Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

mjfloyd1

They can build it up with filler after primer and then paint

sda

fintail said:

I'll check on that. My only fear is the depth of the scratch, even a couple coats didn't fully fill it in, it's really down to the metal.

Fortunately, the scratch just fits under a credit card, so it is covered by the "credit card test" - but as I have the car til March, I doubt I will be able to look at it for that long. Already, when I look at the car, my eye goes right to the scratch.

mjfloyd1 said:

@fintail said:

I touched it up. The wagon is now like the fintail, a 10 footer Looks really good from a small distance, but once you get up close, you can see the mark, it's quite a gouge.

I'll probably end up getting it fixed, as if I buy the car, I would want it to be right. Took the car out this afternoon, and it is so smooth and comfortable, going to be hard to give it up, especially as the residual will present a decent discount.

I’d take that to a dealership and see if they have someone that does airbrushing for their used cars. They can match it up and no new emblems needed. Should be cheaper too

I’m the same way, I always notice the dings and touch ups as I walk up to the car. It’s as if my eyes can’t help but looking for them. I have to remind myself they aren’t a big deal. My wife, who is very observant, never says a word unless it is really obvious.

mjfloyd1

This one is for you @qbrozen

stickguy

watched a couple previews on this. Looks really interesting and quite a bit fun. Wonder when they will be out, and if there will ever be any on the lot? and of course, will there be a stick if they do have any in stock.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wMnmPqZ3Q8

cdnpinhead

It's apparent that several on here can find (and look for) the pea under the mattress.

I'm not worthy to be in the same zip code as them, but the good news (for all of us) is that I'm most certainly not.

oldfarmer50

28firefighter said:

Made it down to Ocean City just in time for the hurricane! Thanks to my corporate rate and status was able to get a Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring (non turbo though) for $175 for the week.

I forgot that speed limits on the AC expressway seem to be taken as recommendations and not a requirement. I was doing 10 over in the rain in the right lane and getting absolutely smoked by folks passing me.

That’s a great rate. I’ve heard retail customers being quoted $2,000 for the same period.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

watched a couple previews on this. Looks really interesting and quite a bit fun. Wonder when they will be out, and if there will ever be any on the lot? and of course, will there be a stick if they do have any in stock.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wMnmPqZ3Q8

Better get your order in right away.

stickguy

Is Toyota doing an order system now too?

As long as they aren't requiring a deposit, I should just order everything and try out whatever comes in finally.

corvette

The RAV4 Prime is kind of a dark horse as a potential Tundra replacement, as is the Maverick with the 2.0 turbo and AWD. They both have better performance characteristics and are more maneuverable. Obviously, there are no driving reviews of the Maverick. The RAV4 criticisms seem to complain about its behavior when driving at 9/10, which is not most of the driving I do. Plus, would likely get a tax credit with the RAV4, although it appears Congress may be in the process of overhauling that.

andres3

mjfloyd1 said:

@andres3 said:

"Notwithstanding the many studies over the years, in testimony before the Ohio Senate Highways and Transportation Committee on June 10, 2003, Julie Cirillo, Former Assistant Administrator and Chief Safety Officer for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), testified that "up to the present time there has been no evidence to alter Solomon’s original finding that variance from the mean operating speed is a major contributor to accidents"

Seems to me it would serve you to read all the research and know when to throw out the "Australian" junk and propaganda like Julie Cirillo did.

You of course do realize that variance both above and below the mean operating speed is a major contributor to accidents? Variance is deviation from the mean. You can be either faster or slower than the mean.

It seems that you pick and choose what you want to believe based on the parts that you agree with and then just ignore the rest.

I wish you many opportunities to see flashing red and blue lights in your rear view mirrors. I wish you many opportunities to plead your case about Solomon curves to traffic court judges

I'm not the one ignoring anything including reality. It's just that you have to analyze and weigh the more rigorous studies with those that are really just marketing propaganda full of words like:

1. Suggests
   
2. Estimate
   
3. Probably
   
4. 
   

The Solomon Curve, if you understood it, already shows greater crash involvement for deviations from the average or mean speed of traffic. Hence the curve. It goes without saying that due to the shape of the curve, it is already understood that deviating in either direction is bad. However, it should be noted that the curve is steeper on the slower side, and the bottom of the curve (safest) is slightly, but noticeably above 0 or the average/mean speed.

Michaell

I spent a few days in CA this past week - first, to attend my son and DIL's baby shower, second to see my mom, sister and her family. First time in two years that I've been.

Lots of car-related content to share from the trip.

First, I had a chance to drive my mom's 2003 Sonata quite a bit, including a 175 mile drive from Ventura County to north San Diego County. The car runs great, though the lack of tech did take some getting used to. Every time I put the car in reverse, I looked at the dashboard, since I'm used to the backup camera in the Outback I drive daily. Oops. Also, it only has a 4-speed automatic, so cruising at 70-75 MPH on I-5 meant the revs were around 2500-3000. I noticed some shudder under heavy braking, so we took it to the local Firestone for a check. Front pads were at 2MM, and there were "hot spots" on the rotors, so we had both replaced, and immediately noticed the difference. I suspect these were the original pads and rotors (the car turned 43,000 miles while I had it).

Second, I had a chance to drive my BIL's 2019 Q50. Fast, fast car, but a little old on the tech (no CarPlay, for example). I'm not sure what it is about the Infiniti sedans, but I just don't fit well behind the wheel - it could be either a) a narrow seating position, or b) the front seat is back further than other cars - either way, the B-pillar bumps my left shoulder. It's a lease, with about 18-19 months left on it, which leads to ....

... my sister wanted me to accompany her on some preliminary shopping for a replacement (hey, it's never too early, amiright?). We hit 7 dealers in 2 days:

Cadillac - test drove a CPO 2019 XT4 Sport
Volvo - no test drives, sister didn't like anything on the lot
Toyota - test drove a 2021 Venza Limited
Hyundai - no test drives
Lincoln - test drove a 2021 Nautilus (she wanted to drive a Corsair, but they didn't have any on the lot)
Lexus - test drove a 2021 NX300 F-Sport
Infiniti - test drove a 2022 QX55

I'll share impressions on the ones she drove over the next day or two - I was a passenger for all the test drives, and I learned a lot about what my sister is looking for in her next vehicle.

tjc78

@28firefighter said:
Made it down to Ocean City just in time for the hurricane! Thanks to my corporate rate and status was able to get a Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring (non turbo though) for $175 for the week.

I forgot that speed limits on the AC expressway seem to be taken as recommendations and not a requirement. I was doing 10 over in the rain in the right lane and getting absolutely smoked by folks passing me.

I’m on it all the time and can accurately say the average speed at times is over 80, especially when it opens up to three lanes until the toll booths.

Enjoy Ocean City. Did you rent a house or doing a hotel? If you are in the low number streets the beach isn’t really that big, but gets much more roomy past 34th. They don’t have the best restaurants (IMO) but if you need any recommendations over in Sea Isle or if your heading to Wildwood let me know!

On a Jersey shore note, appraisal came back good (above what we paid) so unless the lender drops the ball we are closing on the 30th.

ab348

stickguy said:

watched a couple previews on this. Looks really interesting and quite a bit fun. Wonder when they will be out, and if there will ever be any on the lot? and of course, will there be a stick if they do have any in stock.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wMnmPqZ3Q8

Around here with the first-gen versions, after the true believers got their initial orders satisfied they just gathered dust on the lots. Not a whole lot of demand for something like that these days. This one may be a bit more desirable with more power but still has a lot of the same liabilities.

28firefighter

@tjc78 said:

@28firefighter said:
Made it down to Ocean City just in time for the hurricane! Thanks to my corporate rate and status was able to get a Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring (non turbo though) for $175 for the week.

I forgot that speed limits on the AC expressway seem to be taken as recommendations and not a requirement. I was doing 10 over in the rain in the right lane and getting absolutely smoked by folks passing me.

I’m on it all the time and can accurately say the average speed at times is over 80, especially when it opens up to three lanes until the toll booths.

Enjoy Ocean City. Did you rent a house or doing a hotel? If you are in the low number streets the beach isn’t really that big, but gets much more roomy past 34th. They don’t have the best restaurants (IMO) but if you need any recommendations over in Sea Isle or if your heading to Wildwood let me know!

On a Jersey shore note, appraisal came back good (above what we paid) so unless the lender drops the ball we are closing on the 30th.

Thanks! We rented a house a couple blocks off the boardwalk. It’s exactly as I remember from when I was a kid, for better or worse. It is absolutely mobbed down here right now, which is taking some getting used to after 18 months of social distance that my introverted self did not hate all of…

And yes OF - rate was very good. I checked it before we left and without my code would have been $850.

oldfarmer50

ab348 said:

stickguy said:

watched a couple previews on this. Looks really interesting and quite a bit fun. Wonder when they will be out, and if there will ever be any on the lot? and of course, will there be a stick if they do have any in stock.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wMnmPqZ3Q8

Around here with the first-gen versions, after the true believers got their initial orders satisfied they just gathered dust on the lots. Not a whole lot of demand for something like that these days. This one may be a bit more desirable with more power but still has a lot of the same liabilities.

That’s what I thought. 228hp on a sports car is pretty weak. Then again, the MX5 doesn’t have much more.

kyfdx

qbrozen said:

In about 8 hrs, we’ll be departing NJ and making our way to Hilton Head for the week. First vacay in years. Taking the van since we need the space. I’m hoping no more than 12 hrs on the road. Leaving before 5am so I can get past DC by 8:30 (again, hopefully). We’ll be driving through a tropical storm so ya never know.

12 hours to Hilton Head? Geez, how many stops do you have to make?

explorerx4

At least they fixed that weird torque curve.

ronsteve

explorerx4 said:

@qbrozen,
No matter what the weather, you need to get by DC through Richmond. Sunday, so you may be ok.
I-95 South of DC is subject to flooding base on my experience.
Hopefully your trip will go well.

Not really getting much rain south of Baltimore, so you won't have water problems south of DC.

tjc78

Q and 28. Have great vacations!!

stickguy

oldfarmer50 said:

ab348 said:

stickguy said:

watched a couple previews on this. Looks really interesting and quite a bit fun. Wonder when they will be out, and if there will ever be any on the lot? and of course, will there be a stick if they do have any in stock.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wMnmPqZ3Q8

Around here with the first-gen versions, after the true believers got their initial orders satisfied they just gathered dust on the lots. Not a whole lot of demand for something like that these days. This one may be a bit more desirable with more power but still has a lot of the same liabilities.

That’s what I thought. 228hp on a sports car is pretty weak. Then again, the MX5 doesn’t have much more.

It is not weak on a light (2800#) car. It is actually quite quick (0-60 in 6.1). But it is exactly what it is designed to be. A light, nimble, sports car with a great driving experience. In many ways a coupe version of a Miata with a lot more room inside for normal sized drivers. Car is easy to drive fast, good on the track, and fun with plenty of driver engagement.

if you want a Hellcat that can get to 60 in 4 seconds, but is otherwise a fat barge that does nothing else very well and is a handful to drive, buy one! This car is not intended to compete with that. Though it is $40K cheaper.

But yes, probably a pretty small market for one these days. I would cross shop with a Miata, which I still don't fit in all that well.

tjc78

People love fast in a straight line! Can’t beat a Hellcat for that.

stickguy

Gets old. especially around here where there is too much traffic to really ever use it. But fun driving and nimble handling, that you can enjoy all the time!

a wildly overpowered barge never really held that much attraction to me anyway.

mjfloyd1

@andres3 said:
I'm not the one ignoring anything including reality. It's just that you have to analyze and weigh the more rigorous studies with those that are really just marketing propaganda full of words like:* Suggests

• Estimate

• Probably

The Solomon Curve, if you understood it, already shows greater crash involvement for deviations from the average or mean speed of traffic. Hence the curve. It goes without saying that due to the shape of the curve, it is already understood that deviating in either direction is bad. However, it should be noted that the curve is steeper on the slower side, and the bottom of the curve (safest) is slightly, but noticeably above 0 or the average/mean speed.

I’m glad that you see both sides of the Solomon curve.

sda

This morning went out to browse. At the Cadillac dealer, this lot is normally full of new cars. Used cars are kept in an adjacent lot. Look at it now. The Toyota dealer only had 5 new cars on their lot.

explorerx4

Went by the local Toyota dealer today. Didn't see any new vehicles, but did see a couple of new Tacoma frames.

oldfarmer50

explorerx4 said:

Went by the local Toyota dealer today. Didn't see any new vehicles, but did see a couple of new Tacoma frames.

Are those still rusting out? I thought that was a problem of the distant past?

ab348

I drove past my nearby Toyota dealer a couple of weeks ago and they still had a few new frames stacked up out back.

explorerx4

These frames were just delivered. I saw a truck with 10 or so stacked up drive by the other day and first thought was Tacoma frames. Confirmed when I drove by the Toyota dealer.
At least they trying to fix it.

roadburner

I want a coupe that’s faster than my current car, but with similar size and weight. If it can’t run the 1/4 mile in the low twelve second range it will have to be extremely compelling WRT to handling and braking to gain a spot in my garage.

corvette

explorerx4 said:

Went by the local Toyota dealer today. Didn't see any new vehicles, but did see a couple of new Tacoma frames.

I thought the goodwill repair program on those ended a couple years back?

explorerx4

@corvette,
With the way things are now, maybe it's worth it to pay to replace the frame?

Michaell

Member has a plan, looking for validation...

jmonroe1

stickguy said:

My wife shed some tears when we left out kids for the first time. I was more concerned about getting moving to beat traffic through the city.

I truly am sentimental!

You truly are un-caring. :@

jmonroe

stickguy

I cared enough to pay the bills.

we got them there, got them settled, and turned them over to the orientation lead to go make friends. Then it is time to leave!

roadburner

I know the common wisdom is to typecast the Dodge SRT cars as mega-horsepower one trick ponies, but they are definitely track capable. To quote Erich Heuschele manager/Design Responsible, SRT vehicle dynamics:

The SRT cars, including the brake pads, tires, suspension and cooling systems, are track-ready from the factory. We verify that every SRT model can handle 20-minute track sessions in 100-degree ambient temps with a pro driver. That means the brakes won’t go away, the driveline won’t overheat, the ESC system won’t have problems, etc. We also run 24 hours of track durability at Nelson Ledges with the car absolutely stock. We test for brake fade at Gingerman, where some of our high-profile and more expensive competitors lose brakes in just three laps.

And, based on the Car and Driver Lightning Lap times, it's not just talk; a 2018 Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody lapped VIR in 2:59.8. To put that in perspective, that's faster than an M340i, a 2016 ATS-V, and a 2014 E63 AMG S-Model. An M2 Comp is only a tenth quicker, and a Giulia Quadrifoglio is just 1.2 seconds quicker.

That said, if I wanted a big and fast car with a veneer of practicality it would have to be an M5 Comp- it laps VIR in 2:54.0 seconds and runs the quarter in 10.9 seconds.
Achtung Baby!

roadburner

I mentioned on C&C that a friend had flipped his Dinan E46 M3 for an M2 Comp. I forgot to mention that the dealer only gave him $26k for it.
If only I had known... :@

qbrozen

@roadburner said:
I know the common wisdom is to typecast the Dodge SRT cars as mega-horsepower one trick ponies, but they are definitely track capable. To quote Erich Heuschele manager/Design Responsible, SRT vehicle dynamics:

The SRT cars, including the brake pads, tires, suspension and cooling systems, are track-ready from the factory. We verify that every SRT model can handle 20-minute track sessions in 100-degree ambient temps with a pro driver. That means the brakes won’t go away, the driveline won’t overheat, the ESC system won’t have problems, etc. We also run 24 hours of track durability at Nelson Ledges with the car absolutely stock. We test for brake fade at Gingerman, where some of our high-profile and more expensive competitors lose brakes in just three laps.

And, based on the Car and Driver Lightning Lap times, it's not just talk; a 2018 Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody lapped VIR in 2:59.8. To put that in perspective, that's faster than an M340i, a 2016 ATS-V, and a 2014 E63 AMG S-Model. An M2 Comp is only a tenth quicker, and a Giulia Quadrifoglio is just 1.2 seconds quicker.

That said, if I wanted a big and fast car with a veneer of practicality it would have to be an M5 Comp- it laps VIR in 2:54.0 seconds and runs the quarter in 10.9 seconds.
Achtung Baby!

50% more money for 3% better lap time just doesn’t equate for me, personally. But you gotta do what makes you happy.

qbrozen

@kyfdx said:
12 hours to Hilton Head? Geez, how many stops do you have to make?

12 hrs was the number, indeed. Made 3 stops at maybe 15 mins ea. Nearly 800 miles. So that is an average of 66 mph. Avg of 71 when you take out the rest stops. Oh, actually, I forgot one. We had a little mishap when a strap broke and my son’s surfboard exited the roof of the van in NC. Luckily, it went straight into the grass. I pulled over, jogged about a half mile back and retrieved it. So that was prob at least 20 mins, all told. So more like 73-74 mph average. Not bad at all considering some of the torrential rain we drove through. I won’t admit what speeds I was getting to on the dry, open runs.

corvette

Welp, my gasoline bill for the 3,000+ mile road trip in the Tundra is close to a grand, LOL. Scored a big win with a partial fillup of $1.99 E85, but also, a big loss with a Sturgis inflated price close to $4/gallon near Devil's Tower, Wyoming. That station cut me off at $100, so I didn't even get a completely full tank. The Tundra is yelling at me that, at 17,200 miles, it's due for its 15,000 mile service, so I need to get that scheduled.

qbrozen

@corvette said:
Welp, my gasoline bill for the 3,000+ mile road trip in the Tundra is close to a grand, LOL. Scored a big win with a partial fillup of $1.99 E85, but also, a big loss with a Sturgis inflated price close to $4/gallon near Devil's Tower, Wyoming. That station cut me off at $100, so I didn't even get a completely full tank. The Tundra is yelling at me that, at 17,200 miles, it's due for its 15,000 mile service, so I need to get that scheduled.

Huh? 3 miles per $1? That would mean, at even $4/gal, you only got 12 mpg.

ab348

roadburner said:

And, based on the Car and Driver Lightning Lap times, it's not just talk; a 2018 Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody lapped VIR in 2:59.8. To put that in perspective, that's faster than an M340i, a 2016 ATS-V, and a 2014 E63 AMG S-Model. An M2 Comp is only a tenth quicker, and a Giulia Quadrifoglio is just 1.2 seconds quicker.

That said, if I wanted a big and fast car with a veneer of practicality it would have to be an M5 Comp- it laps VIR in 2:54.0 seconds and runs the quarter in 10.9 seconds.

And then there's this:

https://gmauthority.com/blog/2021/08/2022-cadillac-ct5-v-blackwing-laps-vir-faster-than-ferrari-458-italia/

Don't want to spend that kind of money? Save some coin and still beat that M5 time:

https://www.motor1.com/news/514470/cadillac-ct4-blackwing-fast-lap/

kyfdx

qbrozen said:

@kyfdx said:

12 hours to Hilton Head? Geez, how many stops do you have to make?

12 hrs was the number, indeed. Made 3 stops at maybe 15 mins ea. Nearly 800 miles. So that is an average of 66 mph. Avg of 71 when you take out the rest stops. Oh, actually, I forgot one. We had a little mishap when a strap broke and my son’s surfboard exited the roof of the van in NC. Luckily, it went straight into the grass. I pulled over, jogged about a half mile back and retrieved it. So that was prob at least 20 mins, all told. So more like 73-74 mph average. Not bad at all considering some of the torrential rain we drove through. I won’t admit what speeds I was getting to on the dry, open runs.

I forgot you were North in NJ. I was thinking more from Philadelphia area. Makes sense.

breld

qbrozen said:

@kyfdx said:

12 hours to Hilton Head? Geez, how many stops do you have to make?

12 hrs was the number, indeed. Made 3 stops at maybe 15 mins ea. Nearly 800 miles. So that is an average of 66 mph. Avg of 71 when you take out the rest stops. Oh, actually, I forgot one. We had a little mishap when a strap broke and my son’s surfboard exited the roof of the van in NC. Luckily, it went straight into the grass. I pulled over, jogged about a half mile back and retrieved it. So that was prob at least 20 mins, all told. So more like 73-74 mph average. Not bad at all considering some of the torrential rain we drove through. I won’t admit what speeds I was getting to on the dry, open runs.

I'd categorize that surfboard incident as more than a "little mishap."

Holy cow, that must have got the heart beating for a minute.

benjaminh

corvette said:

Welp, my gasoline bill for the 3,000+ mile road trip in the Tundra is close to a grand, LOL. Scored a big win with a partial fillup of $1.99 E85, but also, a big loss with a Sturgis inflated price close to $4/gallon near Devil's Tower, Wyoming. That station cut me off at $100, so I didn't even get a completely full tank. The Tundra is yelling at me that, at 17,200 miles, it's due for its 15,000 mile service, so I need to get that scheduled.

So does that mean you got about 10-12 mpg? Yikes.

On a trip last week of about 500 miles round trip my TLX averaged 38 mpg with the ac on going 70-75 mph. If the Michelin tires go on sale next week at Costco I'm bracing myself for my hwy mpg to go down to maybe 35 or so.

explorerx4

@corvette,
I carry multiple credit cards so that if the pump shut off at $75 or $100, I could fill up the rest of the way using the other card.

stickguy

I’d have a heart attack or faint before it hit $100 anyway.

au1994

Road trip for us as well. Wife got an email about a last minute deal on a place we like at the beach so we left early Friday morning and came back today.

Took the X1 and its a pretty decent road trip car. Great MPG as we made the whole 700 mile round trip on a tank and a quarter. Good power to zip around folks and handles great. The downside is noise. Its just loud on anything but smooth as glass pavement. We encountered a spot where they are resurfacing and in the areas where the old road was stripped away you couldn’t have a conversation.

I feel sorry for the little car. It does most everything well and still looks great but both of us are just “meh” about it. Our son likes it and he’s most comfortable driving it so if we don’t get his uncles 2011 328, he may very well get the X1. He’s 16 in late January and I am not confident that these shortages will be cured and we can affordably find something for my wife. My BiL will just rely solely on his company car if he sells us the 328.

xwesx

corvette said:

Welp, my gasoline bill for the 3,000+ mile road trip in the Tundra is close to a grand, LOL. Scored a big win with a partial fillup of $1.99 E85, but also, a big loss with a Sturgis inflated price close to $4/gallon near Devil's Tower, Wyoming. That station cut me off at $100, so I didn't even get a completely full tank. The Tundra is yelling at me that, at 17,200 miles, it's due for its 15,000 mile service, so I need to get that scheduled.

Wow. I think my bill was between 8 and 9 hundred, with 5,500 miles driven in my loaded up Q7. I think the best price I ever found on diesel was around $3.30/gal, and much was much more than that.

stickguy

Wes, what was the outcome of the mechanical problem you had that required an emergency dealer stop someplace in the Midwest?

xwesx

stickguy said:

Wes, what was the outcome of the mechanical problem you had that required an emergency dealer stop someplace in the Midwest?

Nothing, yet. I took it to Audi of Erie on the 12th, as scheduled, and they took a look at the log file. He said that it probably will need a new EGR valve, at least, but he could not actually break into the the system without having the data in the onboard computer. Since I had to clear it in order to keep driving without being in that limp mode (restricted speed and no cruise control), and it didn't recode afterward, there was nothing he could do.

His suggestion was to take it to the nearest dealer if it codes again before 120,000 miles. Otherwise, I'm out of luck (and warranty). So, if it does it again before I hit the warranty cap, I'll do that. Otherwise, I'm just going to retune it without the EGR and DEF systems and call it good. I'd prefer to keep the car running "clean," but I won't do it at the expense of several thousand dollars every year or two, which is about how long the reductant system has gone between major failures so far.