Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

laurasdada

breld said:

So I'll get to do a search over the next few months and only have to pay half of the vehicle cost...

My 15 year old will get his license in April and will inherit his brother's 2011 MDX, and their mom and I plan on buying a new car for the 17 year old (he'll turn 18 and graduate HS in May).

He definitely wants an SUV of some sort, and I'm thinking a budget of $20-25k (not entirely sure what my ex is thinking, so that could change).

Based on looking at local listings, my initial thoughts are:

• 2018-2020 CX-5
  
• 2017-2018 CR-V
  
• 2017-2018 RDX
  
• 2019-2020 Santa Fe (or Tuscon)
  

If he and his mom prefer a larger SUV closer to the size of his MDX (not sure why, but we'll see)...

• 2017-2018 Pilot
  
• 2017-2018 Highlander
  
• 2018-2019 CX-9
  

Those CR-Vs hold their value so well it's ridiculous. Seems like some of the larger SUVs are actually better buys. And based on my initial search, a previous gen RDX also seems like a stronger value than the CR-V.

My initial top choice would be a CX-5 - great SUV with all the safety tech but at a much better value than the Hondas and Toyotas.

I think many of us here would like to be adopted by you.

28firefighter

I don't know. I think @breld could start his own enthusiast car club and just let folks buy into a share of the fleet. Unlimited reservation access to any vehicle in it! I'd be interested in that if I lived in CO.

Michaell

28firefighter said:

I don't know. I think @breld could start his own enthusiast car club and just let folks buy into a share of the fleet. Unlimited reservation access to any vehicle in it! I'd be interested in that if I lived in CO.

Don’t think we haven’t talked about a scheme just like that...

28firefighter

My Dad and I frequently lament the fact that I don't live closer because could do just that. He has tons of available parking and enjoys cars as much as I do.

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

This car is vastly underpriced - they have it priced like a GTI S when in fact it is a GTI Autobahn. Too bad it isn't a manual and is the older 6-spd DSG...

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=571878316

I like that a lot, other than the transmission

nyccarguy

breld said:

So I'll get to do a search over the next few months and only have to pay half of the vehicle cost...

My 15 year old will get his license in April and will inherit his brother's 2011 MDX, and their mom and I plan on buying a new car for the 17 year old (he'll turn 18 and graduate HS in May).

He definitely wants an SUV of some sort, and I'm thinking a budget of $20-25k (not entirely sure what my ex is thinking, so that could change).

Based on looking at local listings, my initial thoughts are:

• 2018-2020 CX-5
  
• 2017-2018 CR-V
  
• 2017-2018 RDX
  
• 2019-2020 Santa Fe (or Tuscon)
  

If he and his mom prefer a larger SUV closer to the size of his MDX (not sure why, but we'll see)...

• 2017-2018 Pilot
  
• 2017-2018 Highlander
  
• 2018-2019 CX-9
  

Those CR-Vs hold their value so well it's ridiculous. Seems like some of the larger SUVs are actually better buys. And based on my initial search, a previous gen RDX also seems like a stronger value than the CR-V.

My initial top choice would be a CX-5 - great SUV with all the safety tech but at a much better value than the Hondas and Toyotas.

breld

laurasdada said:

breld said:

So I'll get to do a search over the next few months and only have to pay half of the vehicle cost...

My 15 year old will get his license in April and will inherit his brother's 2011 MDX, and their mom and I plan on buying a new car for the 17 year old (he'll turn 18 and graduate HS in May).

He definitely wants an SUV of some sort, and I'm thinking a budget of $20-25k (not entirely sure what my ex is thinking, so that could change).

Based on looking at local listings, my initial thoughts are:

• 2018-2020 CX-5
  
• 2017-2018 CR-V
  
• 2017-2018 RDX
  
• 2019-2020 Santa Fe (or Tuscon)
  

If he and his mom prefer a larger SUV closer to the size of his MDX (not sure why, but we'll see)...

• 2017-2018 Pilot
  
• 2017-2018 Highlander
  
• 2018-2019 CX-9
  

Those CR-Vs hold their value so well it's ridiculous. Seems like some of the larger SUVs are actually better buys. And based on my initial search, a previous gen RDX also seems like a stronger value than the CR-V.

My initial top choice would be a CX-5 - great SUV with all the safety tech but at a much better value than the Hondas and Toyotas.

I think many of us here would like to be adopted by you.

To be fair, he received a scholarship to his college - while it covers "only" half the cost, it is the highest level the college offers. That car budget is about one year of the four year scholarship, so getting the car is much more palatable.

tjc78

oldfarmer50 said:

Michaell said:

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

looks like the Son has gotten going on his looking for the next car (since his lease ends in December, and he learned from the best, that you need to plan ahead!) Sent me a link to a Caddy CT5-V (if I got the alphabet soup correct) that he liked. Not something that had been on his radar, but he kept getting ads sent to him for it. Certainly worth looking at as a competitor to a G70 or the new TLX S type. Both also on his list, along with the upcoming Genesis smaller CUV (GV70). And the usual M340i and some Audi (S4 maybe). And I am sure more to be added to the list.

I can relate to that. I haven’t bought a car in 6 months and those old feelings are starting to stir. The trouble is that my fleet is running fine at the moment which is usually my motivation to buy. The cargo van is the highest milage (121k) and the junkiest so I might replace it with a small truck. Too bad trucks are sky high right now.

My other alternative is to get another convertible to replace the Sebring. I don’t need a fast car (I have one of those) more a nice top down cruiser for sunny day touring.

My criterion would be $10k price limit and standard shift if possible. I was thinking another Mustang. A 2005-09 V6 would be ok as it would outpower the Sebring by 40hp. If I got one 2004 or older it would have to be a GT because I wouldn’t trust the old Ford 3.8 V6.

I might even consider an early 2000s Camaro.

My biggest concerns would be reliability as I wouldn’t want my Sunday drive spoiled.

So far my searches have been disappointing except to see how well Mustangs hold their value.

I thought the Mustang used the 4.0 V6 - same engine as in our 2002 Explorer.

If I’m remembering right the Mustang V6 prior to 2005 was the 3.8L. 2005-09 used the 4.0L which was ridiculed by most enthusiasts because it only put out 210hp and because...well...it wasn’t a V8. I wouldn’t be worried about 10hp difference but the 3.8L had a reputation for blowing heads whereas the 4.0L was a truck/SUV motor.

Sounds about right. Ford did sort out the 3.8’s issues by 2000 or so IIRC.... but, in all honesty either engine in a Stang is garbage. Wife had a Mustang with the 3.8 (2004) when we met and my 06 Avalon embarrassed it.

ab348

28firefighter said:

I don't know. I think @breld could start his own enthusiast car club and just let folks buy into a share of the fleet. Unlimited reservation access to any vehicle in it! I'd be interested in that if I lived in CO.

That reminds me of what Hagerty is doing with their Driveshare offering.

https://driveshare.com/

corvette

Took the Tundra for a quick errand and figured I'd have to shut off the lane departure warning due to it needing recalibration after the windshield was replaced. Was surprised it appeared to work fine. Still going to get the recalibration done, but perhaps these systems are more resilient than we realize!

28firefighter

Does anyone have any strong opinions one way or another about the Jeep Grand Cherokee with Hemi? My SIL and BIL have a 2017 Summit with the V6 and it rides great, but is a little slow. What is the 2017/2018 like with a Hemi?

stickguy

tjc78 said:

I’d wager that they don’t lease worth a damn. Every time I’ve looked at Caddy’s the leases are terrible.

that is quite possible. I assume with what he is shopping he plans to lease again, but we shall see. He also mentioned getting a used sport car and some sort of truck for slop duty. So a cheap Taco lease and a used Boxster. Something like that.

stickguy

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

looks like the Son has gotten going on his looking for the next car (since his lease ends in December, and he learned from the best, that you need to plan ahead!) Sent me a link to a Caddy CT5-V (if I got the alphabet soup correct) that he liked. Not something that had been on his radar, but he kept getting ads sent to him for it. Certainly worth looking at as a competitor to a G70 or the new TLX S type. Both also on his list, along with the upcoming Genesis smaller CUV (GV70). And the usual M340i and some Audi (S4 maybe). And I am sure more to be added to the list.

I can relate to that. I haven’t bought a car in 6 months and those old feelings are starting to stir. The trouble is that my fleet is running fine at the moment which is usually my motivation to buy. The cargo van is the highest milage (121k) and the junkiest so I might replace it with a small truck. Too bad trucks are sky high right now.

My other alternative is to get another convertible to replace the Sebring. I don’t need a fast car (I have one of those) more a nice top down cruiser for sunny day touring.

My criterion would be $10k price limit and standard shift if possible. I was thinking another Mustang. A 2005-09 V6 would be ok as it would outpower the Sebring by 40hp. If I got one 2004 or older it would have to be a GT because I wouldn’t trust the old Ford 3.8 V6.

I might even consider an early 2000s Camaro.

My biggest concerns would be reliability as I wouldn’t want my Sunday drive spoiled.

So far my searches have been disappointing except to see how well Mustangs hold their value.

I decided that this was a perfect time to add a used PU as a spare car. Then I looked up listings, saw the crazy prices being asked, and shelved that idea. Would probably be smarted to hunt a discount lease on one instead.

stickguy

corvette said:

Took the Tundra for a quick errand and figured I'd have to shut off the lane departure warning due to it needing recalibration after the windshield was replaced. Was surprised it appeared to work fine. Still going to get the recalibration done, but perhaps these systems are more resilient than we realize!

might be more of needing to check it to confirm, and adjust as needed. Kind of like doing an alignment after messing around in the suspension. May not be out, but you still need to check!

stickguy

28firefighter said:

Does anyone have any strong opinions one way or another about the Jeep Grand Cherokee with Hemi? My SIL and BIL have a 2017 Summit with the V6 and it rides great, but is a little slow. What is the 2017/2018 like with a Hemi?

Faster. Probably a bit thirstier too, but not enough to really make a difference. Oh, more expensive also.

stickguy

Breld, my take on your list? Stick with the compact to mid-sized options. Drop the barge class.

and look closer at the Tucson. A good size, great for a student. Plus there is a new design coming out, so could be serious deals to be had. Getting a functionally comparable car to a CX-5 for possible $10K less, for a kid to take to college, seems like the play to me.

Oh, drop the RDX from that list. Seems like overkill.

nyccarguy

28firefighter said:

Does anyone have any strong opinions one way or another about the Jeep Grand Cherokee with Hemi? My SIL and BIL have a 2017 Summit with the V6 and it rides great, but is a little slow. What is the 2017/2018 like with a Hemi?

breld

stickguy said:

Breld, my take on your list? Stick with the compact to mid-sized options. Drop the barge class.

and look closer at the Tucson. A good size, great for a student. Plus there is a new design coming out, so could be serious deals to be had. Getting a functionally comparable car to a CX-5 for possible $10K less, for a kid to take to college, seems like the play to me.

Oh, drop the RDX from that list. Seems like overkill.

Thanks - I do have the Tucson on the list. I think they're quite handsome.

And I don't disagree the RDX would be overkill, but when I look at used car prices for those vs a CR-V, it's hard to ignore.

28firefighter

Previous generation RDX prices have really plummeted in the wake of the new RDX, it seems. They're a great value.

breld

28firefighter said:

Does anyone have any strong opinions one way or another about the Jeep Grand Cherokee with Hemi? My SIL and BIL have a 2017 Summit with the V6 and it rides great, but is a little slow. What is the 2017/2018 like with a Hemi?

As you may recall, I went from a Durango V6 to an R/T. While I appreciated the functionality and value of the first Durango, I thought the Hemi transformed it into something really desirable. I'd say worth a look for sure - it was on my short list on my recent search, but they are fairly scarce.

stickguy

28firefighter said:

This car is vastly underpriced - they have it priced like a GTI S when in fact it is a GTI Autobahn. Too bad it isn't a manual and is the older 6-spd DSG...

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=571878316

is that green icon in the center of the right side gauge the CEL? Or something else?

stickguy

Last I checked the last of the old style RDXs were still listed high. Possible that changed. But that was when the 20's were already out. But the real moral of the story is, don't think about buying a used CRV.

28firefighter

stickguy said:

28firefighter said:

This car is vastly underpriced - they have it priced like a GTI S when in fact it is a GTI Autobahn. Too bad it isn't a manual and is the older 6-spd DSG...

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=571878316

is that green icon in the center of the right side gauge the CEL? Or something else?

Lane Keep Assist, I believe.

28firefighter

This car is nearly perfect.

https://www.carmax.com/car/19487303

stickguy

I do like that one. The blue SE with the plaid seats though, that was the best.

28firefighter

I'd love that - but you can't get adaptive dampers or fender audio with plaid seats.

I really didn't want/need an autobahn, but can't go to the used car factory and find an SE with Fender and DCC.

breld

28firefighter said:

This car is nearly perfect.

https://www.carmax.com/car/19487303

What's the "nearly" part? And why isn't it on hold yet?

28firefighter

(1) I'd need to have it transferred up to Seattle.

(2) I'm assuming it is overpriced given that it is at CarMax. Which gives me pause since these do depreciate a lot...

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

I'd love that - but you can't get adaptive dampers or fender audio with plaid seats.

I really didn't want/need an autobahn, but can't go to the used car factory and find an SE with Fender and DCC.

$30K ,though..

28firefighter

kyfdx said:

28firefighter said:

I'd love that - but you can't get adaptive dampers or fender audio with plaid seats.

I really didn't want/need an autobahn, but can't go to the used car factory and find an SE with Fender and DCC.

$30K ,though..

That, too. If I can find it in my area, an SE with Fender and DCC should be much less expensive.

breld

I'm loving this car...

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/832332503/overview/

Seems a bit high on price, and of course, it's in California. But a nice example of a 6-speed manual current gen A5.

breld

28firefighter said:

(1) I'd need to have it transferred up to Seattle.

(2) I'm assuming it is overpriced given that it is at CarMax. Which gives me pause since these do depreciate a lot...

If you can wait a few months, maybe I'll buy it and then you can make a trip to Denver.

stickguy

28firefighter said:

I'd love that - but you can't get adaptive dampers or fender audio with plaid seats.

I really didn't want/need an autobahn, but can't go to the used car factory and find an SE with Fender and DCC.

I can't speak to the audio system. I would have to test them both out to see if it makes a big enough difference to matter to me. And if anything, I would prefer not to have the adaptive dampers, so as to not worry about them down the line if I keep the car a long time.

28firefighter

All of the cars I'm looking at are covered through 2025 on warranty, if not 2026 because they have the 6yr/72k warranty on it. So, not my dime to fix the DCC if it breaks.

If I was willing to sacrifice both of those I could pick up a 2019 GTI manual for less than $25k used or potentially get a leftover 2020 for about $28k.

stickguy

that is a nice Audi. usual caveat about my ideas on color combo!

here is the Caddy my son saw. Love the color combo. Interior is nice. Car is bigger than I like though, and the rear end seems somewhat bulky.

https://www.dellacadillac.com/VehicleDetails/new-2020-Cadillac-CT5-4dr_Sdn_V_Series-Queensbury-NY/4629178723

I much prefer the 4, but not at close to that price.

https://www.dellacadillac.com/VehicleDetails/new-2020-Cadillac-CT4-4dr_Sdn_Sport-Queensbury-NY/4613699493#close

stickguy

28firefighter said:

All of the cars I'm looking at are covered through 2025 on warranty, if not 2026 because they have the 6yr/72k warranty on it. So, not my dime to fix the DCC if it breaks.

If I was willing to sacrifice both of those I could pick up a 2019 GTI manual for less than $25k used or potentially get a leftover 2020 for about $28k.

good point. I was thinking about keeping something more like 10 years, but A) that seems crazy, and if I was, should not be shopping VWs.

I am curious what they do with the upcoming Civic, and if you can get a stick in it. Not just the full Si, but maybe a cheaper sport version of it. Probably not though.

explorerx4

Only $1999 to ship that GTI here to CT.

au1994

stickguy said:

that is a nice Audi. usual caveat about my ideas on color combo!

here is the Caddy my son saw. Love the color combo. Interior is nice. Car is bigger than I like though, and the rear end seems somewhat bulky.

https://www.dellacadillac.com/VehicleDetails/new-2020-Cadillac-CT5-4dr_Sdn_V_Series-Queensbury-NY/4629178723

I much prefer the 4, but not at close to that price.

https://www.dellacadillac.com/VehicleDetails/new-2020-Cadillac-CT4-4dr_Sdn_Sport-Queensbury-NY/4613699493#close

I like everything about both except the rear end. Just looks wonky.

au1994

breld said:

I'm loving this car...

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/832332503/overview/

Seems a bit high on price, and of course, it's in California. But a nice example of a 6-speed manual current gen A5.

That’s really nice and got to be rare in the 6 psd. A5 coupe and convertible have always been very, very classic and attractive design. I looked hard at an A5 2.0 but drove it back to with a 335i and you can guess which one won out.

au1994

28firefighter said:

This car is nearly perfect.

https://www.carmax.com/car/19487303

I may be in the minority but your earlier idea on the cheap Tacoma lease sounds good as long as you can work the insurance issues to your favor on the ZHP. The SR is a little bare bones but SR5 or TRD Sport should be good for you with the ZHP more than satisfying the sporting itch. Like @nyccarguy you may come to love the functionality of the pick up.

Michaell

au1994 said:

breld said:

I'm loving this car...

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/832332503/overview/

Seems a bit high on price, and of course, it's in California. But a nice example of a 6-speed manual current gen A5.

That’s really nice and got to be rare in the 6 psd. A5 coupe and convertible have always been very, very classic and attractive design. I looked hard at an A5 2.0 but drove it back to with a 335i and you can guess which one won out.

I like that A5, a lot. A little rich for my blood, but still...

28firefighter

As long as I have a daily driver other than the ZHP, I have no insurance issues. A Tacoma would fit that.

I'm mostly worried about what happens if I end up hating it...

oldfarmer50

28firefighter said:

This car is vastly underpriced - they have it priced like a GTI S when in fact it is a GTI Autobahn. Too bad it isn't a manual and is the older 6-spd DSG...

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=571878316

How likely is it that a dealer didn’t know what he had? I suppose it could happen.

oldfarmer50

tjc78 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Michaell said:

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

looks like the Son has gotten going on his looking for the next car (since his lease ends in December, and he learned from the best, that you need to plan ahead!) Sent me a link to a Caddy CT5-V (if I got the alphabet soup correct) that he liked. Not something that had been on his radar, but he kept getting ads sent to him for it. Certainly worth looking at as a competitor to a G70 or the new TLX S type. Both also on his list, along with the upcoming Genesis smaller CUV (GV70). And the usual M340i and some Audi (S4 maybe). And I am sure more to be added to the list.

I can relate to that. I haven’t bought a car in 6 months and those old feelings are starting to stir. The trouble is that my fleet is running fine at the moment which is usually my motivation to buy. The cargo van is the highest milage (121k) and the junkiest so I might replace it with a small truck. Too bad trucks are sky high right now.

My other alternative is to get another convertible to replace the Sebring. I don’t need a fast car (I have one of those) more a nice top down cruiser for sunny day touring.

My criterion would be $10k price limit and standard shift if possible. I was thinking another Mustang. A 2005-09 V6 would be ok as it would outpower the Sebring by 40hp. If I got one 2004 or older it would have to be a GT because I wouldn’t trust the old Ford 3.8 V6.

I might even consider an early 2000s Camaro.

My biggest concerns would be reliability as I wouldn’t want my Sunday drive spoiled.

So far my searches have been disappointing except to see how well Mustangs hold their value.

I thought the Mustang used the 4.0 V6 - same engine as in our 2002 Explorer.

If I’m remembering right the Mustang V6 prior to 2005 was the 3.8L. 2005-09 used the 4.0L which was ridiculed by most enthusiasts because it only put out 210hp and because...well...it wasn’t a V8. I wouldn’t be worried about 10hp difference but the 3.8L had a reputation for blowing heads whereas the 4.0L was a truck/SUV motor.

Sounds about right. Ford did sort out the 3.8’s issues by 2000 or so IIRC.... but, in all honesty either engine in a Stang is garbage. Wife had a Mustang with the 3.8 (2004) when we met and my 06 Avalon embarrassed it.

I drove a 2005 4.0L and it was adequate for a point A to B car. Not screaming fast and it seemed to make a lot more noise than power. As I said performance isn’t my first priority in a convertible. The car it would replace only has 168hp.

28firefighter

My guess is the VIN auto resolved a certain way that didn't pull the correct trim level.

tjc78

28firefighter said:

As long as I have a daily driver other than the ZHP, I have no insurance issues. A Tacoma would fit that.

I'm mostly worried about what happens if I end up hating it...

Toyota financial and US bank both allow transfers...

oldfarmer50

breld said:

I'm loving this car...

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/832332503/overview/

Seems a bit high on price, and of course, it's in California. But a nice example of a 6-speed manual current gen A5.

Nice. What was that new, $45k?

au1994

oldfarmer50 said:

breld said:

I'm loving this car...

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/832332503/overview/

Seems a bit high on price, and of course, it's in California. But a nice example of a 6-speed manual current gen A5.

Nice. What was that new, $45k?

Premium Plus? Probably closer to 50.

stickguy

I test drove a couple of Mustang convertibles (AT) that I believe were both the 4.0l engine. Moved along just fine for a cruiser, though I seem to recall the engine note was not very exciting.

au1994

28firefighter said:

As long as I have a daily driver other than the ZHP, I have no insurance issues. A Tacoma would fit that.

I'm mostly worried about what happens if I end up hating it...

Yeah, I get it. I forget, are the smokin’ deals 2 or 3 year leases? A 2 year lease is really nothing, especially if you have something else to drive. Tolerating a 3 year lease gets a little dicey.