Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

corvette

laurasdada said:

Looks like we're committing to building a new condo in Plymouth, MA. Move in Q1 2022. Big check due in a few weeks. And, how do I keep the fiancé in check in the design center this summer?

So, my love of all things Rube Goldberg and unique, my local Jag dealer his this on the lot:

https://jaguarnorwood.com/used/Porsche/2018-Porsche-Panamera+E-Hybrid-for-sale-Boston-6bbe87870a0e0adf4716d676e1a94ca3.htm

Death by a thousand cuts? Or a load of economical (well, ignore the price) GT fun?

Congrats on the new condo... Does it have EV chargers? Also, what did those things list for when new? $80k for a 3-4 year old Porsche sounds a little steep.

tjc78

stickguy said:

here's one incoming for TJC. No clue if this is a desirable year or model, but at least it has a moonroof!

https://www.royalmotorsnj.com/details-2006-lincoln-town_car-4dr_sedan_signature_limited-used-1lnhm82w66y642638.html

2006 is actually a good year. Second year of DBW so those kinks were worked out and the first year with the new instrument cluster.

Everyone probably thinks I’m nuts but when the S60 comes off lease I’ve been lightly considering grabbing a late run Town Car as our second ride. I’ve looked and there aren’t many low mileage examples left. They must have been bought by limo and car services.

oldfarmer50

xwesx said:

Oh, and darn jinxes...

I'm having some sort of issue with the NOx reductant system on the Q7 such that the car is telling me that it will not restart within a couple hundred miles. I decided to just park it today and started driving the Forester instead.

A car that gives you notice that it will break down soon? Now that’s a courteous vehicle.

On many of my previous hoopties I had to rely on the amount of smoke coming out or the size of the puddle in the driveway.

oldfarmer50

andres3 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

roadburner said:

stickguy said:

well, if the capabilities of the regular model are probably not being used up 99% of the time, it certainly makes sense to me to go with the model that doesn't beat you up on a daily basis. If you happen to spend most of your time on the track, could come to a different decision.

That car would never survive down here. Right now the roads are so crappy it is impossible to miss all the nasty potholes unless you stay on your driveway. Super skinny sidewalls and expensive wheels are going to spend a lot of time on a flatbed. A Raptor looks more appealing every day.

What gets me are the dimwits who test drive a car, buy it, and THEN complain about issues that would be evident on the shortest drive- just like the poor fool on the trade in value topic who was trading in a Wrangler after three months because it was noisy on the highway, had little cargo space, and had a top that took too long to put up or down.

I think some people get so emotionally fixated on a car they ignore limitations. Then they realize after that a noisey track car isn’t what they really wanted.

Pushy sales people might have something to do with that.

Yep.

https://youtu.be/-Mx5vjqeXgY

ab348

Run, run away from a used Panamera.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

my son needs to stop sending me links to interesting cars. He is starting to get me thinking about opening up the wallet wider than I was planning to.

latest was that a local Chevy dealer has a 600 HP ZL1 Camaro at a big discount. Not that either of us actually wants a Camaro. I even had one. My first car was a 1967 Camaro. Unfortunately, a well used and very rust 6 cylinder power glide. But hey, it was only about $250!

I’d take that one over a modern version. You can get used to it but the visibility is truly horrendous.

stickguy

I mentioned that, and he said with that much power, who needs to see behind you? I pointed out that you also can’t see out the front or the sides either!

oldfarmer50

tjc78 said:

stickguy said:

here's one incoming for TJC. No clue if this is a desirable year or model, but at least it has a moonroof!

https://www.royalmotorsnj.com/details-2006-lincoln-town_car-4dr_sedan_signature_limited-used-1lnhm82w66y642638.html

2006 is actually a good year. Second year of DBW so those kinks were worked out and the first year with the new instrument cluster.

Everyone probably thinks I’m nuts but when the S60 comes off lease I’ve been lightly considering grabbing a late run Town Car as our second ride. I’ve looked and there aren’t many low mileage examples left. They must have been bought by limo and car services.

My wife mentioned that she might like a luxury car for me to drive her around in. I immediately mentioned the Panther platform cars. A low mile Grand Marquis would be my first choice.

https://newyork.craigslist.org/jsy/ctd/d/newark-2010-mercury-grand-marquis-ls/7266972017.html

laurasdada

corvette said:

laurasdada said:

Looks like we're committing to building a new condo in Plymouth, MA. Move in Q1 2022. Big check due in a few weeks. And, how do I keep the fiancé in check in the design center this summer?

So, my love of all things Rube Goldberg and unique, my local Jag dealer his this on the lot:

https://jaguarnorwood.com/used/Porsche/2018-Porsche-Panamera+E-Hybrid-for-sale-Boston-6bbe87870a0e0adf4716d676e1a94ca3.htm

Death by a thousand cuts? Or a load of economical (well, ignore the price) GT fun?

Congrats on the new condo... Does it have EV chargers? Also, what did those things list for when new? $80k for a 3-4 year old Porsche sounds a little steep.

Thanks, Corvette.
The condo will have standard electric in the garage, likely that would be fine for charging as it's not a BEV, but a plugin hybrid.
New, it was ~$118k. Porsche's do appear to hold value well. The new condo is about 3 miles, up on "The Ridge" from the little village green, 5 miles to downtown/waterfront and a dozen miles to shopping centers, including what I guess will have to be my new Costco, BJs. So, I have a vision of electric cruising locally, while being able to eat up the long distance miles in the future (Road trip! Vegas, baby!).
Of course, that can be done for a lot less $ than by buying a used Porsche hybrid!

laurasdada

stickguy said:

hey, it's only money. A whole lot of it, but still only money.

A large chunk of the condo "options" budget will be for courtyard pavers. And nuclear upgraded countertops. and cabinets. That, she understands and will easily spend. An expensive used car, the standard response is, "Really, Laurasdada? Really?"

stickguy

I’d hard pass on pavers. Maintenance nightmare. Can you do nice stamped concrete and save a lot of $?

Splurging on better quality kitchen, that’s valid.

stickguy

But don’t spend too much on counters. A nice medium grade quartz will look great.

ab348

laurasdada said:

And nuclear upgraded countertops

Are those the kind that glow in the dark?

sda

Agree on the Quartz countertops. We had ours installed about 6 years ago, went with a very conservative pattern/color, they still look new. No maintenance is required other than keeping them clean.

laurasdada

She wants Caesarstone countertops, she has the option of the same counters she has now. Which are the second most expensive. But, she saw a style she likes better, which is the most expensive. The nuclear reference is to the effect on my bank account...

Thanks, Stick. I'll see if concrete is an option. But, I"m not really in charge, of course. I find that in general, women are more form over function (see: stylish yet brutally uncomfortable shoes) as opposed to men. Just in general.

28firefighter

Don’t be so sure. If not for my wife I would have bought a house that had a 3 car garage but no kitchen cabinets.

sda

laurasdada said:

She wants Caesarstone countertops, she has the option of the same counters she has now. Which are the second most expensive. But, she saw a style she likes better, which is the most expensive. The nuclear reference is to the effect on my bank account...

Thanks, Stick. I'll see if concrete is an option. But, I"m not really in charge, of course. I find that in general, women are more form over function (see: stylish yet brutally uncomfortable shoes) as opposed to men. Just in general.

My wife likes to say 'beauty hurts'.

pensfan83

Since we're talking about home improvements an update on our bathroom reno, we're going with the shower stall. I'm fine with handling every other facet of the renovation but dealing with the removal, install, and plumbing modifications that are needed will be handled by "the guy". We weren't planning on doing it now but @ab348 mentioned getting an estimate for the master bath too and I think that's a good idea. Our Scotland trip looks like it's not going to happen again so there's some extra $$$ to throw at projects or college funds.

qbrozen

paperwork being fed-exed today. Finance person called me to confirm numbers and address. So I guess it is safe to share.
https://www.heidebreicht.com/f_WindowSticker?VIN=1G1FF1R71M0126428&cs:o=%window_sticker%&cs:o='WindowSticker'

xwesx

laurasdada said:

Looks like we're committing to building a new condo in Plymouth, MA. Move in Q1 2022. Big check due in a few weeks. And, how do I keep the fiancé in check in the design center this summer?

Well, now you are at the place where you discover, once and for all, if you will go from engaged to married....

Congrats! It should be a fun, if not a little challenging, experience.

xwesx

oldfarmer50 said:

xwesx said:

Oh, and darn jinxes...

I'm having some sort of issue with the NOx reductant system on the Q7 such that the car is telling me that it will not restart within a couple hundred miles. I decided to just park it today and started driving the Forester instead.

A car that gives you notice that it will break down soon? Now that’s a courteous vehicle.

On many of my previous hoopties I had to rely on the amount of smoke coming out or the size of the puddle in the driveway.

Well, to be fair, it is running just fine. Perfectly. Unfortunately, it does not know that it is working fine, so it has to go and pout instead.

explorerx4

My wife's sister used to live in Washington, MI near 26 Mile and 53, near Meijer's.
Been there many times. Meijer's wasn't even there yet when she and the family moved there.
Pretty much not a lot was there at the time, mostly farms.

stickguy

28firefighter said:

Don’t be so sure. If not for my wife I would have bought a house that had a 3 car garage but no kitchen cabinets.

I don't get it. that sounds perfect.

stickguy

qbrozen said:

paperwork being fed-exed today. Finance person called me to confirm numbers and address. So I guess it is safe to share.
https://www.heidebreicht.com/f_WindowSticker?VIN=1G1FF1R71M0126428&cs:o=%window_sticker%&cs:o='WindowSticker'

good luck with it. Especially trying to change lanes. Other than BLIS seems pretty well equipped.

tjc78

oldfarmer50 said:

tjc78 said:

stickguy said:

here's one incoming for TJC. No clue if this is a desirable year or model, but at least it has a moonroof!

https://www.royalmotorsnj.com/details-2006-lincoln-town_car-4dr_sedan_signature_limited-used-1lnhm82w66y642638.html

2006 is actually a good year. Second year of DBW so those kinks were worked out and the first year with the new instrument cluster.

Everyone probably thinks I’m nuts but when the S60 comes off lease I’ve been lightly considering grabbing a late run Town Car as our second ride. I’ve looked and there aren’t many low mileage examples left. They must have been bought by limo and car services.

My wife mentioned that she might like a luxury car for me to drive her around in. I immediately mentioned the Panther platform cars. A low mile Grand Marquis would be my first choice.

https://newyork.craigslist.org/jsy/ctd/d/newark-2010-mercury-grand-marquis-ls/7266972017.html

If you are going late run Panther you want a Town Car. The MGM was too de-contented by then. No power passenger seat, air suspension among other things.

ab348

I badly need to do renos on this place but I'm having a hard time getting started because it just seems so daunting. Several areas from smallest to largest:

1. Second bedroom currently in use as an office had wall to wall when I bought the place. A few years later I got ambitious and took that out to reveal hardwood underneath but the original finish was badly worn. I just bought a cheap area rug to cover that but it needs redoing. Problem is that the room is full of office stuff (desk, computer, file cabinet, bookshelves) and there is really no place to put all of that stuff temporarily.

2. Main bedroom still has wall to wall as I hesitated to remove it after seeing the floor underneath the first room. Similar problems as above but slightly less stuff, however, where to put a bed and large dresser if floor needs refinishing as it likely does?

3. Biggest job is to take existing small kitchen and adjacent but little-used dining room and make a larger more modern kitchen w/ eating area open to the living room. This involves moving the rear door, opening up a partition wall (not load-bearing thankfully) and ideally both removing an unused chimney plus vaulting the ceilings. New floors, new cabinets, new appliances, maybe even a couple of skylights. No way I could stay here during all of that so Lucy the cat and myself would need to move out for a few months.

It just seems all too big to take on even with a good contractor.

tjc78

@ab348

It can be done with a good contractor. We lived through a very invasive construction project with two young kids.

If all else fails there is alway help available from Johnnie, Jack, Jim or Jose.

ab348

One thing I am pleased with doing recently was having an energy recovery ventilator installed last month. This house always seemed stuffy to me and some years ago when I had an energy audit done they found that it was surprisingly tight for a 1950s-era house, which probably explained it. In the winter even though the windows were double-glazed, there was always condensation on the inner bottom surface of the oldest 1988-vintage ones that used a metal channel for the glass (newer ones installed later have a plastic channel that eliminates that issue).

I had a bit of a problem getting contractors to respond to my requests for a quote back in December but finally had enough to make a decision and it was installed in January. A bit of a pain that took a crew of 2 guys 2 days to finish, but they seemed to know what they were doing and did a decent job except for some cleanup they overlooked in the basement. I am fairly amazed by the result. Zero condensation on any windows even on the coldest mornings, house smells noticeably fresher, and no significant change in heating costs I can see to date though we're still early on that. House is generally much more comfortable.

au1994

Yeah, my F30 was that combo and I loved it.

qbrozen said:

paperwork being fed-exed today. Finance person called me to confirm numbers and address. So I guess it is safe to share.
https://www.heidebreicht.com/f_WindowSticker?VIN=1G1FF1R71M0126428&cs:o=%window_sticker%&cs:o='WindowSticker'

That’s a lot of car for the money.

kyfdx

qbrozen said:

paperwork being fed-exed today. Finance person called me to confirm numbers and address. So I guess it is safe to share.
https://www.heidebreicht.com/f_WindowSticker?VIN=1G1FF1R71M0126428&cs:o=%window_sticker%&cs:o='WindowSticker'

What is the final damage?

roadburner

qbrozen said:

paperwork being fed-exed today. Finance person called me to confirm numbers and address. So I guess it is safe to share.
https://www.heidebreicht.com/f_WindowSticker?VIN=1G1FF1R71M0126428&cs:o=%window_sticker%&cs:o='WindowSticker'

I entered a charitable raffle for a new Camaro ZL1 1LE; it’s so crazy I’d probably keep it if I won.

tjc78

stickguy said:

qbrozen said:

paperwork being fed-exed today. Finance person called me to confirm numbers and address. So I guess it is safe to share.
https://www.heidebreicht.com/f_WindowSticker?VIN=1G1FF1R71M0126428&cs:o=%window_sticker%&cs:o='WindowSticker'

good luck with it. Especially trying to change lanes. Other than BLIS seems pretty well equipped.

No need to change lanes in the 1/4 mile.

tjc78

qbrozen said:

paperwork being fed-exed today. Finance person called me to confirm numbers and address. So I guess it is safe to share.
https://www.heidebreicht.com/f_WindowSticker?VIN=1G1FF1R71M0126428&cs:o=%window_sticker%&cs:o='WindowSticker'

That’s gonna be fun while you have it.

ab348

Interesting option choice of a "Battery Protection Package" on the Camaro. I thought that was a fuse, but it turns out to be a battery tender like the one I have for my Cutlass.

breld

I can't imagine the Camaro's visibility is any worse than my Supra. But the Supra does have BLIS and rear collision warning, and a good backup camera. All of those are necessary when doing something crazy, like backing out of a parking space.

stickguy

Makes sense up there. Probably not very useful in the winter, so a lot get put away.

I was wondering what that option was.

breld

I drove the Leaf into work this morning - I generally "save" the Leaf for quick errands, but thought I'd use some more of those miles I'm paying for. It's quite enjoyable and just makes me crave a nicer EV sooner than later.

Tesla dropped the price on the long range AWD Model Y by $1,000 - so right at $50k with their destination charge. I'm borrowing @jpp75's Model 3 for a couple days for an extended test drive. I suspect that will seal the deal.

stickguy

I decided I want to buy myself a nice car at year end. Assuming I can even vaguely justify owning two at that point! Have to do something with the extra money when my pension kicks in.

28firefighter

I was reading that the Feds are going to be bringing back an updated EV credit for manufacturers that have surpassed the 200k production limit for the $7500 EV credit. If passed, for 200k-600k vehicles, buyers would be eligible for a $7000 tax credit. Vehicles sold since hitting that 200k limit but before the bill is enacted would not count towards the 600k limit.

I'd be holding off before buying - $7k off is no joke!

breld

Yeah - I've read with interest the news on that Green bill too.

Tesla had implemented price reductions to partially offset the loss of the tax credit. I've wondered if they will do the reverse...not so much an outright price increase, but I could see them doing something like making the $10k full self-driving option standard and adding $7k to the price.

In any case, I assume they will be flooded with orders when/if that bill passes, and I'm anticipating trying to time an order accordingly.

corvette

@ab348 - I suspect there will be more emphasis on increasing air changeover in buildings, post-COVID, which as you’ve noted, has other benefits.

Before I had spray foam installed in the attic and on the band joists in the basement, my 1950s house was so leaky that my whole house humidifier could not keep up and I’d still have to boil a pot of water on the stove on very cold days to maintain humidity. Now, the whole house humidifier has no issues keeping up.

tjc78

stickguy said:

I decided I want to buy myself a nice car at year end. Assuming I can even vaguely justify owning two at that point! Have to do something with the extra money when my pension kicks in.

What’s the short list? Everything from Alfa to Volvo

If Volvo allowed lease transfers I’d have a nice S60 for you

fintail

So I can buy something reasonable like a Taycan and get a tax break, awesome!

tjc78

corvette said:

@ab348 - I suspect there will be more emphasis on increasing air changeover in buildings, post-COVID, which as you’ve noted, has other benefits.

Before I had spray foam installed in the attic and on the band joists in the basement, my 1950s house was so leaky that my whole house humidifier could not keep up and I’d still have to boil a pot of water on the stove on very cold days to maintain humidity. Now, the whole house humidifier has no issues keeping up.

Our house is just about three years old. Apparently it’s so tight they were required to put an oversized fan in the hall bathroom on a timer to pull air through the house.

stickguy

tjc78 said:

stickguy said:

I decided I want to buy myself a nice car at year end. Assuming I can even vaguely justify owning two at that point! Have to do something with the extra money when my pension kicks in.

What’s the short list? Everything from Alfa to Volvo

If Volvo allowed lease transfers I’d have a nice S60 for you

No Alfa. Beyond that, who knows? Not sure what I will even want. Maybe a sports car or convertible. Or a PU. sport hatch or smaller sports sedan? I should have a better idea by then what the possibility is of our moving anytime in the near future.

I do like volvos. Maybe an XC40. Or a ridgeline or ranger. That IS F sport looked cool, but RWD only (AWD IS is unacceptable). GTI or next gen Si? A plug in hybrid (seem to be more of them all the time). Cheap lease on an EV. A compact hatch/CUV like a CX30 or Macan or crosstrek are a good size. A Miata? New BRZ looks nice.

Not sure this actually narrows it down much!

tifighter

28firefighter said:

I was reading that the Feds are going to be bringing back an updated EV credit for manufacturers that have surpassed the 200k production limit for the $7500 EV credit. If passed, for 200k-600k vehicles, buyers would be eligible for a $7000 tax credit. Vehicles sold since hitting that 200k limit but before the bill is enacted would not count towards the 600k limit.

I'd be holding off before buying - $7k off is no joke!

There will be income and pricing restrictions. It will clearly still have value, but I doubt anyone that is shopping, say, a Y Performance is going to see a full $7K coming to them. The income is too darn high, as is the MSRP.

stickguy

tjc78 said:

corvette said:

@ab348 - I suspect there will be more emphasis on increasing air changeover in buildings, post-COVID, which as you’ve noted, has other benefits.

Before I had spray foam installed in the attic and on the band joists in the basement, my 1950s house was so leaky that my whole house humidifier could not keep up and I’d still have to boil a pot of water on the stove on very cold days to maintain humidity. Now, the whole house humidifier has no issues keeping up.

Our house is just about three years old. Apparently it’s so tight they were required to put an oversized fan in the hall bathroom on a timer to pull air through the house.

Our replacement HVAC is supposedly very efficient. It actually runs the fan every so often just to circulate some air.

tifighter

breld said:

I drove the Leaf into work this morning - I generally "save" the Leaf for quick errands, but thought I'd use some more of those miles I'm paying for. It's quite enjoyable and just makes me crave a nicer EV sooner than later.

Tesla dropped the price on the long range AWD Model Y by $1,000 - so right at $50k with their destination charge. I'm borrowing @jpp75's Model 3 for a couple days for an extended test drive. I suspect that will seal the deal.

I am looking forward to reading about your experience. Please keep us updated.

pensfan83

Last year we did the front door and side lights, two years ago the windows, and then before that the rear sliding door. The HVAC runs less and the house doesn't cool or warm as quickly, depending on the season, between cycles. The roof is the last thing we need to do in terms of big ticket items.

xwesx

28firefighter said:

I was reading that the Feds are going to be bringing back an updated EV credit for manufacturers that have surpassed the 200k production limit for the $7500 EV credit. If passed, for 200k-600k vehicles, buyers would be eligible for a $7000 tax credit. Vehicles sold since hitting that 200k limit but before the bill is enacted would not count towards the 600k limit.

I'd be holding off before buying - $7k off is no joke!

Maybe, but you know the manufacturers eligible will just raise their MSRPs to compensate. It's them that gets the handouts, not the private owners (and never has been).