Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

I like the dark iris color. Too bad it only comes with black interior.

tjc78

@nyccarguy said:
What did you think of the MDX? Likes? Dislikes? What made you ultimately choose the Volvo?

Really wasn’t anything I didn’t like, it was a little smaller than the Enclave but so was the XC90. In the end my wife really wanted the XC since she liked my
S60 so much.

tjc78

@nyccarguy said:
@benjaminh - That red looks sharp. That parchement interior is WAY to light for me.

Lol. People must think I’m crazy having two white interiors with young kids.

xwesx

28firefighter said:

Nailed it.

Want car? Will travel....

xwesx

tjc78 said:

Lol. People must think I’m crazy having two white interiors with young kids.

I don't. Kids will foul any interior - color doesn't really matter.

The tan interior of my Q7 has held up just as well, if not better, than the black interior of our Subarus, and my daughter is the most disgusting beast that ever roamed the Earth!

sda

xwesx said:

tjc78 said:

Lol. People must think I’m crazy having two white interiors with young kids.

I don't. Kids will foul any interior - color doesn't really matter.

The tan interior of my Q7 has held up just as well, if not better, than the black interior of our Subarus, and my daughter is the most disgusting beast that ever roamed the Earth!

Is the interior in the Subaru black cloth? I have found black cloth to be a real challenge, more so than the ivory color that we had in our 09 Civic and 13 Accord. Black leather or leatherette is no issue.

ab348

sda said:

Black leather or leatherette is no issue.

Except it shows every bit of lint, dust or hair that lands on it. OTOH if you have a job mining coal it is perfect for that drive home.

henryn

xwesx said:

tjc78 said:

Lol. People must think I’m crazy having two white interiors with young kids.

I don't. Kids will foul any interior - color doesn't really matter.

The tan interior of my Q7 has held up just as well, if not better, than the black interior of our Subarus, and my daughter is the most disgusting beast that ever roamed the Earth!

My oldest granddaughter, who just graduated college last night, could have given her a run for the money back when she was quite young. I once threatened to strap her and her high chair in the back of my truck for a trip through the high pressure car wash.

au1994

henryn said:

xwesx said:

tjc78 said:

Lol. People must think I’m crazy having two white interiors with young kids.

I don't. Kids will foul any interior - color doesn't really matter.

The tan interior of my Q7 has held up just as well, if not better, than the black interior of our Subarus, and my daughter is the most disgusting beast that ever roamed the Earth!

My oldest granddaughter, who just graduated college last night, could have given her a run for the money back when she was quite young. I once threatened to strap her and her high chair in the back of my truck for a trip through the high pressure car wash.

I’ve actually had to use the words “you have spaghetti sauce on the back of your neck” to mine. How? I don’t know. He’s 15 and a white shirt and salsa are still not a safe combo.

Michaell

MINI is at the dealer again, this time for an oil change.

Routine inspection found that the crankshaft seal is leaking, again. It was replaced in December 2019, and is covered by a two year warranty. Dealer will replace it again, on their dime.

They also noticed that 2 of the tires are at 4mm, and recommended replacement. I called our tire store and learned the current set are 5 years old with 22,000 miles on them. A new set is on order, and will run $900 to install and warranty them.

Still cheaper than a new car. With encouragement from @breld, I ran it through Carvana. 2014 Countryman, 48k, decent condition, leather with HK stereo. Any guesses on the value?

benjaminh

14k?

stickguy

13K

au1994

18k. Anything is possible these days.

kyfdx

Okay, Northeast peeps. Planning a short vacation. Flying into PVD on Sunday morning, July 25th, back out on Thursday morning, 07/29.
My only plan so far is to make a Red Sox game on Mo, Tu, or We.
I’ll have a rental car.

Any suggestions? I’m not stuck on Boston. Portland is only a 2.5 hour drive from Providence. I can go anywhere within reason,
I’ve never been farther NE than NYC, so I’m game for anything.

Thanks!

henryn

I have no idea what a Mini should be worth, or what it might go for. But 22,000 miles on a set of tires? That is most definitely not good. Is your front end in alignment? Pardon me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think a Mini can do burnouts, so …

The insanity on car prices continues. I just received in the mail a multi-page, full color flyer from one of the local Mopar dealers. They looked up the registration for my 2016 Chrysler T&C and proudly informed me that it was worth $12,505 on a trade in. I felt like calling them and asking them to guess how much Carvana paid me for it a few weeks back.

Looking through Craigslist for an older truck, I ran across this work truck, a 2013 F150 XL, regular cab, long bed, V8, towing package, 77k miles, for $11,500.

https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/katy-2013-f150/7323514941.html

I looked it up on KBB and they agreed the price was fair. Then, just for giggles, I offered it to Carvana, stating no accidents and “fair” condition. Their bid? $13,300. I was considering calling the guy and telling him that, but decided he would think I was being some kind of wise___.

explorerx4

@kyfdx
Red Sox game? I have nothing for you.
J/K A Duck tour in Boston is pretty fun. Study up on The Departed, just in case your tour is like ours' was.

benjaminh

The Boston Museum of Fine Arts is really good.
https://www.mfa.org/

au1994

henryn said:

I have no idea what a Mini should be worth, or what it might go for. But 22,000 miles on a set of tires? That is most definitely not good. Is your front end in alignment? Pardon me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think a Mini can do burnouts, so …

The insanity on car prices continues. I just received in the mail a multi-page, full color flyer from one of the local Mopar dealers. They looked up the registration for my 2016 Chrysler T&C and proudly informed me that it was worth $12,505 on a trade in. I felt like calling them and asking them to guess how much Carvana paid me for it a few weeks back.

Looking through Craigslist for an older truck, I ran across this work truck, a 2013 F150 XL, regular cab, long bed, V8, towing package, 77k miles, for $11,500.

https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/katy-2013-f150/7323514941.html

I looked it up on KBB and they agreed the price was fair. Then, just for giggles, I offered it to Carvana, stating no accidents and “fair” condition. Their bid? $13,300. I was considering calling the guy and telling him that, but decided he would think I was being some kind of wise___.

Flip it. Especially if he would come off just a bit. 1800-2000 is not bad for an afternoon’s work.

stickguy

Portsmouth NH is nice area. Though beach towns in July can be pricy! There is a ton to do in Boston itself if you are there anyway. North End is a cool area (that is where my daughter just moved to). great Italian food. and a lot of the tourist stuff (old north church) and a great walking area.

xwesx

sda said:

Is the interior in the Subaru black cloth? I have found black cloth to be a real challenge, more so than the ivory color that we had in our 09 Civic and 13 Accord. Black leather or leatherette is no issue.

Yes, all of our Subarus have been black cloth.

Michaell

The market is crazy, but not that crazy.

$11k and change for the MINI.

Not that there is anything I'd want to flip it for.

Michaell

@kyfdx I'd recommend Portland, ME. A lot like SF, just smaller.

We also did a whale watching tour out of Gloucester, years back.

Plus a lot of history in Boston, if that's your thing.

Michaell

@henryn - the suspension on the MINI is set up sporty, so it goes through tires quick. The OEMs lasted 26,000 miles. Of course, my daughter tends to be a bit, um, aggressive behind the wheel, which doesn't help.

The ones we are getting are Pirelli P7's, which is what's on there now. These are also run-flats.

explorerx4

LL Bean flagship store is in Freeport ME, a couple of hours from Boston.
Nice touristy town.

sda

I understand run flats do not go the distance as conventional tires. 30-40k tops.

ab348

kyfdx said:

Okay, Northeast peeps. Planning a short vacation. Flying into PVD on Sunday morning, July 25th, back out on Thursday morning, 07/29.
My only plan so far is to make a Red Sox game on Mo, Tu, or We.
I’ll have a rental car.

Any suggestions? I’m not stuck on Boston. Portland is only a 2.5 hour drive from Providence. I can go anywhere within reason,
I’ve never been farther NE than NYC, so I’m game for anything.

Thanks!

Boston is a good town to visit. The area around Fenway is a zoo on game days but sort of fun. Walking into the ballpark for the first time is a trip because it is ridiculously compact. You’re in this crowded area under the stands and when you find the ramp for your section, you walk up, and the field and the Green Monster just explodes in front of your eyes. The rest of the city is just full of history and that is fun if you’re into that. Some gorgeous old buildings too.

One thing: I have a pretty good sense of direction and almost never get lost when driving. Providence is the one exception to that. It was like whomever did the signage was trying to confuse visitors.

The photo below is from my first Fenway visit in 1982. It was Old Timers Day at the ballpark. I can’t tell you what a thrill it was to hear Sherm Feller, the P.A. Announcer, say in his distinctive tone, “Now batting.... number 9... Ted Williams... Williams, number 9” as the whole place went crazy.

Ted never got a hit that day, but he actually made an incredible catch in left field, right off his shoe tops.

stickguy

I went to Fenway a couple of times. My friend is a lawyer up there and his firm handled the team so he got good tickets, just off the screen behind the plate and about 10 rows from the field. Was a super fun time.

oldfarmer50

nyccarguy said:

@breld - just commenting on what you were talking about the other day with your younger son getting his license. I’ve driven 23.4 miles in town tonight after I got home. (Drop off 14 y/o at hockey, back home, then pick up 12 y/o from baseball, back home, now back to the rink to pick up the 14 y/o, then home).

This is in addition to the close to my 65 mile round trip commute.

I bet your older kid will be willing to do all sorts of errands if it means getting his hands on your keys.

oldfarmer50

kyfdx said:

Okay, Northeast peeps. Planning a short vacation. Flying into PVD on Sunday morning, July 25th, back out on Thursday morning, 07/29.
My only plan so far is to make a Red Sox game on Mo, Tu, or We.
I’ll have a rental car.

Any suggestions? I’m not stuck on Boston. Portland is only a 2.5 hour drive from Providence. I can go anywhere within reason,
I’ve never been farther NE than NYC, so I’m game for anything.

Thanks!

kyfdx said:

Okay, Northeast peeps. Planning a short vacation. Flying into PVD on Sunday morning, July 25th, back out on Thursday morning, 07/29.
My only plan so far is to make a Red Sox game on Mo, Tu, or We.
I’ll have a rental car.

Any suggestions? I’m not stuck on Boston. Portland is only a 2.5 hour drive from Providence. I can go anywhere within reason,
I’ve never been farther NE than NYC, so I’m game for anything.

Thanks!

Anywhere in Maine, NH, VT or upstate NY is beautiful this time of year if you like the country.

oldfarmer50

henryn said:

I have no idea what a Mini should be worth, or what it might go for. But 22,000 miles on a set of tires? That is most definitely not good. Is your front end in alignment? Pardon me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think a Mini can do burnouts, so …

The insanity on car prices continues. I just received in the mail a multi-page, full color flyer from one of the local Mopar dealers. They looked up the registration for my 2016 Chrysler T&C and proudly informed me that it was worth $12,505 on a trade in. I felt like calling them and asking them to guess how much Carvana paid me for it a few weeks back.

Looking through Craigslist for an older truck, I ran across this work truck, a 2013 F150 XL, regular cab, long bed, V8, towing package, 77k miles, for $11,500.

https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/katy-2013-f150/7323514941.html

I looked it up on KBB and they agreed the price was fair. Then, just for giggles, I offered it to Carvana, stating no accidents and “fair” condition. Their bid? $13,300. I was considering calling the guy and telling him that, but decided he would think I was being some kind of wise___.

Not bad for a work truck. I’d suspect there was something wrong hiding in the background unless this is some old clueless owner who hasn’t read the news in a year.

Michaell

My loaner while the Countryman is at the dealer:



FWD base 3-cyl 4 door. Not a bad ride, and pretty decently equipped. Less than 1200 miles on when I picked it up this morning. It’s a bit tough getting in and out, with the low roofline, but once I’m in, there’s plenty of room in the front seat.

stickguy

not a fan of the Mini, but I love your house and the others in that style (like casa Breld and your old place). Must be a Colorado thing!

kyfdx

Not Fenway, but good seats and great weather, today

kyfdx

For comparison, Tropicana Field, last week

stickguy

the trop in an abomination for a baseball game!

explorerx4

Years ago, I got invited to a game at Fenway(me and 3 Red Sox fans) and sat in the 3rd row right behind home plate.
Rule was, no talking on your phone during the game.
I was pretty scrupulous about it, but one time I called one of my BIL's in between innings.
Talked a bit too long and looked up to the the home plate umpire giving me the evil eye.
As soon as I put the phone down, he turned around and started the inning.
Also, someone who was watching the game on TV called my wife to ask who the woman sitting next to me was because we seemed to be having a lot of fun.
It was a family we knew from church who just happened to sit next to me and were also Yankee fans.

Sandman6472

Love the Craftsman looking house, absolutely beautiful!!
Was at the mini store on Wednesday and found a 2022 Countryman S in blue with alloys that were stunning. Price was in the high 20's and looked to be the perfect size. But, the Golf has been behaving itself and have the oil change set up for next Thursday. Tires are still in great shape, look almost brand new. Just needs a good wash and looks like the day I drove it off the lot.
The love affair continues!

Michaell

Sandman6472 said:

Love the Craftsman looking house, absolutely beautiful!!
Was at the mini store on Wednesday and found a 2022 Countryman S in blue with alloys that were stunning. Price was in the high 20's and looked to be the perfect size. But, the Golf has been behaving itself and have the oil change set up for next Thursday. Tires are still in great shape, look almost brand new. Just needs a good wash and looks like the day I drove it off the lot.
The love affair continues!

Funny, I don't think of our house as Craftsman style, though the design aesthetic is pretty common in Colorado. My house is 5 years old, now, and I think @breld has had his home for a couple of years. His is much larger than mine, however!

henryn

henryn said:

Looking through Craigslist for an older truck, I ran across this work truck, a 2013 F150 XL, regular cab, long bed, V8, towing package, 77k miles, for $11,500.

https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/katy-2013-f150/7323514941.html

I looked it up on KBB and they agreed the price was fair. Then, just for giggles, I offered it to Carvana, stating no accidents and “fair” condition. Their bid? $13,300. I was considering calling the guy and telling him that, but decided he would think I was being some kind of wise___.

oldfarmer50 said:

Not bad for a work truck. I’d suspect there was something wrong hiding in the background unless this is some old clueless owner who hasn’t read the news in a year.

If I'm remembering right, there are people hanging out here who can check a carfax? Not actually give you a copy, but look at it and tell you if there are any concerns?

1FTNF1CF8DKF44119

laurasdada

BMW just owns the color blue; would that my A7 was one of their shades...

KYFDX: Boston offers much, as others have mentioned already (Aquarium, Whale Watch, Freedom Trail, Duck/trolley tour...). For beauty, White Mountains of New Hampster and the lakes region, notably Winnepesaukee area. Take a ride on the MS Mount Washington out of Laconia. Kellerhaus if you're an ice cream fan. North Conway offers much shopping, sales tax free. Entertainment (zip lines, mountain coasters, mountain bike) at ski areas; golf if that's your game.

Vermont, ah Vermont. Beautiful ride up Rte. 100 into the Green Mountains. Like NH, ski areas offer summer fun. Ben and Jerry's factory in Waterbury, Burlington (UVM) a funky city. Shelburne Museum south of Burlington; Lake Champlain.
But, Vermont is a bit of a drive from Eastern NE, where you're beginning your journey and it's a short visit.

Connecticut offers attractions to the south of PVD, Mystic Seaport/Aquarium, and shore towns such as Madison. Of course, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun if casinos hold any attraction. Groton houses the sub base/museum. New Haven offers Pepe's, Sally's and Modern pizza houses. Further south is Fairfield County, which offers...wealth! Too late a visit for the Greenwich Concours e' Elegance, a great show on the water in Greenwich.

RI offers Newport and the "Cliff Walk." Good restaurants in Providence. Naragansett and Scarborough beaches.

Have fun, it's a lovely part of the country up here. And, as they say, if you don't like the weather, wait a minute!

laurasdada

Well, the above was a stream of consciousness...

Michaell

laurasdada said:

Well, the above was a stream of consciousness...

Nothing wrong with that. I used to spend a lot of time in Boston, before the turn of the century. Was lucky enough to bring my family along, once. I worked, they saw the sights.

cdnpinhead

laurasdada said:

Well, the above was a stream of consciousness...

Yes, but in the course of it you hit nearly every place that I was thinking would be a worthy response to the OP. A very nice summary -- well done! I've never lived there but have had the opportunity to travel to New England many times for business. I'm old enough that my "social studies' books in elementary school put forth pictures from New England that imprinted on me how things should be.

Michaell

cdnpinhead said:

laurasdada said:

Well, the above was a stream of consciousness...

Yes, but in the course of it you hit nearly every place that I was thinking would be a worthy response to the OP. A very nice summary -- well done! I've never lived there but have had the opportunity to travel to New England many times for business. I'm old enough that my "social studies' books in elementary school put forth pictures from New England that imprinted on me how things should be.

My wife was born in Colorado and grew up in Cheyenne, WY. The family trip I alluded to earlier was taken in October, right at the height of the fall season. She was blown away by the variety of colors to be found on the hillsides. After my work week was over, we took a day and drove from Boston to Mystic, CT and visited the aquarium there.

Funny to her to traverse 3 states (MA, CT, RI) in a single day.

Basically, @kyfdx, there really are no wrong answers when visiting New England. As much as I've been there, there is still places I'd like to see (Cape Cod, for instance).

xwesx

My family visited Plymouth, MA, when we were on our transcontinental trip back in '13. We had a good time and did the toursity stuff like the Mayflower II and Plymouth Plantation.

xwesx

This sale to Carvana is turning into quite the goat rope.

My mother was supposed to get the photos needed, but she only managed part of them. She also took a few interior photos, and I felt there was enough damage on the center console trim that I should disclose that. After doing so, the offer went *up* by $300 to $15,348. Seriously.

Hopefully they will get me the rest of the needed documentation tomorrow and I can get this thing in motion.

Sandman6472

Mystic Seaport is a wonderful place to visit if one has the time. We used to summer in Clinton, down around Westbrook, and we'd go there on trip day. It was a fantastic place for a kid my age back then. It's one place in America that y'all won't forget!

graphicguy

breld said:

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a36474818/2021-acura-tlx-type-s-price/

The article states how it slots between the S4 and M340i in pricing, but as we all know, Acura only offers one option, being summer tires, so it will be very well equipped...probably in line with something in between the “Tech” and “Advance.” Apples to apples, it’s probably quite a deal compared to German competitors, so long as it delivers on the performance side.

Those first year models will be hot commodities….the Type-S has a near “cult” following. I wonder if they’ll increase production significantly in 2022?

au1994

graphicguy said:

breld said:

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a36474818/2021-acura-tlx-type-s-price/

The article states how it slots between the S4 and M340i in pricing, but as we all know, Acura only offers one option, being summer tires, so it will be very well equipped...probably in line with something in between the “Tech” and “Advance.” Apples to apples, it’s probably quite a deal compared to German competitors, so long as it delivers on the performance side.

Those first year models will be hot commodities….the Type-S has a near “cult” following. I wonder if they’ll increase production significantly in 2022?

If they are not impacted by the chip shortage, I’m sure they will turn a higher % of production to the Type-S. The TSX in all flavors is really one of the hidden gems out there. Serious bang for the buck.

qbrozen

@henryn said:
If I'm remembering right, there are people hanging out here who can check a carfax? Not actually give you a copy, but look at it and tell you if there are any concerns?

1FTNF1CF8DKF44119

I am able to see only this.