Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

nyccarguy

@kyfdx & @Michaell - I know programs change month to month, but which full sized pick-up with 4 Full Doors and the standard 5 1/2' bed do you think currently has the best leasing program? I guess you could use the 24 or 36 month/15K per year as your baseline. I've got to get started test driving soon.

stickguy

Going full barge? Fun for city driving!

stickguy

The new Fords seem nice though.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

Same here. I’ve seen a ton of people online over the last year having huge problems after buying a car private party but not being able to register it.

I wonder what that means from a practical standpoint. If the DMV won’t issue plates and such can the police give you a ticket for a non registered vehicle? I’d love to know the answer.

Michaell

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

Same here. I’ve seen a ton of people online over the last year having huge problems after buying a car private party but not being able to register it.

I wonder what that means from a practical standpoint. If the DMV won’t issue plates and such can the police give you a ticket for a non registered vehicle? I’d love to know the answer.

The girls did, in the MINI, last year. When I went to the DMV, I was told to contest it, but it had already been paid.

stickguy

Initially they just gave blanket extensions for renewals but not sure about new registrations. Some people just let the car sit, but plenty were just driving, especially if they had plates. Just carry all the paperwork and hope the cop lets it slide.

pensfan83

Hearing these stories makes me appreciate the relative ease of registering a car in PA, even in the middle of a pandemic.

Michaell

pensfan83 said:

Hearing these stories makes me appreciate the relative ease of registering a car in PA, even in the middle of a pandemic.

Essential for the true CCBA'er!

28firefighter

pensfan83 said:

Hearing these stories makes me appreciate the relative ease of registering a car in PA, even in the middle of a pandemic.

+1 for WA

stickguy

I’m guessing Colorado is the easiest. 😎

[Deleted User]

We received the plates for the Tacoma in the mail about three weeks after the temp tag had expired. The agent I spoke to on the phone said to email them once the paperwork was dropped off. They sent me a letter I could show to LE in case I got pulled over saying I was in the process of registration. I never needed it, not sure if it would have really worked or not. I still see temp tags that expired last year driving around!

28firefighter

Sigh...the clutch is back down to the floor again (nearly) in the wagon. I like my "guy" but may be time to take it elsewhere for a second opinion.

corvette

@28firefighter that stinks! How's your dad recuperating?

qbrozen

breld said:

I told @michaell I was going to wait to share this until things were more firm, but what the heck...

I visited our new Polestar Denver “Space” yesterday. Calling it a soft opening is a bit generous - they were still having some minor construction performed, but I was invited in a manner of speaking to come on down.

Both the manager and salesperson there are from a dealer network I frequent often (and, in fact, where I just purchased the son’s Tiguan) and that made for a fun and comfortable experience talking about the Polestar 2 and its competitors. They also had a Polestar 1 that I regret not taking pictures of.

Long story short...I placed my order for a Polestar 2. It was already high on my list, but the sales manager put lease numbers together that were much lower than expected. Now...I think it’s gonna turn out that she mis-quoted and she’ll have to retract the offer. She very confidently added the $7,500 tax rebate as a reduction in the cap cost, and I’m confident it’s already applied in the form of a higher residual.

But since I was already most of the way there to lease one at what I believe is the correct rate, I figured I’d see what comes of it. Not optimistic, but maybe since she mis-quoted, they’ll provide some additional discount as a gesture.

They’re also offering a $2k incentive if you trade in your ICE vehicle so I got a quote on the X3 which came back pretty strong. So, wife and I are considering that, and if we want another SUV in the fall we’ll shop again. Assuming the Polestar is more than sufficient as my primary car, we won’t need as nice (or powerful) an SUV as the M40i.

With all that said, in addition to the refundable deposit on the Polestar, I also have a refundable deposit on a Rivian and an on-hold order for a Model Y. So who knows what the end result will actually be!

I’ll be very curious to see what the buy offers look like when you want to get out of it in a couple of months.

Did you ask if their leasing arm allows 3rd-party buyouts? What about transfers? Is it VFNA? Although rules could change for Polestar, even if it is.

28firefighter

corvette said:

@28firefighter that stinks! How's your dad recuperating?

He's getting there - thanks for asking. Lots of PT ahead.

oldfarmer50

28firefighter said:

Sigh...the clutch is back down to the floor again (nearly) in the wagon. I like my "guy" but may be time to take it elsewhere for a second opinion.

This seems to be the week for car angst.

Michaell

28firefighter said:

Sigh...the clutch is back down to the floor again (nearly) in the wagon. I like my "guy" but may be time to take it elsewhere for a second opinion.

Oh dear....

sda

Yep, I found two door dings on the passenger side of the Passat. I guess it happened last weekend while I was running errands. They are minor, but still..probably should leave as is. If I have them fixed I am probably asking for more trouble.

corvette

oldfarmer50 said:

28firefighter said:

Sigh...the clutch is back down to the floor again (nearly) in the wagon. I like my "guy" but may be time to take it elsewhere for a second opinion.

This seems to be the week for car angst.

Elliot Alvis discovered, after putting about $300 of parts into his beater Malibu Classic, that the Ecotec's timing chain is loose. Apparently it's not worth fixing and he plans to send it to the crusher.

xwesx

corvette said:

oldfarmer50 said:

28firefighter said:

Sigh...the clutch is back down to the floor again (nearly) in the wagon. I like my "guy" but may be time to take it elsewhere for a second opinion.

This seems to be the week for car angst.

Elliot Alvis discovered, after putting about $300 of parts into his beater Malibu Classic, that the Ecotec's timing chain is loose. Apparently it's not worth fixing and he plans to send it to the crusher.

Not much of a car guy, is he? LOL

stickguy

all for content!

corvette

xwesx said:

corvette said:

oldfarmer50 said:

28firefighter said:

Sigh...the clutch is back down to the floor again (nearly) in the wagon. I like my "guy" but may be time to take it elsewhere for a second opinion.

This seems to be the week for car angst.

Elliot Alvis discovered, after putting about $300 of parts into his beater Malibu Classic, that the Ecotec's timing chain is loose. Apparently it's not worth fixing and he plans to send it to the crusher.

Not much of a car guy, is he? LOL

The generic Ecotec timing chain kits I found on Amazon indicate that it's definitely possible to repair, but I'd have the same concern using those as I'd have using a generic $50 timing belt + tensioner + water pump kit for a Honda. I have no idea whether they are good quality, and if not, what quality parts would cost.

roadburner

My service advisor called today with an update on the 2er; all looked fine, except the transmission sump pan is starting to leak. No biggie, as I was planning on getting the ATF changed later this year anyway. The ZF 8HP has the filter integrated into the pan so it was going to be replaced anyway.
While Munich claims that the ATF is a lifetime fill, ZF technical documents call for an ATF change at 50k miles to 70k miles if it is operated in a "sporty driving style." I confirmed this in a discussion with a ZF technical instructor.

oldfarmer50

sda said:

Yep, I found two door dings on the passenger side of the Passat. I guess it happened last weekend while I was running errands. They are minor, but still..probably should leave as is. If I have them fixed I am probably asking for more trouble.

Me too. Idiot tipped a chair over onto the door.

andres3

tjc78 said:

Our new neighbors a few doors down at the campground must be big VW fans. Golf R and an Atlas.

A neighbor a few houses up has an old VW Tiguan (the little one) and a Q5.

qbrozen

corvette said:

xwesx said:

corvette said:

oldfarmer50 said:

28firefighter said:

Sigh...the clutch is back down to the floor again (nearly) in the wagon. I like my "guy" but may be time to take it elsewhere for a second opinion.

This seems to be the week for car angst.

Elliot Alvis discovered, after putting about $300 of parts into his beater Malibu Classic, that the Ecotec's timing chain is loose. Apparently it's not worth fixing and he plans to send it to the crusher.

Not much of a car guy, is he? LOL

The generic Ecotec timing chain kits I found on Amazon indicate that it's definitely possible to repair, but I'd have the same concern using those as I'd have using a generic $50 timing belt + tensioner + water pump kit for a Honda. I have no idea whether they are good quality, and if not, what quality parts would cost.

BUT, if going to the crusher anyway, what better time to test out a cheap kit and make several videos about it?

stickguy

the inside of that Ecotec was a mess. So much sludge and oil everywhere. Even if you wanted to invest the time and money to replace the chain, you are going to be taking a whole lot more apart "while you are in there". And that rat is not a car you want to invest anything into.

qbrozen

stickguy said:

the inside of that Ecotec was a mess. So much sludge and oil everywhere. Even if you wanted to invest the time and money to replace the chain, you are going to be taking a whole lot more apart "while you are in there". And that rat is not a car you want to invest anything into.

All the youtuber car folks would have nothing to do if they thought that way. lol.

stickguy

one of the old standby episodes. Buy a car you know is a junker, play with it for a while, act surprised when it turns out to in fact be junk, then send it to the crusher after getting a few episodes out of it.

That and the take your car to Carmax for an episode rite of passage.

laurasdada

First time at an L2 charger, local grocery chain had two in its lot; Chargepoint. First two hours free, then $3/hr to get more zappage.
So, 31 minutes gave me another 7 miles of rolling buzz. Just slightly better than the ~21 hours to a full, or near full (~30 miles), charge using the home 120v outlet. And, I've just recently learned best not to consistently 100% charge, better daily charge to 80% to enhance battery longevity. Save the full charge for trips. And, yes, learned this by reading the owner's manual!
Driven about 250 miles, averaged 21 mph and 56.7mpg. All per OBC.
Oh, and the big incentives (Costco and Audi) continue through April.

stickguy

nyccarguy said:

@kyfdx & @Michaell - I know programs change month to month, but which full sized pick-up with 4 Full Doors and the standard 5 1/2' bed do you think currently has the best leasing program? I guess you could use the 24 or 36 month/15K per year as your baseline. I've got to get started test driving soon.

just out of curiosity, I went and specced out what I would get if I was getting one of these, trying to keep it to minimum requirements. Man they get pricey, quick. And came out with roughly this (would probably just get the 4x4 even though RWD is probably fine. really like this color combo too!

https://www.echelonfordinc.com/new/Ford/2021-Ford-F-150-099005130a0e0ae7148b77ad6ddd7081.htm

corvette

Nice! I didn't know they were now offering LED headlights on an XLT. I really liked the EcoBoost 2.7 in the one I test drove a couple years back.

tjc78

stickguy said:

nyccarguy said:

@kyfdx & @Michaell - I know programs change month to month, but which full sized pick-up with 4 Full Doors and the standard 5 1/2' bed do you think currently has the best leasing program? I guess you could use the 24 or 36 month/15K per year as your baseline. I've got to get started test driving soon.

just out of curiosity, I went and specced out what I would get if I was getting one of these, trying to keep it to minimum requirements. Man they get pricey, quick. And came out with roughly this (would probably just get the 4x4 even though RWD is probably fine. really like this color combo too!

https://www.echelonfordinc.com/new/Ford/2021-Ford-F-150-099005130a0e0ae7148b77ad6ddd7081.htm

When I built a Sierra the way I’d want it, I was hitting close to 60 and had many boxes unchecked.

kyfdx

roadburner said:

kyfdx said:

Runflat on wife's car started leaking.. Nail in the shoulder. 19" tire. $403 for replacement OTD.

Wow; it was only $253 OTD to replace an 18” tire on the X1 at my dealer.

BMW dealer doesn't carry my tires. Plus, add 40% for every inch in size you go up. I wouldn't have 19", but that's the way it came.

kyfdx

nyccarguy said:

@kyfdx & @Michaell - I know programs change month to month, but which full sized pick-up with 4 Full Doors and the standard 5 1/2' bed do you think currently has the best leasing program? I guess you could use the 24 or 36 month/15K per year as your baseline. I've got to get started test driving soon.

Ford definitely has the highest residuals, with GMC and Chevy, next.

A lot will depend on the incentives available.

corvette

kyfdx said:

nyccarguy said:

@kyfdx & @Michaell - I know programs change month to month, but which full sized pick-up with 4 Full Doors and the standard 5 1/2' bed do you think currently has the best leasing program? I guess you could use the 24 or 36 month/15K per year as your baseline. I've got to get started test driving soon.

Ford definitely has the highest residuals, with GMC and Chevy, next.

A lot will depend on the incentives available.

@nyccarguy - if you are coming from a crew cab Tacoma, you might also be able to get by with an extended cab on a full size. The back seat in my crew cab has limo-like legroom. An extended cab would get you a foot longer bed, as well.

28firefighter

@nyccarguy - what about Tundra from the broker in Philly? Feel like those will be hard to beat.

stickguy

Tundras are slow compared to a Ford. TFL just did a comparison of a tundra, F150 hybrid, and TRX. Tundra towing 8k was about 18 secs 0-60. Ford did it in 13. TRX about 11, but looked unsafe towing (really not designed for it)

stickguy

When does new tundra hit? Will there be old ones around still in 6 months?

roadburner

kyfdx said:

roadburner said:

kyfdx said:

Runflat on wife's car started leaking.. Nail in the shoulder. 19" tire. $403 for replacement OTD.

Wow; it was only $253 OTD to replace an 18” tire on the X1 at my dealer.

BMW dealer doesn't carry my tires. Plus, add 40% for every inch in size you go up. I wouldn't have 19", but that's the way it came.

My dealer let me order the tire from Tire Rack and have it shipped to them.

roadburner

If I was going with a newer truck I’d go with a Ram.

28firefighter

My buddy just got a Ram 1500 Big Horn with the appearance package and it is downright mean looking. Definitely no deals on it though, at least not for him, since there were only two with the tow package he wanted.

corvette

stickguy said:

Tundras are slow compared to a Ford. TFL just did a comparison of a tundra, F150 hybrid, and TRX. Tundra towing 8k was about 18 secs 0-60. Ford did it in 13. TRX about 11, but looked unsafe towing (really not designed for it)

I think the Tundra does 0-60 in 7-ish seconds. The last time I checked, F-150 was around the 6 second mark with the 2.7 or 3.5 EcoBoost or the 5.0 V8. From driving the 2.7, rear traction is likely the limiting factor with all three of those Fords. Also, the turbo boost and 10 speed auto vs. the Tundra's six speed auto makes the F-150 feel more responsive overall.

I think the Tundra gets a full redesign for model year 2022, and is rumored to get versions of the current Lexus LS engines.

pensfan83

28firefighter said:

My buddy just got a Ram 1500 Big Horn with the appearance package and it is downright mean looking. Definitely no deals on it though, at least not for him, since there were only two with the tow package he wanted.

This is true. The best I could do on a 36/10 lease for a friend on a Level II Ram BH with a Hemi was around $450 or so and that was late last year, $52K sticker if I recall correctly. Nice trucks though, they blow the Tundra away in terms of powertrain and tech but a lower monthly was more important so he ended up in a Tundra Crewmax Off Road.

breld

On the subject of the crazy used car market, I noticed Carvana's sale prices for Leafs are much higher than a few months ago, so I submitted a bid request for my Leaf.

Came out to a few hundred higher than my current buy-out - I can't quite remember the previous quote, but I'm pretty sure it's thousands different.

kyfdx

roadburner said:

kyfdx said:

roadburner said:

kyfdx said:

Runflat on wife's car started leaking.. Nail in the shoulder. 19" tire. $403 for replacement OTD.

Wow; it was only $253 OTD to replace an 18” tire on the X1 at my dealer.

BMW dealer doesn't carry my tires. Plus, add 40% for every inch in size you go up. I wouldn't have 19", but that's the way it came.

My dealer let me order the tire from Tire Rack and have it shipped to them.

Well... we need our vehicle.

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

nyccarguy said:

@kyfdx & @Michaell - I know programs change month to month, but which full sized pick-up with 4 Full Doors and the standard 5 1/2' bed do you think currently has the best leasing program? I guess you could use the 24 or 36 month/15K per year as your baseline. I've got to get started test driving soon.

just out of curiosity, I went and specced out what I would get if I was getting one of these, trying to keep it to minimum requirements. Man they get pricey, quick. And came out with roughly this (would probably just get the 4x4 even though RWD is probably fine. really like this color combo too!

https://www.echelonfordinc.com/new/Ford/2021-Ford-F-150-099005130a0e0ae7148b77ad6ddd7081.htm

I spec'd out a similar one. Again, no where near "fully loaded," but an XLT sans leather & heated seats has a sticker price a few shekels shy of $50K.

nyccarguy

corvette said:

Nice! I didn't know they were now offering LED headlights on an XLT. I really liked the EcoBoost 2.7 in the one I test drove a couple years back.

I think that's the engine I'd most likely end up with.

nyccarguy

corvette said:

kyfdx said:

nyccarguy said:

@kyfdx & @Michaell - I know programs change month to month, but which full sized pick-up with 4 Full Doors and the standard 5 1/2' bed do you think currently has the best leasing program? I guess you could use the 24 or 36 month/15K per year as your baseline. I've got to get started test driving soon.

Ford definitely has the highest residuals, with GMC and Chevy, next.

A lot will depend on the incentives available.

@nyccarguy - if you are coming from a crew cab Tacoma, you might also be able to get by with an extended cab on a full size. The back seat in my crew cab has limo-like legroom. An extended cab would get you a foot longer bed, as well.

Definitely something to think about.

nyccarguy

28firefighter said:

@nyccarguy - what about Tundra from the broker in Philly? Feel like those will be hard to beat.

I will check those out as well as to see if my broker can get his hands on one. The prospect of spending $90 per fill up is daunting. I'd rather have a newer truck with better technology.