Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

corvette

tifighter said:

I've been looking at cars on the Carmax website. Have any of you bought from them? The shipping costs range quite a bit, but getting a car shipped up from California to Seattle for $600 doesn't seem that bad. You can return it for any reason within 30 days after delivery, meaning if you took something for a PPI and it was no bueno, you should just be out the shipping cost. Not ideal, but for a car you can't just find anywhere, it seems like a viable option.

I bought my Murano and the TDI Jetta Sportwagen there. Very easy transactions, both times, but they do not do as much cosmetic restoration on the cars as they used to, and if they replace any tires, they will be the cheapest tires available in that size, even on a luxury car. Other than the (supposedly) very good available Carmax warranty, I think they are just another "one price" dealer.

stickguy

I have heard that before. they started out with very high standards and were a cut above. But over time, standards got shaved so now you can't count on much other than being priced high!

corvette

stickguy said:

The guy that bought a Maverick a few days ago keeps posting update videos... Consistent between 6.5-6.9 (sport to eco drive modes) and 1/4 in about 14.9 @ 91.

He was also only launching it at 2700 RPM and I didn't watch the whole thing, but he indicated it may have been on 87 octane. I bet Car and Driver gives it all the beans when they test it, which should shave a few tenths off. If his test was really done on 87 octane, C&D might even get down below 6 seconds.

Even with his numbers, I don't think there is a CUV or pickup available in the low to mid $20s that will make those kinds of numbers.

corvette

stickguy said:

Same engine can haul around an edge or explorer, so can’t be too weak!

I heard some complaints about the 2.0T Explorer, kind of like Toyota putting the Camry's 2.5 liter hybrid setup in the new Highlander Hybrid and Sienna--not enough oomph for that much weight. The current Explorer with the 2.3T is much better, from what I understand.

stickguy

the Explorer is also likely 1,000-1,500 pounds more than the Maverick.

yes, he was on 87 but I know that is the recommended gas for that engine. No clue if it can make more power with higher octane. And that is why I said he was driving it "real world". For sure the car mags will treat it like a race car and brake torque the heck out of it. A big reason I don't pay too much attention to their published 0-60 times. The 5-60 rolling start is IMO much more reflective of how people really use a car.

in any case, it is plenty quick for anything I would do with it (and I would guess most every other buyer).

corvette

stickguy said:

yes, he was on 87 but I know that is the recommended gas for that engine.

I thought Ford's specs indicated their quoted horsepower/torque figures were with 91 octane, but it will run 87, but I may be misremembering.

explorerx4

Ford pretty much rates everything with RUG, unless a performance model.
Edit: I did find this on the ford media website, " *Horsepower and torque ratings based on premium fuel per SAE J1349".

stickguy

not required though, right?. No way I am buying a cheap mini truck and putting Premium in it!

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

uh-oh. Wifey may not be able to get the Transit. The realtor messaged today while she was doing final walkthrough for us. I asked her if she'd be kind enough to measure the height of the garage. She said she did the best she could due to being short, but believes it to be 90". The sport roof version of the van is 94" per the brochure. We're going to see the van on Sat and I'll be in MB on Sunday, so I'll confirm measurements on both. If it is close enough, maybe adding air suspension could fix the issue.

According to my research the Ford transit van is 82”-108” depending on which model you choose. All I know is you don’t want to try taking some of them through a car wash.

explorerx4

@stickguy,
No, PUG not required.
I tried looking up the same info for my Explorer, rated @300/310, but couldn't anything about what type of fuel it is rated at.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

Here’s one for you low mile, luxury land yacht fans.

https://www.euroasianauto.com/details/used-1983-lincoln-mark-vi/79550462

That mileage is right in my wheelhouse but when did they ever make a 4 door Lincoln Mark?

Is that being sold by the guy who Hoovie calls “urination Bob”?

stickguy

Yes. He also has a gorgeous 1988 T Bird turbo coupe with about 48K on it that looks brand new. Only $17,999

explorerx4

That blue Mark is listed for 14k asking.

corvette

explorerx4 said:

Edit: I did find this on the ford media website, " *Horsepower and torque ratings based on premium fuel per SAE J1349".

Yes, I think that's is unique to the 2.0T.

Supposedly, the 2.3T in the Explorer and Ranger achieves its factory ratings on regular fuel, but if you fill the tank with premium, the computer will adjust the tune and give you another 20 horsepower or so. I think the other EB engines behave similarly.

explorerx4

@corvette,
The 3.5 eco in my F150 was rated @375HP on RUG. The same engine in the Expedition Limited was 400 on PUG.

oldfarmer50

corvette said:

explorerx4 said:

Edit: I did find this on the ford media website, " *Horsepower and torque ratings based on premium fuel per SAE J1349".

Yes, I think that's is unique to the 2.0T.

Supposedly, the 2.3T in the Explorer and Ranger achieves its factory ratings on regular fuel, but if you fill the tank with premium, the computer will adjust the tune and give you another 20 horsepower or so. I think the other EB engines behave similarly.

I think most Ford performance (and maybe all manufacturer’s) engines are the same way. My 5.0L NA engine gets about 5% less horsepower on regular vs. premium.

stickguy

I poked around the forums, and somebody had posted the fuel requirements page from the owners manual. Stated that it was designed for 87 octane, but under certain conditions (hot or towing mostly) you could see higher performance. So most likely, driving around town in the winter running errands, you won't get any benefit from spending more on PUG.

stickguy

Here's one for QB to replace the minivan. Low roof, so will fit in the parking spot. Just take a couple of rows of seats out, and plenty of room for cargo and dogs.

just needs a quick remodel, and good to go! Probably can source some nice captains chairs, put in a mini fridge, all kinds of fun stuff.

https://express.pacificoford.com/express/used/1FBZX2ZM2HKB13067?deal_type=finance&deal_down=2500&deal_months=60&delivery=1

Michaell

stickguy said:

Here's one for QB to replace the minivan. Low roof, so will fit in the parking spot. Just take a couple of rows of seats out, and plenty of room for cargo and dogs.

just needs a quick remodel, and good to go! Probably can source some nice captains chairs, put in a mini fridge, all kinds of fun stuff.

https://express.pacificoford.com/express/used/1FBZX2ZM2HKB13067?deal_type=finance&deal_down=2500&deal_months=60&delivery=1

RWD - I think @qbrozen is looking for AWD.

qbrozen

Correct, she wants AWD.
Besides, like all used right now, that price is absurd. A new RWD XLT is $45.5k. Doesn’t seem like 15-passenger is an option anymore, though. I only see 12.

benjaminh

I saw a newish VW Arteon on the highway recently and it seemed surprisingly large. It is about 74" wide. My local VW dealer is offering 5k off the list price, which seems strange in this market. As with Toyota recently, the front grill seems a bit overdone.

https://www.bachmanvolkswagen.com/inventory/new-2021-volkswagen-arteon-sel-r-line-fwd-4dr-car-wvwhr7an1me013070/

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

breld said:

Did I miss something about you moving to a new house?

vacation condo in myrtle beach. i probably kept those comments on the other thread.

That's awesome! So you guys must really love it down there. Congrats! Beach front?

stickguy

I saw an Arteon recently. Not bad looking. Sort of like a Passat that melted in the sun.

For the transit, glue an AWD badge on it. She’ll never know!

sda

benjaminh said:

I saw a newish VW Arteon on the highway recently and it seemed surprisingly large. It is about 74" wide. My local VW dealer is offering 5k off the list price, which seems strange in this market. As with Toyota recently, the front grill seems a bit overdone.

https://www.bachmanvolkswagen.com/inventory/new-2021-volkswagen-arteon-sel-r-line-fwd-4dr-car-wvwhr7an1me013070/

The Arteon is a very nice car, meant to be the top tier of VW. Unfortunately they were priced as such and have found few buyers. Just too expensive. With all the rush to CUVs/SUVs, the Arteon is invisible. I did see a red one pass us on our way home from Hilton Head. It looked really good in the wild. I really like the hatchback versatility and sedan looks. And like most sedans it is not long for this world.

corvette

Arteon looks good, but a $43.5k sedan from VW is a tough sell. Would you buy at $43k Accord, even if it had really good styling? You can also get any number of used luxury sedans in that price range.

kyfdx

corvette said:

Arteon looks good, but a $43.5k sedan from VW is a tough sell. Would you buy at $43k Accord, even if it had really good styling? You can also get any number of used luxury sedans in that price range.

They can't give them away, ergo the incentives

qbrozen

nyccarguy said:

That's awesome! So you guys must really love it down there. Congrats! Beach front?

thanks. not quite beach front. ... beach adjacent? lol. It is 1/4 mile away. You can see the water. Just far enough to be quiet but close enough to walk.
https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/M6457539586

benjaminh

The highest priced Accord is the Touring with an msrp of 38k. In normal times you could get a good discount off of that, but right now not a chance. You'd not only pay msrp, but would have to battle on the ADM. Plus the Accord doesn't have the versatility of the Arteon's hatchback. And, small point perhaps, but Accords are everywhere, while the Arteon might make you feel special because you'd be the only one for miles around driving one.

Hatchbacks are a tough sell in this market, but the upcoming 2023 Acura Integra 5-door liftback will probably have a starting msrp of about $32k. It'll be sort-of a fancy Civic Hatchback Touring Si. The new Integra's smaller size and 10k lower price compared to the Arteon might help it sell. This teaser art image of the new Integra seems to show a pillarless rear window like the Arteon, but that might be a bait and switch trick.

au1994

kyfdx said:

corvette said:

Arteon looks good, but a $43.5k sedan from VW is a tough sell. Would you buy at $43k Accord, even if it had really good styling? You can also get any number of used luxury sedans in that price range.

They can't give them away, ergo the incentives

Correct! Its really nice looking and at $37k, it becomes a little more palatable. I’m sure you’d have to buy as I can’t imagine it leases worth a darn.

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

nyccarguy said:

That's awesome! So you guys must really love it down there. Congrats! Beach front?

thanks. not quite beach front. ... beach adjacent? lol. It is 1/4 mile away. You can see the water. Just far enough to be quiet but close enough to walk.
https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/M6457539586

Wow! That's gorgeous! Looks like a fantatsic location. Going to keep it for yourselves, rent it out, or both?

qbrozen

@nyccarguy said:
Wow! That's gorgeous! Looks like a fantatsic location. Going to keep it for yourselves, rent it out, or both?

Both. A property manager is meeting me there Monday.

jmonroe1

@nyccarguy said:
Wow! That's gorgeous! Looks like a fantatsic location. Going to keep it for yourselves, rent it out, or both?

He’s going to let us use it when he’s not there. All we have to do is leave him plenty of booze when we leave. We’ll never get a better deal than that. I think he’s already booked for next Summer, though. You’re too late.

jmonroe

ab348

Supplies of new vehicles look like they are about to start coming back. I read yesterday that a bunch of GM plants are supposed to restart production next week, while other GM plants will come online over the rest of October.

sda

When we go to Myrtle Beach we prefer and stay in N. Myrtle. We typically rent an ocean front room with a kitchenette and location with a pool. Wonderful location, enjoy!

stickguy

jmonroe1 said:

@nyccarguy said:

Wow! That's gorgeous! Looks like a fantatsic location. Going to keep it for yourselves, rent it out, or both?

He’s going to let us use it when he’s not there. All we have to do is leave him plenty of booze when we leave. We’ll never get a better deal than that. I think he’s already booked for next Summer, though. You’re too late.

jmonroe

Good thing I only need 3 months in the winter!

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

@nyccarguy said:

Wow! That's gorgeous! Looks like a fantatsic location. Going to keep it for yourselves, rent it out, or both?

Both. A property manager is meeting me there Monday.

I'm sure your Sarge Green 4Xe will fit in perfectly down there

benjaminh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmcQX8DGdTI&t=715s

oldfarmer50

ab348 said:

Supplies of new vehicles look like they are about to start coming back. I read yesterday that a bunch of GM plants are supposed to restart production next week, while other GM plants will come online over the rest of October.

That’s great news, do you have a link to that article? The rental companies are desperate because no car maker wants to sell at discount to fleets when they can get above sticker to individuals. Our boss was given authorization to start buying from dealers at sticker but it’s been difficult as the dealers can get above that to retail customers. The only evidence I’ve seen is a rare Honda HR-V which appeared in the fleet recently.

stickguy

That’s not supposed to be published yet.

breld

@qbrozen - congrats on the beach condo. That's outstanding. My wife just spent last weekend with some friends who rented a condo right on the beach at Carolina beach. She came back saying she now understands the appeal of owning a beach condo.

breld

So you all know how dangerous it can be to just "browse" car listings. Well, yesterday, I was talking about houses with a co-worker and that made me curious about what listings there were in my neighborhood, and I happened upon a listing for this house...



Beautiful house, with all the upgrades and finishes that my wife would like to do to our house.

You'll of course notice what looks like a 4-car garage, which caught my attention. But...one of those bays is a tandem...so space for 6 cars. From the property description..."There is a 2, 100 square foot garage which includes its own furnace, 220V outlet, room for car lifts and plenty of space to enjoy and entertain."

I e-mail the listing to my wife, who responds quickly, "Oh, I've been eyeing that listing for days now. How serious are you?"

Long story short...we visited the house last night with our realtor. It hits all the right design notes for my wife (and myself too), and the garage is exquisite. There's easily room for 6 vehicles, with tons of room to spare. We are interested, but the listing agent was expecting an offer last night, so we're waiting to see what comes of that. We are not interested in competing in any bidding war.

This had me drooling...

28firefighter

@breld - uh, drool.

stickguy

Yup.. love it.

Unfortunately where I am looking, it’s $1mill+ so just a touch over budget for retirement downsizing!

kyfdx

stickguy said:

Yup.. love it.

Unfortunately where I am looking, it’s $1mill+ so just a touch over budget for retirement downsizing!

I bet it's $1Million in Denver, as well

ab348

oldfarmer50 said:

That’s great news, do you have a link to that article? The rental companies are desperate because no car maker wants to sell at discount to fleets when they can get above sticker to individuals. Our boss was given authorization to start buying from dealers at sticker but it’s been difficult as the dealers can get above that to retail customers. The only evidence I’ve seen is a rare Honda HR-V which appeared in the fleet recently.

Here you go:

https://www.autonews.com/manufacturing/nearly-all-gm-plants-us-be-online-next-week

Michaell

28firefighter said:

@breld - uh, drool.

I've already claimed one of those garage spots, if I ever get a car for myself.

[Deleted User]

@breld, does that get you in to the CC, or do you already belong

28firefighter

2 mill + by me unless you go to the way out suburbs that arguably aren't metro seattle anymore...

jmonroe1

@stickguy said:
Good thing I only need 3 months in the winter!

There’s always a guy who knows how to beat the system. 😫

jmonroe

explorerx4

I could have used that garage when we had 6 cars. 3 is enough, for now.