Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

corvette

That seems plausible on the charging time. 120 at 15 amps (often less) is like taking an old 5w phone charger and using it to charge a MacBook (which you can do now, if you have a USB-A to C cable). I read some time ago that a 240 volt supply is also more efficient in that it loses less of the juice to heat.

nyccarguy

That '99 Prelude is at $17,273 with just over 12 minutes to go.

nyccarguy

SOLD! For $27,888

stickguy

Wow

xwesx

nyccarguy said:

SOLD! For $27,888

Insane. Literally. People are just in a period of unprecedented stupidity right now. /wrists

stickguy

Well, it’s a very nice one and low miles, unmolested originals are rare. Not like they are making more of them. If that’s your dream car, why not? No crazier than $300,000 for a hemi cuda.

tifighter

This one impressed me-
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1995-land-rover-defender-90-41/
I was expecting low 80's. I was wrong.

explorerx4

That defender is pretty rusty underneath.

tjc78

@corvette said:
That happened with the 2002 Volvo S80 my parents bought. End of the month, and I think they had some sort of discretionary loyalty money, and used the rest of their allocation to make the deal happen.

It happens from time to time. My Stepdad got a stupid deal on a Highlander a long time ago when the dealer needed a month end unit. I know I’ve told that story before.

oldfarmer50

kyfdx said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Saw our first EV at an office yesterday. It’s going to be interesting renting that car out since the office doesn’t have anything special to charge it with. Supposedly it takes 60 hours with a regular 110 outlet.

60 hours? That can't be right.

I’m going by what the boss told us when it first arrived. He said something on the screen tells you how long to full charge with the given input. When they plugged it into a regular wall socket it said 60 hours.

oldfarmer50

henryn said:

A (very) quick google search gave these numbers:

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
55 hours at 110v
7.5 hours at 220v

Newegg, which mostly sells computers and computer parts, had in their daily specials for today a charging station for electric cars. Seems they are becoming more mainstream.

EV Charging Station Level 2 Professional Mode 3 Wall Box

kyfdx said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Saw our first EV at an office yesterday. It’s going to be interesting renting that car out since the office doesn’t have anything special to charge it with. Supposedly it takes 60 hours with a regular 110 outlet.

60 hours? That can't be right.

He could always find out, rent it for 4 days, drive it 1 and charge it for 3.

tifighter

Since I'm now BaT-ing, this thing sure looks like fun-
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1961-triumph-tr3a-10/

Sandman6472

Stick, how long is the new Civic hatch? Not sure I'd go back to a Civic, had a 2006 LX from '06 to '14, but might have to check one out if the length is right. Like the looks of the sedan but prefer a hatch over all for the versatility.

henryn

tifighter said:

Since I'm now BaT-ing, this thing sure looks like fun-
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1961-triumph-tr3a-10/

Yeah, it looks like fun. Except that you would spend 10 hours working on it for every 1 hour driving. Or perhaps more. Then it wouldn't be so much fun. Now if you were filthy rich, and could hire a team of full time mechanics just to work on your toys, this might be all right. But for me, no thanks.

henryn

Sandman6472 said:

Stick, how long is the new Civic hatch? Not sure I'd go back to a Civic, had a 2006 LX from '06 to '14, but might have to check one out if the length is right. Like the looks of the sedan but prefer a hatch over all for the versatility.

I don't see any numbers for the hatchback, but for the 2022 sedan:


Nevermind, I found it, 179.1 inches for the hatchback.

https://hondanews.com/en-US/releases/2022-honda-civic-hatchback-makes-global-debut-during-honda-civic-remix-virtual-performance

tifighter

henryn said:

tifighter said:

Since I'm now BaT-ing, this thing sure looks like fun-
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1961-triumph-tr3a-10/

Yeah, it looks like fun. Except that you would spend 10 hours working on it for every 1 hour driving. Or perhaps more. Then it wouldn't be so much fun. Now if you were filthy rich, and could hire a team of full time mechanics just to work on your toys, this might be all right. But for me, no thanks.

I said fun. Not necessarily smart.

andres3

xwesx said:

andres3 said:

Only catch, one of the wheels was bashed into by a CA driver that can't drive worth a lick, with enough force to cause a heavy S4 two complete 360's, which you can see on the 4s's rubber that something happened! LOL.

The bright side is that it looks like only surface damage to the wheel, though over something like 75% of the wheels' surface! Needs a good sandblast and refinish I think.

Better tread with caution on that one. It would really surprise me if the wheel took a hit like that and it didn't at least fatigue the aluminum at/near the mounting points. It would be a really bad deal to have a wheel failure with your driving style... and your driving style puts a lot of stress on a wheel!

Yes, for certain it needs a thorough check, inspection, and rebalance at a minimum. The only saving grace might be that the hit was relatively evenly distributed over the wide area a circular 19" wheel presents. Pie R squared right? The wheel won't be tracked, but I do need it to be safe and sound. OEM wheels tend to be built like tanks by Audi.

stickguy

yup. 179". Perfect size to me!

roadburner

My son finally picked up his car today- a. CPO 2018 330i xDrive with 16,500 miles on it.
And yes, I know that everyone hates black interiors except for me and my family. His salesperson said she’d be happy to go over the features but thought I would probably do a better job(I doubt it). The SXM wasn’t activated but I used my old SXM Dealer app to send a refresh signal and it worked.
So, does this count as a punch?

fintail

Makes that 30K 300SD look like a fair deal, and that 500SEC last year look like a veritable bargain.

xwesx said:

nyccarguy said:

SOLD! For $27,888

Insane. Literally. People are just in a period of unprecedented stupidity right now. /wrists

corvette

@roadburner - Awesome car, I love that paint color. Personally, I don't hate black interiors, just wish there were a little more variety in the mix that we see on dealer lots, particularly on performance oriented models. I don't think it counts as a punch unless he lives with you.

stickguy

or you paid for it!

qbrozen

got my window sticker today.

henryn

qbrozen said:

got my window sticker today.

That is a lot of car (or SUV or whatever exactly a Wrangler is) for $412 a month.

xwesx

corvette said:

@roadburner - Awesome car, I love that paint color. Personally, I don't hate black interiors, just wish there were a little more variety in the mix that we see on dealer lots, particularly on performance oriented models. I don't think it counts as a punch unless he lives with you.

It does count as a punch.....

For him! (RB's son... not RB)

kyfdx

Yeah, in all the flip it for profit talk, let's not lose sight of this: That's a great lease deal!

oldfarmer50

tifighter said:

Since I'm now BaT-ing, this thing sure looks like fun-
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1961-triumph-tr3a-10/

What’s the situation on parts for a car like that? Weren’t they notoriously difficult to keep running?

roadburner

@oldfarmer50 said:
What’s the situation on parts for a car like that? Weren’t they notoriously difficult to keep running?

They are dead simple to keep running. The engine is based on a Ferguson tractor engine. Simple SU carburetors as well. The rest of the running gear is also durable. Virtually no electric ancillaries save the lights, wipes, and heater fan.
As far as parts go, you can practically build a new one with the parts that available. I’d love to have one but no room.

au1994

I like the orange. Like someone else mentioned, I don’t prefer black interior but with the right trim and exterior, I can learn to love it.

At least for a few months

cdnpinhead

British sports cars are dead simple to work on, as RB pointed out. That said, you'll get quite a bit of practice. It's the only car I've ever owned that I could change the spark plugs with a crescent wrench if necessary. I loved that car and drove it in 44 states and 7 provinces.

kyfdx

Random lease calculation (not saying which model this is.. lol)

$55,000 MSRP
-$5000 discount
$50,000 selling price
-$7500 rebate
=$42,500
+ zero acq.fee
+ $500 dealer fee
+ $450 sales tax
+ $75 title/registration
= $43525 adjusted CAP cost

.00203 MF
65% residual (36/10)

$377/mo. + 6% sales tax = $400/mo.
$400 DAS

Looks like $5K+ potential flip profit, even accounting for a couple of payments and insurance?

oldfarmer50

roadburner said:

@oldfarmer50 said:

What’s the situation on parts for a car like that? Weren’t they notoriously difficult to keep running?

They are dead simple to keep running. The engine is based on a Ferguson tractor engine. Simple SU carburetors as well. The rest of the running gear is also durable. Virtually no electric ancillaries save the lights, wipes, and heater fan.

As far as parts go, you can practically build a new one with the parts that available. I’d love to have one but no room.

That’s good to know. I think Hoovie just bought an Austin Healy and he and the Wizard were commenting how simple the machinery was.

My impression of rare cars comes from my relatively low production 95’ Mark VIII which as it got past 20 years old became difficult to get parts for.

laurasdada

Baby still hasn't done a bad, bad thing...

The Lovely Fiancé enjoyed driving the MB SL, the power, surprising decent handling, luxury. She didn't mind the black exterior (as she knows I'd try! to keep it clean). But, she's not a fan of the brown interior (I am) , she likes black (gads, woman! A black/black convertible! But, forgive me, I've found form trumps function for the fairer sex) and decided the car wasn't "feminine enough." The vents and strakes were too masculine for her, I tried to explain the homage to the revered '50s MB SL, her glassy eyed stare well reflected the black Benz. Not to mention that, generally, latter day SLs are driven by starlets and real housewives (no offense intended).

So, Sunday off to the billionaire car dealer's (one of two) BMW store, across from the ALFA/Maserati/Lamborghini/Bentley etc. dealer. Next to Jag/LR dealer. Nice neighborhood, I was eyed suspiciously, she was welcomed. Surprise.
The object was an '18 640xi convertible. This was more her speed, four seats, similar luxury, ride and handling, potential four season drivability. Soft top, of course, which in my mind's eye is only a day away from a slasher's dream. But, she didn't like the color combo of Glacier Silver/White top/Dakota White leather interior (I actually agreed, a bit monochromatic). So, given my "forgive me" comment from above, due to this undesired form, off the list. And, the dealer called yesterday to let her know it was now sold. And asked if she was still with the sketchy looking dude that was chauffeuring her around. Me and Rodney....

There are a couple of other factors that are causing her pause, she's quite practical and can't wrap her head around a third car. Plus, and this is lovely, she can't believe that someone would want to buy her a luxury car. I find it hard to believe more men haven't already.

So, I've asked her to really think about what she wants, we could upgrade her CX-5 to something SUVish, perhaps a sedan. Does she want a convertible (yes, Porsche 911. That she knows...) She doesn't like coupes...guess I won't be bringing home the DB11 from Greenwich.

On we go. Or not?
I reserve the right to buy the SL for myself. For, I am less feminine enough to drive it.

henryn

Talking about the old Triumph sports car, I had a little bit of actual experience with one. Back around 1974 or so, one of my friends and coworkers bought a new Triumph. All of the car guys at work were suitably impressed, and really liked the car. The bad news is, it started falling apart on day one and never stopped. The windshield leaked, the windshield wipers quit working and the motor for the wipers had to be shipped from England, no spares in the US. And then the drivers window stopped going up and down in the door. And this was a manual crank window, who ever heard of a manual crank window failing?

Actually, it had happened to me once before in an ancient Chevrolet, but that's a little different situation.

The problems never stopped, and after a few months he gave up and got rid of it.

roadburner

__> @oldfarmer50 said:

That’s good to know. I think Hoovie just bought an Austin Healy and he and the Wizard were commenting how simple the machinery was.

My impression of rare cars comes from my relatively low production 95’ Mark VIII which as it got past 20 years old became difficult to get parts for.

BMW and Mercedes also keep a lot of older parts in production- and you can order them from the dealer in most cases. BMW calls their program BMW Group Classic.

roadburner

@henryn said:
Talking about the old Triumph sports car, I had a little bit of actual experience with one. Back around 1974 or so, one of my friends and coworkers bought a new Triumph. All of the car guys at work were suitably impressed, and really liked the car. The bad news is, it started falling apart on day one and never stopped. The windshield leaked, the windshield wipers quit working and the motor for the wipers had to be shipped from England, no spares in the US. And then the drivers window stopped going up and down in the door. And this was a manual crank window, who ever heard of a manual crank window failing?

Actually, it had happened to me once before in an ancient Chevrolet, but that's a little different situation.

The problems never stopped, and after a few months he gave up and got rid of it.

The '70s were a low point for the British auto industry. British Leyland limped from crisis to crisis- labor problems, supplier issues, Asian competition, and U.S. emission and safety regs just overwhelmed the company. Some '70s British cars can be updated to provide decent reliability, and the last couple of years of the TR-7 and TR-8 aren't bad.
Lots of U.S. dealers were pretty slipshod as well.

fintail

To pile on from roadburner, MB does the same. For the nearly 60 year old fintail, I can still get a lot of material Directly from MB, and third party sellers have an endless amount. Certain trim pieces can be tough, but anything mechanical (there's not much electrical to go wrong) is still available somewhere - for a price. No doubt this helps the survival rate.

oldfarmer50 said:

roadburner said:

@oldfarmer50 said:

What’s the situation on parts for a car like that? Weren’t they notoriously difficult to keep running?

They are dead simple to keep running. The engine is based on a Ferguson tractor engine. Simple SU carburetors as well. The rest of the running gear is also durable. Virtually no electric ancillaries save the lights, wipes, and heater fan.

As far as parts go, you can practically build a new one with the parts that available. I’d love to have one but no room.

That’s good to know. I think Hoovie just bought an Austin Healy and he and the Wizard were commenting how simple the machinery was.

My impression of rare cars comes from my relatively low production 95’ Mark VIII which as it got past 20 years old became difficult to get parts for.

ab348

henryn said:

Talking about the old Triumph sports car, I had a little bit of actual experience with one. Back around 1974 or so, one of my friends and coworkers bought a new Triumph. All of the car guys at work were suitably impressed, and really liked the car. The bad news is, it started falling apart on day one and never stopped. The windshield leaked, the windshield wipers quit working and the motor for the wipers had to be shipped from England, no spares in the US. And then the drivers window stopped going up and down in the door. And this was a manual crank window, who ever heard of a manual crank window failing?

Actually, it had happened to me once before in an ancient Chevrolet, but that's a little different situation.

The problems never stopped, and after a few months he gave up and got rid of it.

Well, not to rain on anyone's parade, but on my brand-new Toyota MR2 in 1985, the passenger door window (manual crank) also failed. Along with a bunch of other things. Must have been a bad day in Toyota City when it was built.

mjfloyd1

@henryn said:
I don't see any numbers for the hatchback, but for the 2022 sedan:

Nevermind, I found it, 179.1 inches for the hatchback.

https://hondanews.com/en-US/releases/2022-honda-civic-hatchback-makes-global-debut-during-honda-civic-remix-virtual-performance

Seems too long for @Sandman6472 , to be honest

stickguy

so, stopped at a car dealer today for the first time in ages. Sadly did not get to do it earlier, so stopped after dinner only to find out their website lied when it said open until 9. Door said 6, and the lack of people and lights supported the door!

weird though looking inside. Floor was empty of cars (they usually had 6-8 in there, big place). I assume it is a covid carryover. But, I did spot a new Civic parked over in used car land, so took a gander at it.

bright red (wife thought it was too bright) touring model. MSRP ~$29,200. Looks really sharp in person. Nice design, not bad or weird angles. Should age well. and size wise, did not look bad at all next to other cars including an Accord.

really want to get inside (and drive) one, so will need a trip back next weekend!

stickguy

spotted another new Elantra in the neighborhood today with a temp tag. 2nd in 2 weeks. Definitely a striking design.

henryn

stickguy said:

so, stopped at a car dealer today for the first time in ages. Sadly did not get to do it earlier, so stopped after dinner only to find out their website lied when it said open until 9. Door said 6, and the lack of people and lights supported the door!

weird though looking inside. Floor was empty of cars (they usually had 6-8 in there, big place). I assume it is a covid carryover. But, I did spot a new Civic parked over in used car land, so took a gander at it.

bright red (wife thought it was too bright) touring model. MSRP ~$29,200. Looks really sharp in person. Nice design, not bad or weird angles. Should age well. and size wise, did not look bad at all next to other cars including an Accord.

really want to get inside (and drive) one, so will need a trip back next weekend!

Cross quoting from RWTIV, @sda was looking at the new Civic, and his dealer was $4k over MSRP. So $29k MSRP becomes $33k.

A really really bad time to be new car shopping, I'm afraid.

qbrozen

@kyfdx said:
Random lease calculation (not saying which model this is.. lol)

$55,000 MSRP
-$5000 discount
$50,000 selling price
-$7500 rebate
=$42,500

• zero acq.fee
• $500 dealer fee
• $450 sales tax
• $75 title/registration
  = $43525 adjusted CAP cost

.00203 MF
65% residual (36/10)

$377/mo. + 6% sales tax = $400/mo.
$400 DAS

Looks like $5K+ potential flip profit, even accounting for a couple of payments and insurance?

Yep

mjfloyd1

@qbrozen - who do you use for shipping?

qbrozen

@mjfloyd1 said:
@qbrozen - who do you use for shipping?

This place was the only one that went off with no hitches and was very fast.
https://www.doortodoortransport.com/

stickguy

my dealer had their usual addendum sticker, but just their standard $595 protection package ripoff (trunk mat, wheel locks, vin etching, maybe one more thing). No ADM listed. But I doubt there is much of a discount possible.

mjfloyd1

@qbrozen said:

@mjfloyd1 said:
@qbrozen - who do you use for shipping?

This place was the only one that went off with no hitches and was very fast.
https://www.doortodoortransport.com/

Thanks

I’m asking for a friend…

oldfarmer50

henryn said:

stickguy said:

so, stopped at a car dealer today for the first time in ages. Sadly did not get to do it earlier, so stopped after dinner only to find out their website lied when it said open until 9. Door said 6, and the lack of people and lights supported the door!

weird though looking inside. Floor was empty of cars (they usually had 6-8 in there, big place). I assume it is a covid carryover. But, I did spot a new Civic parked over in used car land, so took a gander at it.

bright red (wife thought it was too bright) touring model. MSRP ~$29,200. Looks really sharp in person. Nice design, not bad or weird angles. Should age well. and size wise, did not look bad at all next to other cars including an Accord.

really want to get inside (and drive) one, so will need a trip back next weekend!

Cross quoting from RWTIV, @sda was looking at the new Civic, and his dealer was $4k over MSRP. So $29k MSRP becomes $33k.

A really really bad time to be new car shopping, I'm afraid.

I suppose dealers feel they have to do it to maintain profits but I have a long memory and there won’t always be a shortage.

qbrozen

They are doing it to try to keep the doors open. I get it. Salaries and rent don’t go down. So if you normally sell 1000 at $1000 gross ea and now you only have 200 to sell …

mjfloyd1

qbrozen said:

got my window sticker today.

I chatted with jeep and gave her my VON and she gave me my VIN.