Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

sda

oldfarmer50 said:

Looks like JR went to the wrong rental agency. He has some positive comments about the Passat though.

https://youtu.be/CyXGbYJRxbY

Fun video. Another reason to give pause to buying a used rental. I would hate to buy something that had been dogged like that. Then again I have no idea how my car was driven, though it seems fine. I do have the remainder of the 6/72 bumper to bumper warranty that was CPO extended to 7/84.

corvette

I think most cars are fine being driven hard like that, so long as they have sufficient oil, lol. The brakes and tires may wear out a little sooner.

oldfarmer50

sda said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Looks like JR went to the wrong rental agency. He has some positive comments about the Passat though.

https://youtu.be/CyXGbYJRxbY

Fun video. Another reason to give pause to buying a used rental. I would hate to buy something that had been dogged like that. Then again I have no idea how my car was driven, though it seems fine. I do have the remainder of the 6/72 bumper to bumper warranty that was CPO extended to 7/84.

I don’t know if JR really flogged that car (at least not on camera). He probably did a number of full throttle pulls to keep up with the exotic cars. Like you say if it had enough oil.

Makes you wonder what the renters were doing prior to JR to blow out a quart. Are VWs noted for oil consumption?

The rental I’d avoid is the Impala that was hooked up to nitrous.

corvette

The Impala with nitrous was over the top, but very ingenuitive. I could hear the tires on the Passat squealing through some of the corners, and he did say he was either full throttle or full brakes on a lot of stretches. If a rental gets 30k on the clock, I'd assume it's going to have to get a set of tires before it's resold. I've had a couple of former rentals and don't think I've had any problems with them that were related to them being a rental.

Sandman6472

I like the interior of my Golf and the dash is clean and easy to read. At the time, I wanted a more upscale vehicle that was fun but also was comfortable. Also wanted a sun/moon roof plus a decent sound system. And I didn't want to get another econobox. Once my wife decided to get her Audi A3, thought I'd do the same thing. But it wasn't a hatchback and was a bit more than I wanted to spend since I bought it outright also. Knew that a VW was almost as nice and decided to get a Jetta. Brought it home on the test drive and it just fit on my side of the garage, so went back and jumped in the Golf. Brought it right back home and it fit perfectly. Liked the way it drove and a week later, drove it home and never looked back.

Sandman6472

In the midst of a tropical storm. Eta has dropped a lot of rain all day and it's quite windy out there now. Supposed to be this way all night as she moves under us and through the Keys. Things should get a bit better by tomorrow afternoon but looks like she may loop around and come back to Florida again! Unprecedented for so late in the season and since 2020 has had so many storms, we're just sick of it already!! Enough with the storms already and let's get some cooler weather in here now.
G-d, please hear us and give the United States a rest already. It's been a tough year with the Covid, the election and now, another dangerous storm. Please, we know you're in charge but please, have some mercy on us and give us a break already!!!

xwesx

Makes me miss my '13 TDI Passat.

graphicguy

andres3 said:

stickguy said:

Top line? I’ve seen it, where they show a higher sales price but offset by a higher trade in.

But as a wise man once said, “the only difference, is the difference”.

Bottom line "Out the Door" number. Could be "innocent" mistakes.

I’ve seen it. For me, the deal ends right then and there. I have no problem with honest mistakes. But, I always keep a tally, in writing, of what I agreed to at the sales person’s desk. I give that to the F&I guy when we sit down. Being my typical OTD price (purchase price+tax+License), there should be no deviation. If there is, then there is no deal, and it will be next to impossible to get me back to the F&I office as a result.

You want my check to be correct. (And will make certain that it is). Your paperwork should be also.

I don’t deal with dealerships who play those types of games.

andres3

breld said:

andres3 said:

nyccarguy said:

andres3 said:

stickguy said:

That could just be the sales side not being able to calculate tax and DMV fees exactly right. I think OTD prices screw them up, since they have to back into a sales price. But if you have an OTD price agreed to in writing, And they honor it, no big deal.

This will be my first deal through Docusign. They corrected the dollar amount.
Just waiting on them to add to the "We Owe" sheet, which happens to be the 2nd to last sheet of 30 you have to sign..

The "We Owe" sheet should state "Shipping to San Diego" since they didn't charge me a single buck on the retail sheet/contract. No mention of it; the "We Owe" sheet is appropriate for that.

You are buying this off their website pictures or you had them do a facetime video walkaround?

It's a BMW dealership, and they originally asked for the moon so that made me feel like they thought highly of the S4. Lots of pics, and yes, 2 short videos which is like a facetime. Also, only 32,xxx miles. Fully loaded prestige model, only knock on it is I'd be the 3rd owner.

Congrats. Seems the prestige trim is fairly rare on the S4, so that’s nice. DSG I assume?

Yes, in following and imitating another member here, I really should change my handle to "DSGguy"

the other thing that sealed the deal is usually when I look Carfax's are devoid of maintenance info except for maybe one service here or there, but Audi of Peoria in AZ reported every service was done, and though it only has 32K miles, it's had like 45K of services done being around about 6 years now. That's nice to know. The BMW dealer did an oil change to top it off, even though it probably didn't need it since it had it done at 30K.

andres3

breld said:

andres3 said:

nyccarguy said:

andres3 said:

stickguy said:

That could just be the sales side not being able to calculate tax and DMV fees exactly right. I think OTD prices screw them up, since they have to back into a sales price. But if you have an OTD price agreed to in writing, And they honor it, no big deal.

This will be my first deal through Docusign. They corrected the dollar amount.
Just waiting on them to add to the "We Owe" sheet, which happens to be the 2nd to last sheet of 30 you have to sign..

The "We Owe" sheet should state "Shipping to San Diego" since they didn't charge me a single buck on the retail sheet/contract. No mention of it; the "We Owe" sheet is appropriate for that.

You are buying this off their website pictures or you had them do a facetime video walkaround?

It's a BMW dealership, and they originally asked for the moon so that made me feel like they thought highly of the S4. Lots of pics, and yes, 2 short videos which is like a facetime. Also, only 32,xxx miles. Fully loaded prestige model, only knock on it is I'd be the 3rd owner.

Congrats. Seems the prestige trim is fairly rare on the S4, so that’s nice. DSG I assume?

the other thing that's always nice especially with the prestige gloss black exterior trim, is the Misano Red pearl paint. Always a fan favorite of the bright red on an Audi. Now personally I like aluminum side mirrors and aluminum trim on the interior, but with the gloss package you get painted red side mirrors and this one has the carbon fiber trim inside.

andres3

sda said:

sda said:

Though not as high tech as some of the current models offered, I do like the clear gauges, and easy to use controls. As I’ve had VWs in the past, no learning curve.

I like VW interiors. I prefer Audi's, but VW's certainly cost less and present a compelling value.

Did I mention the S4 I got comes complete with Magma Red & Black Nappa Leather interior too? I'm excited, it is like the ultimate version of an A4. Best leather, best motor, best 7-speed dual clutch transmission, best color (my opinion), B&O audio (though this is not the best effort from B&O it's still good). This is the car I should have got over a year ago, but it wasn't available. Being as beige interiors are not available in the souped-up sporty models like the S4, I guess I had to check that box, but it was a bit costly for 1 year's depreciation.

Lastly, did I mention I'm a fan of Superchargers? Turbo's are a dime a dozen, but superchargers are pretty rare. I describe its function is like a turbo, but it's always on, all the time. More power throughout the bandwidth more instantaneously and more constant. Turbo's behave a little bit like Honda motors; though they top out at lower RPM's and have way more torque everywhere.

stickguy

this is nice looking, though not a fan of the wheels (plus they look wider than normal). Same generation that I had. I probably still don't fit. I am a lot skinnier, but the problem was my legs and feet! Price with 11 minutes to go wasn't bad.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3R6O7ywX/2000-mazda-mx-5-miata

One for TJC's new garage!

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/9WM5VEJ5/1983-lincoln-mark-vi

and so he does not feel left out, one for Michael. I happen to love this one. Cheap enough, if it was near me, I would be tempted!

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/rMqYkPBa/1991-nissan-sentra-se-r

xwesx

stickguy said:

and so he does not feel left out, one for Michael. I happen to love this one. Cheap enough, if it was near me, I would be tempted!

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/rMqYkPBa/1991-nissan-sentra-se-r

Wow! That's a blast from the past. I have a good friend who owned one of these (not in this condition!) for many years. I recall well having to replace the timing belt on it, along with the main seals; another friend introduced us to the art of snaking rope into the cylinder to act as a brace while breaking the crankshaft nut loose. Fun times, fun times.

The bidding is getting pretty serious for a well-preserved pedestrian car from years gone by!

28firefighter

That X3 sold for $9300 - it was more than I was willing to go, but still seems fair given what folks would have paid for a similar vehicle in wagon form...

Michaell

stickguy said:

and so he does not feel left out, one for Michael. I happen to love this one. Cheap enough, if it was near me, I would be tempted!

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/rMqYkPBa/1991-nissan-sentra-se-r

Be still my heart!

This one even has AC and a CD player!

That SE-R is exactly what I wanted 29 years ago, but the budget wouldn't stretch the extra $1000 it would have taken to get one.

Ended up with an SE instead, in that exact color combination.

Not that I have a budget for something like this (or the garage space), but I suspect it will get bid to 5 figures before all is said and done.

nyccarguy

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

and so he does not feel left out, one for Michael. I happen to love this one. Cheap enough, if it was near me, I would be tempted!

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/rMqYkPBa/1991-nissan-sentra-se-r

Be still my heart!

This one even has AC and a CD player!

That SE-R is exactly what I wanted 29 years ago, but the budget wouldn't stretch the extra $1000 it would have taken to get one.

Ended up with an SE instead, in that exact color combination.

Not that I have a budget for something like this (or the garage space), but I suspect it will get bid to 5 figures before all is said and done.

Have you seen the crash test video when they perform a frontal offset crash with a Sentra from that era to one from 2017 or 2018? The whole (old) Sentra just buckles like a tin can.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5xYsDhhA1M

xwesx

No surprise there! That's how the small cars rolled back then! I knew two people who died in Sentras via this exact scenario - both victims of drunk drivers.

stickguy

5 figures, is way more than I would go on a novelty like this. But probably hard to find a cleaner original one out there.

bradd, good thing I don't plan to half T bone another car! But if you are buying based on that kind of test, no one will ever get a classic (or older toy) car.

tifighter

This is great-
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1995-mercedes-benz-e320-28/

stickguy

same color combo as the convertible version that someone posted yesterday. Very period,

explorerx4

Last one I looked at, supposedly the same color, didn't seem to be.
Interior pictures matched but exterior was a different shade.
Still tough to justify another vehicle, but I'm interested in this one.
Seems overpriced, but is fully loaded
https://www.familyfordinc.net/certified/Ford/2018-Ford-Explorer-8a385f540a0e0a1754402ade47349fc7.htm?searchDepth=2:20

andres3

One of my best friends first car was a '95 Nissan 200SX SE I think, with a 5-speed manual. I told him to get the SE-R but his folks didn't go for it as they were contributing to the purchase I'm sure.

My other best friend got a '95 Prism, and I ended up with the '95 Neon Sport (both of these automatics).

Not the correct kinds of cars to "race" around, but teenagers will be teenagers.

laurasdada

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

and so he does not feel left out, one for Michael. I happen to love this one. Cheap enough, if it was near me, I would be tempted!

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/rMqYkPBa/1991-nissan-sentra-se-r

Be still my heart!

This one even has AC and a CD player!

That SE-R is exactly what I wanted 29 years ago, but the budget wouldn't stretch the extra $1000 it would have taken to get one.

Ended up with an SE instead, in that exact color combination.

Not that I have a budget for something like this (or the garage space), but I suspect it will get bid to 5 figures before all is said and done.

This is the doppelgänger of the first car we bought after we got married.(ours being an '02). Ex was driving an Monte Carlo, she was impressed that nothing in the Sentra leaked and that all the panels seemed to fit so well. Taught her to drive a stick in this car, not sure if she held that against me or not! Fun, fun car. Traded for the ' '95 Saab 900S.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

same color combo as the convertible version that someone posted yesterday. Very period,

Wasn’t somebody here looking for a cheap beater convertible?

https://albany.craigslist.org/cto/d/fonda-awesome-volvo-c70-convertible/7219785251.html

oldfarmer50

explorerx4 said:

Last one I looked at, supposedly the same color, didn't seem to be.
Interior pictures matched but exterior was a different shade.
Still tough to justify another vehicle, but I'm interested in this one.
Seems overpriced, but is fully loaded
https://www.familyfordinc.net/certified/Ford/2018-Ford-Explorer-8a385f540a0e0a1754402ade47349fc7.htm?searchDepth=2:20

I just came back from delivering a bunch of cars to a Ford dealer. While I was waiting for payment I was looking at their big monthly sales board. The Explorer was by far the best seller at this dealer.

xwesx

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

same color combo as the convertible version that someone posted yesterday. Very period,

Wasn’t somebody here looking for a cheap beater convertible?

https://albany.craigslist.org/cto/d/fonda-awesome-volvo-c70-convertible/7219785251.html

Ick. That interior looks so dirty!

qbrozen

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

same color combo as the convertible version that someone posted yesterday. Very period,

Wasn’t somebody here looking for a cheap beater convertible?

https://albany.craigslist.org/cto/d/fonda-awesome-volvo-c70-convertible/7219785251.html

maybe thinking of me. I wouldn't say beater, though. And we like Volvos. But that thing looks way too worn for those miles. Based on the wheels, I'm guessing it is an LPT model. Interior is very rough, as are both bumpers.

qbrozen

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

and so he does not feel left out, one for Michael. I happen to love this one. Cheap enough, if it was near me, I would be tempted!

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/rMqYkPBa/1991-nissan-sentra-se-r

Be still my heart!

This one even has AC and a CD player!

That SE-R is exactly what I wanted 29 years ago, but the budget wouldn't stretch the extra $1000 it would have taken to get one.

Ended up with an SE instead, in that exact color combination.

Not that I have a budget for something like this (or the garage space), but I suspect it will get bid to 5 figures before all is said and done.

I LOOOOVE that. But it is already 4500 and I'm sure it will go WAY HIGH.

mjfloyd1

qbrozen said:

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

and so he does not feel left out, one for Michael. I happen to love this one. Cheap enough, if it was near me, I would be tempted!

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/rMqYkPBa/1991-nissan-sentra-se-r

Be still my heart!

This one even has AC and a CD player!

That SE-R is exactly what I wanted 29 years ago, but the budget wouldn't stretch the extra $1000 it would have taken to get one.

Ended up with an SE instead, in that exact color combination.

Not that I have a budget for something like this (or the garage space), but I suspect it will get bid to 5 figures before all is said and done.

I LOOOOVE that. But it is already 4500 and I'm sure it will go WAY HIGH.

I lusted over these back in the day...

stickguy

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

same color combo as the convertible version that someone posted yesterday. Very period,

Wasn’t somebody here looking for a cheap beater convertible?

https://albany.craigslist.org/cto/d/fonda-awesome-volvo-c70-convertible/7219785251.html

nice looking, especially for up there. Must have been tucked away in the winter, unless it came from down south. Price seems fair enough.

QB was looking at these.

I hope they didn't take it out on the speedway! Not sure if it is still there, but Fonda had a dirt track for stuff like Modifieds.

corvette

According to the ad, that C70 appears to be one of the super rare RWD models.

roadburner

corvette said:

According to the ad, that C70 appears to be one of the super rare RWD models.

If a dealer or private party is that stupid I won't even bother looking at their car. Much like the abject morons who advertise V6 BMWs and V6 Wrangler TJs.

fintail

Ooh baby, final run 124 wagon, low miles wiring harness done. A bargain at the current bid.

tifighter said:

This is great-
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1995-mercedes-benz-e320-28/

stickguy

I like that wagon. cool car. seems like a nice one.

Michaell

Opinions sought.....

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/63873/general/x/i-need-help-picking-a-car#latest

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

same color combo as the convertible version that someone posted yesterday. Very period,

Wasn’t somebody here looking for a cheap beater convertible?

https://albany.craigslist.org/cto/d/fonda-awesome-volvo-c70-convertible/7219785251.html

maybe thinking of me. I wouldn't say beater, though. And we like Volvos. But that thing looks way too worn for those miles. Based on the wheels, I'm guessing it is an LPT model. Interior is very rough, as are both bumpers.

Wow, where is the sense of adventure with you guys? Dirty seat? Get a bucket of soapy water and clean em’ up. A little dirt is better than patching rust holes, which is all too common up here.

Looks like a nice DIY project for the winter.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

same color combo as the convertible version that someone posted yesterday. Very period,

Wasn’t somebody here looking for a cheap beater convertible?

https://albany.craigslist.org/cto/d/fonda-awesome-volvo-c70-convertible/7219785251.html

nice looking, especially for up there. Must have been tucked away in the winter, unless it came from down south. Price seems fair enough.

QB was looking at these.

I hope they didn't take it out on the speedway! Not sure if it is still there, but Fonda had a dirt track for stuff like Modifieds.

Yeah, the dirt track is still there. Maybe that’s how the seats got dirty.🤣

qbrozen

oldfarmer50 said:

Looks like a nice DIY project for the winter.

LOL. I got enough of those!

graphicguy

stickguy said:

this is nice looking, though not a fan of the wheels (plus they look wider than normal). Same generation that I had. I probably still don't fit. I am a lot skinnier, but the problem was my legs and feet! Price with 11 minutes to go wasn't bad.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3R6O7ywX/2000-mazda-mx-5-miata

One for TJC's new garage!

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/9WM5VEJ5/1983-lincoln-mark-vi

and so he does not feel left out, one for Michael. I happen to love this one. Cheap enough, if it was near me, I would be tempted!

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/rMqYkPBa/1991-nissan-sentra-se-r

Love that Lincoln. Reminds me so much of my late Father. He had a white one like the C and B listing, only his had grey leather. Remember getting in the back seat with my sisters and feeling like it was big enough to be my personal bedroom.

breld

I just noticed that SE-R is not only located in CO, but in my neighborhood.

andres3

mjfloyd1 said:

qbrozen said:

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

and so he does not feel left out, one for Michael. I happen to love this one. Cheap enough, if it was near me, I would be tempted!

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/rMqYkPBa/1991-nissan-sentra-se-r

Be still my heart!

This one even has AC and a CD player!

That SE-R is exactly what I wanted 29 years ago, but the budget wouldn't stretch the extra $1000 it would have taken to get one.

Ended up with an SE instead, in that exact color combination.

Not that I have a budget for something like this (or the garage space), but I suspect it will get bid to 5 figures before all is said and done.

I LOOOOVE that. But it is already 4500 and I'm sure it will go WAY HIGH.

I lusted over these back in the day...

Lust..... I had an odd car attraction at a young age. Somehow, I think if I was single, getting a few of the HS Girls I lusted after that I never got with would be more satisfying than getting my teenage dream cars.

1. Dodge Stealth R/T Turbo - Neighbor had a 3000GT
2. Dodge Viper - I guess I was a Dodge fan boy until I owned one. This would probably actually be fun, but I'd probably put it into a concrete wall soon after owning it.
3. Ferrari's
4. Lambo's
5. Porsche's

I went into Audi today in Escondido to get my 45K service on the TTS. In the showroom, they had a '20 TTS same color as mine. Reminded me I really need to polish my exhaust tips with some kind of metal polisher/cleaner.

They also had a RSQ8 (with a sold sign on it). Get this!!!!!! 23" wheels and tires! 23 inches!!!! I guess, if you can afford to drive an RSQ8, you don't need to ask how much a 23 inch tire costs. The service advisor admitted he's not sure his tire guy can change a 23" tire. I'm not sure your typical Discount Tire could either.

kyfdx

breld said:

I just noticed that SE-R is not only located in CO, but in my neighborhood.

Uh oh

nyccarguy

kyfdx said:

breld said:

I just noticed that SE-R is not only located in CO, but in my neighborhood.

Uh oh

The high bid currently belongs to a breld1, any relation?

Michaell

kyfdx said:

breld said:

I just noticed that SE-R is not only located in CO, but in my neighborhood.

Uh oh

Yeah, maybe 15 minutes or so from me.

@breld likes period Hondas, not Nissans, however.

breld

Just looked through the pics of the SE-R more...it's at an apartment building just up the street from me and, coincidentally, an apartment owned by my company.

Given the proximity and no need for shipping, could be worth a look. As much as I'm a '90's Honda fanboy, I lusted after these SE-R's too. If memory serves, they were closer to the mid-teens in price? And my little Civic Si was bought for $9,600. My older brother considered one, but ended up saving a little on a Protege ES manual, which wasn't a bad choice at all at that time.

But...

• I have no extra space for another car, and I'm not exactly replacing the Supra with this.
  
• Off the cuff, I'd consider paying upwards of $7,500 for it, but I suspect it will bid higher than that.
  
• Why did the buyer purchase it in August just to turn around and sell it? Obviously could be trying to flip it, but I can't imagine he got some great deal on it a couple months ago, unless it was from a family member.
  

kyfdx

breld said:

Just looked through the pics of the SE-R more...it's at an apartment building just up the street from me and, coincidentally, an apartment owned by my company.

Given the proximity and no need for shipping, could be worth a look. As much as I'm a '90's Honda fanboy, I lusted after these SE-R's too. If memory serves, they were closer to the mid-teens in price? And my little Civic Si was bought for $9,600. My older brother considered one, but ended up saving a little on a Protege ES manual, which wasn't a bad choice at all at that time.

But...

• I have no extra space for another car, and I'm not exactly replacing the Supra with this.
  
• Off the cuff, I'd consider paying upwards of $7,500 for it, but I suspect it will bid higher than that.
  
• Why did the buyer purchase it in August just to turn around and sell it? Obviously could be trying to flip it, but I can't imagine he got some great deal on it a couple months ago, unless it was from a family member.
  

Seems like it's time to check the rent rolls, and see if they are up to date.

28firefighter

Isn't there a Mini in the stable over there that is due for reconsideration? Hahaha.

breld

nyccarguy said:

kyfdx said:

breld said:

I just noticed that SE-R is not only located in CO, but in my neighborhood.

Uh oh

The high bid currently belongs to a breld1, any relation?

Made me look.

breld

I noticed the Sentra has a non-functioning stereo. What a throwback to be able to easily go add a single-DIN radio. That would actually be fun.

qbrozen

breld said:

Why did the buyer purchase it in August just to turn around and sell it? Obviously could be trying to flip it, but I can't imagine he got some great deal on it a couple months ago, unless it was from a family member.

When I see things like this, I often imagine the buyer did find it and buy it from someone who doesn't know any better. They think "oh, it is just an old economy car" or, even if they know it is somewhat desirable, maybe not the extent they have been. I mean, if someone was not on the lookout for it, you'd probably never know that low-mileage '80s and '90s Japanese metal sell for more than they did when new.