Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

au1994

Yes, it does appear that the Pathfinder isn’t the off-road beast the original was. Nice looking though.

If they can get them out there, the Frontier may eat into the Tacoma’s dominance of this segment.

@nyccarguy smart move on the extension. At least you will not be forced into a less than stellar deal on something you may not love.

And yes, never say never. Was never a fan of big vehicles but I have enjoyed the Land Cruiser. Never thought I would have a Jeep again and if I did it would be a 2dr soft top.

stickguy

pathfinder hasn't been that in a long time, and they weren't trying to make it be this time around.

I would bet though that they will resurrect the Xterra in some form based on the new Frontier platform to serve as the more hard-core off road beast.

au1994

stickguy said:

pathfinder hasn't been that in a long time, and they weren't trying to make it be this time around.

I would bet though that they will resurrect the Xterra in some form based on the new Frontier platform to serve as the more hard-core off road beast.

True. The few people that I know that owned an Xterra loved it and would probably get another if available.

au1994

28firefighter said:

It occurs to me that we’re in the final 10 months of the lease on the Outback. Haven’t the foggiest idea what will replace it, yet.

Lol, I think the only time that’s happened to my was on my 2011 328i coupe lease. I lucked into a great 24 mo lease on that one so I was far from tired of it and I really liked that car. The E9x coupe is as timeless of a design as the E46 coupe.

Maybe you are in the market for an extension as well. Is Jeep extending the hybrid power train to the Grand Cherokee?

tjc78

@28firefighter said:
It occurs to me that we’re in the final 10 months of the lease on the Outback. Haven’t the foggiest idea what will replace it, yet.

I’m right around 11 on the S60. Hard to believe that. I think the TLX will likely be the replacement but who knows. If the deals suck and supply is still short I may just extend or give it back. We could do with one car especially considering my Mom is with us and doesn’t work.

28firefighter

@au1994 said:
Maybe you are in the market for an extension as well. Is Jeep extending the hybrid power train to the Grand Cherokee?

I’m very curious to see what the GC 4xE looks like. It is the only thing remotely interesting outside of, say, a Model Y or maybe Audi eTron. The former is much smaller than the Outback, I think, so not really a contender

I wish we could consolidate until the market opens up a bit, but it isn’t an option and I’m not convinced it’ll actually go back to the way it was.

breld

roadburner said:

@au1994 said:

Anybody bothered to check out the new Frontier and Pathfinder?

I like the Frontier.

The Pathfinder is a swing and a miss for me; I miss the original which was smaller and had serious off-road capability.

What are you talking about? Direct from Nissan's own website:

corvette

@nyccarguy - congrats on the lease extension. Hopefully, the market and the available inventory will be more favorable in six months. Regardless, it gives you a little more time to plan your next move.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

cute little thing. Practical for carrying bulky stuff, as long as you don't need to tow. Slow but probably has crappy brakes and handling, so how fast do you really want to go? And at least it is better than Driver's Mercedes, it has a BU camera!

Though I would really want to know what the cheesy fender flares are covering (my guess, rust) and how bad the frame and undercarriage look like.

still pricey. I bet that 18 months ago, that was a $1,900 truck up there.

I think you are absolutely right. Before the craziness $2000 would be all the money. I figured that if you’re going to pay inflated prices it might just as well be a $2000 truck rather than a $20,000 one.

corvette

You can definitely tow with the 2.2 / 5 speed combination, but you won't like it. Although probably less reliable, the 4.3 liter / automatic was the far better powertrain in those trucks.

boomchek

au1994 said:

stickguy said:

pathfinder hasn't been that in a long time, and they weren't trying to make it be this time around.

I would bet though that they will resurrect the Xterra in some form based on the new Frontier platform to serve as the more hard-core off road beast.

True. The few people that I know that owned an Xterra loved it and would probably get another if available.

I had a new 2011 Xterra as a demo when I worked at a Nissan dealership around that time. It was fairly simple in terms of equipment, even for that time as heated seats weren't even available in the top trim, which was absurd considering it would be used for ski trips by many buyers.

But it was enjoyable and a beast through any road conditions including deep snow. It's only minus was the horrible fuel consumption due to its thirsty 4.0L V6.

After the redesign of the Bronco and Defender, I wouldn't be surprised if Nissan builds a new version.

nyccarguy

boomchek said:

au1994 said:

stickguy said:

pathfinder hasn't been that in a long time, and they weren't trying to make it be this time around.

I would bet though that they will resurrect the Xterra in some form based on the new Frontier platform to serve as the more hard-core off road beast.

True. The few people that I know that owned an Xterra loved it and would probably get another if available.

I had a new 2011 Xterra as a demo when I worked at a Nissan dealership around that time. It was fairly simple in terms of equipment, even for that time as heated seats weren't even available in the top trim, which was absurd considering it would be used for ski trips by many buyers.

But it was enjoyable and a beast through any road conditions including deep snow. It's only minus was the horrible fuel consumption due to its thirsty 4.0L V6.

After the redesign of the Bronco and Defender, I wouldn't be surprised if Nissan builds a new version on the Altima platform with a CVT.

au1994

Another little Forksy has been born and the stork has him (her?) en route. ETA is 9th-20th.

Fingers crossed that the September numbers are still attractive.

stickguy

Actually found a decent lease deal over the weekend. But it sold. Wife told me I waited too long. Odd when she is the one pushing to get something! We still don’t need it, need it. She’s just worried the market will get worse and Ida won’t help.

Bright red Sonata SEL with convenience package (pano roof, better stereo, LCD dash,etc.). Sticker $29,500ish. $348/mo 1st only DAS. 36/10

These days, that’s a killer deal! Just could not convince myself I wanted to spend the next 3 years driving another Sonata.

The $396/mo Mazda CX30 is still out there though! $28k MSRP. times are changed when I’m worried about that deal getting away. There was a Tacoma too for similar, maybe low 400s. But it was low rent model.

stickguy

SR V6. Almost $35k and manual seats without even height adjustment? But cheap these days for a pickup. Toyota financial too.

$399/mo 36/10 with $399 DAS

sda

Remember it is false economy to just go for the deal and not get want you want. Buyer's remorse is not a good thing. Been there more than once.

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

Actually found a decent lease deal over the weekend. But it sold. Wife told me I waited too long. Odd when she is the one pushing to get something! We still don’t need it, need it. She’s just worried the market will get worse and Ida won’t help.

Bright red Sonata SEL with convenience package (pano roof, better stereo, LCD dash,etc.). Sticker $29,500ish. $348/mo 1st only DAS. 36/10

These days, that’s a killer deal! Just could not convince myself I wanted to spend the next 3 years driving another Sonata.

The $396/mo Mazda CX30 is still out there though! $28k MSRP. times are changed when I’m worried about that deal getting away. There was a Tacoma too for similar, maybe low 400s. But it was low rent model.

That says a lot right there

stickguy

sda said:

Remember it is false economy to just go for the deal and not get want you want. Buyer's remorse is not a good thing. Been there more than once.

Oh I know this hard learned lesson too. Normally it’s easy to do, but these days, hard to say if there will even be something to buy or lease, never mind exactly what you want! And having something is probably better than nothing.

Good thing I have weird taste. More likely to want the oddball leftovers.

ronsteve

Ah the wagon lust... Fortunately (or not) that suspect copy of a Subie Legacy GT wagon has been bid past my FOMO price.

Still some interesting looking stuff out there...

this southern OpelSaab has its faults but the paint sure looks better vs the Subaru!
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2007-saab-9-5-3/

The miles are better on this Audi but it's probably going into 5 figures, and I don't think I can justify that!
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2007-audi-a4-avant-quattro-3/

Nothing yet has let me justify either a crowded driveway or selling my compromise of a SUV...

stickguy

Cool Saab but really don’t want to deal with that level of orphan. Hard to get parts for Anything now, that must be a nightmare.

Love the Audi. Probably not enough to get into bed with it though. But that looks like the one if you want to try it. Price might become an issue though. There’s even an Audi specialist shop walking distance from my house. Would probably need them on retainer.

28firefighter

Saab parts are way more available than you would expect for the mechanicals. Where you run into issues is body panels and things like wheels.

Michaell

Reading about the deals out there, makes me glad I'm satisfied with sharing the Outback.

Well, not really sharing, as my wife rarely drives it, now. Been scheming on how to pull off an upgrade. Outback + $20-25K would get something reasonably nice.

If only I had the $20-25K to invest into a new vehicle, however.

au1994

Definitely pass on the SR Tacoma at that price. Pre-crazy times I swear I remember seeing those at $289/mo. At that price, for something that wouldn’t be daily driven, that might have been a consideration even as spartan as it is.

stickguy

I may just order the Maverick and wait it out. Just have to decide on a drivetrain.

qbrozen

OMG, what I wouldn’t give for this!
https://carsandbids.com/auctions/30O604wg/2008-dodge-viper-srt10-convertible?utm_source=daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=n

stickguy

That viper is assume.

jmonroe1

@sda said:
I have learned the hard way, 'never say never' or else..

Good advice. I’m never going to say “never or else” again.

jmonroe

ab348

sda said:

Remember it is false economy to just go for the deal and not get want you want. Buyer's remorse is not a good thing. Been there more than once.

So has @stickguy

benjaminh

stickguy said:

...Bright red Sonata SEL with convenience package (pano roof, better stereo, LCD dash,etc.). Sticker $29,500ish. $348/mo 1st only DAS. 36/10....

The Sonata SEL is a solid choice, but in terms of fun to drive so-so at best.

For about $50 a month more—600 a year—is it still possible to lease a 2021 TLX Tech?

The Maverick still seems like a great option. But again in terms of fun on lower side with the hybrid. But you'd save money that way, both in initial cost and in terms of gas. And then if your house sale/trade goes well you'll probably have something later for a fun car?

breld

I received notification from Tesla that our Model Y should be available next week. So we may actually take advantage of our order price and pull the trigger.

stickguy

benjaminh said:

stickguy said:

...Bright red Sonata SEL with convenience package (pano roof, better stereo, LCD dash,etc.). Sticker $29,500ish. $348/mo 1st only DAS. 36/10....

The Sonata SEL is a solid choice, but in terms of fun to drive so-so at best.

For about $50 a month more—600 a year—is it still possible to lease a 2021 TLX Tech?

The Maverick still seems like a great option. But again in terms of fun on lower side with the hybrid. But you'd save money that way, both in initial cost and in terms of gas. And then if your house sale/trade goes well you'll probably have something later for a fun car?

last I checked the TLX deal had gone up considerably. Now around $550 I think.

And yes, the hybrid would make for a good overall package. Not expecting that car to be a hot rod or sports car. And by going more economical, leaves room for something sporty/fun added to the fleet once the house is resolved.

corvette

boomchek said:

I had a new 2011 Xterra as a demo when I worked at a Nissan dealership around that time. It was fairly simple in terms of equipment...

I had one as a rental and liked it, other than the fuel consumption. In an ironic plot twist, it seems like the transmission oil coolers on those and the last BOF Pathfinders end up killing the transmission by allowing coolant to mix with the transmission fluid. The "fix" per YouTube is to bypass the cooler completely.

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

OMG, what I wouldn’t give for this!
https://carsandbids.com/auctions/30O604wg/2008-dodge-viper-srt10-convertible?utm_source=daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=n

That paint job suits the car well.

tifighter

breld said:

I received notification from Tesla that our Model Y should be available next week. So we may actually take advantage of our order price and pull the trigger.

Just got back from a road trip in the Y. Coming from the X, I was expecting it to be tighter on cargo room, but we had no issues with the bike gear, luggage and the inevitable wine cases that were acquired along the way (hey, it was wine country). Comfortable, great power, good range. It's a 3 wagon. If you still have the old price locked in, picking one up is a no brainer.

As a side note, changes are coming to our garage. The market made me do it.

ronsteve

stickguy said:

Cool Saab but really don’t want to deal with that level of orphan. Hard to get parts for Anything now, that must be a nightmare.

Love the Audi. Probably not enough to get into bed with it though. But that looks like the one if you want to try it. Price might become an issue though. There’s even an Audi specialist shop walking distance from my house. Would probably need them on retainer.

The orphan status of the Saab did cross my mind. Not sure I would go deeper into that car than a flyer as a 3rd car. Much like how I valued the Subie mentioned in the earlier post.

The Audi will go into a price range where I couldn't justify without selling the RDX and making the Audi my daily. The miles are low and it's had a LOT of repair and PM freshly done, which will justifiably drive the value up. I think the biggest pause comes from all those oil consumption and leak tests that were done on it. Either they fixed it with the crank and cam seals (and really cleaned up the underside!) or we've got an oil burner.

They all seem to end up in the "fun to think about" range, never quite enough to overcome my over-practicality.

jmonroe1

@tifighter said:
Just got back from a road trip in the Y. Coming from the X, I was expecting it to be tighter on cargo room, but we had no issues with the bike gear, luggage and the inevitable wine cases that were acquired along the way (hey, it was wine country). Comfortable, great power, good range. It's a 3 wagon. If you still have the old price locked in, picking one up is a no brainer.

As a side note, changes are coming to our garage. The market made me do it.

You are a tease.

jmonroe

nyccarguy

@tifighter said:
Just got back from a road trip in the Y. Coming from the X, I was expecting it to be tighter on cargo room, but we had no issues with the bike gear, luggage and the inevitable wine cases that were acquired along the way (hey, it was wine country). Comfortable, great power, good range. It's a 3 wagon. If you still have the old price locked in, picking one up is a no brainer.

As a side note, changes are coming to our garage. The market made me do it.

You sold the BMW and custom ordered a Wrangler 4Xe?

mjfloyd1

Picked up the first 4xe yesterday. I’m glad that they let me use the $1000 bonus drive coupon. It took forever. Then as I was getting ready to leave, they drove it back for a software update.

stickguy

Nice looking rig.

mjfloyd1

They didn’t charge the hybrid battery so left on 4 cylinder turbo at 825 pm for my 2 hour ride home. It was plenty peppy. Rides well. Much quieter with the on road tires. I charged it at a park with a “free” level 2 charger. Able to go about 29 miles on a charge. Daughter and wife drove it and waiting to see if daughter 2 chooses CRV or 4xe. My money is on her picking the CRV.

They offered a 36 month/12k mile one pay for $15k with what appeared to be an inflated MF so I passed. Always weird that they forget to mention the sales tax that you have already paid on the trade in and will be forgoing with a lease vs a buy as my state pays tax on trade difference.

stickguy

that is just a tick over $400/month, so a strong sounding deal.

you buy this or lease it?

I must have missed something. You got it for your daughter, but what happens if she doesn't want it? Just trades to someone else in the family?

mjfloyd1

I’ll drive it if she doesn’t want it.

It was closer to $16 k for 36/12, so $444 per month

I just paid the difference and finally left.

nyccarguy

@stickguy said:
Nice looking rig.

+1 @mjfloyd1

I really like the Sting Grey with the Black Top & Black wheels with the Saddle guts. Excellent choice! Congrats on the punch!

oldfarmer50

Is this a good lease deal?

https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/offers/detail?model=Kona Ev&year=2021&offerType=LeaseOffer

I recalculated it for $0 down and got $228/month.

oldfarmer50

mjfloyd1 said:

Picked up the first 4xe yesterday. I’m glad that they let me use the $1000 bonus drive coupon. It took forever. Then as I was getting ready to leave, they drove it back for a software update.

That’s a great interior color.

28firefighter

Looks great, @mjfloyd1 !!

corvette

Looks good. I've heard that the "full tank of fuel" is no longer a thing with new cars, so I guess an EV battery full of electrons isn't, either. I'd be majorly annoyed if I bought something like a Bolt or Tesla and it didn't come with a full charge, though!

stickguy

oldfarmer50 said:

Is this a good lease deal?

https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/offers/detail?model=Kona Ev&year=2021&offerType=LeaseOffer

I recalculated it for $0 down and got $228/month.

yes, these days that is very cheap. But not as cheap as you think. First off it is $255 or so per month. And this disclaimer: Excludes taxes, title & license

so down by me, once you add on the dealer fees, DMV and tax, you are in for another $2k. so probably sign and drive that is going to be about $300-$310 maybe? Still really cheap for anything these days.

I looked on the leasing app and no EV SELs left to compare it to.

roadburner

So this came in the mail today. I consider it to be a sign:


On top of that, the story on the E64 645Ci harkens back to the press loaner I drove for a couple of weeks in 2005...

Sandman6472

A3 needs a new headlight it seems, it started blinking Sunday night and now, dash shows an error message. Will get it fixed sometime this week but not sure where yet. Wife's calling around to see who has it in stock and getting prices. Still needs some new sneakers so probably get that done also. She still likes it and with just about 63K on the clock, it's staying in the fleet for another couple of years. It really drives very nicely and it fits our family right now. And we'll be taking the Accent to Orlando next month as it's newer and gets batter mileage.
The Golf is also staying for the forseeable future as the new Corolla Cross due out this fall probably won't be out till next year due to the chip issue and seriously, I can wait. Think I'll like the CC a lot, but, maybe best to wait till year two as I don't want to be one of the first to own it. And right now, the Golf is behaving itself. And really, doesn't make sense to swap it out only driving about 50 miles a week...if that!