Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

breld

roadburner said:

au1994 said:

Great point and I am in this camp. These modern transmissions are very well matched to their engines in these cars negating the need for a manual for performance sake.

Over on BaT it seems that some take driving an auto as an affront to their manhood resulting in comments like ‘as soon as I got that 10k mile all original 63 Split Window Vette, the first thing I’d do is drop a stick shift in”

I’ve said this before, but I now prefer manuals in cars that actually need them, such as my Club Sport; its M42 motor doesn’t develop significant power until 4500 rpm, and you have to keep it wound tight to make brisk progress. In contrast, the N55 in my M235i has a makes maximum torque from off idle to 4500 rpm.

Well said. At this point, the Miata may be the only car I’d consider where I 100% wouldn’t get an automatic. The WRX too, but that’s only cause I doubt the CVT suits that car at all - if they put in a good automatic or dual clutch setup in the next one, I imagine it will be quite good.

So you have nothing against the DSG in the M2...it’s just that it’s been tested to be quicker with the manual?

roadburner

oldfarmer50 said:

roadburner said:

Here’s an incompetent dealer story from a few decades ago- I don’t think I ever posted it in this topic:

When I was in law school back in the early '80s I was one of only a few car guys in my class. As a result, I often got called on for advice- and every now and then I would perform minor mechanical repairs and/or upgrades for my classmates(including installing a sound system for a delightfully eccentric young lady who could have passed for Debbie Harry's identical twin sister- but I digress...)

Anyway, one of my friends had a Mustang II(so did my girlfriend at the time; that particular model motivated me to study very hard- so that I would land a job that ensured I would never have to own or drive one ever again...) So one day my friend tells me that the car is stalling after it has been driven for 10-20 minutes. After 30 minutes or so it would fire up, run another 10-20 minutes and stall again. I tell him it could be anything from a ignition module that fails hot to a fuel system issue. I suggest taking it to a dealer or indie shop.

So... he takes it to his nearest Ford dealer. They change the fuel filter and "blow out the fuel lines." I told him that I hoped it worked, but that my guess was that whatever clogged the lines was still in the tank.

Two days later, the trusty steed stalls again. Back to the dealer it goes. This time they again blow out the lines and "install new EGR valve." I thought that call was a little sketchy, so I looked under the hood and found an EGR valve that looked like it had been on the car since it was new(Ford V8s of that vintage had an EGR valve assembly that was sandwiched between the carb and the intake manifold- I had dealt with them while doing my time in DIY mechanic purgatory servicing my parents' 1973 Bronco and 1974 Maverick). At this point I'm thinking the next thing they should do is drop the tank and clean it out.

Anyone care to guess what happened next? This time I decide to go back to the dealer with my friend; I tell him to ask to speak to the Service Manager and to politely explain that the car had stalled again and to ask why a new EGR valve was installed(As for me, I was going to act as if I was just the guy who was giving him a ride- I really wanted to hear what the guy would say.) Anyways... when we go back to the dealer the SM comes out and apologizes for the problem. He pops the hood and pokes around the air cleaner and intake manifold for a minute and then announces, "I'm sorry for the mistake- this car doesn't even have an EGR valve. I think what we need to do is drop the gas tank and clean it out." At this point I've decided that any landing you walk away from is a good one- if the SM wants to take the EGR valve off the bill because he thinks the car doesn't have one I'm not going to get in his way. Sometimes a failure cascade works to your advantage.

And yes, the car ran fine after the tank was cleaned. My girlfriend and I parted amicably- but not before I talked her into ditching the Mustang II for a new Accord coupe. My buddy and I both passed the Bar, thereby relegating future Mustang II ownership to the ash heap of history. And I also met my future wife, who permanently endeared herself to me by locating my first BMW: a 1973 Bavaria 3.0. Talk about living HAPPILY ever after...

And that Mustang II that you got rid of is worth a fortune to collectors today. The end.😂😂🤣

I never owned one(fortunately). I put them in the same category as the 1973 Bronco V8 I inherited from my father, I hated it so much I was glad to get $1,000 for it(it was a rusty hulk)- and I could not care less how much it would be worth now.

roadburner

breld said:

roadburner said:

au1994 said:

Great point and I am in this camp. These modern transmissions are very well matched to their engines in these cars negating the need for a manual for performance sake.

Over on BaT it seems that some take driving an auto as an affront to their manhood resulting in comments like ‘as soon as I got that 10k mile all original 63 Split Window Vette, the first thing I’d do is drop a stick shift in”

I’ve said this before, but I now prefer manuals in cars that actually need them, such as my Club Sport; its M42 motor doesn’t develop significant power until 4500 rpm, and you have to keep it wound tight to make brisk progress. In contrast, the N55 in my M235i has a makes maximum torque from off idle to 4500 rpm.

Well said. At this point, the Miata may be the only car I’d consider where I 100% wouldn’t get an automatic. The WRX too, but that’s only cause I doubt the CVT suits that car at all - if they put in a good automatic or dual clutch setup in the next one, I imagine it will be quite good.

So you have nothing against the DSG in the M2...it’s just that it’s been tested to be quicker with the manual?

Exactly. My Service Advisor friend at BMW tells me the DCT is a durable unit- but he qualifies that with the condition that you change the fluid every 40k miles as recommended in Europe.

tjc78

breld said:

qbrozen said:

breld said:

Looking back on 2020 (and preparing our 2021 budget), it's really hit me how much I overindulged this past year. Lots of moves, but at the end of the day (or year, as it were ), my wife went from her Alltrack to her MINI - like for like for the most part. Me? I replaced the very reasonable V90 lease with a really nice Cayenne and the GTI (then 228i) as the fun car to a new Supra (albeit at a great discount). And between moving, the pandemic and kids getting their drivers licenses, the miles I'm driving has been greatly reduced. Pandemic is temporary (it is, right?), but I doubt we're going back to the office 5 days a week ever.

So my current fun research obsession? What could I get to satisfy those car needs/desires at a significantly reduced rate? If you'd like, indulge me with your thoughts.

Utility car - let's say around $35-40k budget:

• 2018-2019 MDX - a sport hybrid model would be great, but so many more choices out there with the standard V6. At least Tech Package, but Advanced would be preferred.
  
• 2019-2020 CX-9
  
• 2017-2018 X5 35i or 40e
  
• 2017-2018 GLE
  
• Or maybe, push that budget just a bit...Mach E (considering $10k of tax incentives here in CO)
  

For the fun car, let's stick around $30k'ish:

• Another Miata RF - 2019 or newer for the increased power.
  
• M240i
  

I'm not sure I understand. Is the utility to replace the Cayenne? Or are you looking to replace the Supra with 2 vehicles? And is there any reason utility and fun can't come together?

So, hypothetically (for now at least), two replacements - cheaper utility vehicle instead of the Cayenne and cheaper fun car in place of the Supra.

And yes, I have thought about the utility and fun coming together...an X3 m40i comes to mind. When I test drove that, I remarked how much it felt like the Supra (to a certain extent of course). What other vehicles would you recommend as an “all-in-one?”

Geez, now you got me thinking...I could open up a garage space for the Leaf.

This could be fun

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=571092615&zip=08312&referrer=/cars-for-sale/searchresults.xhtml?zip=08312&city=Clayton&incremental=all&modelCodeList=JEEPGRAND&makeCodeList=JEEP&listingTypes=USED&sortBy=relevance&state=NJ&firstRecord=0&marketExtension=include&relevanceConfig=default&searchRadius=50&trimCodeList=JEEPGRAND%7CSRT&isNewSearch=false&listingTypes=USED&numRecords=25&firstRecord=0&modelCodeList=JEEPGRAND&makeCodeList=JEEP&searchRadius=50&trimCodeList=JEEPGRAND|SRT&makeCode1=JEEP&modelCode1=JEEPGRAND&clickType=listing

qbrozen

breld said:

qbrozen said:

breld said:

Looking back on 2020 (and preparing our 2021 budget), it's really hit me how much I overindulged this past year. Lots of moves, but at the end of the day (or year, as it were ), my wife went from her Alltrack to her MINI - like for like for the most part. Me? I replaced the very reasonable V90 lease with a really nice Cayenne and the GTI (then 228i) as the fun car to a new Supra (albeit at a great discount). And between moving, the pandemic and kids getting their drivers licenses, the miles I'm driving has been greatly reduced. Pandemic is temporary (it is, right?), but I doubt we're going back to the office 5 days a week ever.

So my current fun research obsession? What could I get to satisfy those car needs/desires at a significantly reduced rate? If you'd like, indulge me with your thoughts.

Utility car - let's say around $35-40k budget:

• 2018-2019 MDX - a sport hybrid model would be great, but so many more choices out there with the standard V6. At least Tech Package, but Advanced would be preferred.
  
• 2019-2020 CX-9
  
• 2017-2018 X5 35i or 40e
  
• 2017-2018 GLE
  
• Or maybe, push that budget just a bit...Mach E (considering $10k of tax incentives here in CO)
  

For the fun car, let's stick around $30k'ish:

• Another Miata RF - 2019 or newer for the increased power.
  
• M240i
  

I'm not sure I understand. Is the utility to replace the Cayenne? Or are you looking to replace the Supra with 2 vehicles? And is there any reason utility and fun can't come together?

So, hypothetically (for now at least), two replacements - cheaper utility vehicle instead of the Cayenne and cheaper fun car in place of the Supra.

And yes, I have thought about the utility and fun coming together...an X3 m40i comes to mind. When I test drove that, I remarked how much it felt like the Supra (to a certain extent of course). What other vehicles would you recommend as an “all-in-one?”

Geez, now you got me thinking...I could open up a garage space for the Leaf.

V60 Polestar. oh, wait ... you had that.
Durango R/T. oh, wait ...
Cayenne. oh, wait ...

Honestly, my suggestions just don't matter. Whatever you get won't last, so it is just so irrelevant. lol.

graphicguy

tjc78 said:

fintail said:

East Coast Classics is a good YT channel, shows how neglected some of the surplus auction material can be, but a bargain slips through now and then.

Anyone see Vice Grip Garage’s 56 Buick Special? Really cool story about him buying his Dad’s car back and the adventure to get it home. Cool picture montage at the end of the car through the years. Worth watching

Just watched that last night. Really worthwhile story and well worth watching.

xwesx

breld said:

Geez, now you got me thinking...I could open up a garage space for the Leaf.

Well, for a week or two, at least!

stickguy

all nice options Breld. Hard to argue with owning any of those cars. In terms of cost, if you can keep the fun car flips to equal cash (whatever you sell the old one for, spend that on the new one). If you are financing the ute car, treat it like an endless lease. Set a monthly payment target, and as long as you can swap in and out for the same payment without lots of cash DAS, again really just a wash.

of course, over time the fun car will become a big older/cheaper (gonna eat depreciation someplace!) and the loan term on the family truckster might hit scope creep and occasionally go up year. But at least in ST cash flow terms, you are indulging your "hobby" without it really costing you real $.

stickguy

I still expect to get another manual at some point. The problem is finding one depending on what type of vehicle I am looking for. And I am getting one because I like driving one. being a couple tenths faster or slower in magazine test 0-60 results is not even close to a consideration. I am not likely to get anything that is borderline dangerous power wise, and I won't be doing any drag race starts or full throttle power shifting.

Wanting a stick does have one benefit. It takes the really big list of options, and makes it a very small one!

speaking of which (and related to Breld's hypothetical) I still have no clue what I will get next. Just targeting about March to add to the fleet. For now, and likely through Q1, I still have zero need for a 2nd car so why bother? I will, of course, keep an eye out and if a deal on a new one pops up that I can't refuse (I guess that would be a lease), maybe a Leaf/Bolt/other EV, I could make a move any time. Or if something used I always wanted falls into my lap.

My long, never mind short. list isn't very firm yet. I have thought about a Wrangler, really like the 18/19 GTI, still consider a compact (well, mid size) PU. My daughter got me looking at an XC40, but I really don't need 2 relatively expensive new(ish) CUVs.

older, I liked the 2002ish Celica GTS that ran through cars and bids recently ($6,300). I would love a slightly older Civic Si. So who knows.

xwesx

stickguy said:

all nice options Breld. Hard to argue with owning any of those cars. In terms of cost, if you can keep the fun car flips to equal cash (whatever you sell the old one for, spend that on the new one). If you are financing the ute car, treat it like an endless lease. Set a monthly payment target, and as long as you can swap in and out for the same payment without lots of cash DAS, again really just a wash.

of course, over time the fun car will become a big older/cheaper (gonna eat depreciation someplace!) and the loan term on the family truckster might hit scope creep and occasionally go up year. But at least in ST cash flow terms, you are indulging your "hobby" without it really costing you real $.

Make a ton of sense... However, considering that you are coming at it backwards... figure out what you want first, then come up with a "reasonable" justification in terms of paying for it.

stickguy

oh, I heard the wife earlier on a work call, talking about the idea of her wanting to move up North (somewhere near OF, or VT or NH), possibly in the nearer term, assuming her company would be OK now with staying WFH permanently. So she might even be serious about doing it. If so, I need to plan accordingly. A PU would make a lot of sense in that scenario, but probably more sense is something much cheaper that can become the spare toy after we move!

tjc78

stickguy said:

oh, I heard the wife earlier on a work call, talking about the idea of her wanting to move up North (somewhere near OF, or VT or NH), possibly in the nearer term, assuming her company would be OK now with staying WFH permanently. So she might even be serious about doing it. If so, I need to plan accordingly. A PU would make a lot of sense in that scenario, but probably more sense is something much cheaper that can become the spare toy after we move!

This defies all logic. You just don’t ever move north!

If you really do it, that Wrangler looks like an even better idea... plus a snowblower and a teenager on retainer to use it for you!

stickguy

oh, it is not my idea. I would go someplace warmer. Don't need tropics, but something where winter is more like fall up here. Asheville NC, or Tenn. up by Nashville, something like that.

au1994

stickguy said:

I still expect to get another manual at some point. The problem is finding one depending on what type of vehicle I am looking for. And I am getting one because I like driving one. being a couple tenths faster or slower in magazine test 0-60 results is not even close to a consideration. I am not likely to get anything that is borderline dangerous power wise, and I won't be doing any drag race starts or full throttle power shifting.

Wanting a stick does have one benefit. It takes the really big list of options, and makes it a very small one!

speaking of which (and related to Breld's hypothetical) I still have no clue what I will get next. Just targeting about March to add to the fleet. For now, and likely through Q1, I still have zero need for a 2nd car so why bother? I will, of course, keep an eye out and if a deal on a new one pops up that I can't refuse (I guess that would be a lease), maybe a Leaf/Bolt/other EV, I could make a move any time. Or if something used I always wanted falls into my lap.

My long, never mind short. list isn't very firm yet. I have thought about a Wrangler, really like the 18/19 GTI, still consider a compact (well, mid size) PU. My daughter got me looking at an XC40, but I really don't need 2 relatively expensive new(ish) CUVs.

older, I liked the 2002ish Celica GTS that ran through cars and bids recently ($6,300). I would love a slightly older Civic Si. So who knows.

Man, you are living in my head. In my constant list of hypotheticals for our fleet, I’ve got a place for a truck, GTI or Wrangler.

In my fantasy, yet still practical, garage there’s a truck. Along with a sporty convertible that likely has a Roundel on it and a family hauler of some description.

kyfdx

stickguy said:

oh, it is not my idea. I would go someplace warmer. Don't need tropics, but something where winter is more like fall up here. Asheville NC, or Tenn. up by Nashville, something like that.

Asheville is very rainy. While I love the area (beer!), the nicer part of NC is East of the Raleigh/Durham area. Not on the coast, but that direction.

Alternatively, Greenville, SC, though warmer, there.

au1994

breld said:

qbrozen said:

breld said:

Looking back on 2020 (and preparing our 2021 budget), it's really hit me how much I overindulged this past year. Lots of moves, but at the end of the day (or year, as it were ), my wife went from her Alltrack to her MINI - like for like for the most part. Me? I replaced the very reasonable V90 lease with a really nice Cayenne and the GTI (then 228i) as the fun car to a new Supra (albeit at a great discount). And between moving, the pandemic and kids getting their drivers licenses, the miles I'm driving has been greatly reduced. Pandemic is temporary (it is, right?), but I doubt we're going back to the office 5 days a week ever.

So my current fun research obsession? What could I get to satisfy those car needs/desires at a significantly reduced rate? If you'd like, indulge me with your thoughts.

Utility car - let's say around $35-40k budget:

• 2018-2019 MDX - a sport hybrid model would be great, but so many more choices out there with the standard V6. At least Tech Package, but Advanced would be preferred.
  
• 2019-2020 CX-9
  
• 2017-2018 X5 35i or 40e
  
• 2017-2018 GLE
  
• Or maybe, push that budget just a bit...Mach E (considering $10k of tax incentives here in CO)
  

For the fun car, let's stick around $30k'ish:

• Another Miata RF - 2019 or newer for the increased power.
  
• M240i
  

I'm not sure I understand. Is the utility to replace the Cayenne? Or are you looking to replace the Supra with 2 vehicles? And is there any reason utility and fun can't come together?

So, hypothetically (for now at least), two replacements - cheaper utility vehicle instead of the Cayenne and cheaper fun car in place of the Supra.

And yes, I have thought about the utility and fun coming together...an X3 m40i comes to mind. When I test drove that, I remarked how much it felt like the Supra (to a certain extent of course). What other vehicles would you recommend as an “all-in-one?”

Geez, now you got me thinking...I could open up a garage space for the Leaf.

I should probably get on the list. My wife grew up with Porsches and would love the Cayenne.

au1994

stickguy said:

oh, it is not my idea. I would go someplace warmer. Don't need tropics, but something where winter is more like fall up here. Asheville NC, or Tenn. up by Nashville, something like that.

Asheville is quite nice, and yes some great beer and restaurants. It’s about an hour-ish from our lake place. Highlands, NC is another very nice spot. Lots of golf, art and restaurants and in a nice mountain setting.

Nashville has been booming for a few years and the real estate bargains are long gone and I hear crime is rising in Nashville proper.

Greenville is nice too. Kind of an undiscovered gem. Good sized town that has a good airport, hospitals and the like. Good downtown vibe too. Not big enough that it has the other problems of a ‘big’ city.

oldfarmer50

breld said:

Looking back on 2020 (and preparing our 2021 budget), it's really hit me how much I overindulged this past year. Lots of moves, but at the end of the day (or year, as it were ), my wife went from her Alltrack to her MINI - like for like for the most part. Me? I replaced the very reasonable V90 lease with a really nice Cayenne and the GTI (then 228i) as the fun car to a new Supra (albeit at a great discount). And between moving, the pandemic and kids getting their drivers licenses, the miles I'm driving has been greatly reduced. Pandemic is temporary (it is, right?), but I doubt we're going back to the office 5 days a week ever.

So my current fun research obsession? What could I get to satisfy those car needs/desires at a significantly reduced rate? If you'd like, indulge me with your thoughts.

Utility car - let's say around $35-40k budget:

• 2018-2019 MDX - a sport hybrid model would be great, but so many more choices out there with the standard V6. At least Tech Package, but Advanced would be preferred.
  
• 2019-2020 CX-9
  
• 2017-2018 X5 35i or 40e
  
• 2017-2018 GLE
  
• Or maybe, push that budget just a bit...Mach E (considering $10k of tax incentives here in CO)
  

For the fun car, let's stick around $30k'ish:

• Another Miata RF - 2019 or newer for the increased power.
  
• M240i
  

Ever since I drove a Tesla that Mach E has intrigued me. The acceleration of those EV is addictive.

stickguy

I love the Raleigh area, or the Triad. My daughter went to college down there (midway between Greensboro and Raleigh). Great place to be.

Nashville has gotten overgrown and pricy. Clarksville is an interesting town. Something like that. Or Murfreesboro. Even Knoxville.

I did go to Greeneville a few years ago. Loved it. My wife might be OK there. She would die in the lowlands though in the summer!

explorerx4

You guys have the wrong idea about shoveling snow.
It's great exercise, makes you feel more alive(although usually sore the next day) and is a good opportunity to connect with your neighbors or help them out.

breld

oldfarmer50 said:

breld said:

Looking back on 2020 (and preparing our 2021 budget), it's really hit me how much I overindulged this past year. Lots of moves, but at the end of the day (or year, as it were ), my wife went from her Alltrack to her MINI - like for like for the most part. Me? I replaced the very reasonable V90 lease with a really nice Cayenne and the GTI (then 228i) as the fun car to a new Supra (albeit at a great discount). And between moving, the pandemic and kids getting their drivers licenses, the miles I'm driving has been greatly reduced. Pandemic is temporary (it is, right?), but I doubt we're going back to the office 5 days a week ever.

So my current fun research obsession? What could I get to satisfy those car needs/desires at a significantly reduced rate? If you'd like, indulge me with your thoughts.

Utility car - let's say around $35-40k budget:

• 2018-2019 MDX - a sport hybrid model would be great, but so many more choices out there with the standard V6. At least Tech Package, but Advanced would be preferred.
  
• 2019-2020 CX-9
  
• 2017-2018 X5 35i or 40e
  
• 2017-2018 GLE
  
• Or maybe, push that budget just a bit...Mach E (considering $10k of tax incentives here in CO)
  

For the fun car, let's stick around $30k'ish:

• Another Miata RF - 2019 or newer for the increased power.
  
• M240i
  

Ever since I drove a Tesla that Mach E has intrigued me. The acceleration of those EV is addictive.

Me too - in fact, I just got the outlet installed this afternoon for my ChargePoint charger in the garage, so I've got 240v power. The Leaf should get a full charge from empty in about 6 hours now.

oldfarmer50

breld said:

qbrozen said:

breld said:

Looking back on 2020 (and preparing our 2021 budget), it's really hit me how much I overindulged this past year. Lots of moves, but at the end of the day (or year, as it were ), my wife went from her Alltrack to her MINI - like for like for the most part. Me? I replaced the very reasonable V90 lease with a really nice Cayenne and the GTI (then 228i) as the fun car to a new Supra (albeit at a great discount). And between moving, the pandemic and kids getting their drivers licenses, the miles I'm driving has been greatly reduced. Pandemic is temporary (it is, right?), but I doubt we're going back to the office 5 days a week ever.

So my current fun research obsession? What could I get to satisfy those car needs/desires at a significantly reduced rate? If you'd like, indulge me with your thoughts.

Utility car - let's say around $35-40k budget:

• 2018-2019 MDX - a sport hybrid model would be great, but so many more choices out there with the standard V6. At least Tech Package, but Advanced would be preferred.
  
• 2019-2020 CX-9
  
• 2017-2018 X5 35i or 40e
  
• 2017-2018 GLE
  
• Or maybe, push that budget just a bit...Mach E (considering $10k of tax incentives here in CO)
  

For the fun car, let's stick around $30k'ish:

• Another Miata RF - 2019 or newer for the increased power.
  
• M240i
  

I'm not sure I understand. Is the utility to replace the Cayenne? Or are you looking to replace the Supra with 2 vehicles? And is there any reason utility and fun can't come together?

So, hypothetically (for now at least), two replacements - cheaper utility vehicle instead of the Cayenne and cheaper fun car in place of the Supra.

And yes, I have thought about the utility and fun coming together...an X3 m40i comes to mind. When I test drove that, I remarked how much it felt like the Supra (to a certain extent of course). What other vehicles would you recommend as an “all-in-one?”

Geez, now you got me thinking...I could open up a garage space for the Leaf.

Fun car to me says either fast or a convertible.

laurasdada

Yep, Explorer. Shoveled the walk and a path in the driveway to the street. Shoveled neighbor's walk, connected her to the path. And, offered to help an 88 year old who was shoveling his walk and looked to be in much better shape than me! They plowed our street, but not our driveway (townhouse development). It's quite beautiful outside. Doggie loves snow!
Bend at the knees, don't torque your back too much.

oldfarmer50

roadburner said:

oldfarmer50 said:

roadburner said:

Here’s an incompetent dealer story from a few decades ago- I don’t think I ever posted it in this topic:

When I was in law school back in the early '80s I was one of only a few car guys in my class. As a result, I often got called on for advice- and every now and then I would perform minor mechanical repairs and/or upgrades for my classmates(including installing a sound system for a delightfully eccentric young lady who could have passed for Debbie Harry's identical twin sister- but I digress...)

Anyway, one of my friends had a Mustang II(so did my girlfriend at the time; that particular model motivated me to study very hard- so that I would land a job that ensured I would never have to own or drive one ever again...) So one day my friend tells me that the car is stalling after it has been driven for 10-20 minutes. After 30 minutes or so it would fire up, run another 10-20 minutes and stall again. I tell him it could be anything from a ignition module that fails hot to a fuel system issue. I suggest taking it to a dealer or indie shop.

So... he takes it to his nearest Ford dealer. They change the fuel filter and "blow out the fuel lines." I told him that I hoped it worked, but that my guess was that whatever clogged the lines was still in the tank.

Two days later, the trusty steed stalls again. Back to the dealer it goes. This time they again blow out the lines and "install new EGR valve." I thought that call was a little sketchy, so I looked under the hood and found an EGR valve that looked like it had been on the car since it was new(Ford V8s of that vintage had an EGR valve assembly that was sandwiched between the carb and the intake manifold- I had dealt with them while doing my time in DIY mechanic purgatory servicing my parents' 1973 Bronco and 1974 Maverick). At this point I'm thinking the next thing they should do is drop the tank and clean it out.

Anyone care to guess what happened next? This time I decide to go back to the dealer with my friend; I tell him to ask to speak to the Service Manager and to politely explain that the car had stalled again and to ask why a new EGR valve was installed(As for me, I was going to act as if I was just the guy who was giving him a ride- I really wanted to hear what the guy would say.) Anyways... when we go back to the dealer the SM comes out and apologizes for the problem. He pops the hood and pokes around the air cleaner and intake manifold for a minute and then announces, "I'm sorry for the mistake- this car doesn't even have an EGR valve. I think what we need to do is drop the gas tank and clean it out." At this point I've decided that any landing you walk away from is a good one- if the SM wants to take the EGR valve off the bill because he thinks the car doesn't have one I'm not going to get in his way. Sometimes a failure cascade works to your advantage.

And yes, the car ran fine after the tank was cleaned. My girlfriend and I parted amicably- but not before I talked her into ditching the Mustang II for a new Accord coupe. My buddy and I both passed the Bar, thereby relegating future Mustang II ownership to the ash heap of history. And I also met my future wife, who permanently endeared herself to me by locating my first BMW: a 1973 Bavaria 3.0. Talk about living HAPPILY ever after...

And that Mustang II that you got rid of is worth a fortune to collectors today. The end.😂😂🤣

I never owned one(fortunately). I put them in the same category as the 1973 Bronco V8 I inherited from my father, I hated it so much I was glad to get $1,000 for it(it was a rusty hulk)- and I could not care less how much it would be worth now.

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/ford/mustang-ii/2442793.html

oldfarmer50

tjc78 said:

breld said:

qbrozen said:

breld said:

Looking back on 2020 (and preparing our 2021 budget), it's really hit me how much I overindulged this past year. Lots of moves, but at the end of the day (or year, as it were ), my wife went from her Alltrack to her MINI - like for like for the most part. Me? I replaced the very reasonable V90 lease with a really nice Cayenne and the GTI (then 228i) as the fun car to a new Supra (albeit at a great discount). And between moving, the pandemic and kids getting their drivers licenses, the miles I'm driving has been greatly reduced. Pandemic is temporary (it is, right?), but I doubt we're going back to the office 5 days a week ever.

So my current fun research obsession? What could I get to satisfy those car needs/desires at a significantly reduced rate? If you'd like, indulge me with your thoughts.

Utility car - let's say around $35-40k budget:

• 2018-2019 MDX - a sport hybrid model would be great, but so many more choices out there with the standard V6. At least Tech Package, but Advanced would be preferred.
  
• 2019-2020 CX-9
  
• 2017-2018 X5 35i or 40e
  
• 2017-2018 GLE
  
• Or maybe, push that budget just a bit...Mach E (considering $10k of tax incentives here in CO)
  

For the fun car, let's stick around $30k'ish:

• Another Miata RF - 2019 or newer for the increased power.
  
• M240i
  

I'm not sure I understand. Is the utility to replace the Cayenne? Or are you looking to replace the Supra with 2 vehicles? And is there any reason utility and fun can't come together?

So, hypothetically (for now at least), two replacements - cheaper utility vehicle instead of the Cayenne and cheaper fun car in place of the Supra.

And yes, I have thought about the utility and fun coming together...an X3 m40i comes to mind. When I test drove that, I remarked how much it felt like the Supra (to a certain extent of course). What other vehicles would you recommend as an “all-in-one?”

Geez, now you got me thinking...I could open up a garage space for the Leaf.

This could be fun

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=571092615&zip=08312&referrer=/cars-for-sale/searchresults.xhtml?zip=08312&city=Clayton&incremental=all&modelCodeList=JEEPGRAND&makeCodeList=JEEP&listingTypes=USED&sortBy=relevance&state=NJ&firstRecord=0&marketExtension=include&relevanceConfig=default&searchRadius=50&trimCodeList=JEEPGRAND%7CSRT&isNewSearch=false&listingTypes=USED&numRecords=25&firstRecord=0&modelCodeList=JEEPGRAND&makeCodeList=JEEP&searchRadius=50&trimCodeList=JEEPGRAND|SRT&makeCode1=JEEP&modelCode1=JEEPGRAND&clickType=listing

All sales “as is”? In NY you couldn’t sell a car without a warranty. Multiple owners on a 2018? Could be fun or could be trouble. Is that the one with the Hellcat engine?

stickguy

oldfarmer50 said:

roadburner said:

oldfarmer50 said:

roadburner said:

Here’s an incompetent dealer story from a few decades ago- I don’t think I ever posted it in this topic:

When I was in law school back in the early '80s I was one of only a few car guys in my class. As a result, I often got called on for advice- and every now and then I would perform minor mechanical repairs and/or upgrades for my classmates(including installing a sound system for a delightfully eccentric young lady who could have passed for Debbie Harry's identical twin sister- but I digress...)

Anyway, one of my friends had a Mustang II(so did my girlfriend at the time; that particular model motivated me to study very hard- so that I would land a job that ensured I would never have to own or drive one ever again...) So one day my friend tells me that the car is stalling after it has been driven for 10-20 minutes. After 30 minutes or so it would fire up, run another 10-20 minutes and stall again. I tell him it could be anything from a ignition module that fails hot to a fuel system issue. I suggest taking it to a dealer or indie shop.

So... he takes it to his nearest Ford dealer. They change the fuel filter and "blow out the fuel lines." I told him that I hoped it worked, but that my guess was that whatever clogged the lines was still in the tank.

Two days later, the trusty steed stalls again. Back to the dealer it goes. This time they again blow out the lines and "install new EGR valve." I thought that call was a little sketchy, so I looked under the hood and found an EGR valve that looked like it had been on the car since it was new(Ford V8s of that vintage had an EGR valve assembly that was sandwiched between the carb and the intake manifold- I had dealt with them while doing my time in DIY mechanic purgatory servicing my parents' 1973 Bronco and 1974 Maverick). At this point I'm thinking the next thing they should do is drop the tank and clean it out.

Anyone care to guess what happened next? This time I decide to go back to the dealer with my friend; I tell him to ask to speak to the Service Manager and to politely explain that the car had stalled again and to ask why a new EGR valve was installed(As for me, I was going to act as if I was just the guy who was giving him a ride- I really wanted to hear what the guy would say.) Anyways... when we go back to the dealer the SM comes out and apologizes for the problem. He pops the hood and pokes around the air cleaner and intake manifold for a minute and then announces, "I'm sorry for the mistake- this car doesn't even have an EGR valve. I think what we need to do is drop the gas tank and clean it out." At this point I've decided that any landing you walk away from is a good one- if the SM wants to take the EGR valve off the bill because he thinks the car doesn't have one I'm not going to get in his way. Sometimes a failure cascade works to your advantage.

And yes, the car ran fine after the tank was cleaned. My girlfriend and I parted amicably- but not before I talked her into ditching the Mustang II for a new Accord coupe. My buddy and I both passed the Bar, thereby relegating future Mustang II ownership to the ash heap of history. And I also met my future wife, who permanently endeared herself to me by locating my first BMW: a 1973 Bavaria 3.0. Talk about living HAPPILY ever after...

And that Mustang II that you got rid of is worth a fortune to collectors today. The end.😂😂🤣

I never owned one(fortunately). I put them in the same category as the 1973 Bronco V8 I inherited from my father, I hated it so much I was glad to get $1,000 for it(it was a rusty hulk)- and I could not care less how much it would be worth now.

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/ford/mustang-ii/2442793.html

$16,000 for a Ghia coupe? Are they nuts?

and flame away, but I would not mind having a Mustang II. Nice compact size. Just has to be a hatchback with a manual. And of course, it would get some subtle upgrades. Better motor, a 5 speed, uprated brakes and suspension, and better seats. That would make for a fun little toy.

I actually thought the II was a lot closer to the spirit of the original Mustang than the bloated barge 71-73 models were. Sure the engines were choked down, but everything those days was.

this one is cool. Just needs the manual, but that is probably a pretty easy swap.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1978-Ford-Mustang-King-Cobra/174562779607?hash=item28a4c0a1d7:g:Q5YAAOSwGk5f247M

explorerx4

Here's a review from someone who doesn't like the Mach E.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtkkJ2qnmbE&t=496s

stickguy

I am only curious about the Mach E for what it does. The fact that they decided to use the Mustang name on it is irrelevant to me.

ab348

explorerx4 said:

You guys have the wrong idea about shoveling snow.
It's great exercise, makes you feel more alive(although usually sore the next day) and is a good opportunity to connect with your neighbors or help them out.

Some people like pumping out septic tanks too.

Sandman6472

At this point, would love to leave Florida but doubt that's going to happen. Do really see us moving up to Central Florida by 2024 or so. Don't mind the cold but since I lived in New York just north of the city for almost 15 years, not sure I'd want to go back that far north. Also have been spoiled by the lower cost of living down South. But I'd never say never about anything.
Drove some more new Audi's at work yesterday. A Q5 and a A5 and enjoyed them both. Guessing they were base models as the audio system was just o k, nothing spectacular. All black over black for some strange reason because they get hot here in the summer. Our white over black A3 doesn't seem to get that hot. A great vehicle still with no issues to speak of.
Have seen a few XC40's and like them but they are a bit pricey. I could see leasing one since my miles per year have gone down by 2/3rd's now. But, we shall see what the future brings.

corvette

100PercentWife didn't seem thrilled to be featured in 100PercentJake's latest video.

mjfloyd1

Sandman6472 said:

At this point, would love to leave Florida but doubt that's going to happen. Do really see us moving up to Central Florida by 2024 or so. Don't mind the cold but since I lived in New York just north of the city for almost 15 years, not sure I'd want to go back that far north. Also have been spoiled by the lower cost of living down South. But I'd never say never about anything.
Drove some more new Audi's at work yesterday. A Q5 and a A5 and enjoyed them both. Guessing they were base models as the audio system was just o k, nothing spectacular. All black over black for some strange reason because they get hot here in the summer. Our white over black A3 doesn't seem to get that hot. A great vehicle still with no issues to speak of.
Have seen a few XC40's and like them but they are a bit pricey. I could see leasing one since my miles per year have gone down by 2/3rd's now. But, we shall see what the future brings.

Come to Indiana, the weather is...oh never mind

mjfloyd1

breld said:

qbrozen said:

breld said:

Looking back on 2020 (and preparing our 2021 budget), it's really hit me how much I overindulged this past year. Lots of moves, but at the end of the day (or year, as it were ), my wife went from her Alltrack to her MINI - like for like for the most part. Me? I replaced the very reasonable V90 lease with a really nice Cayenne and the GTI (then 228i) as the fun car to a new Supra (albeit at a great discount). And between moving, the pandemic and kids getting their drivers licenses, the miles I'm driving has been greatly reduced. Pandemic is temporary (it is, right?), but I doubt we're going back to the office 5 days a week ever.

So my current fun research obsession? What could I get to satisfy those car needs/desires at a significantly reduced rate? If you'd like, indulge me with your thoughts.

Utility car - let's say around $35-40k budget:

• 2018-2019 MDX - a sport hybrid model would be great, but so many more choices out there with the standard V6. At least Tech Package, but Advanced would be preferred.
  
• 2019-2020 CX-9
  
• 2017-2018 X5 35i or 40e
  
• 2017-2018 GLE
  
• Or maybe, push that budget just a bit...Mach E (considering $10k of tax incentives here in CO)
  

For the fun car, let's stick around $30k'ish:

• Another Miata RF - 2019 or newer for the increased power.
  
• M240i
  

I'm not sure I understand. Is the utility to replace the Cayenne? Or are you looking to replace the Supra with 2 vehicles? And is there any reason utility and fun can't come together?

So, hypothetically (for now at least), two replacements - cheaper utility vehicle instead of the Cayenne and cheaper fun car in place of the Supra.

And yes, I have thought about the utility and fun coming together...an X3 m40i comes to mind. When I test drove that, I remarked how much it felt like the Supra (to a certain extent of course). What other vehicles would you recommend as an “all-in-one?”

Geez, now you got me thinking...I could open up a garage space for the Leaf.

I worked on the south side of Indianapolis today so I scooted up north and drove a Volvo XC60 T6 momentum. It was not my cup of tea.

I drove over to BMW and drove a X3 m40i and the power was nice but the suspension was pretty stiff when hitting potholes. I could learn to like it (I think) but I am getting older. I would have loved it in my 40s when I was putting lowering springs on my Audi A6.

I drove a m340xdrive and it rode somewhat better than the x3 m40 but I like the visibility of a SUV (I think...).

There is always the x3 30i with m sport suspension but you give up the inline 6 for the four cylinder that sounds like a sewing machine. I think that is out just based on that alone.

Channeling my inner Breld

There is a used 2020 x3 M40i for sale near me but is dark graphite metallic and has the sensatec (vinyl) interior. 6700 miles and the price is right, Bob Barker...

Still channeling my inner Breld

I probably should have driven an Audi SQ5...

Then to sell my Jeep to Vroom...

Help!!

stickguy

corvette said:

100PercentWife didn't seem thrilled to be featured in 100PercentJake's latest video.

I just watched that. I know that look...

she is probably happy at least to have her DD back.

mjfloyd1

qbrozen said:

breld said:

qbrozen said:

breld said:

Looking back on 2020 (and preparing our 2021 budget), it's really hit me how much I overindulged this past year. Lots of moves, but at the end of the day (or year, as it were ), my wife went from her Alltrack to her MINI - like for like for the most part. Me? I replaced the very reasonable V90 lease with a really nice Cayenne and the GTI (then 228i) as the fun car to a new Supra (albeit at a great discount). And between moving, the pandemic and kids getting their drivers licenses, the miles I'm driving has been greatly reduced. Pandemic is temporary (it is, right?), but I doubt we're going back to the office 5 days a week ever.

So my current fun research obsession? What could I get to satisfy those car needs/desires at a significantly reduced rate? If you'd like, indulge me with your thoughts.

Utility car - let's say around $35-40k budget:

• 2018-2019 MDX - a sport hybrid model would be great, but so many more choices out there with the standard V6. At least Tech Package, but Advanced would be preferred.
  
• 2019-2020 CX-9
  
• 2017-2018 X5 35i or 40e
  
• 2017-2018 GLE
  
• Or maybe, push that budget just a bit...Mach E (considering $10k of tax incentives here in CO)
  

For the fun car, let's stick around $30k'ish:

• Another Miata RF - 2019 or newer for the increased power.
  
• M240i
  

I'm not sure I understand. Is the utility to replace the Cayenne? Or are you looking to replace the Supra with 2 vehicles? And is there any reason utility and fun can't come together?

So, hypothetically (for now at least), two replacements - cheaper utility vehicle instead of the Cayenne and cheaper fun car in place of the Supra.

And yes, I have thought about the utility and fun coming together...an X3 m40i comes to mind. When I test drove that, I remarked how much it felt like the Supra (to a certain extent of course). What other vehicles would you recommend as an “all-in-one?”

Geez, now you got me thinking...I could open up a garage space for the Leaf.

V60 Polestar. oh, wait ... you had that.
Durango R/T. oh, wait ...
Cayenne. oh, wait ...

Honestly, my suggestions just don't matter. Whatever you get won't last, so it is just so irrelevant. lol.

@breld "revisits" , it isn't a "do over"

Michaell

mjfloyd1 said:

qbrozen said:

breld said:

qbrozen said:

breld said:

Looking back on 2020 (and preparing our 2021 budget), it's really hit me how much I overindulged this past year. Lots of moves, but at the end of the day (or year, as it were ), my wife went from her Alltrack to her MINI - like for like for the most part. Me? I replaced the very reasonable V90 lease with a really nice Cayenne and the GTI (then 228i) as the fun car to a new Supra (albeit at a great discount). And between moving, the pandemic and kids getting their drivers licenses, the miles I'm driving has been greatly reduced. Pandemic is temporary (it is, right?), but I doubt we're going back to the office 5 days a week ever.

So my current fun research obsession? What could I get to satisfy those car needs/desires at a significantly reduced rate? If you'd like, indulge me with your thoughts.

Utility car - let's say around $35-40k budget:

• 2018-2019 MDX - a sport hybrid model would be great, but so many more choices out there with the standard V6. At least Tech Package, but Advanced would be preferred.
  
• 2019-2020 CX-9
  
• 2017-2018 X5 35i or 40e
  
• 2017-2018 GLE
  
• Or maybe, push that budget just a bit...Mach E (considering $10k of tax incentives here in CO)
  

For the fun car, let's stick around $30k'ish:

• Another Miata RF - 2019 or newer for the increased power.
  
• M240i
  

I'm not sure I understand. Is the utility to replace the Cayenne? Or are you looking to replace the Supra with 2 vehicles? And is there any reason utility and fun can't come together?

So, hypothetically (for now at least), two replacements - cheaper utility vehicle instead of the Cayenne and cheaper fun car in place of the Supra.

And yes, I have thought about the utility and fun coming together...an X3 m40i comes to mind. When I test drove that, I remarked how much it felt like the Supra (to a certain extent of course). What other vehicles would you recommend as an “all-in-one?”

Geez, now you got me thinking...I could open up a garage space for the Leaf.

V60 Polestar. oh, wait ... you had that.
Durango R/T. oh, wait ...
Cayenne. oh, wait ...

Honestly, my suggestions just don't matter. Whatever you get won't last, so it is just so irrelevant. lol.

@ brews
@breld "revisits" , it isn't a "do over"

Yeah, if you think he won't circle back to something he's already had, well, you don't know @breld.

Multiple GTIs
Multiple 5-series
Multiple 3-series (sedan, wagon, convertible)
Multiple Jettas (for his daughter)
Multiple Durangos

I will admit that the random thoughts that end up in my text thread are quite entertaining. I contribute my .02 when appropriate.

I'll admit the outlier was the Durango(s) that he had.

mjfloyd1

Michaell said:

mjfloyd1 said:

qbrozen said:

breld said:

qbrozen said:

breld said:

Looking back on 2020 (and preparing our 2021 budget), it's really hit me how much I overindulged this past year. Lots of moves, but at the end of the day (or year, as it were ), my wife went from her Alltrack to her MINI - like for like for the most part. Me? I replaced the very reasonable V90 lease with a really nice Cayenne and the GTI (then 228i) as the fun car to a new Supra (albeit at a great discount). And between moving, the pandemic and kids getting their drivers licenses, the miles I'm driving has been greatly reduced. Pandemic is temporary (it is, right?), but I doubt we're going back to the office 5 days a week ever.

So my current fun research obsession? What could I get to satisfy those car needs/desires at a significantly reduced rate? If you'd like, indulge me with your thoughts.

Utility car - let's say around $35-40k budget:

• 2018-2019 MDX - a sport hybrid model would be great, but so many more choices out there with the standard V6. At least Tech Package, but Advanced would be preferred.
  
• 2019-2020 CX-9
  
• 2017-2018 X5 35i or 40e
  
• 2017-2018 GLE
  
• Or maybe, push that budget just a bit...Mach E (considering $10k of tax incentives here in CO)
  

For the fun car, let's stick around $30k'ish:

• Another Miata RF - 2019 or newer for the increased power.
  
• M240i
  

I'm not sure I understand. Is the utility to replace the Cayenne? Or are you looking to replace the Supra with 2 vehicles? And is there any reason utility and fun can't come together?

So, hypothetically (for now at least), two replacements - cheaper utility vehicle instead of the Cayenne and cheaper fun car in place of the Supra.

And yes, I have thought about the utility and fun coming together...an X3 m40i comes to mind. When I test drove that, I remarked how much it felt like the Supra (to a certain extent of course). What other vehicles would you recommend as an “all-in-one?”

Geez, now you got me thinking...I could open up a garage space for the Leaf.

V60 Polestar. oh, wait ... you had that.
Durango R/T. oh, wait ...
Cayenne. oh, wait ...

Honestly, my suggestions just don't matter. Whatever you get won't last, so it is just so irrelevant. lol.

@ brews
@breld "revisits" , it isn't a "do over"

Yeah, if you think he won't circle back to something he's already had, well, you don't know @breld.

Multiple GTIs
Multiple 5-series
Multiple 3-series (sedan, wagon, convertible)
Multiple Jettas (for his daughter)
Multiple Durangos

I will admit that the random thoughts that end up in my text thread are quite entertaining. I contribute my .02 when appropriate.

I'll admit the outlier was the Durango(s) that he had.

Exactly, @breld revisits; revisits last for a shorter time than do overs

oldfarmer50

laurasdada said:

Yep, Explorer. Shoveled the walk and a path in the driveway to the street. Shoveled neighbor's walk, connected her to the path. And, offered to help an 88 year old who was shoveling his walk and looked to be in much better shape than me! They plowed our street, but not our driveway (townhouse development). It's quite beautiful outside. Doggie loves snow!
Bend at the knees, don't torque your back too much.

Now you tell me.😫😫😫

roadburner

mjfloyd1 said:

breld said:

qbrozen said:

breld said:

Looking back on 2020 (and preparing our 2021 budget), it's really hit me how much I overindulged this past year. Lots of moves, but at the end of the day (or year, as it were ), my wife went from her Alltrack to her MINI - like for like for the most part. Me? I replaced the very reasonable V90 lease with a really nice Cayenne and the GTI (then 228i) as the fun car to a new Supra (albeit at a great discount). And between moving, the pandemic and kids getting their drivers licenses, the miles I'm driving has been greatly reduced. Pandemic is temporary (it is, right?), but I doubt we're going back to the office 5 days a week ever.

So my current fun research obsession? What could I get to satisfy those car needs/desires at a significantly reduced rate? If you'd like, indulge me with your thoughts.

Utility car - let's say around $35-40k budget:

• 2018-2019 MDX - a sport hybrid model would be great, but so many more choices out there with the standard V6. At least Tech Package, but Advanced would be preferred.
  
• 2019-2020 CX-9
  
• 2017-2018 X5 35i or 40e
  
• 2017-2018 GLE
  
• Or maybe, push that budget just a bit...Mach E (considering $10k of tax incentives here in CO)
  

For the fun car, let's stick around $30k'ish:

• Another Miata RF - 2019 or newer for the increased power.
  
• M240i
  

I'm not sure I understand. Is the utility to replace the Cayenne? Or are you looking to replace the Supra with 2 vehicles? And is there any reason utility and fun can't come together?

So, hypothetically (for now at least), two replacements - cheaper utility vehicle instead of the Cayenne and cheaper fun car in place of the Supra.

And yes, I have thought about the utility and fun coming together...an X3 m40i comes to mind. When I test drove that, I remarked how much it felt like the Supra (to a certain extent of course). What other vehicles would you recommend as an “all-in-one?”

Geez, now you got me thinking...I could open up a garage space for the Leaf.

I worked on the south side of Indianapolis today so I scooted up north and drove a Volvo XC60 T6 momentum. It was not my cup of tea.

I drove over to BMW and drove a X3 m40i and the power was nice but the suspension was pretty stiff when hitting potholes. I could learn to like it (I think) but I am getting older. I would have loved it in my 40s when I was putting lowering springs on my Audi A6.

I drove a m340xdrive and it rode somewhat better than the x3 m40 but I like the visibility of a SUV (I think...).

There is always the x3 30i with m sport suspension but you give up the inline 6 for the four cylinder that sounds like a sewing machine. I think that is out just based on that alone.

Channeling my inner Breld

There is a used 2020 x3 M40i for sale near me but is dark graphite metallic and has the sensatec (vinyl) interior. 6700 miles and the price is right, Bob Barker...

Still channeling my inner Breld

I probably should have driven an Audi SQ5...

Then to sell my Jeep to Vroom...

Help!!

An M40i with 19" wheels rides noticeably better than one fitted with 20" or 21" wheels. If I was going to drive an SUV as my fun car it would have to be an X3 M Competition or nothing.
I wish the price would drop a bit on the CPO M340i that is on sale in Cincinnati; it's RWD and even has the Cooling and High Performance Tire Package.

mjfloyd1

It had 19 inch wheels...

kyfdx

mjfloyd1 said:

It had 19 inch wheels...

That might be the smallest for an M40i model.

18" are standard on the 30i

My wife's X3 (prev gen) has the optional 19" wheels, which did not make me happy, but when shopping service loaners, you have to be flexible. It ticked every other box.

qbrozen

mjfloyd1 said:

breld said:

qbrozen said:

breld said:

Looking back on 2020 (and preparing our 2021 budget), it's really hit me how much I overindulged this past year. Lots of moves, but at the end of the day (or year, as it were ), my wife went from her Alltrack to her MINI - like for like for the most part. Me? I replaced the very reasonable V90 lease with a really nice Cayenne and the GTI (then 228i) as the fun car to a new Supra (albeit at a great discount). And between moving, the pandemic and kids getting their drivers licenses, the miles I'm driving has been greatly reduced. Pandemic is temporary (it is, right?), but I doubt we're going back to the office 5 days a week ever.

So my current fun research obsession? What could I get to satisfy those car needs/desires at a significantly reduced rate? If you'd like, indulge me with your thoughts.

Utility car - let's say around $35-40k budget:

• 2018-2019 MDX - a sport hybrid model would be great, but so many more choices out there with the standard V6. At least Tech Package, but Advanced would be preferred.
  
• 2019-2020 CX-9
  
• 2017-2018 X5 35i or 40e
  
• 2017-2018 GLE
  
• Or maybe, push that budget just a bit...Mach E (considering $10k of tax incentives here in CO)
  

For the fun car, let's stick around $30k'ish:

• Another Miata RF - 2019 or newer for the increased power.
  
• M240i
  

I'm not sure I understand. Is the utility to replace the Cayenne? Or are you looking to replace the Supra with 2 vehicles? And is there any reason utility and fun can't come together?

So, hypothetically (for now at least), two replacements - cheaper utility vehicle instead of the Cayenne and cheaper fun car in place of the Supra.

And yes, I have thought about the utility and fun coming together...an X3 m40i comes to mind. When I test drove that, I remarked how much it felt like the Supra (to a certain extent of course). What other vehicles would you recommend as an “all-in-one?”

Geez, now you got me thinking...I could open up a garage space for the Leaf.

I worked on the south side of Indianapolis today so I scooted up north and drove a Volvo XC60 T6 momentum. It was not my cup of tea.

I drove over to BMW and drove a X3 m40i and the power was nice but the suspension was pretty stiff when hitting potholes. I could learn to like it (I think) but I am getting older. I would have loved it in my 40s when I was putting lowering springs on my Audi A6.

I drove a m340xdrive and it rode somewhat better than the x3 m40 but I like the visibility of a SUV (I think...).

There is always the x3 30i with m sport suspension but you give up the inline 6 for the four cylinder that sounds like a sewing machine. I think that is out just based on that alone.

Channeling my inner Breld

There is a used 2020 x3 M40i for sale near me but is dark graphite metallic and has the sensatec (vinyl) interior. 6700 miles and the price is right, Bob Barker...

Still channeling my inner Breld

I probably should have driven an Audi SQ5...

Then to sell my Jeep to Vroom...

Help!!

If you didn’t like the x3 m40i, why would the price and options on the used 2020 matter?

Yes, drive an SQ5. I’d also suggest a Stelvio.

au1994

oldfarmer50 said:

roadburner said:

oldfarmer50 said:

roadburner said:

Here’s an incompetent dealer story from a few decades ago- I don’t think I ever posted it in this topic:

When I was in law school back in the early '80s I was one of only a few car guys in my class. As a result, I often got called on for advice- and every now and then I would perform minor mechanical repairs and/or upgrades for my classmates(including installing a sound system for a delightfully eccentric young lady who could have passed for Debbie Harry's identical twin sister- but I digress...)

Anyway, one of my friends had a Mustang II(so did my girlfriend at the time; that particular model motivated me to study very hard- so that I would land a job that ensured I would never have to own or drive one ever again...) So one day my friend tells me that the car is stalling after it has been driven for 10-20 minutes. After 30 minutes or so it would fire up, run another 10-20 minutes and stall again. I tell him it could be anything from a ignition module that fails hot to a fuel system issue. I suggest taking it to a dealer or indie shop.

So... he takes it to his nearest Ford dealer. They change the fuel filter and "blow out the fuel lines." I told him that I hoped it worked, but that my guess was that whatever clogged the lines was still in the tank.

Two days later, the trusty steed stalls again. Back to the dealer it goes. This time they again blow out the lines and "install new EGR valve." I thought that call was a little sketchy, so I looked under the hood and found an EGR valve that looked like it had been on the car since it was new(Ford V8s of that vintage had an EGR valve assembly that was sandwiched between the carb and the intake manifold- I had dealt with them while doing my time in DIY mechanic purgatory servicing my parents' 1973 Bronco and 1974 Maverick). At this point I'm thinking the next thing they should do is drop the tank and clean it out.

Anyone care to guess what happened next? This time I decide to go back to the dealer with my friend; I tell him to ask to speak to the Service Manager and to politely explain that the car had stalled again and to ask why a new EGR valve was installed(As for me, I was going to act as if I was just the guy who was giving him a ride- I really wanted to hear what the guy would say.) Anyways... when we go back to the dealer the SM comes out and apologizes for the problem. He pops the hood and pokes around the air cleaner and intake manifold for a minute and then announces, "I'm sorry for the mistake- this car doesn't even have an EGR valve. I think what we need to do is drop the gas tank and clean it out." At this point I've decided that any landing you walk away from is a good one- if the SM wants to take the EGR valve off the bill because he thinks the car doesn't have one I'm not going to get in his way. Sometimes a failure cascade works to your advantage.

And yes, the car ran fine after the tank was cleaned. My girlfriend and I parted amicably- but not before I talked her into ditching the Mustang II for a new Accord coupe. My buddy and I both passed the Bar, thereby relegating future Mustang II ownership to the ash heap of history. And I also met my future wife, who permanently endeared herself to me by locating my first BMW: a 1973 Bavaria 3.0. Talk about living HAPPILY ever after...

And that Mustang II that you got rid of is worth a fortune to collectors today. The end.😂😂🤣

I never owned one(fortunately). I put them in the same category as the 1973 Bronco V8 I inherited from my father, I hated it so much I was glad to get $1,000 for it(it was a rusty hulk)- and I could not care less how much it would be worth now.

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/ford/mustang-ii/2442793.html

It’s so 70’s I can smell the polyester from here.

oldfarmer50

au1994 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

roadburner said:

oldfarmer50 said:

roadburner said:

Here’s an incompetent dealer story from a few decades ago- I don’t think I ever posted it in this topic:

When I was in law school back in the early '80s I was one of only a few car guys in my class. As a result, I often got called on for advice- and every now and then I would perform minor mechanical repairs and/or upgrades for my classmates(including installing a sound system for a delightfully eccentric young lady who could have passed for Debbie Harry's identical twin sister- but I digress...)

Anyway, one of my friends had a Mustang II(so did my girlfriend at the time; that particular model motivated me to study very hard- so that I would land a job that ensured I would never have to own or drive one ever again...) So one day my friend tells me that the car is stalling after it has been driven for 10-20 minutes. After 30 minutes or so it would fire up, run another 10-20 minutes and stall again. I tell him it could be anything from a ignition module that fails hot to a fuel system issue. I suggest taking it to a dealer or indie shop.

So... he takes it to his nearest Ford dealer. They change the fuel filter and "blow out the fuel lines." I told him that I hoped it worked, but that my guess was that whatever clogged the lines was still in the tank.

Two days later, the trusty steed stalls again. Back to the dealer it goes. This time they again blow out the lines and "install new EGR valve." I thought that call was a little sketchy, so I looked under the hood and found an EGR valve that looked like it had been on the car since it was new(Ford V8s of that vintage had an EGR valve assembly that was sandwiched between the carb and the intake manifold- I had dealt with them while doing my time in DIY mechanic purgatory servicing my parents' 1973 Bronco and 1974 Maverick). At this point I'm thinking the next thing they should do is drop the tank and clean it out.

Anyone care to guess what happened next? This time I decide to go back to the dealer with my friend; I tell him to ask to speak to the Service Manager and to politely explain that the car had stalled again and to ask why a new EGR valve was installed(As for me, I was going to act as if I was just the guy who was giving him a ride- I really wanted to hear what the guy would say.) Anyways... when we go back to the dealer the SM comes out and apologizes for the problem. He pops the hood and pokes around the air cleaner and intake manifold for a minute and then announces, "I'm sorry for the mistake- this car doesn't even have an EGR valve. I think what we need to do is drop the gas tank and clean it out." At this point I've decided that any landing you walk away from is a good one- if the SM wants to take the EGR valve off the bill because he thinks the car doesn't have one I'm not going to get in his way. Sometimes a failure cascade works to your advantage.

And yes, the car ran fine after the tank was cleaned. My girlfriend and I parted amicably- but not before I talked her into ditching the Mustang II for a new Accord coupe. My buddy and I both passed the Bar, thereby relegating future Mustang II ownership to the ash heap of history. And I also met my future wife, who permanently endeared herself to me by locating my first BMW: a 1973 Bavaria 3.0. Talk about living HAPPILY ever after...

And that Mustang II that you got rid of is worth a fortune to collectors today. The end.😂😂🤣

I never owned one(fortunately). I put them in the same category as the 1973 Bronco V8 I inherited from my father, I hated it so much I was glad to get $1,000 for it(it was a rusty hulk)- and I could not care less how much it would be worth now.

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/ford/mustang-ii/2442793.html

It’s so 70’s I can smell the polyester from here.

All it needs is shag carpet like my 74’ Charger.

oldfarmer50

Just watched JRgo’s return of the R8. Wow, $91k into it and it still doesn’t run right. He’s trying to put a positive spin on it but talk about hoopties.

tjc78

oldfarmer50 said:

Just watched JRgo’s return of the R8. Wow, $91k into it and it still doesn’t run right. He’s trying to put a positive spin on it but talk about hoopties.

Only on You Tube

All those ads we watch finances such endeavors

28firefighter

Couldn’t he have bought a runner for that kind of $$?

stickguy

I think it was running. until it wasn't.

tjc78

28firefighter said:

Couldn’t he have bought a runner for that kind of $$?

Yeah but that wouldn’t bring in viewers.

kyfdx

Downside to a flat-4 vs inline-4

2 oxygen sensors per side. 4 total.

Had one replaced on Tuesday. Check engine light back on Thursday. Back in shop, today.

Sensors are not cheap.