Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

xwesx

pensfan83 said:

A few cosmetic updates were done on the ZHP. The shift boot, e-brake handle, and e-brake boot are custom with tri-color stitching. The rear parcel shelf was also recovered in black suede material as the original fabric had faded to a light purple over the years and a few other areas were refreshed. Really happy with how things turned out.

Yes; wow! Those look really nice. I'm sure even moreso to you... but, then, you didn't offer up any "before" shots!

qbrozen

pensfan83 said:

A few cosmetic updates were done on the ZHP. The shift boot, e-brake handle, and e-brake boot are custom with tri-color stitching. The rear parcel shelf was also recovered in black suede material as the original fabric had faded to a light purple over the years and a few other areas were refreshed. Really happy with how things turned out.

Did you do them? Or did you get “the guy”?

pensfan83

Ha. Fair point

roadburner

pensfan83 said:

A few cosmetic updates were done on the ZHP. The shift boot, e-brake handle, and e-brake boot are custom with tri-color stitching. The rear parcel shelf was also recovered in black suede material as the original fabric had faded to a light purple over the years and a few other areas were refreshed. Really happy with how things turned out.

Very nice! I had to re-do the parcel shelf on the M6.

stickguy

WatchPensFanGo! Very nice. Amazing how some relatively small items can transform a car.

kyfdx

@pensfan83 Just noticed... you replaced the cupholders, too?

stickguy

Chatted with my son before. I think he’s worse than me. He started with a comment that a Tacoma would fit in his garage, then flitted over to deals on a Supra, cheap lease on a Bolt, or maybe he would get a Tesla (since he now has a place to charge an EV).

ab348

stickguy said:

Chatted with my son before. I think he’s worse than me. He started with a comment that a Tacoma would fit in his garage, then flitted over to deals on a Supra, cheap lease on a Bolt, or maybe he would get a Tesla (since he now has a place to charge an EV).

The nut apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

pensfan83

qbrozen said:

pensfan83 said:

A few cosmetic updates were done on the ZHP. The shift boot, e-brake handle, and e-brake boot are custom with tri-color stitching. The rear parcel shelf was also recovered in black suede material as the original fabric had faded to a light purple over the years and a few other areas were refreshed. Really happy with how things turned out.

Did you do them? Or did you get “the guy”?

The guy made and installed them for me. Could I have done it? The front ones, definitely. The shift and e-brake boots are basically glued to plastic rings that snap in place under the trim and center console respectively and the e-brake handle will slide off with some force. The rear shelf basically required removing the entire back seat area, speakers, c-pillars, etc.

@kyfdx the cupholders, coin holder, console base, and armrest trim are new which I installed.

stickguy

You still planning to sell the prelude at some point? Or just developing your own hooptie fleet?

kyfdx

stickguy said:

You still planning to sell the prelude at some point? Or just developing your own hooptie fleet?

Hey now... the ZHP is not a hooptie!

Michaell

kyfdx said:

stickguy said:

You still planning to sell the prelude at some point? Or just developing your own hooptie fleet?

Hey now... the ZHP is not a hooptie!

Having had a ride in that very car, I will agree. Not a hooptie.

28firefighter

I'm toying with the idea of transferring the i3 and capitalizing on a Bolt lease. But then that just seems like so much work.

stickguy

I should go look at a bolt. But I really can’t see myself working out that kind of deal. Especially without Costco helping!

Michaell

stickguy said:

I should go look at a bolt. But I really can’t see myself working out that kind of deal. Especially without Costco helping!

Article in Jalopnik about the Bolt deals, today. Lots of comments, good and bad, about it. Many folks complain about the seats.

@stickguy, knowing how important that is for you, I'll guess you won't like it, very much.

stickguy

Oh, I’m sure I would hate it. But it’s so cheap, and probably the perfect spare car.

Did I mention cheap?

kyfdx

stickguy said:

Oh, I’m sure I would hate it. But it’s so cheap, and probably the perfect spare car.

Did I mention cheap?

If you can find a Costco that has opened up since September 1st, you can sign up there, and still get the $3000.

Michaell

I guess Mustang owners don't need a crowd in order to crash:

https://www.grandtournation.com/cars/ford-mustang-interrupts-photoshoot-crashes-immediately/?fbclid=IwAR0yktrbN2C0MVrzSUrMTQxH1EBDvrCefmIt3RFKoBjY9Hb1ffAotVL2OPA

qbrozen

Right now, I can’t justify even a free Bolt. It would just sit in the driveway

Michaell

qbrozen said:

Right now, I can’t justify even a free Bolt. It would just sit in the driveway

The wife is very likely going back to work full time (she's having her final interview as I type this), and we talked about continuing to share the Outback. I'll shuttle her to/from work every other week, and she'll take the car every other week.

Only a 10 minute drive, so not a huge inconvenience..

mjfloyd1

Michaell said:

kyfdx said:

stickguy said:

You still planning to sell the prelude at some point? Or just developing your own hooptie fleet?

Hey now... the ZHP is not a hooptie!

Having had a ride in that very car, I will agree. Not a hooptie.

So more of a hooptie-do?

stickguy

kyfdx said:

stickguy said:

Oh, I’m sure I would hate it. But it’s so cheap, and probably the perfect spare car.

Did I mention cheap?

If you can find a Costco that has opened up since September 1st, you can sign up there, and still get the $3000.

good thing. I think a new one close by just opened this month!

Edit: just checked. Doesn't open until 10/21.

stickguy

Michaell said:

qbrozen said:

Right now, I can’t justify even a free Bolt. It would just sit in the driveway

The wife is very likely going back to work full time (she's having her final interview as I type this), and we talked about continuing to share the Outback. I'll shuttle her to/from work every other week, and she'll take the car every other week.

Only a 10 minute drive, so not a huge inconvenience..

I can share a car when we are both home and it is always here. But if the wife is taking it to work, I refuse to be stuck here carless. Plus, chauffeuring her back and forth is a non-starter. So that would be a definite reason to get myself something!

Michaell

stickguy said:

Michaell said:

qbrozen said:

Right now, I can’t justify even a free Bolt. It would just sit in the driveway

The wife is very likely going back to work full time (she's having her final interview as I type this), and we talked about continuing to share the Outback. I'll shuttle her to/from work every other week, and she'll take the car every other week.

Only a 10 minute drive, so not a huge inconvenience..

I can share a car when we are both home and it is always here. But if the wife is taking it to work, I refuse to be stuck here carless. Plus, chauffeuring her back and forth is a non-starter. So that would be a definite reason to get myself something!

As you've pointed out, the daughter will be at home for many days during the winter (no obligations at the cooking studio some days, and on other days she goes in later in the day for evening events), so the MINI is here a lot of the time, in case of emergency.

roadburner

qbrozen said:

Right now, I can’t justify even a free Bolt. It would just sit in the driveway

The Bolt would definitely just sit in my driveway.

28firefighter

For you Volvo lovers.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/cto/d/stanwood-rare-volvo-30-5/7197685617.html

stickguy

that is a nice one. But not cheap. Love the color! if it was cheaper would work for me.

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

Huh. I never knew they made a hardtop convertible Sebring
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/share/277601733

Yes, and with that wonderful 2.7L V6 it probably has at least another thousand miles left in her before it blows up. Never mind, the hardtop had the 3.5L. Much better.

stickguy

it has the 3.5l motor. Not sure if that is more durable, but definitely should be quick.

oldfarmer50

28firefighter said:

Only on Hoovie can you find a mechanic to engine swap a p-car for $1600.

I was impressed by that low price too. I doubt you could get a domestic engine swap for that.

oldfarmer50

dad23 said:

Here's a smaller version, a little more reasonable brought to my attention from one of my boys:

https://www.mcdonaldag.com/inventory/used-2006-acura-tsx-base-fwd-4d-sedan-jh4cl96856c004458?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=September_DAA_UsedVehicles&utm_content=facebook_pcrid_[marinadid]++&fbclid=IwAR23q71lr3UHUBjlVXrZmV41x0FZzdT5Brpqa66aYgiBNSZIfehE9McJ4Q0

That link takes you to a page with a lot of 2020 Elantras.

We were delivering tons of those all over the Northeast today. I always like the Elantras but the new ones we have in our fleet were really cheap. Plastic interior like a Corolla and unsupportive seats. No lumbar support at all.

They must have given the company a deal.

oldfarmer50

Michaell said:

I guess Mustang owners don't need a crowd in order to crash:

https://www.grandtournation.com/cars/ford-mustang-interrupts-photoshoot-crashes-immediately/?fbclid=IwAR0yktrbN2C0MVrzSUrMTQxH1EBDvrCefmIt3RFKoBjY9Hb1ffAotVL2OPA

That’s just sad.

stickguy

oldfarmer50 said:

28firefighter said:

Only on Hoovie can you find a mechanic to engine swap a p-car for $1600.

I was impressed by that low price too. I doubt you could get a domestic engine swap for that.

well, doesn't include the price of the motor, so most likely you can. Probably doesn't take that long to yank the engine out of something like a Tahoe or old style explorer.

stickguy

oldfarmer50 said:

dad23 said:

Here's a smaller version, a little more reasonable brought to my attention from one of my boys:

https://www.mcdonaldag.com/inventory/used-2006-acura-tsx-base-fwd-4d-sedan-jh4cl96856c004458?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=September_DAA_UsedVehicles&utm_content=facebook_pcrid_[marinadid]++&fbclid=IwAR23q71lr3UHUBjlVXrZmV41x0FZzdT5Brpqa66aYgiBNSZIfehE9McJ4Q0

That link takes you to a page with a lot of 2020 Elantras.

We were delivering tons of those all over the Northeast today. I always like the Elantras but the new ones were have in our fleet were really cheap. Plastic interior like a Corolla and unsupportive seats. No lumbar support at all.

They must have given the company a deal.

there is a brand new redesign (I assume baby Sonata) due out shortly.

breld

I imagine the new Elantra will have plenty of resemblance to the Sonata, but there was an article just today on C&D about how Hyundai states they want distinctive looks for their models (like the new Tucson’s grill not being the same as their other SUVs).

Sandman6472

The A3 had the 65K service done yesterday. Besides the induction service, coolant flush and rotation of the tires, they suggested, recommended, a serpentine belt replacement. I happened to be right across the street picking up a Audi A5, so stopped in and talked to the service adviser. He said the belt should be changed every 5 years or 60K miles. Told the wife if she plans on keeping the A3 for awhile, then might as well do the belt. If not keeping it much longer, might as well skip it.
From the rest of you guys, was this the right answer? Should she just have the belt replaced sooner than later? I still haven't approached her about trading in the Golf and getting herself something new. I'd take the A3 and just add the difference between the Golf and A3. Makes some sense if she really wants something new since my drive is so small right now that it would take me a couple of years to put on maybe 10K miles. The Audi has just a bit over 56K on the clock. Besides it needing a quart of oil added every 8K or so miles, it hasn't been in for an unscheduled stop yet. All I'd have to do is have the tint guy replace the back window tint as we'd use him again for her new ride and he did give us a lifetime guarantee on it. I think I could live with the A3 for a couple of years if need be.

ab348

stickguy said:

that is a nice one. But not cheap. Love the color! if it was cheaper would work for me.

I’m sure the shipping from Seattle to NJ wouldn’t amount to much at all...

ab348

breld said:

I imagine the new Elantra will have plenty of resemblance to the Sonata, but there was an article just today on C&D about how Hyundai states they want distinctive looks for their models (like the new Tucson’s grill not being the same as their other SUVs).

Pictures of it are out now. It looks fine except for some odd-looking tortured sheet metal stamping on the body sides to give it a triangular look, bizarre. The new Tucson looks like they tried a revival of 1940s GM pontoon fenders. Distinctive doesn’t necessarily mean good.

stickguy

ab348 said:

stickguy said:

that is a nice one. But not cheap. Love the color! if it was cheaper would work for me.

I’m sure the shipping from Seattle to NJ wouldn’t amount to much at all...

I am willing to fly and drive, but that is a bit beyond my limts.

stickguy

ab348 said:

breld said:

I imagine the new Elantra will have plenty of resemblance to the Sonata, but there was an article just today on C&D about how Hyundai states they want distinctive looks for their models (like the new Tucson’s grill not being the same as their other SUVs).

Pictures of it are out now. It looks fine except for some odd-looking tortured sheet metal stamping on the body sides to give it a triangular look, bizarre. The new Tucson looks like they tried a revival of 1940s GM pontoon fenders. Distinctive doesn’t necessarily mean good.

I am interested in seeing the N line. If it addressed the flaws of the Sport I had, could be a nice option vs. the Si or GTI.

xwesx

pensfan83 said:

Ha. Fair point.

Oh, yes. Huge improvement, particularly with the back.

xwesx

stickguy said:

Oh, I’m sure I would hate it. But it’s so cheap, and probably the perfect spare car.

Did I mention cheap?

That has proven to not be a good enough reason on past deals. Oh, you end up getting them, but then it is just pick, pick, pick....

oldfarmer50

Hey, JRgo is having a fire sale. Better get in line quick.

https://youtu.be/eVellA_-ZvA

stickguy

Hoovie has a lot nicer stuff. Compared to him, JR is running a BHPH lot in a bad neighborhood.

corvette

I'd be interested in the 9-5 if he's letting it go. I was really disappointed with the dyno run on the SRT-10.

stickguy

I thought he got rid of that?

I have not watched this episode yet. I assume he lists the cars he still has.

I liked the Rampage.

corvette

stickguy said:

I have not watched this episode yet. I assume he lists the cars he still has.

I liked the Rampage.

Correct. Rampage is gone unless I missed something. It was interesting. C30 is for sale on Autotempest (but I'm not tempted, +1 for self-control?). The Saab parts place sent him a zillion boxes of parts for the 9-5, and he said there's still stuff to be done on it, so no luck there.

Michaell

I wouldn't mind the C30, but the fact that he didn't do the timing belt annoys me.

qbrozen

28firefighter said:

For you Volvo lovers.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/cto/d/stanwood-rare-volvo-30-5/7197685617.html

That price is completely delusional

28firefighter

I don’t make the news,I just report it. They sound like someone who would be totally reasonable. Not.