Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

tjc78

akangl said:

I've been out of the SUV loop for almost 4 years, so unless some miracle happens (like my Cherokee fixes itself) I'm shopping this week. What should I look at? Here's my short (or not) list. Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Sante Fe, Blazer, VW Atlas Cross Sport, XC60 (Why not I know it can take a hit!), and Rav 4. Basically it has to be SAFE, have some fun factor, AWD, trying to stay under $50k, and no smaller than the Cherokee. I don't drive much, maybe 9-10k/year so gas mileage isn't a huge factor.

Glad you are OK. The Jeep did its job and protected you.

Out of the group I’d try the Santa Fe and the XC60 first. My mom has a RAV (middle of the line XLE AWD) it’s much improved over the previous generation but I just can’t warm up to it.

The Jeeps are nice but both pretty long in the tooth. The Blazer gets pricey but has good roots and certainly wouldn’t be a bad one to own, I just don’t think it’s anything special.

May want to add a Honda Passport to the list. It’s a shrunken Pilot, and nicely done.

oldfarmer50

oldfarmer50 said:

corvette said:

Is that a V90? I love

stickguy said:

I am sure it was a T5, so the base 2.0T with something like 250 HP.


Yes, I saw T5 on the tailgate.

oldfarmer50

akangl said:

I've been out of the SUV loop for almost 4 years, so unless some miracle happens (like my Cherokee fixes itself) I'm shopping this week. What should I look at? Here's my short (or not) list. Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Sante Fe, Blazer, VW Atlas Cross Sport, XC60 (Why not I know it can take a hit!), and Rav 4. Basically it has to be SAFE, have some fun factor, AWD, trying to stay under $50k, and no smaller than the Cherokee. I don't drive much, maybe 9-10k/year so gas mileage isn't a huge factor.

Sorry to see that accident.

Grand Cherokee is nice if you can afford it but if you have a concussion you might not want to be making big decisions for awhile.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

I am sure it was a T5, so the base 2.0T with something like 250 HP.

Yes, I saw T5 on the tailgate.

rayainsw

@akangl - "We are all more or less ok, my knee is banged up, I have a concussion, my little guy is scared to ride in a car, hubby is bruised and sore."
VERY glad it was no worse !
Take care - and good to see you back here.
- Ray
Slacker - only 1 vehicle, still...

ab348

Wow, @akangl , tough way to go car-shopping. Hope you are OK.

The current model Cherokee has some updates that seem to improve its reviews so certainly it is worth a look. One vehicle I like that seems often overlooked is the GMC Acadia, not as huge as the Enclave and Traverse. I do quite like the VW Cross Sport, but it seemed pricey to me and VW reliability long-term scares me. Does a Highlander meet your price criteria?

stickguy

I liked the Santa Fe a lot. Hard to go wrong there. Also the outback XT.

On the RAV stick With hybrid. Even better, look at the Venza.

nyccarguy

tjc78 said:

akangl said:

I've been out of the SUV loop for almost 4 years, so unless some miracle happens (like my Cherokee fixes itself) I'm shopping this week. What should I look at? Here's my short (or not) list. Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Sante Fe, Blazer, VW Atlas Cross Sport, XC60 (Why not I know it can take a hit!), and Rav 4. Basically it has to be SAFE, have some fun factor, AWD, trying to stay under $50k, and no smaller than the Cherokee. I don't drive much, maybe 9-10k/year so gas mileage isn't a huge factor.

Glad you are OK. The Jeep did its job and protected you.

+1 That Jeep is one seriously tough SUV.

breld

@akangl - since you really liked the Cherokee and it served you well in this unfortunate accident, a Grand Cherokee may be a great option. As long in the tooth as it is, they’ve done a great job of keeping it updated with tech and its infotainment system.

And at this point, you’d think they’ve worked any bugs out. And good deals should be able to be had with little trouble.

graphicguy

@akangl ....OUCH! Glad to see you back here (even under stressful conditions). Even happier to hear you’re OK!

pensfan83

Wow, that looks bad....glad you are OK. I'll throw my vote in for a Grand Cherokee as well, that was our fall back had the RDX not worked out.

[Deleted User]

That does look bad @akangl, glad everyone was OK.

corvette

Sorry about your accident, @akangl , hope you are feeling better soon.

pensfan83

benjaminh said:

@pensfan83 : What do you think about your new RDX so far?

@akangl : Glad you and your family are more or less ok. Best wishes.

So far, so good. It drives quite well and the powertrain is well sorted. The sport seats are supportive and comfortable, the stereo is as advertised, and the infotainment is far more modern. If I had to nitpick anything at this point the steering feels overly boosted and artificial, even in sport mode. I'll have to try Sport+ mode to see if that makes a difference but seeing as I'll be driving this less than half the time I'm not too concerned. Otherwise we're pretty happy with it so far.

andres3

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3OY5kLez/2016-audi-s4?c=all

Getting rich...anyone want to contribute to my bidding fund? I'm a little low on cash supply.

stickguy

Getting up there.

xwesx

akangl said:

I've thought about getting a new one but I'm not sure I can get past comparing the 2, I adored this Jeep, it never gave me a seconds trouble, always kept me out of trouble in the winter, took a hit by an F-250 in 2018 like a boss. It was just an awesome Jeep.

We are all more or less ok, my knee is banged up, I have a concussion, my little guy is scared to ride in a car, hubby is bruised and sore.

I hit her going around 50 mph, I never even had time to react, she stopped right in front of me.

Ouch; damn. That's a major impact - I'm certain that car is not coming away with title unbranded.

It was not your first good experience with a car, and it won't be the last! Just search the gamut of the market and get what you like for this next go. If it is another Jeep, then just enjoy it; there's no reason you cannot carry your fond memories of this one with you, and, if the new one doesn't stack up, then it deserves whatever comparisons you make.

xwesx

andres3 said:

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3OY5kLez/2016-audi-s4?c=all

Getting rich...anyone want to contribute to my bidding fund? I'm a little low on cash supply.

Yeah, I think that one is quickly moving into the, "it only makes sense if you *really* want it" territory.

stickguy

This went cheap. Would have been tempting for my spare/cheap/toy 2nd car.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/KZMDZbao/1995-mercedes-benz-sl320

breld

xwesx said:

andres3 said:

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3OY5kLez/2016-audi-s4?c=all

Getting rich...anyone want to contribute to my bidding fund? I'm a little low on cash supply.

Yeah, I think that one is quickly moving into the, "it only makes sense if you *really* want it" territory.

For what it's worth, KBB trade is around $26-27k. Given the rarity of the car and its apparent condition, I'd have no problem dropping low $30k's on it.

If I hadn't just purchased the Supra earlier this summer, I'd strongly consider it. That manual in the S4 is sublime - very easy to modulate even in heavy traffic. With some proper snow tires, it also got me through one of the worst snowstorms in recent history in Denver too, after I had stayed at the office a bit longer than I should have.

breld

I need to stop looking at the S4 listing.

Michaell

breld said:

I need to stop looking at the S4 listing.

Yes, you do.

I'd take the S4 over the C300 you linked me last night, for what I suspect will be similar money.

28firefighter

My only hope is you hold it long enough so I can buy it from you...

stickguy

I need to place an order about this time next year with Breld motors, so I can get it next December. That should be just about the right “get bored with it” lead time.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

This went cheap. Would have been tempting for my spare/cheap/toy 2nd car.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/KZMDZbao/1995-mercedes-benz-sl320

That’s almost cheap enough for me to buy. Probably couldn’t afford to keep it running though.

stickguy

If it’s up to date on maintenance with no immediate needs, probably not too bad for the 2-3k miles a year, max, I would put on it. Wouldn’t suggest it as a daily driver for a long commute though.

oldfarmer50

I guess sometimes you CAN get a good deal bidding at the auction.

https://westernmass.craigslist.org/cto/d/pittsfield-1984-dodge-600-convertible/7171344664.html

https://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/ctd/d/sarasota-1986-dodge-600-es-leather/7160534995.html

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3RepBZVp/1986-dodge-600-coupe

stickguy

White one is a convertible though. Crazy miles. If legit, less than 1,000 miles per year.

carnaught

The 1995 SL: I had a ‘96, I bought new, one of the most disappointing cars I’ve had. The car was boring to drive, except for nice cornering, and ergonomics really were just, meh.

breld

The S4 bidding is heating up.

I'm not one of the bidders.

breld

$31,500 for the S4. IMO, that's reasonable for the seller and a great deal for the buyer.

stickguy

That makes for a good auction site!

akangl

You guys know me, I get bored easily with a car, that Jeep was so fun. Winter time, stick it in snow mode and have a blast, put it in the ditch a few times but it always got out. Summer time and things were too quiet, there's sport mode for that! It was just all around a fun SUV. Other than 2 recalls it never saw the dealership once it left. Reliable until the end, faithful, just awesome. I bought that Jeep on April 21, 2017 with just 12 miles on it, had it for almost 3 1/2 years and 33,979 miles.

I had to go clean it out and pull the plates yesterday, when we were in the accident it had been such a nice day I had the sunroof open, they never tarped it or anything. We've had a lot of rain since then, everything was wet, there was water in the cup holders. I tried to clean it up with napkins as silly as that sounds. I sat in driver's seat one last time in tears, I just can't come to terms that she's really gone. I know to the impound yard she's just another wrecked car but to me she was special. How do I replace that? This is NOT how I want to go car shopping but I have to since we only have the truck right now and hubby still has to go to work and I still have to have a vehicle. I've never hated car shopping so much in my life!!

Michaell

I already have one long roof; think I could convince my wife to get another?

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/r4d5gvDx/1992-mercedes-benz-300te

kyfdx

Michaell said:

I already have one long roof; think I could convince my wife to get another?

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/r4d5gvDx/1992-mercedes-benz-300te

I'm going to say, No

qbrozen

stickguy said:

This went cheap. Would have been tempting for my spare/cheap/toy 2nd car.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/KZMDZbao/1995-mercedes-benz-sl320

That was a good deal, but not so much if you have to ship it cross country.

fintail

I was thinking the same - that's the problem with a low value car, small margins. It's a fine deal at the selling price, but as the normal value isn't exactly tens of thousands higher, you have to be careful with expenses. It appears the wiring harness may have been done on that one, which is a big deal, good driver for someone.

R129s continue to be quite cheap save for the best of the later special edition models, or high spec period AMG conversions.

qbrozen said:

That was a good deal, but not so much if you have to ship it cross country.

Michaell

kyfdx said:

Michaell said:

I already have one long roof; think I could convince my wife to get another?

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/r4d5gvDx/1992-mercedes-benz-300te

I'm going to say, No

Any third car will likely get vetoed, at this point.

But, it doesn't ever prevent me from looking!

explorerx4

@akangl ,
Hopefully everyone is feeling better.
Have fun shopping.
Do you have a ballpark figure on what you are going to get for the Jeep?

fintail

Lots of miles, but what a color combo (the lack of two toning quickly caught my eye). At the current price, worth a gamble, just be careful - PPI would tell a lot, but it appears cared for.

Michaell said:

I already have one long roof; think I could convince my wife to get another?

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/r4d5gvDx/1992-mercedes-benz-300te

andres3

breld said:

xwesx said:

andres3 said:

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3OY5kLez/2016-audi-s4?c=all

Getting rich...anyone want to contribute to my bidding fund? I'm a little low on cash supply.

Yeah, I think that one is quickly moving into the, "it only makes sense if you *really* want it" territory.

For what it's worth, KBB trade is around $26-27k. Given the rarity of the car and its apparent condition, I'd have no problem dropping low $30k's on it.

If I hadn't just purchased the Supra earlier this summer, I'd strongly consider it. That manual in the S4 is sublime - very easy to modulate even in heavy traffic. With some proper snow tires, it also got me through one of the worst snowstorms in recent history in Denver too, after I had stayed at the office a bit longer than I should have.

Agreed, the car is a real sleeper, and underrated IMHO. Pretty close to a perfect car. I think I'm such a dual clutch fan and the 7-speed is a special awesome DSG unit, but that S4 was FULLY LOADED with very desirable options. It went for $31,500 and that's a good fair price, the market spoke. I'd of paid that much if I hadn't wasted $24K on my A4 13 months ago (which Carvana only offered 13,749 on yesterday).

If Carvana had offered me 15K, I'd of gone 30K. If Carvana had offered $16K, I might have gone 32K Couldn't justify more than double.

akangl

explorerx4 said:

@akangel,
Hopefully everyone is feeling better.
Have fun shopping.
Do you have a ballpark figure on what you are going to get for the Jeep?

Not even close to enjoying car shopping, I just want my Jeep back. No clue what I'll get for it, probably enough to pay it off hopefully, they depreciate so fast and it wasn't paid off. I would have happily kept paying on it, I was completely content with it, it was my forever car, I finally found my happy place.

xwesx

akangl said:

This is NOT how I want to go car shopping but I have to since we only have the truck right now and hubby still has to go to work and I still have to have a vehicle. I've never hated car shopping so much in my life!!

I do not mean to interrupt your momentum while you're waxing poetic... Just wanted to point out that this may be the first time in your life that you "hated car shopping." Prior posts tended to contain an edge of excitement about the process.

stickguy

sharp looking wagon. I suspect I would get bored with it pretty quick though.

xwesx

akangl said:

explorerx4 said:

@akangel,
Hopefully everyone is feeling better.
Have fun shopping.
Do you have a ballpark figure on what you are going to get for the Jeep?

Not even close to enjoying car shopping, I just want my Jeep back. No clue what I'll get for it, probably enough to pay it off hopefully, they depreciate so fast and it wasn't paid off. I would have happily kept paying on it, I was completely content with it, it was my forever car, I finally found my happy place.

I know how you feel, though . My wife was the same way about her 2010 Forester. Even replacing it with basically the same car doesn't satiate her fond memories of the one she lost. I think part of it is just the tragedy of losing the car in such a way. It takes away all choice and closure.

andres3

xwesx said:

akangl said:

explorerx4 said:

@akangel,
Hopefully everyone is feeling better.
Have fun shopping.
Do you have a ballpark figure on what you are going to get for the Jeep?

Not even close to enjoying car shopping, I just want my Jeep back. No clue what I'll get for it, probably enough to pay it off hopefully, they depreciate so fast and it wasn't paid off. I would have happily kept paying on it, I was completely content with it, it was my forever car, I finally found my happy place.

I know how you feel, though . My wife was the same way about her 2010 Forester. Even replacing it with basically the same car doesn't satiate her fond memories of the one she lost. I think part of it is just the tragedy of losing the car in such a way. It takes away all choice and closure.

On the other hand.. if someone would have RAMmed my Neon at 55 MPH when the transmission was starting to slip at 55,000 miles, I'd have been celebrating and throwing parties.

However, the flawless '05 Civic that saw the dealer exactly 0 times in 2 years; yeah, a bit sad and frustrating.

stickguy

I am not very sentimental. I switch into shop mode really quick. and when we trade one in, I pat it goodbye and don't look back!

explorerx4

@akangel,
One thing in your favor is that used vehicle prices are pretty high right now, although previous accident may come into play.
I think the number they will give you includes sales tax.

ronsteve

akangl said:

explorerx4 said:

@akangel,
Hopefully everyone is feeling better.
Have fun shopping.
Do you have a ballpark figure on what you are going to get for the Jeep?

Not even close to enjoying car shopping, I just want my Jeep back. No clue what I'll get for it, probably enough to pay it off hopefully, they depreciate so fast and it wasn't paid off. I would have happily kept paying on it, I was completely content with it, it was my forever car, I finally found my happy place.

Car shopping isn't fun when you're forced to replace a car you like/love/whatever!

And then you settle and find yourself shopping again after a shorter time... which is what this group is good for!

oldfarmer50

Michaell said:

I already have one long roof; think I could convince my wife to get another?

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/r4d5gvDx/1992-mercedes-benz-300te

Like the look, like the color, like the interior. But those miles tho.