Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

ab348

28firefighter said:

My problem with Cars and Bids so far is the quality of folks commenting. I fully expected the peanut gallery, but I feel like they are not nearly as knowledgeable as those who comment auctions on BaT. My suspicion is that this is a lot of the youtube viewership from Doug and Hoovie making their way over vs. actual bidders/enthusiasts.

I haven't visited that site yet but if the commenters are not as good as those at BaT then it must be unbearable to read. Today I looked at a '67 Shelby GT500 on BaT, just lovely, bid up to $87K at the time. Aside from a few anal types complaining that the exhaust tips were the wrong year and that a badge was possibly not correct, there was one who asked about the right front frame rail being rusted through. There is one picture of the RF frame rail showing a very solid piece of metal with just a bit of surface corrosion. I have no idea how the person commenting got to that conclusion. Same as the guy last week on another auction who claimed a convertible had rust holes in the frame and the car would break in half if driven when the pics didn't show that. Some of the BaT commenters are excellent, but they have more than their share of yahoos, and unfortunately BaT does little about it.

fintail

Just so 80s to me. Make it a Targa or cabrio for added zest! A slantnosed cabrio is probably not a beloved car among the old guard. I also like 928s, so there's that.

nyccarguy said:

Those Slant Nose 911s do NOTHING for me. I'm sure they drive incredible, but I just never liked the look,

stickguy

I love that cars and bids one.

andres3

WAUFFAFL4FA069239

So was my back bumper bump enough to ruin the Carfax? Can someone check for me?

2015 Audi A4

Last day of CPO today, took it back to Audi because the A/C air feels about 10 degrees off/warmer than my ice cold TTS blows.

Shop I called said it should blow in the 40's, not the 50's, but I didn't have a temperature sensor/gauge/reader.

People that like it warm probably wouldn't mind the AC system, but I need that last 10% to feel perfectly comfy on hot days (I like my air conditioning!)

oldfarmer50

nyccarguy said:

Something weird is going on with used car values. I check my Pilot's value on Carvana/Vroom to see if I have the $10,500 in trade equity I put down from out 2011 Pilot. I'm sure I am paying it off faster than it is depreciating, but about as of a month ago I had just over $6,500 in equity. I checked last week and it was well over $8K, close to $8,500.

I don't know if this is a game that VROOM plays, but Friday I got an offer of $23,697 from them. Today I get an email saying they've increased their offer to $24,197. No way my car's value increased $500 over the weekend.

All the YouTube car mavens that we’re saying used car prices were going to crash are now reporting that prices are skyrocketing. Two months ago they said wait 60 days for the bargains. Today they’re saying wait another month for prices to come down. No one seems to have a clue what’s going on but I suspect a lot of folks who saw their unemployment boosted by $600 a week suddenly are in the market.

When that extra money runs out in August I can see prices pulling back. Trade now if they want to be generous.

A local Honda dealer is advertising an automatic 12% off on all 2020s. Sell high, buy low.

stickguy

At some point the used market will be flooded. Lease returns, rentals dumped, and the units the auctions have been stockpiling. Especially if new cars start hitting dealer lots again.

oldfarmer50

28firefighter said:

Posted in the wrong spot before. Still can't believe @breld sold his rebel blue V60 Polestar. These cars bring absolutely stupid money.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3pm82ewn/2016-volvo-s60-t6-polestar

Cars & Conversations isn’t the wrong place to post that....you just need to include something about washing machines along with it.

oldfarmer50

ab348 said:

28firefighter said:

My problem with Cars and Bids so far is the quality of folks commenting. I fully expected the peanut gallery, but I feel like they are not nearly as knowledgeable as those who comment auctions on BaT. My suspicion is that this is a lot of the youtube viewership from Doug and Hoovie making their way over vs. actual bidders/enthusiasts.

I haven't visited that site yet but if the commenters are not as good as those at BaT then it must be unbearable to read. Today I looked at a '67 Shelby GT500 on BaT, just lovely, bid up to $87K at the time. Aside from a few anal types complaining that the exhaust tips were the wrong year and that a badge was possibly not correct, there was one who asked about the right front frame rail being rusted through. There is one picture of the RF frame rail showing a very solid piece of metal with just a bit of surface corrosion. I have no idea how the person commenting got to that conclusion. Same as the guy last week on another auction who claimed a convertible had rust holes in the frame and the car would break in half if driven when the pics didn't show that. Some of the BaT commenters are excellent, but they have more than their share of yahoos, and unfortunately BaT does little about it.

I bet those are competing bidders trying to keep the price down.

I was watching a video from some guys who tour the wholesale auctions for cheap cars to fix and flip. They showed how some unscrupulous bidders would actually sabotage cars to make them look bad and then scoop them up cheap because everyone was scared off.

benjaminh

A few details about the upcoming 2021 Acura TLX have been revealed over at vtec.net. Acura is going to be going for a lot of extra cost colors for the new TLX, just as others have been doing for many years.

https://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=1421047


So if the new TLX base FWD starts at an msrp of c. $35k, this would mean the Tech FWD will be c.39k, A-Spec c. $42k, A-Spec with SH-AWD c.44k, and a top-of-the-line Advance w/SH-AWD might be c. $46K.

A BMW 4-series x-drive equipped at about the level of a new TLX Advance SH-AWD would have an msrp of about $51k.

Michaell

Kind of an open-ended question, but I figure this group is perfect for answering just this type of query:

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/62078/general/x/interested-in-leasing-something-in-the-600s-with-2k-drive-off-does-anybody-have-any-recommendations#latest

fintail

I wonder how purple the "Phantom Violet" will be on the TLX. I see the strict limitations of exterior/interior color combos has survived.

pensfan83

It would have been nice to see a few of the features like adaptive dampers and HUD filter down to the A-Spec.

qbrozen

andres3 said:

WAUFFAFL4FA069239

So was my back bumper bump enough to ruin the Carfax? Can someone check for me?

2015 Audi A4

Last day of CPO today, took it back to Audi because the A/C air feels about 10 degrees off/warmer than my ice cold TTS blows.

Shop I called said it should blow in the 40's, not the 50's, but I didn't have a temperature sensor/gauge/reader.

People that like it warm probably wouldn't mind the AC system, but I need that last 10% to feel perfectly comfy on hot days (I like my air conditioning!)

Autocheck does not show an accident

omarman

tjc78 said:

Toyota had that same truck years ago... FJ Cruiser

Blue with white top?

corvette

fintail said:

I wonder how purple the "Phantom Violet" will be on the TLX. I see the strict limitations of exterior/interior color combos has survived.

Yup, looks like there are going to be a lot of black interiors.

roadburner

benjaminh said:

A few details about the upcoming 2021 Acura TLX have been revealed over at vtec.net. Acura is going to be going for a lot of extra cost colors for the new TLX, just as others have been doing for many years.

https://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=1421047


So if the new TLX base FWD starts at an msrp of c. $35k, this would mean the Tech FWD will be c.39k, A-Spec c. $42k, A-Spec with SH-AWD c.44k, and a top-of-the-line Advance w/SH-AWD might be c. $46K.

A BMW 4-series x-drive equipped at about the level of a new TLX Advance SH-AWD would have an msrp of about $51k.

But xDrive? Why?

stickguy

the price bump for the A spec doesn't look to be close to worth it this time. If I was getting a new model it would just be a tech.

and the color combos is not great. Not getting black leather, so leaves a whopping 4 colors. Good thing I like modern steel and the blue!

I too am curious to see the violet. Not a color I recall before from Acura.

actually, I am much more curious to see the upcoming Acura compact sports sedan!

corvette

stickguy said:

I too am curious to see the violet. Not a color I recall before from Acura.

The redesigned 2004 (I think?) 3.2TL had a sort of royal blue color that had a purple hue in certain lighting. It looked really good, especially with an ivory interior.

qbrozen

omarman said:

tjc78 said:

Toyota had that same truck years ago... FJ Cruiser

Blue with white top?

Final product is a little different than the cartoon posted earlier.

https://www.foxnews.com/auto/2021-ford-bronco-suv-revealed

stickguy

that is cool. a 2 door, 7 speed manual sounds interesting!

Michaell

stickguy said:

that is cool. a 2 door, 7 speed manual sounds interesting!

A true competitor for the Wrangler, it seems. Perhaps even @roadburner might be tempted!

omarman

The Bronco reveal video last night used "projected" and "targeted" disclaimers when quoting power figures. And there were other disclaimers regarding interior and exterior shots which were labeled preproduction, simulated and prototype "subject to change." Still it was a very impressive first look.

"Wild" was the theme and the most repeated keyword as far as I could tell. There was even a fleeting glimpse of a red '69 Mustang early on to grab attention. And it worked.

explorerx4

A Bronco Sport is going to be one of my kids' next vehicle.
They like the combination of boxy style and new tech.

stickguy

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

that is cool. a 2 door, 7 speed manual sounds interesting!

A true competitor for the Wrangler, it seems. Perhaps even @roadburner might be tempted!

Only if they do this too it. To get it into only kinda slow territory.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/enthusiasts/jay-leno-drives-a-1968-bronco-with-the-heart-of-a-2020-gt500/ar-BB16Gjzq

tjc78

Why even bother with parchment and grey stone at this point? One exterior color for each?

stickguy

I don’t know. Does seem odd

stickguy

Showed my design/style consultant (daughter) pics of the new bronco. She liked it. Current front runner to be my next car! Won’t even matter if it isn’t practical, since I don’t drive anywhere anyway now.

roadburner

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

that is cool. a 2 door, 7 speed manual sounds interesting!

A true competitor for the Wrangler, it seems. Perhaps even @roadburner might be tempted!

Not a chance; I absolutely detested the 1973 I had for a few miserable years and I still absolutely love my TJ- so if I was buying a replacement it would definitely be a two door JL- especially since it looks like a Hemi V8 will soon be on the option list.

graphicguy

roadburner said:

benjaminh said:

A few details about the upcoming 2021 Acura TLX have been revealed over at vtec.net. Acura is going to be going for a lot of extra cost colors for the new TLX, just as others have been doing for many years.

https://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=1421047


So if the new TLX base FWD starts at an msrp of c. $35k, this would mean the Tech FWD will be c.39k, A-Spec c. $42k, A-Spec with SH-AWD c.44k, and a top-of-the-line Advance w/SH-AWD might be c. $46K.

A BMW 4-series x-drive equipped at about the level of a new TLX Advance SH-AWD would have an msrp of about $51k.

But xDrive? Why?

Pricing seems to be rounding out the way we thought. S-Type will be knocking at the $50K door. When I got my TLX as red over red (which they had just pulled into the showroom) that if I hadn’t bought the one I did, I’d love the bight blue metallic with red leather. The Sales Manager (now the General MAnager) told me he would never order a car like that because no one would buy it. I told him I disagreed, as there had to be more than just me who would be interested.

He went out on a limb getting the red over red to visually get people to notice the (then new) A-Spec cars.

I don’t know that the new TLX will offer anything that my Stinger doesn’t already have.

stickguy

$50 is the new $40.

Feature wise, maybe not, but I bet it has a much different feel to it. I know what to expect from the base drivetrain, but the V6 could be interesting. A bit faster I’m sure, but probably going to sound great!

Michaell

$19,439 offer from Carvana for the Outback.

roadburner

We occasionally saw a BMW in blue over red. I liked the look; we called them “Superman cars.” I wish that RWD Ceramic Silver GT2 had a red interior as it’s a killer color combination.

stickguy

I think a hemi in a wrangler is a bad idea. Especially a 2 door (the only way to actually buy one!). Too much power for the design, and not useful or really usable. It’s not a track car, or something to do high speed runs in. Just total overkill. You can already get close to 300 HP in one.

Just sounds like something to wear for the image.

stickguy

Props to the local Acura dealer, they did always seem to have a few of the brighter colors A spec models. Certainly the red like mine. Even a few red interiors.

Michaell

Michaell said:

$19,439 offer from Carvana for the Outback.

And $8600 for the MINI

stickguy

Strong offer on the Sube. But what could you replace it with for that money you would like better?

Michaell

stickguy said:

Strong offer on the Sube. But what could you replace it with for that money you would like better?

That would be the next step. Probably not a lot, frankly.

stickguy

Unless you wanted the equity to spend, and could find a killer lease instead. Good luck with that.

Michaell

stickguy said:

Unless you wanted the equity to spend, and could find a killer lease instead. Good luck with that.

I think I'm permanently off the leasing merry-go-round.

And, would prefer to continue to not have a payment.

pensfan83

graphicguy said:

roadburner said:

benjaminh said:

A few details about the upcoming 2021 Acura TLX have been revealed over at vtec.net. Acura is going to be going for a lot of extra cost colors for the new TLX, just as others have been doing for many years.

https://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=1421047


So if the new TLX base FWD starts at an msrp of c. $35k, this would mean the Tech FWD will be c.39k, A-Spec c. $42k, A-Spec with SH-AWD c.44k, and a top-of-the-line Advance w/SH-AWD might be c. $46K.

A BMW 4-series x-drive equipped at about the level of a new TLX Advance SH-AWD would have an msrp of about $51k.

But xDrive? Why?

I don’t know that the new TLX will offer anything that my Stinger doesn’t already have.

Based on what is known, and with the exception of visual cues, I'm disappointed the A-Spec trim doesn't distinguish itself better from the Tech trim. At least on the current car there are some slight differences in the suspension in addition to the interior/exterior trim.

tommister2

My dealer friends say used car prices are rising because new inventory is falling. Factories were closed (in some cases months) due to COVID. Dealers are buying all the used cars they can just to have something to sell. I think all the experts that predicted the price drops didn’t account for the decline in new inventory we have seen.

benjaminh

As has been true for many years, one place where the new TLX might shine is when compared to a BMW 3-series. The lowest-priced 3-series at my local dealer is an X-drive model with a few options with an msrp of $49k. Even if you could find an BMW 330i without x-drive and without any options (and I doubt they actually build those, although perhaps you could special order it) you're still looking about an msrp of $42k. That 42k 330i would have similar equipment to the base 2021 TLX, which will be c. 35k. We already know that the new TLX has more power and torque than a 330i, and is there a chance that the dual-wishbone suspension and NSX brakes might possibly be better than a 330i as well?

I'll be interested when Acura releases all the tech info on the new TLX, as well as when the car reviewers have their say. This is such a tough market for sedans that I think Acura might be in for some rough sailing with the new TLX. I think for my tastes the new car is going to be too big, too show-offy, and too expensive. I think my wise choice is going to be to buy out my 2018 TLX in 11 months—and it, after all, already has the Milano leather, ELS sound, rain-sensing wipers, etc.—and will cost me only 18.5 + tax, etc.

But if sales are rocky for the new TLX, what with the recession and all, maybe there will be some attractive lease deals with a nice loyalty incentive.....Still, it's hard to beat the fact that if you want a powerful sports sedan you can already get the Accord with an almost identical 2-liter turbo and 10-speed transmission—or even a 6-speed manual—for an msrp of 32k. That's a car that in some ways might beat a BMW 3-series already.

ab348

stickguy said:

I think a hemi in a wrangler is a bad idea. Especially a 2 door (the only way to actually buy one!). Too much power for the design, and not useful or really usable. It’s not a track car, or something to do high speed runs in. Just total overkill. You can already get close to 300 HP in one.

Just sounds like something to wear for the image.

I agree. I can see the rollover lawsuits already.

Michaell

ab348 said:

stickguy said:

I think a hemi in a wrangler is a bad idea. Especially a 2 door (the only way to actually buy one!). Too much power for the design, and not useful or really usable. It’s not a track car, or something to do high speed runs in. Just total overkill. You can already get close to 300 HP in one.

Just sounds like something to wear for the image.

I agree. I can see the rollover lawsuits already.

Would love to see how it performs in the infamous "moose test"

stickguy

From reviews, seems that the brakes and (especially) the steering on a base 330 (no M sport or track package, whichever actually has performance upgrades) Is nothing special. And the previous generation was even worse (I think RB refers to it as Buick like).

I agree though that the extra size in particular really doesn’t work for me. Maybe the compact sedan (new integra?) fits the bill!

benjaminh

I might be interested in the all-new 2022 ILX/Integra, but my lease might end before it comes out, by which time I probably will have financed what's left on the 2018 TLX. Right now I'm enjoying the soon to be old school features of my TLX—look ma: 4-wheel steering, roll down rear windows, CD player, and a naturally-aspirated engine.

stickguy

The CD player still kills me when I remember it’s there. I even use it sometimes!

stickguy

Porsche turbo did ok. Last I looked at lunch it was at $30k With 20 minutes to go.

Seem to be very few no reserve, and a lot of lower bid/no sale auctions so far.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3BE2qJOb/2002-porsche-911-turbo-coupe

stickguy

This is a true time warp car. Didn’t think any where left in this condition. And yes, if cheap, I’d drive it! Anything with a stick and sun shining in hooks me.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/9nAJY40D/1988-chrysler-lebaron-convertible

tjc78

I'd rock that to the beach .... no digi dash or turbo but still an amazing example of an unloved car.