimCodeList=MALI%7CLS&isNewSearch=true&listingTypes=USED&startYear=2011&numRecords=25&firstRecord=0&endYear=2015&modelCodeList=MALI&makeCodeList=CHEV&searchRadius=200&clickType=otherVDP

How many accidents?

No accidents but all those BS fees make knowing the real price impossible. $998 trade or down payment. Typical of what I hear about Florida but closer to home CT dealers typically list prices without mentioning a $499 fee.

Got to do your homework.

In Canada they finally made airline companies post real prices, not the low price that isn't possible to actually buy...has to include all the extras. That should be done with cars. It is ridiculous to have "with $5000 trade-in" in tiny lettering hidden at the bottom of the page. And NO dealer should be allowed to say you get this price with our financing only....that means their rate is going to be scammingly high. Why else would you say it. Doesn't make me want to see the car - makes me want to avoid that dealer.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

got the U Haul all loadeed. the 112 pound sofa in a box was a bear. of course, the princess seems to have disappeared to go distance hang with a friend. but she owes us dinner and drinks tomorrow! at least all the heavy loading is done. tomorrow, breakfast, throw a little light stuff up top, and head out. with the sweaty work being at the receiving end.

I told my wife that this is it, I am done moving. way too close to 60 to be doing this nonsense. Thankfully by the time we go up to Albany to see our son and his new house, he will have already gotten friends to move his stuff. I will just be doing handyman stuff, not heavy lifting. so after these moves, they are on their own. Happy to drive the truck, as long as young friends of theirs do all the carrying!

Your daughter left you to do all the work? Wow, she is a princess.👸

When you come up to see your son you can borrow my cargo van to do any moving duties.

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

stickguy said:

driver100 said:

I wonder what the deal is on this one same dealer. 2017 Malibu, 55000 miles, for $11,700 + at least the $998!
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=550500255&zip=33573&referrer=/cars-for-sale/searchresults.xhtml?zip=33573&startYear=2011&maxMileage=30000&incremental=all&endYear=2015&modelCodeList=MALI&makeCodeList=CHEV&listingTypes=USED&sortBy=relevance&firstRecord=0&marketExtension=off&searchRadius=200&trimCodeList=MALI%7CLS&isNewSearch=true&listingTypes=USED&startYear=2011&numRecords=25&firstRecord=0&endYear=2015&modelCodeList=MALI&makeCodeList=CHEV&searchRadius=200&clickType=otherVDP

How many accidents?

well, miles a little steep, malibus depreciate, not super new, market is bad. so basically selling for $13,000 for a 4 YO car is not out of line.

Good point. If a 2014 C250 with 30000 miles is worth $11500 I guess a 2017 Malibu with 55000 miles at $13k doesn't sound out of line.

Remember, you’re comparing trade-in to retail. What do you think a dealer would sell your car for?

stickguy

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

stickguy said:

driver100 said:

I wonder what the deal is on this one same dealer. 2017 Malibu, 55000 miles, for $11,700 + at least the $998!
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=550500255&zip=33573&referrer=/cars-for-sale/searchresults.xhtml?zip=33573&startYear=2011&maxMileage=30000&incremental=all&endYear=2015&modelCodeList=MALI&makeCodeList=CHEV&listingTypes=USED&sortBy=relevance&firstRecord=0&marketExtension=off&searchRadius=200&trimCodeList=MALI%7CLS&isNewSearch=true&listingTypes=USED&startYear=2011&numRecords=25&firstRecord=0&endYear=2015&modelCodeList=MALI&makeCodeList=CHEV&searchRadius=200&clickType=otherVDP

How many accidents?

well, miles a little steep, malibus depreciate, not super new, market is bad. so basically selling for $13,000 for a 4 YO car is not out of line.

Good point. If a 2014 C250 with 30000 miles is worth $11500 I guess a 2017 Malibu with 55000 miles at $13k doesn't sound out of line.

Remember, you’re comparing trade-in to retail. What do you think a dealer would sell your car for?

was going to post the same thing. there is usually a good 3k spread. so a trade in of 11K on the Benz and asking 11K on the Malibu? that means someone got 8K on a trade for the Chevy and the Mercedes will hit the lot at 14K. Give or take a few bucks.

stickguy

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

got the U Haul all loadeed. the 112 pound sofa in a box was a bear. of course, the princess seems to have disappeared to go distance hang with a friend. but she owes us dinner and drinks tomorrow! at least all the heavy loading is done. tomorrow, breakfast, throw a little light stuff up top, and head out. with the sweaty work being at the receiving end.

I told my wife that this is it, I am done moving. way too close to 60 to be doing this nonsense. Thankfully by the time we go up to Albany to see our son and his new house, he will have already gotten friends to move his stuff. I will just be doing handyman stuff, not heavy lifting. so after these moves, they are on their own. Happy to drive the truck, as long as young friends of theirs do all the carrying!

Your daughter left you to do all the work? Wow, she is a princess.👸

When you come up to see your son you can borrow my cargo van to do any moving duties.

we could have waited until she got home, but I wanted to get it over with. Or in the morning, but I wanted to split up the pain. so the wife and I just did it after our evening walk. The Princess was with me to unload the storage unit into the rental truck. She does hard labor too!

thankfully the son has a lot of friends with muscles. He plans to have all the big stuff moved before we get up there. fine by me! We are planning to help decorate and do little projects. More our speed. Mostly our daughter doing all the decorating for him.

abacomike

When I spoke with my dealer today, he told me that there are two other benefits and/or incentives if you finance at 0% interest for 36 months with MBFS:

MBFS will pick up the first payment up to a maximum of $500.

First payment can be delayed for 90 days - which means the loan on the car is actually 39 months at 0% interest.

In all the years I've been buying Mercedes Benz cars, I never remember them offering such tremendous incentives. My out-the-door cost is $68,365 for a $74,400 MSRP E450W4 (includes sales tax, DMV registration, fees, etc.). Remember, sales tax alone is almost $4000. I am a very happy camper.🤙😋

fintail

I have to imagine there's a good indy shop who'd have no problem retrofitting a factory system to your car. It was designed for your car, some of the parts are already there. Maybe a few hours labor, and several hundred for the parts, but it'd slide right in. I'd spend the money for a factory unit that would work and look seamless, but I am on the nice and neat to another level - I don't like non-stock in-car electronics.

C230 would have been the low 30s then I suppose. I think they were much easier to live with than the C-class that replaced it, those seemed to be prone to issues and quirks.

driver100 said:

I watched youtube videos of guys in Eastern Europe who can install the camera into the built in media unit. They do it like it is nothing. It is fairly complicated, and you could really mess up the electronics. In America they don't want to risk messing it up and paying to correct it. It would cost over $1200. Wiring in a unit will cost about $700.......I don't know if I want to do it and it could lead to other problems. I would like one, but only if it is a stand alone unit....nice and neat, no wires.

But, glad to know the 2014 should be a good reliable year. We had a 1999 C230.......our first Mercedes. We had a 1995 Volvo, Mrs D100 was getting it repaired for the 20th time under warranty.....and she walked across to the Mercedes dealer and took a test drive. She came home and said she wanted the Mercedes, even if we could only afford a used one. Fortunately, the 99 C230 came out at a much lower price point for Mercedes.....so we bought a new one. Loved that car with it's Kompressor. What a change from the constantly breaking down Volvo.

driver100

corvette said:

driver100 said:

The thing is though, in Florida it is probably hard to find dealers who don't play these games.

And the Gulf States Toyota cartel controls the supply of Toyota products--seems like most of them have thousands of dollars in extra-cost regional packages installed.
So you're essentially paying $94k for the privilege of renting a townhouse for $800 per month. The deal with the house appeared to be similar.

You have to be really careful these days with almost everything you buy. It is almost like two very different business models, either satisfied customers and there for the long term (I find amazon is pretty good to deal with though I know if something goes wrong it will be difficult to get satisfaction as they don't have real people handling customer service) or, there is the scam artists, in it for the quick buck.
I wonder how people who bought time shares are doing if it is their vacation time right now?

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

stickguy said:

driver100 said:

I wonder what the deal is on this one same dealer. 2017 Malibu, 55000 miles, for $11,700 + at least the $998!
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=550500255&zip=33573&referrer=/cars-for-sale/searchresults.xhtml?zip=33573&startYear=2011&maxMileage=30000&incremental=all&endYear=2015&modelCodeList=MALI&makeCodeList=CHEV&listingTypes=USED&sortBy=relevance&firstRecord=0&marketExtension=off&searchRadius=200&trimCodeList=MALI%7CLS&isNewSearch=true&listingTypes=USED&startYear=2011&numRecords=25&firstRecord=0&endYear=2015&modelCodeList=MALI&makeCodeList=CHEV&searchRadius=200&clickType=otherVDP

How many accidents?

well, miles a little steep, malibus depreciate, not super new, market is bad. so basically selling for $13,000 for a 4 YO car is not out of line.

Good point. If a 2014 C250 with 30000 miles is worth $11500 I guess a 2017 Malibu with 55000 miles at $13k doesn't sound out of line.

Remember, you’re comparing trade-in to retail. What do you think a dealer would sell your car for?

I am actually taking that into account......my $11500 trade in would be put on sale for $15k, they would hope to get $14k. That doesn't make me feel better about only getting $11500 for a great little car. The best way for me to win is to keep the C250 until it starts to have problems....which may be 10 years from now. 30000 miles on it, plus 6000 miles a year.

driver100

abacomike said:

When I spoke with my dealer today, he told me that there are two other benefits and/or incentives if you finance at 0% interest for 36 months with MBFS:

MBFS will pick up the first payment up to a maximum of $500.

First payment can be delayed for 90 days - which means the loan on the car is actually 39 months at 0% interest.

In all the years I've been buying Mercedes Benz cars, I never remember them offering such tremendous incentives. My out-the-door cost is $68,365 for a $74,400 MSRP E450W4 (includes sales tax, DMV registration, fees, etc.). Remember, sales tax alone is almost $4000. I am a very happy camper.🤙😋

Did the incentives change in May. It sounds the same except the 90 day delay for 1st payment.
It is a great deal...they made you a deal you couldn't say no to.
Congratulations....sounds like a beautiful car, and a remarkable price.

driver100

fintail said:

I have to imagine there's a good indy shop who'd have no problem retrofitting a factory system to your car. It was designed for your car, some of the parts are already there. Maybe a few hours labor, and several hundred for the parts, but it'd slide right in. I'd spend the money for a factory unit that would work and look seamless, but I am on the nice and neat to another level - I don't like non-stock in-car electronics.

C230 would have been the low 30s then I suppose. I think they were much easier to live with than the C-class that replaced it, those seemed to be prone to issues and quirks.

driver100 said:

I watched youtube videos of guys in Eastern Europe who can install the camera into the built in media unit. They do it like it is nothing. It is fairly complicated, and you could really mess up the electronics. In America they don't want to risk messing it up and paying to correct it. It would cost over $1200. Wiring in a unit will cost about $700.......I don't know if I want to do it and it could lead to other problems. I would like one, but only if it is a stand alone unit....nice and neat, no wires.

But, glad to know the 2014 should be a good reliable year. We had a 1999 C230.......our first Mercedes. We had a 1995 Volvo, Mrs D100 was getting it repaired for the 20th time under warranty.....and she walked across to the Mercedes dealer and took a test drive. She came home and said she wanted the Mercedes, even if we could only afford a used one. Fortunately, the 99 C230 came out at a much lower price point for Mercedes.....so we bought a new one. Loved that car with it's Kompressor. What a change from the constantly breaking down Volvo.

I talked to one indie shop about wiring in a separate unit. I get the impression, they will do it, but, it isn't easy to do......and what they are afraid of is messing up the electronics. My fear so to speak, is they will do it, it will mess up the electronics, and I will be spending a lot of my time trying to get it corrected. One lesson I have learned is it will probably be more trouble than it is worth to me.

It would probably cost me less, to get a solar powered camera that fits on the license frame, and that needs no wiring to send a picture to a cell phone, that you place on the console...and then you have a back up camera with no wires. But, my cell phone is just a phone, so can't get data. Once again, more trouble than it is worth....so I just have to be extra careful when backing up, and do it the old fashioned way.

driver100

fintail said:

C230 would have been the low 30s then I suppose. I think they were much easier to live with than the C-class that replaced it, those seemed to be prone to issues and quirks.

driver100 said:

I watched youtube videos of guys in Eastern Europe who can install the camera into the built in media unit. They do it like it is nothing. It is fairly complicated, and you could really mess up the electronics. In America they don't want to risk messing it up and paying to correct it. It would cost over $1200. Wiring in a unit will cost about $700.......I don't know if I want to do it and it could lead to other problems. I would like one, but only if it is a stand alone unit....nice and neat, no wires.

But, glad to know the 2014 should be a good reliable year. We had a 1999 C230.......our first Mercedes. We had a 1995 Volvo, Mrs D100 was getting it repaired for the 20th time under warranty.....and she walked across to the Mercedes dealer and took a test drive. She came home and said she wanted the Mercedes, even if we could only afford a used one. Fortunately, the 99 C230 came out at a much lower price point for Mercedes.....so we bought a new one. Loved that car with it's Kompressor. What a change from the constantly breaking down Volvo.

I liked the 1999 C230 a lot....that Kompressor had a lot of punch, and nice handling. Yes, it was low $30s, about $34k and our dollar I think was pretty good compared to USD. I saw a 2003 C230 or 240 at the dealers and fell in love with the look of the wagon. It looked good, Mrs D100 really liked the outward vision especially because you could see back so well. But, that engine sucked big time. MB wanted to make a more refined engine, so put in a 6 cyl engine. It made the car embarrassingly slow, took away all the fun of driving it. Looked beautiful....was smoother and quieter, but, boring. Mrs D went for a 2008 bmw 335 with manual transmission, wanted to escape the boredom.

oldfarmer50

corvette said:

driver100 said:

The thing is though, in Florida it is probably hard to find dealers who don't play these games.

And the Gulf States Toyota cartel controls the supply of Toyota products--seems like most of them have thousands of dollars in extra-cost regional packages installed.

I clicked on an ad today featuring Palm Beach area properties at "too good to be true" prices. A 1,400 square foot townhouse for $20k and a 2,200 square foot house for $100k. Townhouse requires that you pay the HOA an initiation fee of $9,000 (non-refundable), plus a buy-in of $65k (refundable when you sell), and the dues were around $800 a month, which is higher than my mortgage payment. So you're essentially paying $94k for the privilege of renting a townhouse for $800 per month. The deal with the house appeared to be similar.

Back in the last recession I was looking at condo listings from Tampa. There was one development where they had 2 listings. One was $30k and the other was $20k for identical units.

They explained that half the owners had been foreclosed upon and the HOA had no money to do repairs so the cheaper unit had a hole in the ceiling.

oldfarmer50

abacomike said:

When I spoke with my dealer today, he told me that there are two other benefits and/or incentives if you finance at 0% interest for 36 months with MBFS:

MBFS will pick up the first payment up to a maximum of $500.

First payment can be delayed for 90 days - which means the loan on the car is actually 39 months at 0% interest.

In all the years I've been buying Mercedes Benz cars, I never remember them offering such tremendous incentives. My out-the-door cost is $68,365 for a $74,400 MSRP E450W4 (includes sales tax, DMV registration, fees, etc.). Remember, sales tax alone is almost $4000. I am a very happy camper.🤙😋

That’s incredible. Did your previous history in the business get you that special treatment or did you have to threaten to unfold the deal?

I can’t imagine the average Joe Schmoe getting all that trunk money.

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

corvette said:

driver100 said:

The thing is though, in Florida it is probably hard to find dealers who don't play these games.

And the Gulf States Toyota cartel controls the supply of Toyota products--seems like most of them have thousands of dollars in extra-cost regional packages installed.

I clicked on an ad today featuring Palm Beach area properties at "too good to be true" prices. A 1,400 square foot townhouse for $20k and a 2,200 square foot house for $100k. Townhouse requires that you pay the HOA an initiation fee of $9,000 (non-refundable), plus a buy-in of $65k (refundable when you sell), and the dues were around $800 a month, which is higher than my mortgage payment. So you're essentially paying $94k for the privilege of renting a townhouse for $800 per month. The deal with the house appeared to be similar.

Back in the last recession I was looking at condo listings from Tampa. There was one development where they had 2 listings. One was $30k and the other was $20k for identical units.

They explained that half the owners had been foreclosed upon and the HOA had no money to do repairs so the cheaper unit had a hole in the ceiling.

Before we bought, we stayed in condo townhouses in the Tampa area...they were selling for $350000 at the time, about 14 years ago. Only about 10% of them sold, then the recession hit....the builder kept building for some reason. Some people were unloading them for $120000. They leveled off at about $180000 and now recovered to around $240000. But, without many sold it is hard to cover the management fees etc, for 200 condos, when there are owners in only 20 of them. Plus, you can only pay rent, IIRC until a certain percentage are sold.

roadburner

The last high winds brought down a 12" limb about 6" in diameter. I used the Wrangler to drag it to the edge of the woods and then pulled it in by hand the rest of the way. Then I fired up the 54" ZTR for the first time this year and cut the grass(I have a lawn service handle the first two cuts). It takes about 90 minutes to cut the 2.5 acres around the house. If every day was like today I wouldn't mind doing it so much; the weather was cool and it wasn't dusty at all. Now back to car hunting.

pensfan83

90 minutes....I think I'd cry, tractor or not.