Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

corvette

Washed the Prius today and did about as much paint touch up as I care to. It is never going to be perfect, but will look good from 50 feet away. Just needs a coat of sealant, but that will come later.

Also, it was low on coolant. I have been hearing some gurgling noises, so I suspect it's just some air in the system working its way out. I don't see any leaks. The drive belt for the water pump is cracked pretty bad, and it looks to be fairly easy to replace, so I'll pick one of those up at Autozone.

benjaminh

Does that mean you've decided on your specific build?

Pure speculation, but my guess is that an order placed now for a Maverick 2.0T without accessories might get built in January, or maybe even later. But if so, the good news with that is that they might have some time to debug the vehicle to some degree.

stickguy

Did not get to the dealer today. Got to powerwash the house instead and they were only open for a few hours. Planning to go tomorrow evening instead. Though might have to call the Philly guy instead. As long as I don't have to go in person, might as well!

And XL would never happen. I know it is a "work" truck but man they made sure you knew you were cheap just looking at it.

didn't get there but did spend time going through the models with the wife. After explaining what each one had and the option packages, she thought that having to use an actual key would be a deal breaker. Plus she really prefers the "leather" seats.

so settled on a Lariat. In Carbonized Gray. I liked it, and no extra cost. 2.0t base. Added moonroof and trailer hitch, and Copilot 360. And spray in bedliner and rubber mats.

with all that, sticker is $30,200ish.

Passed on the Luxury package after a lot of debate. The B&O stereo might be nice, but not that important in this. So that basically left heated seats and steering wheel as the main pieces giving up (upgraded Sync and XM radio too, along with a few active nannies). Would not mind that stuff, but just did not seem to be worth the $2,500 it all would go for. As long as the base model has Carplay, I can live without XM. And will just rough it without heated seats!

now just have to see how it goes with the dealers.

jmonroe1

kyfdx said:

@stickguy is NEVER giving up the moonroof..

Probably. He never listens when @roadburner talks.

jmonroe

benjaminh

I think the Maverick Lariat is a smart choice. As you say, the base model is austere—although it did fit into your original 25k budget. In between doing work today, I studied all the extras that you get on the Lariat, and they seem in a subjective way to me well worth the extra $5500 that it costs over the XL. For instance, the 17" wheels that come with the XL and XLT seem small in the Maverick's large wheel wells, but the 18" ones found on the Lariat look good. The tires are upgraded too for the Lariat, and having just experienced a tire upgrade that's worth a lot to me. It seems strange that smart entry and push button start aren't standard on a new 2022, since I had that on my 2013 Accord, but given that they aren't standard that would be worth another grand to me. I also want pockets on the backs of my seats for compact umbrellas, a packet of tissues, etc., but you don't get seat back pockets even on the XLT.

Anyway, here's my subjective list of what it's worth for all the extras on the Maverick Lariat as compared to the XL. Seems worth about 8k to me personally, making the 5.5k price for the Lariat seem like a bargain.

Upgraded wheels and tires: 1k
Smart entry and push button start: 1k
Upgraded interior with ActiveX seats with seat back pockets: 1k
8-way Power driver’s seat: $500
Upgraded LED headlights and taillights + interior ambient lighting: $500
6.5” dashboard information screen: $300
Rear armrest with cupholders: $300
Dual zone temperature control: $400
Leather wrapped steering wheel: $100
Acoustic windshield: $400
Silver grill accent + body color door handles and mirrors: $400
Flexbed system + 10 tie-downs + 2 cubby storage areas: $400
Power sliding rear window with privacy and defrost: $500
Power tailgate lock: $100
Driver’s exterior keyless entry pad: $400
Cruise control: $400
Illuminated vanity mirrors: $300

qbrozen

@corvette said:
@qbrozen - are those for the 4xe? Can you correct the speedometer error? And couldn't you get through the lease without needing to replace the OE tires?

Yes.
No. But I can math.
If my wife was the only driver, yes. With me behind the wheel, doubtful. Besides, the idea is to increase its offroad capability, not just to save the OE tires for sale.

qbrozen

Oh, and I just ordered a hitch and wiring harness for it, too. Wasn’t something I had anticipated, otherwise I would have added it to the build.

cdnpinhead

It's interesting to witness obsession in its native habitat. I'm sure there are dozens of other subjects in which it's manifested, but this is a car thing. It's a window into a place I've never been. Here's hoping you all eventually obtain the objects of your desire, given the multiple postings every day. I'm clearly well out of the target demo, since I can remember when the Maverick name had to do with a very mediocre vehicle. Times change, I guess.

I've spent time building Excel comparisons, but not for many years. Maybe it's a loss of testosterone.

Anyway, party on.

stickguy

if you know that you will (almost) definitely need tires by lease end, makes a lot of sense to buy them early to get what you want, and toward the end, just put the originals back on.

mjfloyd1

@cdnpinhead said:
It's interesting to witness obsession in its native habitat. I'm sure there are dozens of other subjects in which it's manifested, but this is a car thing. It's a window into a place I've never been. Here's hoping you all eventually obtain the objects of your desire. I'm clearly well out of the target demo, since I can remember when the Maverick name had to do with a very mediocre vehicle. Times change, I guess.

I've spent time building Excel comparisons, but not for many years. Maybe it's a loss of testosterone.

Anyway, party on.

I remember my grade school to high school buddy having a “grabber orange” with black stripes Ford Maverick. I thought it had a 302 but who knows. We called it “the Halloween machine “. He was showing another high school buddy how to drift in a gravel alley and drove through the side of a cinder block garage. Poorly played.

So many weird similarities and so so so many differences. He went to medical school 4 years after me. He called me and was finishing up an OB residency in Chattanooga. I asked what hospital and it was where I was born. He later lost his medical license due to Lortab abuse and has permanently lost his medical license in two states. He recently got a medical license in Missouri in a tiny town where he is now a family practitioner. Truly bizarre path.

cdnpinhead

Wow

mjfloyd1

I wish that it wasn’t true. His dad moved me to Indy for medical school. Really a great family.

corvette

stickguy said:

As long as the base model has Carplay, I can live without XM. ...
now just have to see how it goes with the dealers.

Good luck! I wonder what the optimum move is if you want XM but your car doesn't have it? If memory serves, the 5/6/12 month discounts generally are for actual XM receivers, and you can stream for free on a device, so I'm thinking you find a friend or family member with an XM capable vehicle, buy it for their vehicle, and then stream from your phone in the Maverick (and they get free XM).

stickguy

I have XM in our RDX, and do have a streaming account. So I assume I can just use the app on my phone and run it through the car. Or just use Pandora or apply music or one of the other 75 sources of streamed music!

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

Did not get to the dealer today. Got to powerwash the house instead and they were only open for a few hours. Planning to go tomorrow evening instead. Though might have to call the Philly guy instead. As long as I don't have to go in person, might as well!

And XL would never happen. I know it is a "work" truck but man they made sure you knew you were cheap just looking at it.

didn't get there but did spend time going through the models with the wife. After explaining what each one had and the option packages, she thought that having to use an actual key would be a deal breaker. Plus she really prefers the "leather" seats.

so settled on a Lariat. In Carbonized Gray. I liked it, and no extra cost. 2.0t base. Added moonroof and trailer hitch, and Copilot 360. And spray in bedliner and rubber mats.

with all that, sticker is $30,200ish.

Passed on the Luxury package after a lot of debate. The B&O stereo might be nice, but not that important in this. So that basically left heated seats and steering wheel as the main pieces giving up (upgraded Sync and XM radio too, along with a few active nannies). Would not mind that stuff, but just did not seem to be worth the $2,500 it all would go for. As long as the base model has Carplay, I can live without XM. And will just rough it without heated seats!

now just have to see how it goes with the dealers.

Having to use a key is a deal breaker? Does she have insomnia if there is a pea under the mattress? Are you sure you aren’t just blaming your own wishes on your wife?

corvette

stickguy said:

I have XM in our RDX, and do have a streaming account. So I assume I can just use the app on my phone and run it through the car. Or just use Pandora or apply music or one of the other 75 sources of streamed music!

I exclusively listened to podcasts on my recent road trip, so I definitely don't "need" XM, but when I get in the Prius for a short drive and don't plug my phone into the AUX port, I'm always annoyed by the local FM stations.

explorerx4

@oldfarmer50,
I think you are underestimating the convenience factor for those who carry purses being able to leave the key in it is.

Earlier, there were some posts related to the medical profession.
One of my Son in law's friends, who is a FNG doctor in the Cleveland OH area came over for dinner while I was out there over the weekend.
He had a rough week, but my sister's husband, who was up there for my grandson's birthday party and is also an MD, talked to him and pumped him up a bit.
One of my kids works for Epic and after some convo figured out that one of her coworker/friends is a lead on the clinical install were FNG works.
She is going to see if she can get attached on site to the project.
It would be a good thing for all of them.
Fun to watch the 'kids' grow up.

stickguy

maybe not a true deal breaker. More of a thing that we would really not like having to deal with after all these years of living the good life! But if that was the only negative would not stop the process. Just one of many factors.

and yeah, she is used to being able to walk up to the car and just open the door. If she has to wait for me to unlock the doors for her, I will be getting grief on a regular basis. And there is not a chance the fob is ever coming out of the depths of her purse. At least she would not need the actual key much, since I doubt she would be driving it much.

tjc78

@stickguy said:
I have XM in our RDX, and do have a streaming account. So I assume I can just use the app on my phone and run it through the car. Or just use Pandora or apply music or one of the other 75 sources of streamed music!

XM app works perfectly through CarPlay. Just like having the service.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

maybe not a true deal breaker. More of a thing that we would really not like having to deal with after all these years of living the good life! But if that was the only negative would not stop the process. Just one of many factors.

and yeah, she is used to being able to walk up to the car and just open the door. If she has to wait for me to unlock the doors for her, I will be getting grief on a regular basis. And there is not a chance the fob is ever coming out of the depths of her purse. At least she would not need the actual key much, since I doubt she would be driving it much.

Yeah, I guess I’m out of the loop for what matters to people since I never lock my doors anyway.

roadburner

As I noted earlier, the current issue of the British magazine BMW CAR contained an M2 Buyer’ Guide, the author(who I tend to agree with) was of the opinion that prospective purchasers shouldn’t overlook the base M2. I probably wouldn’t if I didn’t already have an M235i. M2 Comp prices are still climbing, but hope springs eternal.

mjfloyd1

20 cars autoweek hopes never disappear

https://www.autoweek.com/news/sports-cars/g34520443/20-cars-we-hope-never-disappear/?source=nl&utm_source=nl_aut&utm_medium=email&date=090721&utm_campaign=nl24973568&utm_term=AAA -- High Minus Dormant and 90 Day Non Openers

breld

roadburner said:

As I noted earlier, the current issue of the British magazine BMW CAR contained an M2 Buyer’ Guide, the author(who I tend to agree with) was of the opinion that prospective purchasers shouldn’t overlook the base M2. I probably wouldn’t if I didn’t already have an M235i. M2 Comp prices are still climbing, but hope springs eternal.

Totally agree with you - nothing wrong at all with the base M2 if you're not already coming from something like your M235i. Similarly, when I was going pretty strong on my M2 shopping, I was fine going from my Supra to the M2 Comp, but not as enthusiastic about the base M2.

I wonder if the current M2's values will plateau or even drop when the new model is released (or even the new M240).

I'm really liking the new 2-series...I really like the look of it, but most of all I like that it's finally in line with the rest of the BMW line as far as interior and tech features.

benjaminh

cdnpinhead said:

It's interesting to witness obsession in its native habitat. I'm sure there are dozens of other subjects in which it's manifested, but this is a car thing. It's a window into a place I've never been. Here's hoping you all eventually obtain the objects of your desire, given the multiple postings every day. I'm clearly well out of the target demo, since I can remember when the Maverick name had to do with a very mediocre vehicle. Times change, I guess.

I've spent time building Excel comparisons, but not for many years. Maybe it's a loss of testosterone.

Anyway, party on.

Well, some people spend an amazing number of hours of their life playing crossword puzzles. But our puzzle here is to find the right car with the right options at the right price, which sometimes involves threading some needles.

I personally am not obsessed with the Maverick at all (don't even want one), and I don't think that stickguy is either lol! It's just a functional vehicle that might (or might not) be his next ride....

Sometimes for me the news in the newspaper seems dispiriting, and so thinking about cars—my own or someone else's—is just a pleasant distraction from more serious things.

oldfarmer50

Insanity! They call this a “good price”.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=507060379&allListingType=all-cars&startYear=2005&endYear=2005&year=&makeCodeList=FORD&modelCodeList=RANGER&city=Watervliet&state=NY&zip=12189&location=&searchRadius=200&marketExtension=include&isNewSearch=false&showAccelerateBanner=false&sortBy=relevance&numRecords=25&dma=&referrer=/cars-for-sale/all-cars/2005/ford/ranger/watervliet-ny-12189?dma=&searchRadius=200&location=&marketExtension=include&isNewSearch=false&showAccelerateBanner=false&sortBy=relevance&numRecords=25&clickType=listing

qbrozen

mjfloyd1 said:

20 cars autoweek hopes never disappear

https://www.autoweek.com/news/sports-cars/g34520443/20-cars-we-hope-never-disappear/?source=nl&utm_source=nl_aut&utm_medium=email&date=090721&utm_campaign=nl24973568&utm_term=AAA -- High Minus Dormant and 90 Day Non Openers

Some odd choices there. I commented they should have the Charger on the list. What will cops drive when/if that disappears?

corvette

oldfarmer50 said:

Insanity! They call this a “good price”.

Rare manual transmission and "no-sale green" paint color!

That probably is an unusual powertrain combo, the largest of the two V6 engines they offered plus a manual. No pics, so we can't confirm it actually is a manual.

stickguy

Probably is a good price for an extended cab, manual V6. I like green too, so would love to have it. Assuming of course it was clean and ran well with no major needs.

But I’ve watched enough rural Vermonter videos to know every truck out of Vermont is rusted to death by that age.

corvette

Good catch, I couldn't see the cab type, but I do see the "Rear Seats Jumpseats" in the seller comments. Of course, the seller also says it has automatic climate control, which I don't think was available on those, so take that with a grain of salt.

stickguy

Pictures would be nice of course. But that is definitely a must see/touch/drive (and crawl under) before buying vehicle.

au1994

The more I see and hear about the Maverick, the more I think Ford has the potential to have a mega hit on their hands.

Obviously there’s the lifestyle segment but I think there’s a potential for light commercial duty. For example, my pest control company drives Taco or Ranger extra cabs. The Maverick could easily replace that. Once someone develops a topper it would have potential as a light duty delivery vehicle.

corvette

au1994 said:

For example, my pest control company drives Taco or Ranger extra cabs. The Maverick could easily replace that.

If they spec the hybrid powertrain, their fuel costs will go way down.

I got a lease end pamphlet from US Bank in the mail today. No mention of offering a six month extension, but I suspect that will come later. It looks like my buyout is just under $40k, which sounded insane when I bought it, but given used car prices nowadays, doesn't sound so terrible.

mjfloyd1

@explorerx4 said:
@oldfarmer50,
I think you are underestimating the convenience factor for those who carry purses being able to leave the key in it is.

Earlier, there were some posts related to the medical profession.
One of my Son in law's friends, who is a FNG doctor in the Cleveland OH area came over for dinner while I was out there over the weekend.
He had a rough week, but my sister's husband, who was up there for my grandson's birthday party and is also an MD, talked to him and pumped him up a bit.
One of my kids works for Epic and after some convo figured out that one of her coworker/friends is a lead on the clinical install were FNG works.
She is going to see if she can get attached on site to the project.
It would be a good thing for all of them.
Fun to watch the 'kids' grow up.

He is a f’ing doctor? Do you mean FMG or does he do free nipple grafts?

stickguy

The Maverick cap came out before the truck did.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2O55vtKuals

explorerx4

@mjfloyd1,
If you google FNG you will probably find out what it means pretty quickly.

au1994

stickguy said:

The Maverick cap came out before the truck did.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2O55vtKuals

Well there ya go!

mjfloyd1

@explorerx4 said:
@mjfloyd1,
If you google FNG you will probably find out what it means pretty quickly.

There is the f’ing new guy and also “chest” reduction with free nipple grafts. I’m assuming he doesn’t do free nipple grafts

stickguy

I actually like that cap. Would really make the cargo capacity quite high. And of course dry and safe.

au1994

corvette said:

au1994 said:

For example, my pest control company drives Taco or Ranger extra cabs. The Maverick could easily replace that.

If they spec the hybrid powertrain, their fuel costs will go way down.

I got a lease end pamphlet from US Bank in the mail today. No mention of offering a six month extension, but I suspect that will come later. It looks like my buyout is just under $40k, which sounded insane when I bought it, but given used car prices nowadays, doesn't sound so terrible.

Is US Bank one of those that has stopped the ability to sell to Vroomaxvana?

ab348

Note to self: Do not post

stickguy said:

The Maverick cap came out before the truck did.

Hopefully not made by the same outfit that Ford used for the Bronco roof.

stickguy

oh, ouch. But no I don't think it is.

kyfdx

au1994 said:

corvette said:

au1994 said:

For example, my pest control company drives Taco or Ranger extra cabs. The Maverick could easily replace that.

If they spec the hybrid powertrain, their fuel costs will go way down.

I got a lease end pamphlet from US Bank in the mail today. No mention of offering a six month extension, but I suspect that will come later. It looks like my buyout is just under $40k, which sounded insane when I bought it, but given used car prices nowadays, doesn't sound so terrible.

Is US Bank one of those that has stopped the ability to sell to Vroomaxvana?

US Bank basically restricts you from selling the vehicle, at all.

tifighter

This would probably be fun-

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?#listing=309404812

stickguy

neat car. I like that they list the interior as Pink.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

Probably is a good price for an extended cab, manual V6. I like green too, so would love to have it. Assuming of course it was clean and ran well with no major needs.

But I’ve watched enough rural Vermonter videos to know every truck out of Vermont is rusted to death by that age.

Not to mention the 200k miles on it. From my observations that’s about the limit for that motor.

oldfarmer50

tifighter said:

This would probably be fun-

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?#listing=309404812

Nice. I could so see myself driving that car if only I had more money.

tifighter

stickguy said:

neat car. I like that they list the interior as Pink.

Ha. I didn't notice that. I've always liked white in the coupes, still not sure on a convertible. Still, I haven't seen many of these in a manual at all.

jmonroe1

tifighter said:

stickguy said:

neat car. I like that they list the interior as Pink.

Ha. I didn't notice that. I've always liked white in the coupes, still not sure on a convertible. Still, I haven't seen many of these in a manual at all.

Well, when you dig a little deeper the color is listed as “Pink (Coral Red/Black)”. I’m having a hard time imagining what color that really is. Maybe they should have just left it as Pink. Too cute for me.

jmonroe

mjfloyd1

White 4xe arrived at dealership on Saturday. Now to get some time to pick it up.

jmonroe1

mjfloyd1 said:

White 4xe arrived at dealership on Saturday. Now to get some time to pick it up.

First world problem.

Good luck with it and give us some reports. Initial and after a few miles.

jmonroe