Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

breld

andres3 said:

breld said:

28firefighter said:

I bet the X3 and Leaf get the axe for the Tesla.

That’s my initial thought and makes the most sense. But trying to be patient and enjoy the X3 as I do like it a lot.

Another thought is the Supra for a Model 3, but as fast as they are, certainly doesn’t capture the same feel as the more traditional fun vehicle.

The obvious path is to wait until the end of the year...be able to evaluate the Tesla against the Mach E and Rivian, get halfway at least on the Leaf lease, and be that much closer to actually realizing any tax credits.

But that’s rational thought.

What made you get the Leaf? Was it just a cheap way to enter the EV waters?

Exactly.

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

pensfan83 said:

nyccarguy said:

Ending soon on Cars & Bids: https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3Bpv8XPd/2000-honda-prelude-type-sh

I'll guess $5,500 takes it. No mention of the t-belt though.

At least he claims the clutch was just done. I know that’s an expensive job!

Sold for $4,900

corvette

andres3 said:

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/9ngLOYGv/2016-infiniti-q50s-red-sport-400

Seller expects $24K in the "answers" I think they will be disappointed.

$20,700. Sounds fair, I guess.

28firefighter

Seems fair for 400hp and the miles...

stickguy

nyccarguy said:

stickguy said:

pensfan83 said:

nyccarguy said:

Ending soon on Cars & Bids: https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3Bpv8XPd/2000-honda-prelude-type-sh

I'll guess $5,500 takes it. No mention of the t-belt though.

At least he claims the clutch was just done. I know that’s an expensive job!

Sold for $4,900

With the recent repairs, if it runs strong, seems like a good deal to me.

corvette

nyccarguy

@qbrozen - look familiar? https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3LQPpgkZ/2008-mercedes-benz-ml63-amg

breld

Right in our backyard, @michaell.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3ROv1l8K/2009-mazdaspeed3

Michaell

breld said:

Right in our backyard, @michaell.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3ROv1l8K/2009-mazdaspeed3

I did see that, but didn't look very close.

Good miles for the year.

stickguy

mazda is cool.

28firefighter

The 5er is at my mechanic today getting a once over. As expected, not a cheap visit but very reasonable for the work it needs done:
(1) Oil change
(2) Rear upper control arms (the boot was torn and there is no lubrication left)
(3) Rear brakes (less than 20% left on them)
(4) VANOS solenoids are on the outs.

Wallet will be a little lighter, but worthy investment to keep this car running nicely.

au1994

No, that won’t be cheap but definitely worth it. I forget, what other deferred maintenance has been caught up?

28firefighter

Between my Dad and the previous owner, the following was done in the last twelve months:
(1) Eccentric Shaft Sensor
(2) Valve Cover Gasket
(3) Thermostat
(4) Belt and all tensioner pulleys
(5) Spark plugs and ignition coils
(6) Front brakes
(7) Rear defroster wire repaired
(8) Oil filter housing gasket

The only outstanding items now from a known-issue perspective is a weeping oil pan gasket which I've been advised to leave well alone until it gets worse and a minor power steering hose leak that I've also been advised to leave alone.

au1994

That’s a good list. I’m not as familiar with these so I assume the cooling system isn’t as problematic as it is with the E46?

28firefighter

au1994 said:

That’s a good list. I’m not as familiar with these so I assume the cooling system isn’t as problematic as it is with the E46?

Nope - and the failure mode is not as catastrophic when something breaks.

oldfarmer50

I don’t know why but this made me think of Qbrozen’s search for the Camaro deal.

https://youtu.be/haXc74orwhg

xwesx

qbrozen said:

Not sure posting this pic will work, but hopefully y'all can see this exchange. Easier than typing it out. I've cropped out names since I know Edmunds does not like that sort of thing. This was a different dealer, but they use the same purchase/lease tool as the other dealer who claimed it was sold but then it wasn't.

Okay, long read.... but WORTH IT!

xwesx

Michaell said:

@explorerx4 - well, that's not a good list, as both our current state (CO) and the state I'd like to move to (NM) are on that list.

But, with real estate costing about 60% in NM what it is in CO, I'm still inclined to move there. High today in my hometown - 43. High today in Las Cruces - 73.

-43?! I was close to that today.




And.... NO! The CEL is not on; the car just shows that light to indicate the vehicle power is on and the engine is not running.

stickguy

maybe Breld should wait on one of these. Costs less at least.

https://mashable.com/article/volkswagen-id4-electric-suv-interior/?cm_ven=ExactTarget&cm_src=MC_100002788&cm_cat=1.OW_WB_Enthusiasts_HR+(1st+Party)&cmid=&gcid=83FB7354-CCCC-2222-2350-363D248A0525

xwesx

nyccarguy said:

@qbrozen - look familiar? https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3LQPpgkZ/2008-mercedes-benz-ml63-amg

No. By all appearances, this one runs....

Sandman6472

Got to drive the A3 tonight and it drove great! Just over 60K on the clock and even though it has the same 1.8t that my Golf has, felt zero turbo lag...none whatsoever! Impressive because I have to put the shifter into "S" mode to get rid of that annoying lag...it's extremely annoying to pull away from a stop and feel it every damn time! And I don't always remember to put the lever in "S" mode and if I do, usually forget to go back to "D", so am using more rpm's then needed.
So, what's my option here? Or what am I doing wrong to be having to deal with this turbo lag? Doubtful that using premium fuel would help it but seems like a waste of $ to switch over. That's my biggest complaint with it really. But quite annoying all the same.

xwesx

Neutral at the light... rev it to about 2500 rpm to engage turbo.... dump to D. LOL

No; it's just not a performance-oriented car, so there are some drawbacks.

breld

stickguy said:

maybe Breld should wait on one of these. Costs less at least.

https://mashable.com/article/volkswagen-id4-electric-suv-interior/?cm_ven=ExactTarget&cm_src=MC_100002788&cm_cat=1.OW_WB_Enthusiasts_HR+(1st+Party)&cmid=&gcid=83FB7354-CCCC-2222-2350-363D248A0525

I’ve been following those and my wife actually sent that article to me earlier today.

I think it’s a really nice package - pretty much fully loaded AWD for $48k, and then $10k in tax incentives.

From reviews, sounds like it drives nicely. One Tesla enthusiast reviewer said that buyers coming from a gas SUV will be impressed, and those used to the EV experience will find it “normal.” Which all sounds good for the price point.

I don’t think anyone has had a chance to review the dual motor AWD model, which should be a bit more exciting.

Sandman6472

OF50, I don't go more than 10 miles on those days that I do work. On my n/s days, sometimes just go under 6 and other times, maybe 25 or a bit more. I really don't drive much anymore since changing jobs closer to home. So yes, think I'd be a perfect candidate for an EV vehicle. But which one is the question? And I'd have to retrofit the garage to be able to charge it at a much quicker rate then our regular house current. That Tesla I did drive was pretty cool and had a large fun quotient to be honest. Not sure I could do a really boring vehicle going forward. Do like the looks of the Chevy Bolt but the entry price is right up there. And on my next vehicle, not sure I'd want to go over $25K plus my car. And a lease is o k but one must keep leasing the same make I'd imagine to keep the fees down. Just don't quite know yet. Thinking an EV with a small gasoline engine would be the perfect compromise here. Or maybe a hybrid with a small gasoline engine. I just don't know the correct answer for me going forward!
We usually work about 9 hours/day, give or take and those days of 10, 11 or 12 hours are long gone for us. But we don't travel as much as y'all do it seems. Sebastian down to Key West and over to Okeechobee City is about the extent that we've gone lately. And I've consistently made between 27 and 29 hours each week since coming off furlough in mid June so doubt we'll be doing over 30 for the forseeable future. And there's still no talk about bringing back Sundays as my big boss knows I'd be first in line to sign up for it. Don't mind the extra day and the extra $ was welcome.

oldfarmer50

Sandman6472 said:

Got to drive the A3 tonight and it drove great! Just over 60K on the clock and even though it has the same 1.8t that my Golf has, felt zero turbo lag...none whatsoever! Impressive because I have to put the shifter into "S" mode to get rid of that annoying lag...it's extremely annoying to pull away from a stop and feel it every damn time! And I don't always remember to put the lever in "S" mode and if I do, usually forget to go back to "D", so am using more rpm's then needed.
So, what's my option here? Or what am I doing wrong to be having to deal with this turbo lag? Doubtful that using premium fuel would help it but seems like a waste of $ to switch over. That's my biggest complaint with it really. But quite annoying all the same.

Does the A3 take premium? Maybe it would make a difference if both cars have the same engine. Either that or put your car in sport for taking off from a stop. How about reprogramming the shift points?

Or get a Tesla.....

roadburner

28firefighter said:

Between my Dad and the previous owner, the following was done in the last twelve months:
(1) Eccentric Shaft Sensor
(2) Valve Cover Gasket
(3) Thermostat
(4) Belt and all tensioner pulleys
(5) Spark plugs and ignition coils
(6) Front brakes
(7) Rear defroster wire repaired
(8) Oil filter housing gasket

The only outstanding items now from a known-issue perspective is a weeping oil pan gasket which I've been advised to leave well alone until it gets worse and a minor power steering hose leak that I've also been advised to leave alone.

On my son’s car we did the eccentric shaft sensor while the valve cover was off. We’ve also replaced the brakes and belts once. One VANOS sensor was replaced under the CPO warranty.

pensfan83

@roadburner watch your zoom filters

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/i-m-not-cat-video-shows-lawyer-can-t-turn-n1257168

nyccarguy

Somebody must have got my truck while it was parked on the street last week. I’m so careful how I park. It’s annoying. Nobody got hurt.

tjc78

That really sucks! I guess where you park it’s only a matter of time.

corvette

Sandman6472 said:

So, what's my option here? Or what am I doing wrong to be having to deal with this turbo lag? Doubtful that using premium fuel would help it but seems like a waste of $ to switch over. That's my biggest complaint with it really. But quite annoying all the same.

Audi's tuning of the same engine is going to be different than VW's, along with the throttle mapping, possible transmission differences, including number of gears and shift points. Just like the "same" engine in an Acura is going to feel more responsive than a similar Honda (the Acura may also be rated at a lower MPG). There may be tuning chips available for the Golf, but they'd probably require you to run premium fuel.

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

Somebody must have got my truck while it was parked on the street last week. I’m so careful how I park. It’s annoying. Nobody got hurt.

That infuriates me.

stickguy

even worse on a lease.

breld

Well, at least you don’t have to deal with diminished value on a lease. Just get it repaired and turn it back in, right?

Either way, that’s annoying @nyccarguy.

roadburner

pensfan83 said:

@roadburner watch your zoom filters

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/i-m-not-cat-video-shows-lawyer-can-t-turn-n1257168

That was going around the office today. We are on Zoom, Skype. or Microsoft Teams constantly- we've had people driving, vaping and peeing(luckily the camera was off on that one).

28firefighter

It’s all preventative maintenance. The N52 is relatively bullet proof. Treat it well and it will treat you well.

28firefighter

Ugh sorry about your truck, @nyccarguy. So annoying.

stickguy

Skip that EV VW. Go straight to this baby.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7ZIqaVdqsM

xwesx

nyccarguy said:

Somebody must have got my truck while it was parked on the street last week. I’m so careful how I park. It’s annoying. Nobody got hurt.

So frustrating! They must have really smacked it, too, judging by those gouges. Hopefully they got more than they gave.

Sandman6472

Now that totally sucks! But Karma is a [non-permissible content removed] most times and they'll get there's...plus a bit more. So many folks out there have no morals, and these past few years people have gotten downright mean but don't care. They should've owned up to their error and left the needed info for you. I know it's only a lease and you'll be able to just turn it in soon enough but it still sucks!

nyccarguy

So yes it stinks that my truck got hit. I’m glad it is leased. I’ll get it fixed as cheap as possible just so it passes lease inspection. No car fax to worry about. No diminished value. No harm, no foul.

tjc78

Yep, just like I did on the Enclave. No blending, etc. Just a nice patch and respray. Cash job, no insurance.

The inspector did call it out with a paint gauge meter, but no excess charges as in their mind it was repaired properly

oldfarmer50

nyccarguy said:

Somebody must have got my truck while it was parked on the street last week. I’m so careful how I park. It’s annoying. Nobody got hurt.

Ouch! That’s a lease, right? So you have to fix it?

oldfarmer50

roadburner said:

pensfan83 said:

@roadburner watch your zoom filters

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/i-m-not-cat-video-shows-lawyer-can-t-turn-n1257168

That was going around the office today. We are on Zoom, Skype. or Microsoft Teams constantly- we've had people driving, vaping and peeing(luckily the camera was off on that one).

At least you didn’t have happen what happened to Jeffery Toobin.

kyfdx

breld said:

Well, at least you don’t have to deal with diminished value on a lease. Just get it repaired and turn it back in, right?

Either way, that’s annoying @nyccarguy.

My son lived near Downtown for a year, with street parking. His Tacoma looked just like that.

nyccarguy

@oldfarmer50

Yes it is a lease. I will fix it.

explorerx4

@nyccarguy,
Sorry to hear about your truck.
It looks like the corner of the hood doesn't line up with the front edge of the fender, could have already been like that.

oldfarmer50

breld said:

Right in our backyard, @michaell.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3ROv1l8K/2009-mazdaspeed3

I found one near me too.

https://albany.craigslist.org/cto/d/cohoes-2003-mazda-protege-mazdaspeed/7264657739.html

I briefly considered one of these when I made my first new car purchase in 22 years but eventually went with the Eclipse since it had the same 263 hp.

It’s amazing how that horsepower seemed great back in the mid 2000s but now that would be considered kiddie car power.

oldfarmer50

nyccarguy said:

@oldfarmer50

Yes it is a lease. I will fix it.

That’s too bad, that kind of nonsense is bound to happen driving/parking in the city. A lot of owners just let minor scrapes go because they know if they fix it some yahoo will just hit it again.

stickguy

I like the protege. A touch pricey but might be worth it if a PPI is good. Especially looking underneath. Too bad it’s black though.

breld

oldfarmer50 said:

breld said:

Right in our backyard, @michaell.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3ROv1l8K/2009-mazdaspeed3

I found one near me too.

https://albany.craigslist.org/cto/d/cohoes-2003-mazda-protege-mazdaspeed/7264657739.html

I briefly considered one of these when I made my first new car purchase in 22 years but eventually went with the Eclipse since it had the same 263 hp.

It’s amazing how that horsepower seemed great back in the mid 2000s but now that would be considered kiddie car power.

That is seriously cool.