Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

oldfarmer50

Michaell said:

Car identity needed. Gonna be tough.

I think that’s Graphicguy’s Stinger. Darn lot boy must be on the loose again.

xwesx

Michaell said:

Car identity needed. Gonna be tough.

Ouch. That is gonna be darn-near impossible to pin down. Sedan; my first thought was a bubble-era Taurus.

28firefighter

oldfarmer50 said:

28firefighter said:

Ask and you shall receive.

Nice interior. Why can’t domestic cars get that?

A nice cabin at nearly 15 years old, too.

explorerx4

When we drive back from Ohio at Thanksgiving, I filled up my wife's MKC 2.3 ecoboost with PUG. Got the best mileage ever for it. Was happy I was able to not have to fill up in PA.
My 2017 F-150 with the 3.5 ecoboost was rated @375 HP on RUG. High end Expeditions with the same engine make 400 HP, rated using PUG.
Overall, considering the PUG price differential, it's not worth it.

andres3

kyfdx said:

ab348 said:

Would a charcoal-painted vehicle with a black roof be unbearable in Florida? I would also suspect the ride might be harsh on those. But you need to drive it of course.

I read a study once, that said paint color had much less effect on interior temperatures than would be expected

My personal experience living in sunny California my whole life disagrees with that study. I feel it makes a noticeable difference and is easily discernable.

corvette

Northeast folks - I was browsing (aren't we all?) and discovered the eimports4less website was down, and Google lists them as permanently closed. Did they fold?

stickguy

I saw that a couple of months ago. They were on my list of places I made the (online) rounds of. It appeared they must have though at the time Google did not say that. Too bad. They had nice stuff, and a great reputation.

Sandman6472

Have noticed a sharp increase in petrol these past couple of weeks. Is there something going on here or is OPEC just playing with the supply to up the price/barrel? Don't think the issues in Iran could be causing all this and doubt there's a refining issue here in the states so just curious as to the real reason the prices have edged upwards so quickly?

oldfarmer50

Sandman6472 said:

Have noticed a sharp increase in petrol these past couple of weeks. Is there something going on here or is OPEC just playing with the supply to up the price/barrel? Don't think the issues in Iran could be causing all this and doubt there's a refining issue here in the states so just curious as to the real reason the prices have edged upwards so quickly?

I’ve noticed that too. Could be a ripple effect from the closing of the XL pipeline. That wouldn’t directly effect US gas supply but it could spook the market. RUG is just about $2.50/gal. near me. 20 cents less in VT.

stickguy

Isn’t that pipeline still being built? Cancelling it shouldn’t matter right now.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

Isn’t that pipeline still being built? Cancelling it shouldn’t matter right now.

As I understand it the permits needed to complete it were withdrawn so construction can’t continue. Nevertheless, the implication of that could panic the market resulting in market fluctuations.

Just think of the toilet paper shortage caused by rumors of a toilet paper shortage.

Is that what’s causing prices to rise? I don’t know, I’m just some guy on the internet.

xwesx

oldfarmer50 said:

As I understand it the permits needed to complete it were withdrawn so construction can’t continue. Nevertheless, the implication of that could panic the market resulting in market fluctuations.

Just think of the toilet paper shortage caused by rumors of a toilet paper shortage.

Is that what’s causing prices to rise? I don’t know, I’m just some guy on the internet.

That's what the guy who started the panic said!

stickguy

Looks like the princesses scheme to relo to Boston is actually going to happen (her boss got on board with it, removing the big hurdle of actually having a job). So I expect I’ll be taking her Jetta off her hands otherwise she likely would be carmaxing it. So I might as well get it for wholesale. Plus she will have something to use when she comes home to visit.

Not what I was planning to get, but not a bad option. Nice car, has the features I want, under warranty, and the price will be right.

fintail

Or a bunch of Reddit dorks pumping up the price of a video game store to sock it to entitled hedge fund vultures - but in the case of energy prices, no authorities will interfere (as this doesn't impact the 1%).

oldfarmer50 said:

As I understand it the permits needed to complete it were withdrawn so construction can’t continue. Nevertheless, the implication of that could panic the market resulting in market fluctuations.

Just think of the toilet paper shortage caused by rumors of a toilet paper shortage.

Is that what’s causing prices to rise? I don’t know, I’m just some guy on the internet.

laurasdada

Last fill up at Costco, PUG was $2.40/gallon.

tjc78

fintail said:

Or a bunch of Reddit dorks pumping up the price of a video game store to sock it to entitled hedge fund vultures - but in the case of energy prices, no authorities will interfere (as this doesn't impact the 1%).

oldfarmer50 said:

As I understand it the permits needed to complete it were withdrawn so construction can’t continue. Nevertheless, the implication of that could panic the market resulting in market fluctuations.

Just think of the toilet paper shortage caused by rumors of a toilet paper shortage.

Is that what’s causing prices to rise? I don’t know, I’m just some guy on the internet.

That whole thing is pretty amazing. Still can’t believe it happened

stickguy

Hoped to see a new MDX today (was in for an oil change). Salesdude say they arrive (probably actually unveil) Monday. Too cold to go snooping around.

Did see a new tlx parked next to old style. Subtle updates but definitely sharper looking. Interior of course much different.

Speaking of oil, the oil change, 47 point inspection, fluid top off, and checking and doing some software update, and a car wash, total out the door ~ $37. Not complaining about that. Low enough miles car didn’t even want a rotation, and all the tires still like new tread depth (all at 10/32). Cheap, and good to go for another year.

explorerx4

I think it's the 2nd time the 'Reddit' thing has been done with a stock.

oldfarmer50

fintail said:

Or a bunch of Reddit dorks pumping up the price of a video game store to sock it to entitled hedge fund vultures - but in the case of energy prices, no authorities will interfere (as this doesn't impact the 1%).

oldfarmer50 said:

As I understand it the permits needed to complete it were withdrawn so construction can’t continue. Nevertheless, the implication of that could panic the market resulting in market fluctuations.

Just think of the toilet paper shortage caused by rumors of a toilet paper shortage.

Is that what’s causing prices to rise? I don’t know, I’m just some guy on the internet.

I thought those hedge fund guy WERE the 1%.

fintail

Gives me a laugh. I am a passive investor - set it and forget it, but I like to watch what is going on, and how the reaction has been hilariously botched.

tjc78 said:

That whole thing is pretty amazing. Still can’t believe it happened

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

Looks like the princesses scheme to relo to Boston is actually going to happen (her boss got on board with it, removing the big hurdle of actually having a job). So I expect I’ll be taking her Jetta off her hands otherwise she likely would be carmaxing it. So I might as well get it for wholesale. Plus she will have something to use when she comes home to visit.

Not what I was planning to get, but not a bad option. Nice car, has the features I want, under warranty, and the price will be right.

An here I was hoping you’d get a nice low mile Grand Marquis.

omarman

The short squeeze story about GME is novel only because of the average "dorks" using etrade accounts to boost the stock price which interfere with the "entitled" market manipulators! And that's definitely what is driving the uproar. Stock manipulation is clearly nothing new but it used to come from the top down which is much more acceptable to Wall Street.

Here's a link to a Thursday, December 3, 1981 diary entry from President Reagan which includes, "A long day filled with meetings & appointments. A rumor started somewhere that I had a heart attack. It was just like the phony rumor during the campaign. We traced that one to a brokers office on Wall Street."

And here's a link to a 1985 AP report of another fake rumor of a Reagan heart attack used to manipulate the currency exchange. "London trader Stephen Crookes of the American bank Irving Trust Co. said a rumor had started earlier in the Far East that Reagan was ill. Crookes said he suspected someone in Europe saw a chance to make money by making the rumor worse."

The AP reported that, Dealers are obliged to act on rumors, [Crookes] said, ″because they can be true.″

Well that explains everything! But the recent GME activity is not being driven by rumors and lies. Like fintail was saying, the dorks are upsetting the highly leveraged short strategy of the entitled. And that's not illegal no matter what the news media is "reporting."

greg128

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Sandman6472 said:

Have noticed a sharp increase in petrol these past couple of weeks. Is there something going on here or is OPEC just playing with the supply to up the price/barrel? Don't think the issues in Iran could be causing all this and doubt there's a refining issue here in the states so just curious as to the real reason the prices have edged upwards so quickly?

This should not be surprising given the change in our government. Demonizing and restricting the fossil fuel industry will only push the price higher even without the inevitable tax increases.

fintail

I meant an increase in gasoline prices doesn't impact the 1%, they'll have no problem filling up their Cullinan for the weekend in the Hamptons, or fueling up the private jet (also used as a write off) for a 'rona holiday.

Maybe some of them might be "were" in that they left the status, but chances are they will be bailed out by their patrons or the gubbamint, where when the market goes south for actual people, too bad so sad.

That the regulators have looked into this at all after receiving cries from those brave hardworking bootstrapping hedgers proves the real golden rule.

oldfarmer50 said:

I thought those hedge fund guy WERE the 1%.

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

Hoped to see a new MDX today (was in for an oil change). Salesdude say they arrive (probably actually unveil) Monday. Too cold to go snooping around.

Did see a new tlx parked next to old style. Subtle updates but definitely sharper looking. Interior of course much different.

Speaking of oil, the oil change, 47 point inspection, fluid top off, and checking and doing some software update, and a car wash, total out the door ~ $37. Not complaining about that. Low enough miles car didn’t even want a rotation, and all the tires still like new tread depth (all at 10/32). Cheap, and good to go for another year.

Synthetic? That’s impressive.

explorerx4

I watched some show where they said GME was shorted 146% of the outstanding shares.
Also, the Robinhood guy said they stopped ability to buy the stock to protect their customers(Hedge Funds obviously).

qbrozen

explorerx4 said:

Also, the Robinhood guy said they stopped ability to buy the stock to protect their customers(Hedge Funds obviously).

And THAT is the activity that should be illegal! Preventing investors from making trades so you can control the market? That can't be allowed.

tjc78

qbrozen said:

explorerx4 said:

Also, the Robinhood guy said they stopped ability to buy the stock to protect their customers(Hedge Funds obviously).

And THAT is the activity that should be illegal! Preventing investors from making trades so you can control the market? That can't be allowed.

Agreed

kyfdx

explorerx4 said:

I watched some show where they said GME was shorted 146% of the outstanding shares.
Also, the Robinhood guy said they stopped ability to buy the stock to protect their customers(Hedge Funds obviously).

Actually, Robinhood had to stop accepting orders, because their credit line with the clearinghouse couldn't cover all of the orders.

stickguy

nyccarguy said:

stickguy said:

Hoped to see a new MDX today (was in for an oil change). Salesdude say they arrive (probably actually unveil) Monday. Too cold to go snooping around.

Did see a new tlx parked next to old style. Subtle updates but definitely sharper looking. Interior of course much different.

Speaking of oil, the oil change, 47 point inspection, fluid top off, and checking and doing some software update, and a car wash, total out the door ~ $37. Not complaining about that. Low enough miles car didn’t even want a rotation, and all the tires still like new tread depth (all at 10/32). Cheap, and good to go for another year.

Synthetic? That’s impressive.

might be semi-synthetic. But, it is whatever Acura specs for it. At least considering it is a dealer, had better be! They really only have 2 engines at this point, so should have a lot of the right oil in bulk.

Regular price is $49.95, but they always seem to have a $20 off coupon on their website. I don't know how they make money on it, but I am not complaining. Should say not on just an oil change, they make their money on the stuff they find while they are inspecting the car. Not an issue for me of course.

28firefighter

That is super cheap, @stickguy. Great value.

stickguy

VW dealer wants about $120 for the same thing (though that probably includes tire rotation).

explorerx4

I've been driving the Explorer 30 or 40 miles every day just to help it break in.
Owner's manual says it takes 300 miles for the tires to break in.
Somewhere around 225 miles since I picked it and the tires and especially the brakes are feeling smoother.

I did see an excerpt of an interview with the Robinhood guy where he said they had no liquidity problem.

sda

The local VW dealers will post a $59.95 full synthetic oil change and filter, Audi never, Honda and Acura not as often as they did in the past. Last oil change for the TL at my preferred Honda dealer was $45 and that wasn’t synthetic.

stickguy

assuming I end up with it, I might look around at other dealers for the next service. I would use an indy guy instead but would rather keep it at the dealer while under warranty.

omarman

kyfdx said:

explorerx4 said:

I watched some show where they said GME was shorted 146% of the outstanding shares.
Also, the Robinhood guy said they stopped ability to buy the stock to protect their customers(Hedge Funds obviously).

Actually, Robinhood had to stop accepting orders, because their credit line with the clearinghouse couldn't cover all of the orders.

Ok now I'm a little confused. I wasn't calling them out by name but I thought that brokerage clears it's own trades but maybe I'm wrong. My curiosity doesn't really fit this topic tho. Time for a new topic?

corvette

omarman said:

kyfdx said:

explorerx4 said:

I watched some show where they said GME was shorted 146% of the outstanding shares.
Also, the Robinhood guy said they stopped ability to buy the stock to protect their customers(Hedge Funds obviously).

Actually, Robinhood had to stop accepting orders, because their credit line with the clearinghouse couldn't cover all of the orders.

Ok now I'm a little confused. I wasn't calling them out by name but I thought that brokerage clears it's own trades but maybe I'm wrong. My curiosity doesn't really fit this topic tho. Time for a new topic?

I think we already have one:
https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/7256/general/x/the-stock-market-and-investing#latest

omarman

@corvette

Thanks. I think I had that bookmarked a long time ago then forgot about it.

oldfarmer50

explorerx4 said:

I watched some show where they said GME was shorted 146% of the outstanding shares.
Also, the Robinhood guy said they stopped ability to buy the stock to protect their customers(Hedge Funds obviously).

Wasn’t Robinhood started by or affiliated with some of the hedge funds in question?

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

VW dealer wants about $120 for the same thing (though that probably includes tire rotation).

I think my indie guy charges about $75 for full synthetic. I was surprised to find the difference between oil capacity in various models. My Mustang takes 8.5 qts.while the Kia only takes 4.2. I always just assumed all engines took about 5qts. Boy, am I dumb.

explorerx4

Last time I brought my MKZ in for service, it was about $85 for a tire rotation and I assume semi synthetic oil change.

stickguy

I need to stop at the place near me and ask. They are actually an Audi specialist, and do a lot of performance upgrades and custom work. So pretty sure they can handle a routine service on a Jetta!

it is actually the guy I used to do the suspension and brake work on the Volvo S40 I used to have.

At least I can walk to it from my house!

I just don't like doing service elsewhere when the car is under warranty. Just in case a problem crops up, I don't want them having any flimsy excuses to weasel out of taking care of it.

roadburner

stickguy said:

VW dealer wants about $120 for the same thing (though that probably includes tire rotation).

My dealer charged $97 for the oil service on the X1. It included an inspection as well as a short video showing tread depth and brake pad thickness. Note that the oil capacity N20 motor is 7 quarts.

fintail

BaT keeps going and going - either a sign of a speculative bubble economy, or that these older AMGs are on the cusp of being really desirable. Apparent record for a USDM car. Mine wasn't this pristine, but I might regret letting it go.

Sandman6472

I used the VW store to do my oil changes while under warranty and it did no good, they wouldn't even meet me 1/2 way when I had certain issues way too early. And their coupons for synthetic oil changes actually suck! Am not happy with my local store and might be part of the reason I leave VW for good next time. But still curious about the new models coming out later this year so am waiting at this juncture.
Think I'm gonna pass on the local Mini loaner because I don't love the color combo and the thought of possibly shelling out over $30K plus my Golf isn't sitting real well with me right now. Not comfortable spending that kind of cash on a depreciating asset to be honest. And part of me wants reliability at a "cheap to keep" price which definitely isn't a German vehicle.
So, will continue to look and test drive but probably wait till the 2022 models come out to do anything. It's doubtful that I'll even do 4K miles this year and I'll be hitting 66K within the next few weeks, so maybe in a year from now, I'll be at about 70K, give or take. So, we'll just see what happens. Like the Golf, once I drive the perfect vehicle, I'll just know it within a very short time. And at that time, I'll make a decision. Luckily, I don't have to do anything right now...I just got the bug for something new.
Just hoping that my Golf has no more issues of any kind!! I still like it overall but nothing out there quite yet I have to have. So, I'm happy just to wait a little while longer. And I do appreciate y'all putting up with my back and forth because one day, I will pull the trigger like I've done before. I just seem to agonize over buying a different vehicle more than most out there. And after the Tucson incident, I don't want another bad decision to lead me into the wrong vehicle...again!
So, all I'm asking for is one more trouble free year with no drama whatsoever! I know by then, I'll be ready to finally do this!

stickguy

at 10.5 months got my first oil change today. At 4,400 miles. And that is with only have 1 car sine mid-September.

Sandy, the Seltos must look bigger than it really is. Because the Seltos and Corolla hatch are both exactly 172" long. And the Kia is only .4" (70.5 vs. 70.9) wider than the Toyota. Much taller though of course, and higher seating position.

Sandman6472

Yep, those two things made it look bigger in person. I guess if my wife hadn't proclaimed how big it was, I would be more receptive of it. And for the model I'd want, it has AWD, something not needed here in South Florida. I just fear another "Tucson incident" if I went in that direction.
Was back up at the West Palm Mini store this morning but my light colored CountrymanS was nowhere to be found. Guessing it was loaned out for the day. But did ask a sales guy if their loaners do go up for sale and he said yes. And I really did prefer that color combo to be honest. A white roof over a light gray body with white stripes on the hood. Think the paint was pearlized but it was a truly stunning vehicle. Much more than the charcoal one near our house. And if it has the HK audio system with Sirius/XM, who knows...it might get me to spend a bit over my comfort zone if all the stars align. And it truly stopped me in my tracks when I first saw it...it's like time stood still for that moment in time! Just took my breath away.

Michaell

Sandman6472 said:

I used the VW store to do my oil changes while under warranty and it did no good, they wouldn't even meet me 1/2 way when I had certain issues way too early. And their coupons for synthetic oil changes actually suck! Am not happy with my local store and might be part of the reason I leave VW for good next time. But still curious about the new models coming out later this year so am waiting at this juncture.
Think I'm gonna pass on the local Mini loaner because I don't love the color combo and the thought of possibly shelling out over $30K plus my Golf isn't sitting real well with me right now. Not comfortable spending that kind of cash on a depreciating asset to be honest. And part of me wants reliability at a "cheap to keep" price which definitely isn't a German vehicle.
So, will continue to look and test drive but probably wait till the 2022 models come out to do anything. It's doubtful that I'll even do 4K miles this year and I'll be hitting 66K within the next few weeks, so maybe in a year from now, I'll be at about 70K, give or take. So, we'll just see what happens. Like the Golf, once I drive the perfect vehicle, I'll just know it within a very short time. And at that time, I'll make a decision. Luckily, I don't have to do anything right now...I just got the bug for something new.
Just hoping that my Golf has no more issues of any kind!! I still like it overall but nothing out there quite yet I have to have. So, I'm happy just to wait a little while longer. And I do appreciate y'all putting up with my back and forth because one day, I will pull the trigger like I've done before. I just seem to agonize over buying a different vehicle more than most out there. And after the Tucson incident, I don't want another bad decision to lead me into the wrong vehicle...again!
So, all I'm asking for is one more trouble free year with no drama whatsoever! I know by then, I'll be ready to finally do this!

Did you not see my post where I hypothesized you might be able to get the pre trade price below $30k?

Depending on the trade value of your Golf, could mean $21-22k from you, plus taxes and fees. A lot better than $30k!

ronsteve

roadburner said:

corvette said:

@roadburner - I had the 5k service on the Tundra done at Wyler. No complaints. The next visit, there are a couple of niggling issues I want them to take a look at, so we'll see whether they're up for the challenge.

Thanks for the information; I was impressed that they only have a $200 doc fee.

I think that's the limit in Indiana.

tjc78

stickguy said:

at 10.5 months got my first oil change today. At 4,400 miles. And that is with only have 1 car sine mid-September.

Sandy, the Seltos must look bigger than it really is. Because the Seltos and Corolla hatch are both exactly 172" long. And the Kia is only .4" (70.5 vs. 70.9) wider than the Toyota. Much taller though of course, and higher seating position.

I just realized that the XC hasn’t been started or left the garage in 3 weeks. It still hasn’t hit 900 miles. I know we will use it more once the campground opens but that is still two months away.

Wife’s work place isn’t even discussing any plans to return to the office until April. In all reality I should have waited to replace the Enclave.

@Sandman6472
I admire your restraint. It’s a trait I haven’t mastered... most times if we want it and can afford it, we buy it.