Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

that interesting 6 speed 3 series near me sold for pretty strong money. But probably a decent enough deal.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3LP57nY3/2011-bmw-328i-xdrive-sedan

and this unicorn popped up. makes little sense, but I like it. Would actually grab something like this if cheap. Sadly, even oddballs no longer seem to be cheap. Really have no clue what this will go for, but probably more than I would pay.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3gePa6OR/1999-toyota-camry-solara-v6-coupe

I wouldn’t mind if that Solara was a convertible. I’ve looked at those but they always went for crazy money.

sda

breld said:

oldfarmer50 said:

breld said:

Speaking of fun cars, I just dropped my 16 year old off at a friends house (he gets his license next month), and there’s a new Miata RF in their garage.

Turns out it’s my son’s friend’s new car!

I mean, wow! I had to stop and check it out - beautiful soul red example.

I refrained from making a remark like, “oh you’re the one with the automatic Miata.” 😀

So when are you going to buy your kid a better car so you can show up his friend? As I understand it, giving your child a hooptie or (gasp!) letting him work to buy his own is considered child abuse.

For my kid? No way - that just made me want another Miata for myself! 😀

My 16 year old will be more than fine with the 135k mile MDX that his brother drove for the past couple years. Pre-worn and pre-wrecked.

I didn’t feel bad about getting the new Tiguan for my older son after he received a scholarship to college.

How does he like the Tiguan so far? I like them. They seem to be a good value unless you buy the top of the line which touches $40k.

nyccarguy

A sales rep I used to do business with used to drive Sebring convertibles. He did A LOT of driving and blew through cars every 2 - 3 years. I can’t remember what happened, but he came by one day with a Solara Convertible. I noticed he never replaced it and had the same one for at least 6 years. I asked him when he was getting a new one. He replied: this one won’t break. It’s incredible. Oil, gas, brakes. That’s it.

Sandman6472

See a lot of those Solara drop tops on the roads down here, folks seem to love 'em. A friend had a pearlized white with a brown top that was beautiful. Think it was a 6 cylinder also but what a beauty. If I had a convertible down here, I'd use it. The folks traded in their '68 Eldorado for a '70 DeVille convertible the springs after we moved here and we definitely used it...a lot. They used to call my brother or me to lead the homecoming parades in high school which was kinda fun. Was sad to finally see it go in '72 for a new white over white Lincoln Continental coupe, a very very long vehicle. Had the covered headlights which was pretty cool though. Yes, my mom always had super nice vehicles starting around 1955 until they went into their Pontiac era and lastly, the Mercury Grand Marquis.

stickguy

I actually prefer the coupe in that car.

graphicguy

tjc78 said:

I loved my 2000 Solara (XLE V6 auto)

I always thought those were a thinly disguised Lexus. Loved that body style!

breld

sda said:

breld said:

oldfarmer50 said:

breld said:

Speaking of fun cars, I just dropped my 16 year old off at a friends house (he gets his license next month), and there’s a new Miata RF in their garage.

Turns out it’s my son’s friend’s new car!

I mean, wow! I had to stop and check it out - beautiful soul red example.

I refrained from making a remark like, “oh you’re the one with the automatic Miata.” 😀

So when are you going to buy your kid a better car so you can show up his friend? As I understand it, giving your child a hooptie or (gasp!) letting him work to buy his own is considered child abuse.

For my kid? No way - that just made me want another Miata for myself! 😀

My 16 year old will be more than fine with the 135k mile MDX that his brother drove for the past couple years. Pre-worn and pre-wrecked.

I didn’t feel bad about getting the new Tiguan for my older son after he received a scholarship to college.

How does he like the Tiguan so far? I like them. They seem to be a good value unless you buy the top of the line which touches $40k.

He's loving it. I imagine the only real advantage the old MDX had was the V6, and based on the way he drives, he claims to feel no difference in power. In fact, he says the Tiguan seems smoother in its power delivery.

Outside that, he loves having a new car and all the new tech features it has, like CarPlay, blind-spot monitoring, keyless entry, etc.

His SE model with the pano roof is really well equipped and seems like a relative bargain at the $28.5k we paid.

I'd agree with you that the fully loaded SEL Premium model is not much of a value.

breld

Another fun throwback review on C&D:

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a36291810/1989-sports-coupe-comparison-test/

The interiors are fun to see. That Probe GT - may be a bit too much red for even @graphicguy!

qbrozen

graphicguy said:

tjc78 said:

I loved my 2000 Solara (XLE V6 auto)

I always thought those were a thinly disguised Lexus. Loved that body style!

Except it was FWD. So totally different from a Lexus SC coupe.

fintail

That Probe is something. Back around 1996 or so, I recall I had a college professor who had one like that, same color and wheels. Funny thing, this professor was a 60-something year old woman who IIRC also had a 57 T-Bird.

Surprised the Turbo DSM cars haven't gone insane yet,.

graphicguy

breld said:

Another fun throwback review on C&D:

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a36291810/1989-sports-coupe-comparison-test/

The interiors are fun to see. That Probe GT - may be a bit too much red for even @graphicguy!

Love that article. Great to see names of journalists I grew up reading….Jennings, Csere, Cepos….etc.

BTW, the red interior of that Probe is just right…..;)

stickguy

breld said:

Another fun throwback review on C&D:

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a36291810/1989-sports-coupe-comparison-test/

The interiors are fun to see. That Probe GT - may be a bit too much red for even @graphicguy!

I miss cars in that segment. A few in the test I really wanted back then. And I still miss my old 626. I would take the mx6 or the prelude out of this test today as a fun car.

tjc78

qbrozen said:

graphicguy said:

tjc78 said:

I loved my 2000 Solara (XLE V6 auto)

I always thought those were a thinly disguised Lexus. Loved that body style!

Except it was FWD. So totally different from a Lexus SC coupe.

Yes FWD, it was all Camry for sure. Toyota had really nice build quality back then. It was a great car for the time I owned it and overall it felt more upscale than the 03 Avalon that replaced it.

Just realized I said it was an XLE. After looking at the pictures of the green one, I think the trim was SLE. Why Toyota changed their designations for one model back then I’ll never know. Most everything was LE, SE and XLE in that era.

au1994

I test drove an MX6 just like that. Holy torque steer Batman.

stickguy

well, daughter did her part to alleviate the used car inventory shortage today. Headed up to Carmax after lunch. Took about 2 hours door to door, so about 1.25ish at the store. Pretty busy. quite a few shoppers and lots of employees bustling away. She checked with the greeter who sent her over the business window. That person took her info from the online quote, and had us sit down. A bit later I saw the inspector going over the Jetta (thoroughly, much more than the Carvana flatbed guy does). A bit after that, counter person calls her back to tell her that all checked out, no adjustment to the offer needed (I thought they might ding her for a somewhat tatty lower front bumper lip.)

then a bit more sitting waiting for final paperwork processing, then the first lady came out and had us sit at a desk. A few papers to sign, they handed her a (ridiculously large IMO) check (well, bank draft) and we were out of there. Smooth and easy (even though the Princess was touchy about taking so long! I did explain this was actually quick).

so now she has no car, but a lot of money in the bank. Having title in hand really sped up the process.

stickguy

au1994 said:

I test drove an MX6 just like that. Holy torque steer Batman.

au1994 said:

I test drove an MX6 just like that. Holy torque steer Batman.

I looked at a 4 door turbo in about 1986 (can't remember if same model vintage, but I think one earlier?) and loved it. Burgundy in and out. A bit out of budget though. Should have stretched. Don't remember torque steer much. If you want that, my Maxima 5 speed had the market cornered. I learned quickly not to bury the hammer coming up a curving onramp in 2nd gear.

nyccarguy

OK. My wife is on her way to the Ford dealer to test drive the Explorer. I'll let you guys know how things work out.

ab348

I remember first experiencing torque steer when I got my '90 GTI, which was my first FWD car. It caught me off guard. But not as much as the cruise control, which was also a first for me with a manual transmission. I'm lucky I didn't roll it. I was doing 55 or 60 and had forgotten I had cruise on when I took an exit ramp. Foot off the gas, steer into the curve of the ramp. Hey, why isn't this thing slowing down? YIKES

I suspect if a picture was taken of the car at that moment you would have seen the inside rear wheel off the ground.

BTW, that GTI had the most accurate cruise I have ever had. Didn't vary more than 1 mph uphill or down.

stickguy

nyccarguy said:

OK. My wife is on her way to the Ford dealer to test drive the Explorer. I'll let you guys know how things work out.

my predication: She does not like it because it is too big and bargey!

sda

@nyccarguy said:
OK. My wife is on her way to the Ford dealer to test drive the Explorer. I'll let you guys know how things work out.

If she gives the green light, it will be interesting to see what kind of deal you can put together considering the current market conditions and lack of availability.

stickguy

On the flip side, should get a strong offer on the Pilot!

cdnpinhead

The market is crap, yet you lot party on, for the most part. Provides amusement for me I guess, so. . .

qbrozen

Hmmmm... interesting combo of XC60 incentives this month. $500 penfed, $750 a-pln, and $1k conquest. So $2250 total for us on top of about 13% discount. Going to have to dissect this one a while.

benjaminh

One of the guys at savagegeese bought a recent Volvo SUV for himself after his old Civic got hit. The Volvo has already had significant work done under warranty, and he's gotten the extended warranty. But overall he loves it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7z_RSz64LC0

stickguy

I love volvos. But if not leading, would only buy CPO with the add on warranty.

kyfdx

My friend's wife just bought a new Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design. It's very cool.

Traded in her 2009 Lexus RX 350 (owned since new). So, she deserves a new one.

henryn

My first real experience with torque steer was a 1985 Dodge Lancer with the 2.2L turbocharged engine, 5 speed manual.

https://www.allpar.com/threads/the-dodge-lancer-and-chrysler-lebaron-gts.228776/

When launched in 1985, Lancer ES / LeBaron GTS was one of the quickest sedans in America, with Car & Driver reporting 0-60 times of 8.1 seconds and quarter-mile of 16.3 @ 85 mph (turbo, five speed); they said it had minimal turbo lag over 2,500 rpm, with "impressively smooth" throttle response. They also praised its track and highway performance, both cornering and ride, and noted the "proper" dead pedal and well designed controls.

A 0-60 time of 8.1 seconds doesn’t sound very fast today, but it was then. A very quick little car and a real blast to drive.

benjaminh

I love the looks of Volvo S60, and from what I can tell from the reviews I'd enjoy the performance too, but I might be a bit worried after the warranty ran out.

corvette

@kyfdx said:
My friend's wife just bought a new Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design. It's very cool.

Traded in her 2009 Lexus RX 350 (owned since new). So, she deserves a new one.

Dad said that about the new Ranger… “I buy a new car every ten years whether I need it or not!”

28firefighter

@benjaminh said:
I love the looks of Volvo S60, and from what I can tell from the reviews I'd enjoy the performance too, but I might be a bit worried after the warranty ran out.

For the most part, most of us here don't hold cars long enough to get a first oil change let alone worry about when the warranty runs out...

tifighter

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1985-toyota-mr2-35/

stickguy

that is a cool car.

ab348

@tifighter said:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1985-toyota-mr2-35/

That’s very much like the silver ‘85 I bought new. Was like driving a go-kart. Great fun and totally impractical.

qbrozen

@tifighter said:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1985-toyota-mr2-35/

that is damned near identical to the one I had. I didn't have the wing, though (thankfully).

ab348

Mine had the wing. Oddly, every '85 I saw here back then had one. It wasn't until a couple of years into the run that I saw a MR2 here without one.

corvette

That's a spoiler by today's standards.

tjc78

I’m curious about that video. I’ll try and watch tomorrow.

The XC90 is still too new to tell but hasn’t had any issues in the first 2500 miles.

The S60 has had the steering wheel buttons replaced and the sunroof wiring harness was never connected properly at the factory. It came loose and the sunroof wouldn’t close. That car is nearly two years old and hasn’t crossed 9,000 miles.

We really enjoy both of them. The S60 is deceptively fast and for a F/AWD car handles well. The XC90 is extremely comfortable, quick enough (6.1 to 60) and the ride is fantastic. It handles better than any other large SUV I’ve driven recently. I’m sure a Q7 or Explorer ST is better, but it’s damn good.

fintail

In another group I belong to, a member received a 40.8K offer from Carmax for his 2019 4-Runner. He bought it new for 36.4K, and has put 27K miles on it. I have to believe one could buy a new one (assuming one can be found) for that price.

benjaminh

Just for the heck of it, I put in the vin for my wife's CR-V into the Carmax estimator again, and it came out with a value of $24,800. That's a thousand more than it was a couple of weeks ago. We paid c. $27k + TTL for it, which means it's only depreciated 2200 over three years and 23,000 miles. But as mentioned earlier we're happy with this paid off car. It worked great on our recent trip, including putting both of our folding bikes in the back. Could have fit the luggage there too, but since the next generation stayed home we just put the suitcases in the back seat.

Here's a pic of the car during an ice storm a few months ago, and then below that pix from inside the car of an animatronic dinosaur exhibit inside of Louisville's "mega cavern," which was prepared as a colossal bomb shelter for a large portion of the city during the height of the Cold War.

corvette

This was in my FB feed at $40,866... When you click on the link, you see it's actually $42,544, and it's RWD. Also, the website demanded to know my GPS location through my browser, which I blocked. Fail on pricing, equipment, and privacy. :@

corvette

Embedded links aren't working well for me on the new forum software. Anyone else?

oldfarmer50

@breld said:
Another fun throwback review on C&D:

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a36291810/1989-sports-coupe-comparison-test/

The interiors are fun to see. That Probe GT - may be a bit too much red for even @graphicguy!

If you want a Probe, how about this?

https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/cto/d/highland-classic-ford-probe-gt/7309269798.html

I always liked the style of those.

au1994

@fintail said:
In another group I belong to, a member received a 40.8K offer from Carmax for his 2019 4-Runner. He bought it new for 36.4K, and has put 27K miles on it. I have to believe one could buy a new one (assuming one can be found) for that price.

That is truly insane. Yes, you could get a new one at that price, an SR5 Premium 4WD at minimum.

explorerx4

@oldfarmer50,
That Probe looks pretty mint even though no interior pics.

stickguy

Flying wheels just posted a video about how nuts it is at the auction now. So might not stabilize for a while.

oldfarmer50

@stickguy said:
well, daughter did her part to alleviate the used car inventory shortage today. Headed up to Carmax after lunch. Took about 2 hours door to door, so about 1.25ish at the store. Pretty busy. quite a few shoppers and lots of employees bustling away. She checked with the greeter who sent her over the business window. That person took her info from the online quote, and had us sit down. A bit later I saw the inspector going over the Jetta (thoroughly, much more than the Carvana flatbed guy does). A bit after that, counter person calls her back to tell her that all checked out, no adjustment to the offer needed (I thought they might ding her for a somewhat tatty lower front bumper lip.)

then a bit more sitting waiting for final paperwork processing, then the first lady came out and had us sit at a desk. A few papers to sign, they handed her a (ridiculously large IMO) check (well, bank draft) and we were out of there. Smooth and easy (even though the Princess was touchy about taking so long! I did explain this was actually quick).

so now she has no car, but a lot of money in the bank. Having title in hand really sped up the process.

That’s ok, now she has chauffeur daddy.

BTW, are changes being made to the site? Everything is double spaced.

stickguy

She just stole our car early this AM to go to the gym. Gave me agita.

I noticed the double spacing when you type. But it posts normal single space. Odd.

corvette

@au1994 said:

@fintail said:
In another group I belong to, a member received a 40.8K offer from Carmax for his 2019 4-Runner. He bought it new for 36.4K, and has put 27K miles on it. I have to believe one could buy a new one (assuming one can be found) for that price.

That is truly insane. Yes, you could get a new one at that price, an SR5 Premium 4WD at minimum.

Wow... Really no reason not to upgrade to a 2021 and reset the clock, so to speak, if he can find one.

au1994

@stickguy said:
She just stole our car early this AM to go to the gym. Gave me agita.

I noticed the double spacing when you type. But it posts normal single space. Odd.

That would probably be enough to send me straight to the local BHPH lot or Craigslist for a $5k beater.

benjaminh

The rising prices for used cars has made me wonder what things were like during World War II. With no production of new cars for almost four years I can imagine that prices started going up a few days after December 7th—and kept rising until late 1945. I can imagine that even beater cars from the 1920s were kept going until the end of the war. But by 1946 I imagine the prices for pre-war cars started to slowly fall.