Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

28firefighter

nyccarguy said:

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.

Don't most access cabs have suicide doors? Those may not be ideal with kids - though yours are older and probably out of car seats?

rny421

Dang! So I've been monitoring Carvana for my TLX to show up, and I just saw it for the first time on there today. It's listed at $18,590, and it's already pending!

https://www.carvana.com/vehicle/1737643

That's only $1,400 less than I paid for it in 2018!! There's no way I'd pay $18K for a 6 year old TLX with almost 70k miles. Who's paying these prices???

explorerx4

@nyccarguy,
F150 302A package includes heated front seats.

nyccarguy

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.

Does the DURAMAX Diesel make a difference when it comes to residual?

28firefighter

So I jokingly suggested to my wife that we could replace the wagon with a Chevy Camaro LT1 (automatic) lease. She said "that's not the worst idea you've ever had."

stickguy

I keep seeing that used diesels sell for silly money on the heavier duty models. So seems logical. But they also cost a whole lot more up front. Also seem to be very unreliable now with all the emissions tech they have loaded onto them.

kyfdx

nyccarguy 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.

Does the DURAMAX Diesel make a difference when it comes to residual?

Nope

xwesx

roadburner said:

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.

Quite true. I replaced the filter and fluid in my Q7 at around 80,000 miles. Longer than preferred, but it still looked nearly the same as the new stuff (slightly darker), so it definitely wasn't getting over-worked. There were plenty of metal shavings in the pan, though, so it was well worth the effort (and it was a LOT of effort!).

xwesx

laurasdada said:

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.

Nice! So, how do you go about choosing 80% versus 100% charge? Does the car have a setting, or do you just need to "get a feel" for it?

xwesx

I have thought seriously about getting a 1/2-ton diesel, but I can't get close to pulling the trigger with the prices so ridiculously high. My practical side just takes over and says, "No. Just.... no."

xwesx

kyfdx said:

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.

It's a runflat, right? Run it! Flat! LOL

xwesx

nyccarguy said:

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.

Don't get too hung up on the $90; it will be much higher by the summer!

xwesx

28firefighter said:

So I jokingly suggested to my wife that we could replace the wagon with a Chevy Camaro LT1 (automatic) lease. She said "that's not the worst idea you've ever had."

I'm not sure whether that is a compliment to your current idea or a dig on how ridiculously bad she thinks some of your ideas have been! However, I strongly suspect the latter.

sda

rny421 said:

Dang! So I've been monitoring Carvana for my TLX to show up, and I just saw it for the first time on there today. It's listed at $18,590, and it's already pending!

https://www.carvana.com/vehicle/1737643

That's only $1,400 less than I paid for it in 2018!! There's no way I'd pay $18K for a 6 year old TLX with almost 70k miles. Who's paying these prices???

Used car prices are truly crazy.

28firefighter

xwesx said:

28firefighter said:

So I jokingly suggested to my wife that we could replace the wagon with a Chevy Camaro LT1 (automatic) lease. She said "that's not the worst idea you've ever had."

I'm not sure whether that is a compliment to your current idea or a dig on how ridiculously bad she thinks some of your ideas have been! However, I strongly suspect the latter.

I'm 100% positive it is the latter...

stickguy

xwesx said:

I have thought seriously about getting a 1/2-ton diesel, but I can't get close to pulling the trigger with the prices so ridiculously high. My practical side just takes over and says, "No. Just.... no."

check out WatchJRGO's updates on his F250 diesel. Might change your mind.

Michaell

28firefighter said:

So I jokingly suggested to my wife that we could replace the wagon with a Chevy Camaro LT1 (automatic) lease. She said "that's not the worst idea you've ever had."

Do you "own" the 5-series or is on an extended loan to you from your dad?

Michaell

xwesx said:

laurasdada said:

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.

Nice! So, how do you go about choosing 80% versus 100% charge? Does the car have a setting, or do you just need to "get a feel" for it?

I think you can set it up through the app.

oldfarmer50

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

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

Antimatter blue? That sounds dangerous.

oldfarmer50

rny421 said:

Dang! So I've been monitoring Carvana for my TLX to show up, and I just saw it for the first time on there today. It's listed at $18,590, and it's already pending!

https://www.carvana.com/vehicle/1737643

That's only $1,400 less than I paid for it in 2018!! There's no way I'd pay $18K for a 6 year old TLX with almost 70k miles. Who's paying these prices???

The shortage is real. Enterprise is keeping it’s cars in service to 50k miles because they can’t get new ones. Nothing is going to dealers so the dealers have to pay the going rate. That rate is high.

pensfan83

@nyccarguy is the Prelude back on the road yet?

corvette

Michaell said:

28firefighter said:

So I jokingly suggested to my wife that we could replace the wagon with a Chevy Camaro LT1 (automatic) lease. She said "that's not the worst idea you've ever had."

Do you "own" the 5-series or is on an extended loan to you from your dad?

If it's going back to Dad, he might not be happy about having a Camaro returned to him, but you could always play up the reliability / "under warranty" angle.

corvette

Mach E 12v battery issue

I think the first-generation Leaf had a similar problem.

stickguy

keep the shortage going for another month. So my Daughter can get a windfall for her Jetta. she does not care where it goes, as long as she gets the money out of it!

28firefighter

It is an extended loan and would go back to him.

qbrozen

SOMETIMES kids are smarter.

I tried to go to MVC again today. Got there and it was closed due to Covid. UGH!! My son asked me tonight why I don’t just go elsewhere. I said because this office has my 3 faxes now that they demanded and know my plight. So he suggested I should go to a different one because maybe they wouldn’t be such jerks. Huh. Maybe he is right.

au1994

@28firefighter glad your Dad is doing better. PT can do wonders these days so here’s hoping its a good recovery!

Hopefully the dead clutch pedal is an easy fix. I know the fear when an older, high priced car gets the problem bug.

au1994

explorerx4 said:

@nyccarguy,
F150 302A package includes heated front seats.

The F150 is an attractive package. They wouldn’t sell a billion of them per year if it wasn’t. Discounts are almost always available on the full sized p/u’s which makes me ask why not just price them 10k lower to begin with?

Ive never seen them lease really well but the only full size I’ve had was an 07 Dodge that I bought. As I said in an earlier post, the impending gas increase would really give me pause, as it does with keeping my LC. A buddy just got a gorgeous metallic maroon F150 XLT 4x4. Its the bigger eco boost but with a 36 gallon tank he is looking at near $100 fill ups.

stickguy

I don't care how much a fill up costs. Just how often how to do them, and the total amount I have to spend per month!

qbrozen

Wheeler Dealer car right here. I could see someone buying it, sprucing it up, taking better pics, and fetching more $$.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1979-mazda-montrose/

qbrozen

Stickguy, your new chariot awaits. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2007-bmw-328-39/

RWD, manual trans, perfect color combo, low miles. Damned near perfect. But ... oh... the seats! Dammit! That kills it for me. I'm sure many won't mind.

stickguy

I like that vintage 626.

explorerx4

@au1994,
My last 2 F150's had the larger ecoboost and 36 gallon tanks. Costs a lot to fill up, sometimes over $100, but you go a long way.

stickguy

qbrozen said:

Stickguy, your new chariot awaits. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2007-bmw-328-39/

RWD, manual trans, perfect color combo, low miles. Damned near perfect. But ... oh... the seats! Dammit! That kills it for me. I'm sure many won't mind.

that is nice. I actually don't really mind the base seats (sport is better though) and my wife actually does not find the sport seats comfortable. But other than that, very sharp looking. And if you really want the sports seats, you can find a set to swap in.

Oh, also have to replace those awful too big wheels. They just look mis-proportioned for the car. And of course, need some sidewall. I think the sticker said 16"s were stock? hard to read it. But certainly a nice set of 17s would fit and look better.

curious to see how high this one goes. I should register to bid, in case my $3,000 opener holds up!

corvette

au1994 said:

Its the bigger eco boost but with a 36 gallon tank he is looking at near $100 fill ups.

Plus, with an EcoBoost, probably a few more horsepower if you run premium. Kind of makes me grateful for the histrionic low fuel warning in the Tundra (38 gallon tank, the most I've ever put in is 30 gallons well after it said it was dead empty).

qbrozen

stickguy said:

qbrozen said:

Stickguy, your new chariot awaits. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2007-bmw-328-39/

RWD, manual trans, perfect color combo, low miles. Damned near perfect. But ... oh... the seats! Dammit! That kills it for me. I'm sure many won't mind.

that is nice. I actually don't really mind the base seats (sport is better though) and my wife actually does not find the sport seats comfortable. But other than that, very sharp looking. And if you really want the sports seats, you can find a set to swap in.

Oh, also have to replace those awful too big wheels. They just look mis-proportioned for the car. And of course, need some sidewall. I think the sticker said 16"s were stock? hard to read it. But certainly a nice set of 17s would fit and look better.

curious to see how high this one goes. I should register to bid, in case my $3,000 opener holds up!

It does indeed say it came with 16x7. Those are 19s on there now. And staggered tires (maybe staggered wheels too). 255/30 and 225/35.

Here are zoomed in pics.

stickguy

good eyes. no way 225/35s are surviving the roads around here. The 225/45s on the TLX were skinny enough.

ronsteve

stickguy said:

qbrozen said:

Stickguy, your new chariot awaits. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2007-bmw-328-39/

RWD, manual trans, perfect color combo, low miles. Damned near perfect. But ... oh... the seats! Dammit! That kills it for me. I'm sure many won't mind.

that is nice. I actually don't really mind the base seats (sport is better though) and my wife actually does not find the sport seats comfortable. But other than that, very sharp looking. And if you really want the sports seats, you can find a set to swap in.

Oh, also have to replace those awful too big wheels. They just look mis-proportioned for the car. And of course, need some sidewall. I think the sticker said 16"s were stock? hard to read it. But certainly a nice set of 17s would fit and look better.

curious to see how high this one goes. I should register to bid, in case my $3,000 opener holds up!

Yep I think the wheels and tires would kill it for me. But OMG... right colors, right number of pedals...

stickguy

wheels and tires are the easiest thing to fix. Find a set someplace, and once you have them, resell the current set (probably for more than the replacements cost).

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

Stickguy, your new chariot awaits. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2007-bmw-328-39/

RWD, manual trans, perfect color combo, low miles. Damned near perfect. But ... oh... the seats! Dammit! That kills it for me. I'm sure many won't mind.

I like how all these descriptions brag that the seller changed the oil once like that isn’t something you wouldn’t assume would be done. Then again, maybe that is exceptional these days.

ronsteve

So I actually took some time out Thursday to drive the '16 Allroad that I had previously seen at my local Acura dealer. Was nice to be back in a wagon, with turbo power underfoot, but this one was not a good copy. No nav, no backup camera, and even had a little shimmy somewhere in the chassis.

Brought it back from the test drive and the nearest open spot was right next to a QX50 I had also been scoping out on their website. Didn't have time to go hardcore test driving or dealing, but I did take a tape measure to both cargo areas. Either of these cars were close enough on measurements I would need to actually see how a bike would lay down in the back. The allroad is super close on width, and the Infiniti is nip-and-tuck on length.

Of course I still looked at Carvana again, and they were up to $16,1 on my RDX!

So maybe still an opportunity to come full circle... https://www.carvana.com/vehicle/1741084 Sure, this one is only a Premier, but the Helen Keller package in the XC70 Platinum I test drove last year was pretty sensitive and loud!

ronsteve

oldfarmer50 said:

qbrozen said:

Stickguy, your new chariot awaits. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2007-bmw-328-39/

RWD, manual trans, perfect color combo, low miles. Damned near perfect. But ... oh... the seats! Dammit! That kills it for me. I'm sure many won't mind.

I like how all these descriptions brag that the seller changed the oil once like that isn’t something you wouldn’t assume would be done. Then again, maybe that is exceptional these days.

It says, "I'm actually putting money/work into it before I flip it" and it's more believable than claiming a "150 point inspection."

stickguy

I always liked the V60

nyccarguy

28firefighter said:

nyccarguy said:

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.

Don't most access cabs have suicide doors? Those may not be ideal with kids - though yours are older and probably out of car seats?

My kids are older now. 14 1/2, 12, & 9. No car seats. No booster seats.

28firefighter

My little one is not exactly a big kid. The running joke is he’ll be in a booster seat for his Bar Mitzvah.

28firefighter

In other news, my wife is asking (not demanding) that I send the touring back to my dad when practical for both of us in favor of something a little newer that she can drive.

Not a Camaro. She said it’d be fun but not practical.

The problem? I can’t think of a single vehicle at a reasonable price point that really excites me.

explorerx4

There is enough room in the 2nd row in the cab and half's for a short trip.

nyccarguy

pensfan83 said:

@nyccarguy is the Prelude back on the road yet?

Not yet. I'm waiting for the parts I ordered to be delivered, then I'll bring it to my mechanic who can most likely accomplish the job in a day. Once I get that squared away, then I'll order tires. Tire Rack says they only have 2 of those Firestone tires you recommended in stock.

laurasdada

xwesx said:

laurasdada said:

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.

Nice! So, how do you go about choosing 80% versus 100% charge? Does the car have a setting, or do you just need to "get a feel" for it?

Perhaps the app, but as I have a company issued phone, I don't load too many apps on it, so no Audi app yet.
While charging, if you open the driver's door (unlock) the dash will light up, show you how many miles of tesla you have, and a bar-meter of charge. So, I'd use that method to gauge the 80% threshold. As I've noted, plugging in at home takes ~21 hours to get to 100%, so I could set the charge time in the in car applet for a 17 hour charge, see where that gets me.
I'll explore the in car charging applet, where you can set timed charges. But, I don't recall seeing a % of full charge threshold setting.

Or, back to the grocery store plaza, where there's a great sandwich shop and have lunch daily there while charging for a free hour or so! Once fully vaccinated, of course...

oldfarmer50

28firefighter said:

In other news, my wife is asking (not demanding) that I send the touring back to my dad when practical for both of us in favor of something a little newer that she can drive.

Not a Camaro. She said it’d be fun but not practical.

The problem? I can’t think of a single vehicle at a reasonable price point that really excites me.

When a wife asks, the demand is implied.