Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

fintail

GLC63s?

Yeah here, Subaru is an everyone car, effectively a PNW cliche these days, lifestyle accessory to accompany a barely used ski rack and sandals to be worn with socks.

28firefighter

Hey. I wear my sandals without socks, thank you very much.

tjc78

RAV4 will have all the nannies at that price point, but not sure I would consider the RAV compact any longer

mjfloyd1

explorerx4 said:

Bloomington, Indiana. She needs a lifted 4x4 and some Skoal.

Ummm. No

You are being pronoun specific 😂

stickguy

fintail said:

GLC63s?

Yeah here, Subaru is an everyone car, effectively a PNW cliche these days, lifestyle accessory to accompany a barely used ski rack and sandals to be worn with socks.

That the jacked up hunchback? Saw one of those today. Odd looking.

mjfloyd1

fintail said:

GLC63s?

Yeah here, Subaru is an everyone car, effectively a PNW cliche these days, lifestyle accessory to accompany a barely used ski rack and sandals to be worn with socks.

No MB. Closest dealer is an hour and a half away. 63 probably not enough HP

Need Japanese reliability and Japanese upkeep costs

Michaell

Member needs help:

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/62178/subaru/x/should-i-run#latest

andres3

For those looking to contribute punches, here are the 3 BEST BETS on Cars & Bids for the week:

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/9Wg2ee2q/2016-porsche-macan-s Sporty SUV

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/9XVPYlLq/1997-subaru-svx-lsi Rare Sports Car

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/KV4Jo7MY/2015-subaru-wrx-sti-limited 2 Subies; what's going on!

roadburner

I test drove an STI when I was car shopping in 2015; it was a great car but in many ways it was just too similar to my MS3- I was looking for something different.

graphicguy

roadburner said:

I test drove an STI when I was car shopping in 2015; it was a great car but in many ways it was just too similar to my MS3- I was looking for something different.

While my son was shopping for what eventually became a GTI purchase, I went with him to test drive a WRX. Fun car. But, it was much cheaper in execution and materials than the GTI. Even considering the WRX’s AWD credentials, the GTI was sort of a no brainer at that point.

stickguy

I drove a wrx and a GLI (manual) back to back. Night and day. Sube was just rough and crude. Wife really hated it!

pensfan83

A buddy of mine has a 2014 STi. It's a fun car but unrefined in many ways and not really good for use as a daily driver IMO.

breld

I'll add the same sentiment - I've tried out the WRX at least 3-4 times and just come away appreciating the added refinement of the competitors (GTI, Civic Type R, etc.). No doubt there's a rawness to the Subaru that makes it so popular, but I suppose I want a bit more balanced approach.

andres3

Interesting, I remember reading the WRX was soft as compared to the STI variant. Did you all skip over the standard WRX?

28firefighter

Not to mention that ownership and use of a vape pen is a necessary accessory of WRX ownership (at least up here)...

stickguy

I drove the standard model.

andres3

Anyone ever test drive the SVX? Surprised no one commented on that one, but I suppose it was rare. I remember thinking the design was "different."

stickguy

I drove one when they first came out. My neighbor worked for Subaru corporate and had one. I recall it was very quick and felt substantial. Though I drove a legacy and 626 at the time so it’s all relative but it felt like the bat mobile or a space ship inside.

roadburner

stickguy said:

I drove a wrx and a GLI (manual) back to back. Night and day. Sube was just rough and crude. Wife really hated it!

My wife was fine with and STI- she just thought-like me-that it would be deja vu all over again.

roadburner

I read where the 2021 Veloster N is getting more aggressively bolstered heated sport seats as well as a heated wheel. I may yet drive one. My buddy at Road & Track thinks it's a really outstanding cars- and stupid cheap at $30k.

28firefighter

I tried to drive a Veloster N at the local Hyundai dealership. They had 3 at the time and demanded a $1000 deposit and signed buyers order. I told them I'd be back never.

graphicguy

Rightfully or wrongfully, I don't see many Subbies around me. Maybe I just don't notice them. Or, maybe I'm just not looking for them.

They just don't seem to be around much.

Michaell

graphicguy said:

Rightfully or wrongfully, I don't see many Subbies around me. Maybe I just don't notice them. Or, maybe I'm just not looking for them.

They just don't seem to be around much.

That's because the allocation for Ohio was sent to Colorado!

ab348

The Crosstrek is as common as dandelions around here as vehicles favored by young married couples and singles. They differ from dandelions in that about half of them are orange.

One thing I have noticed recently is that newer Subarus do not exhibit the agricultural thrashing sound from the engines that older ones are famous for. I don't know if that means it has been engineered out of them or whether it is something for owners to look forward to experiencing as the cars age.

explorerx4

Crosstrek's are very popular here in CT, too.
I looked into them a while back, but you can't get one with manual trans, sunroof and heated seats.

oldfarmer50

explorerx4 said:

Crosstrek's are very popular here in CT, too.
I looked into them a while back, but you can't get one with manual trans, sunroof and heated seats.

Crosstrek would be a perfect car for a sunroof. Lots of extra headroom.

oldfarmer50

Boy, these are getting expensive. I always thought I’d like to own one of these but the reviews said the suspension was brutal. A few years ago these were going for half the price with not a lot more miles.

https://www.rugeschevrolet.com/VehicleDetails/used-2003-Honda-S2000-Manual-Millbrook-NY/4600482593

Better get one before they really shoot up.

graphicguy

oldfarmer50 said:

Boy, these are getting expensive. I always thought I’d like to own one of these but the reviews said the suspension was brutal. A few years ago these were going for half the price with not a lot more miles.

https://www.rugeschevrolet.com/VehicleDetails/used-2003-Honda-S2000-Manual-Millbrook-NY/4600482593

Better get one before they really shoot up.

This is back a decade, or so. I drove a friend's S2000. The suspension is indeed "brutal". Short distances, around town, fairly decent pavement...it's OK. Hit expansion joints, ruts, pot holes....you'll be looking for a mouth guard like we wore in High School football.

That said, the redline was glorious. You had to wind it out to make power, but it made great sounds. And, the transmission was the best manual I've ever driven. Back roads is where it really showed off.

Tough to find one in decent shape as the "Fast and Furious" crowd took hold of a lot of these and ruined them with their ridiculousness. Worthwhile to find one in decent shape, though. They are fun!

tifighter

I think it was the Regular Car Reviews guys that called the S2K "the car that makes Miata owners shut up about their cars" or something.

I've always wanted to like these, but at 6'2" I just don't fit. My left knee just bonks into the steering wheel if I try to move it. And as noted, the ride is intense. No question the values on good ones will continue to climb as the following is strong.

pensfan83

oldfarmer50 said:

Boy, these are getting expensive. I always thought I’d like to own one of these but the reviews said the suspension was brutal. A few years ago these were going for half the price with not a lot more miles.

https://www.rugeschevrolet.com/VehicleDetails/used-2003-Honda-S2000-Manual-Millbrook-NY/4600482593

Better get one before they really shoot up.

Similar to Honda/Acura's of that vintage (and a few years earlier/later) prices have become quite dear for the ones with low, low mileage. I've never drive one but would like to someday.

oldfarmer50

tifighter said:

I think it was the Regular Car Reviews guys that called the S2K "the car that makes Miata owners shut up about their cars" or something.

I've always wanted to like these, but at 6'2" I just don't fit. My left knee just bonks into the steering wheel if I try to move it. And as noted, the ride is intense. No question the values on good ones will continue to climb as the following is strong.

I’m 6’2” as well and now that you mention it that could have been another reason for not getting one.

nyccarguy

I’m 5’10” and when the S2000 came out I was maybe 140 lbs. I couldn’t fit comfortably.

qbrozen

I sat in one once. No way the top was going to close with me in there.

pensfan83

Being on the shorter side does come in handy sometimes I guess.

fintail

I'd go with the SVX even though I suspect it won't be a pillar of reliability, and is a pile of unontanium parts.

Macan is a Bellevue young spoiled mommy-mobile, WRX is too vape-y for me.

andres3 said:

For those looking to contribute punches, here are the 3 BEST BETS on Cars & Bids for the week:

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/9Wg2ee2q/2016-porsche-macan-s Sporty SUV

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/9XVPYlLq/1997-subaru-svx-lsi Rare Sports Car

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/KV4Jo7MY/2015-subaru-wrx-sti-limited 2 Subies; what's going on!

ronsteve

tjc78 said:

RAV4 will have all the nannies at that price point, but not sure I would consider the RAV compact any longer

Is that whole class now midsize, moving the Highlander and Explorer to full size? Then what are Land Cruiser and Expedition?

I'd call RAV4 and its competitors compact and CX-30, Kona etc. mini/subcompact.

corvette

I think WatchJRGo is a better presenter than Hoovie. But, I'm kind of annoyed watching the latest video. Harry's gave him a starter kit which probably cost $30 to $40 (he erroneously implies you'll get the full starter kit he got for $3 shipping, but when you go to redeem the offer code, you don't get the blade refills he was showing off). No other compensation was mentioned, but I can't believe they got free product placement for $40. In addition, product placement like that is permanent--someone watching the video a decade later will still see something that is likely to be completely irrelevant by then.

oldfarmer50

corvette said:

I think WatchJRGo is a better presenter than Hoovie. But, I'm kind of annoyed watching the latest video. Harry's gave him a starter kit which probably cost $30 to $40 (he erroneously implies you'll get the full starter kit he got for $3 shipping, but when you go to redeem the offer code, you don't get the blade refills he was showing off). No other compensation was mentioned, but I can't believe they got free product placement for $40. In addition, product placement like that is permanent--someone watching the video a decade later will still see something that is likely to be completely irrelevant by then.

Most of those video car guys are doing endorsements now. With the exception of the dreaded SK (whose name must not be spoken). Hoovie was plugging Autotempest and I think Samcrac was too. Some were giving shout-outs to whatever junk yard that was giving them free parts or cars.

Harry’s is shaving products, right? Too fancy for me. Whatever’s on sale in the market is what I use. That reminds me, being unemployed and lazy I haven’t shaved for weeks. I’m starting to look like this guy:

corvette

oldfarmer50 said:

Some were giving shout-outs to whatever junk yard that was giving them free parts or cars.

Harry’s is shaving products, right? Too fancy for me. Whatever’s on sale in the market is what I use.

JR was doing that, too, like the junkyard that bailed him out of the M6.

I've not used Harry's, but that's correct. I use an electric when I shave my beard once a week or so. I use cheap disposable razors for other spot treatments.

benjaminh

The good news is that I like driving my car. That's the bad news too, since I've now broken 30k with 11 months left on my 36k lease. I've started borrowing my wife's CR-V to keep the miles off of the Acura. But the day I broke 30k I was playing around a bit with the paddle shifters. That DCT does shift quickly.

benjaminh

14k discount on this new 2019 Mercedes C-class.

https://www.mercedesbloomington.com/new/Mercedes-Benz/2019-Mercedes-Benz-C-Class-0870de2c0a0e0ae841cb61bdcd49c4b5.htm

stickguy

If I got asked first I would have a very early S2000, ultra low miles and totally stock. My BIL got the first one I think in his area (up by old farmer) and took great care of it. Never saw rain or snow or salt. Really kept like new. A few years ago he got a cobra kit car to replace it as his toy. Before I heard about it ge menyioned it you my other BIL (his brother) who bought it. Likely for a really good price. He’s a big guy, really surprised he even fits.

tjc78

ronsteve said:

tjc78 said:

RAV4 will have all the nannies at that price point, but not sure I would consider the RAV compact any longer

Is that whole class now midsize, moving the Highlander and Explorer to full size? Then what are Land Cruiser and Expedition?

I'd call RAV4 and its competitors compact and CX-30, Kona etc. mini/subcompact.

There are so many SUVs these days it’s hard to class them all. IMO yes RAV is really a mid size, the others full size and the BOF truck based just a sub set of full size.

We had a Tahoe at work and other than width I think my Enclave was every bit as roomy.

oldfarmer50

benjaminh said:

14k discount on this new 2019 Mercedes C-class.

https://www.mercedesbloomington.com/new/Mercedes-Benz/2019-Mercedes-Benz-C-Class-0870de2c0a0e0ae841cb61bdcd49c4b5.htm

That’s a big discount but it’s a 2 year old car by now. How much would it have deprecated if it was sitting in your driveway for the last two years? I don’t see any miles listed, is it truly new?

I like the color though, you don’t see many white ones around me.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

If I got asked first I would have a very early S2000, ultra low miles and totally stock. My BIL got the first one I think in his area (up by old farmer) and took great care of it. Never saw rain or snow or salt. Really kept like new. A few years ago he got a cobra kit car to replace it as his toy. Before I heard about it ge menyioned it you my other BIL (his brother) who bought it. Likely for a really good price. He’s a big guy, really surprised he even fits.

I remember you teasing us with that car. I think you mentioned a selling price of $7500 before bumping us to $11k or something before yanking it out from under us.

I had my checkbook out and was writing. Very cruel.

kyfdx

Member looking for responses:

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/62179/subaru/x/2020-subaru-forrester-limited-premium-trim-or-rav-4-le-xle#latest

roadburner

oldfarmer50 said:

benjaminh said:

14k discount on this new 2019 Mercedes C-class.

https://www.mercedesbloomington.com/new/Mercedes-Benz/2019-Mercedes-Benz-C-Class-0870de2c0a0e0ae841cb61bdcd49c4b5.htm

That’s a big discount but it’s a 2 year old car by now. How much would it have deprecated if it was sitting in your driveway for the last two years? I don’t see any miles listed, is it truly new?

I like the color though, you don’t see many white ones around me.

Lots of higher end stores have a few new 2019 models in inventory. That car is likely as dull a drive as a base F30 3er.

graphicguy

roadburner said:

oldfarmer50 said:

benjaminh said:

14k discount on this new 2019 Mercedes C-class.

https://www.mercedesbloomington.com/new/Mercedes-Benz/2019-Mercedes-Benz-C-Class-0870de2c0a0e0ae841cb61bdcd49c4b5.htm

That’s a big discount but it’s a 2 year old car by now. How much would it have deprecated if it was sitting in your driveway for the last two years? I don’t see any miles listed, is it truly new?

I like the color though, you don’t see many white ones around me.

Lots of higher end stores have a few new 2019 models in inventory. That car is likely as dull a drive as a base F30 3er.

Wouldn’t kick it out of the garage, but no Burmeister Sound System. I’ve heard the MB base sound systems. They’re terrible. Burmeister would be a must.

Still, $32K....I could install a pretty nice aftermarket unit in that car. Or, get a better car with ALL the bells and buy a Honda Accord 2.0T Sport.

28firefighter

graphicguy said:

Or, get a better car with ALL the bells and buy a Honda Accord 2.0T Sport.

You'd still need to upgrade the audio though. The Sport 2.0T audio system is dismal.

benjaminh

28firefighter said:

graphicguy said:

Or, get a better car with ALL the bells and buy a Honda Accord 2.0T Sport.

You'd still need to upgrade the audio though. The Sport 2.0T audio system is dismal.

Yeah, I'm afraid that's true. The only Accords that have good sound systems are the EXLs and the Touring models.