Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

qbrozen

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roadburner said:

I'll need the expert drivers on here to give me some remedial training about how to safely manage this hideously dangerous vehicle, but I might have found a RWD Stinger GT1...

Thought you only wanted the GTS? Gt1 does not have drift mode, right?

driver100

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

driver100">30000 miles on it, plus 6000 miles a year.

xwesx Wow; it is practically new!

Years do make a car older too. It is young in mileage, I just don't like spending time getting things replaced or the car becoming unreliable. But, those things haven't happened yet....so it is a keeper for now.

Years make "everything" look older, driver! 🤪😜😛

Older, but in some cases better!
More distinguished, smarter, more worldly............

graphicguy

roadburner said:

I'll need the expert drivers on here to give me some remedial training about how to safely manage this hideously dangerous vehicle, but I might have found a RWD Stinger GT1...

Who has it? I always thought if there was a Stinger in your future it would either be a RWD GT1 or the GTS.

stickguy

washed the new car for the first time today, in about 7 weeks of having it (hey, only cracked 300 miles on it yesterday). Looks like the white does a good job hiding the dirt, because that thing was really filthy on the sides. But looks brand new again now Better put it back in the garage for a few weeks to keep it that way.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

washed the new car for the first time today, in about 7 weeks of having it (hey, only cracked 300 miles on it yesterday). Looks like the white does a good job hiding the dirt, because that thing was really filthy on the sides. But looks brand new again now Better put it back in the garage for a few weeks to keep it that way.

My garage is so dusty that after a week or two the car needs a wash even if I haven’t driven it.

breld

corvette said:

breld said:

But given the needs such a car would need in a routine basis, not sure I’d get comfortable putting it in my garage.

Exactly - I've been there and done that with an E39. Wonderful to drive, irritating to own, especially at the age they are now. The G37 isn't quite as poised, but it also doesn't leak fluids in my garage and doesn't need a trip to the mechanic every few months.

I had my share of older BMWs - the 318ti being the oldest, but also had the pair of E46 convertibles and the E39 530i. I had a handful of minor issues with the E39 that were addressed by our independent shop, but nothing major and nothing all that expensive.

But I feel like my tolerance for that type of thing has been waning over the past few years. I still do the occasional craigslist search for “M3,” “M5” and “ZHP.” But of course the desired models are just getting older and older. Given the crazy market for E39 M5’s, this $27k example is almost a sweet spot. Most anything under $20k is gonna need a fair amount of work, and of course the premium low mileage examples are silly expensive.

The 228i is a decent compromise. It still has some of that vintage BMW feel reminiscent of our E90’s but in a newer package. It’s fairly quick - sports mode actually has more of an effect than I would have thought. And not that I’m one to push a car, but I can still appreciate the RWD dynamic.

roadburner

qbrozen said:

.

roadburner said:

I'll need the expert drivers on here to give me some remedial training about how to safely manage this hideously dangerous vehicle, but I might have found a RWD Stinger GT1...

Thought you only wanted the GTS? Gt1 does not have drift mode, right?

No, a RWD GT1 has a mechanical LSD so it’s always in drift mode. The GTS is the only AWD Stinger I’d consider.

roadburner

breld said:

corvette said:

breld said:

But given the needs such a car would need in a routine basis, not sure I’d get comfortable putting it in my garage.

Exactly - I've been there and done that with an E39. Wonderful to drive, irritating to own, especially at the age they are now. The G37 isn't quite as poised, but it also doesn't leak fluids in my garage and doesn't need a trip to the mechanic every few months.

I had my share of older BMWs - the 318ti being the oldest, but also had the pair of E46 convertibles and the E39 530i. I had a handful of minor issues with the E39 that were addressed by our independent shop, but nothing major and nothing all that expensive.

But I feel like my tolerance for that type of thing has been waning over the past few years. I still do the occasional craigslist search for “M3,” “M5” and “ZHP.” But of course the desired models are just getting older and older. Given the crazy market for E39 M5’s, this $27k example is almost a sweet spot. Most anything under $20k is gonna need a fair amount of work, and of course the premium low mileage examples are silly expensive.

The 228i is a decent compromise. It still has some of that vintage BMW feel reminiscent of our E90’s but in a newer package. It’s fairly quick - sports mode actually has more of an effect than I would have thought. And not that I’m one to push a car, but I can still appreciate the RWD dynamic.

That’s one thing(of many) I love about the Club Sport; it’s light, simple, and the driving experience is unfiltered. It rewards a competent driver and will punish a “wearer.”

qbrozen

roadburner said:

qbrozen said:

.

roadburner said:

I'll need the expert drivers on here to give me some remedial training about how to safely manage this hideously dangerous vehicle, but I might have found a RWD Stinger GT1...

Thought you only wanted the GTS? Gt1 does not have drift mode, right?

No, a RWD GT1 has a mechanical LSD so it’s always in drift mode. The GTS is the only AWD Stinger I’d consider.

Ah. Ok.

driver100

stickguy said:

washed the new car for the first time today, in about 7 weeks of having it (hey, only cracked 300 miles on it yesterday). Looks like the white does a good job hiding the dirt, because that thing was really filthy on the sides. But looks brand new again now Better put it back in the garage for a few weeks to keep it that way.

I don't wash the E400 too often....if I wash it it usually rains the next day anyway. But, with white it seems the dirt gets embedded if it is left too long....then it needs a real good car wash type of car wash.

roadburner

graphicguy said:

roadburner said:

I'll need the expert drivers on here to give me some remedial training about how to safely manage this hideously dangerous vehicle, but I might have found a RWD Stinger GT1...

Who has it? I always thought if there was a Stinger in your future it would either be a RWD GT1 or the GTS.

There’s one in Louisville and another possibly on the way. I’m a bit surprised, as all too many Kentucky drivers have been dumbed down into thinking that FWD or AWD is necessary for their survival.

carnaught

My luck after a good wash and detail....the same or next day, when I take the car out, one of a couple things happen. Either it rains, Santa Anna winds come in and blow dust and loose pollen from the trees or a street sweeper with water truck appears adjacent to me. I just can’t keep it clean.

breld

roadburner said:

breld said:

corvette said:

breld said:

But given the needs such a car would need in a routine basis, not sure I’d get comfortable putting it in my garage.

Exactly - I've been there and done that with an E39. Wonderful to drive, irritating to own, especially at the age they are now. The G37 isn't quite as poised, but it also doesn't leak fluids in my garage and doesn't need a trip to the mechanic every few months.

I had my share of older BMWs - the 318ti being the oldest, but also had the pair of E46 convertibles and the E39 530i. I had a handful of minor issues with the E39 that were addressed by our independent shop, but nothing major and nothing all that expensive.

But I feel like my tolerance for that type of thing has been waning over the past few years. I still do the occasional craigslist search for “M3,” “M5” and “ZHP.” But of course the desired models are just getting older and older. Given the crazy market for E39 M5’s, this $27k example is almost a sweet spot. Most anything under $20k is gonna need a fair amount of work, and of course the premium low mileage examples are silly expensive.

The 228i is a decent compromise. It still has some of that vintage BMW feel reminiscent of our E90’s but in a newer package. It’s fairly quick - sports mode actually has more of an effect than I would have thought. And not that I’m one to push a car, but I can still appreciate the RWD dynamic.

That’s one thing(of many) I love about the Club Sport; it’s light, simple, and the driving experience is unfiltered. It rewards a competent driver and will punish a “wearer.”

That’s why I think I’ll go back to a Miata again - not too many current vehicles that offer that raw experience anymore. And I just love the look of the RF model. I’m bummed I moved on from mine, but at least now I can wait for a used 2019 model with the little extra power.

breld

By the way @roadburner - good luck with getting the Stinger in the garage.

And @qbrozen - best of luck with getting the Vroom deal done on the Ioniq.

corvette

oldfarmer50 said:

My garage is so dusty that after a week or two the car needs a wash even if I haven’t driven it.

Same, mine is not weathertight.

Michaell

One down, one to go. Finally had a nice enough day to get after this. Hoping to do the Outback next.

28firefighter

That cleaned up nice!

corvette

Here's the G37 after clay bar, polish, and sealant. It was my first time using the dual action polisher to apply Zaino, and it was amazing. There was very little residue left to wipe off after applying it. The G's paint is not in great shape, but it shined up nicely, and the parts that don't have rock chips feel as smooth as glass now.

kyfdx

There is no way I'm washing the car more often than I get gas..

roadburner

breld said:

By the way @roadburner - good luck with getting the Stinger in the garage.

Thanks; I told the salesperson that I would only consider a RWD Stinger GT1 in Snow White Pearl, Ceramic Silver, or Panthera Metal- and it had to have the Red Interior Color Package.
So we will see...

Michaell

28firefighter said:

That cleaned up nice!

Hard to believe it's six years old. Something like 42,000 miles on the odometer.

28firefighter

I happen to think that Minis age quite well these days.

oldfarmer50

corvette said:

Here's the G37 after clay bar, polish, and sealant. It was my first time using the dual action polisher to apply Zaino, and it was amazing. There was very little residue left to wipe off after applying it. The G's paint is not in great shape, but it shined up nicely, and the parts that don't have rock chips feel as smooth as glass now.

Ah, the good old days when a G was a G and not a Q. Now I can’t keep track of what is what.

corvette

oldfarmer50 said:

Ah, the good old days when a G was a G and not a Q. Now I can’t keep track of what is what.

I should get a Q40 badge for it, right @nyccarguy ?

stickguy

kyfdx said:

There is no way I'm washing the car more often than I get gas..

I am even now gas and wash both once.

tjc78

I really liked the Q40 when I test drove it before getting the S60. If I couldn't have scored the deal I wanted on the Volvo, good chance I would have grabbed one.

The tech is seriously out of date, but the other good qualities of the car would have made that less of an issue.

stickguy

mini looks good in that color combo. and an advantage to keeping same body style for a decade. Still looks modern!

Michaell

stickguy said:

mini looks good in that color combo. and an advantage to keeping same body style for a decade. Still looks modern!

While the hue is quite green, MINI calls it Royal Grey.

driver100

28firefighter said:

I happen to think that Minis age quite well these days.

They all look the same;
1970 .....50 years old!

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

corvette said:

Here's the G37 after clay bar, polish, and sealant. It was my first time using the dual action polisher to apply Zaino, and it was amazing. There was very little residue left to wipe off after applying it. The G's paint is not in great shape, but it shined up nicely, and the parts that don't have rock chips feel as smooth as glass now.

Ah, the good old days when a G was a G and not a Q. Now I can’t keep track of what is what.

Looks like new corvette. What year is your G?
Did you ever own a Corvette....or just hoping?

oldfarmer50

Darn you guys and all your ambition. All those cars looked so good you guilted me into washing mine. Maybe I’ll recover enough to put some shine on the tires tomorrow.



Really the only vehicle I own that warrants a hand wash.

Michaell

And, the Outback is done.

A little break this afternoon, then I've got to mow the yards.

corvette

tjc78 said:

I really liked the Q40 when I test drove it before getting the S60. If I couldn't have scored the deal I wanted on the Volvo, good chance I would have grabbed one.

The tech is seriously out of date, but the other good qualities of the car would have made that less of an issue.

Weren't you shopping the Q50 (current model)? The Q40 was the rebadge of the G37 during the last year or two of production. Needless to say, the tech in mine is outdated as well. One irritation, which seems to be systemic to that model, is that the multifunction display for climate, radio, and backup camera is backlit by what I assume are mini fluorescent tubes (as these type of displays used to be), and they are rather dim when the car is first started, especially in cold weather. More modern screens are LED backlit, and LEDs don't suffer from this problem.

28firefighter

Michaell said:

And, the Outback is done.

A little break this afternoon, then I've got to mow the yards.

I know it is the quintessential color of Subaru in Colorado and the Northwest, but I love the wilderness green. Cleans up so nicely. I may just go wash the Outback, because why not?

suydam

Very true, although the Forester looked good in red.

roadburner

28firefighter said:

I happen to think that Minis age quite well these days.

I really like our Clubman; it's the perfect car for my commute- 24 miles round trip on a mostly rural two lane road.

abacomike

driver100 said:

stickguy said:

washed the new car for the first time today, in about 7 weeks of having it (hey, only cracked 300 miles on it yesterday). Looks like the white does a good job hiding the dirt, because that thing was really filthy on the sides. But looks brand new again now Better put it back in the garage for a few weeks to keep it that way.

I don't wash the E400 too often....if I wash it it usually rains the next day anyway. But, with white it seems the dirt gets embedded if it is left too long....then it needs a real good car wash type of car wash.

My brother had both of his Mercedes vehicles "sealed" with some sort of silicone process. Never needs waxing - IIRC it was not cheap. He has a white SUV and a silver E cabriolet. It protects the paint. I'll have to call him about that.

breld

Dang it - I’m starting to feel like I should get out and wash our cars now. The Jetta sits outside so could definitely use it, but the others are merely dusty.

But it’d be nice to get outside and take advantage of the beautiful day in Denver.

kyfdx

@28firefighter Wear your flannel shirt!

corvette

abacomike said:

My brother had both of his Mercedes vehicles "sealed" with some sort of silicone process. Never needs waxing - IIRC it was not cheap. He has a white SUV and a silver E cabriolet. It protects the paint. I'll have to call him about that.

I've heard really good things about the newer ceramic coatings, but haven't tried any of them yet.

abacomike

corvette said:

abacomike said:

My brother had both of his Mercedes vehicles "sealed" with some sort of silicone process. Never needs waxing - IIRC it was not cheap. He has a white SUV and a silver E cabriolet. It protects the paint. I'll have to call him about that.

I've heard really good things about the newer ceramic coatings, but haven't tried any of them yet.

Just called my brother - he said the ceramic coating sealant cost him $900 for his 2019 E450 Cabriolet.

Since I park outdoors under trees, it might be well worth having it done. He swears by the finish.

breld

One down.

nyccarguy

@breld

That Miata RF is a sharp car. For sure some used 2019s will be out there soon enough.

Cars look great @Michaell !

Michaell

Given that both of these are going to be in the fleet for years to come, I'm kinda glad we've got two timeless designs. The MINI lacks a backup camera and CarPlay, but that's about it.

breld

Another one done.

Michaell

breld said:

Another one done.

I suppose you're saving money by not being able to pay the registration costs, as the DMV offices are closed.

breld

Last one. A little wet still since the rain started rolling in (right on queue), so had to pull it in.

Michaell

breld said:

Last one. A little wet still since the rain started rolling in (right on queue), so had to pull it in.

Looking sharp!

And, I see you debadged the GLC.

28firefighter

I only got through the i3 before it started raining. It lives outside right now so was an absolute disaster.

houdini1

abacomike said:

corvette said:

abacomike said:

My brother had both of his Mercedes vehicles "sealed" with some sort of silicone process. Never needs waxing - IIRC it was not cheap. He has a white SUV and a silver E cabriolet. It protects the paint. I'll have to call him about that.

I've heard really good things about the newer ceramic coatings, but haven't tried any of them yet.

Just called my brother - he said the ceramic coating sealant cost him $900 for his 2019 E450 Cabriolet.

Since I park outdoors under trees, it might be well worth having it done. He swears by the finish.

I've got it on my '16 Lexus LS and love it. Put on by dealer. A friend has an '18 LS same color, atomic silver and my finish puts his to shame. Highly recommend.