Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

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  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,478
    I learned to drive on a '69 144 (4 speed). Well worn by that time, but I loved it anyway. GUess I got the bug from that too.

    Tell you what. If I get the red one, I will sell you the 3rd row for your new XC to recoup some of my investment. I hear they are worth $300.

    I can't imagine ever using it. Might as well save some weight and add hidden cargo space!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,478
    forgot about the accident history. Getting a known 1 owner, no paint work, clean carfax probably is worth something.

    I would, however (honestly now) plan to keep it for a very long timel

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Tell you what. If I get the red one, I will sell you the 3rd row for your new XC to recoup some of my investment. I hear they are worth $300.

    You don't miss a trick! :D

    My 69 was a 142. It's what turned me into a 4 door fanatic. Drove me crazy with how difficult getting into the back seat was - not that I ever sat there.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • ghuletghulet Member Posts: 2,564
    How is the headroom back there (the legroom didn't look impressive, but I didn't expect it to be, and I've definitely seen worse)? I can't imagine NOT whapping my head on that C-pillar upon entry. Pretty good price, it seems, for a six year-old Volvo, though. The Caddy also seems like a good deal, though it seems something's been done to the door trim, and those chrome wheels would almost be a deal-breaker.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,478
    Hope it wasn't you Fezo, but looks like someone put a deposit on "my" Red V70.

    Figures. Not one person looks at it for 3 weeks, and as soon as I call and set up to go over (couldn't hook up today, was going at lunch tomorrow), Boom! A deposit hits the table.

    But, if you want the XC70 looked at, let me know. I kind of like those too!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,478
    Didn't I answer this before? One of us is losing his mind!

    ANyway, it can be tight for a full size person.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Not me, stick. Sorry to hear that. If I coulldn't have it you were my choice.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • lilengineerboylilengineerboy Member Posts: 4,116
    That's an "Outback," not the Legacy wagon. That particular one has the 2.5 l that has the head gasket issue. Its not if, its when. If you budget the $1500-$2000 to change the head gaskets, that might be okay.
  • ghuletghulet Member Posts: 2,564
    I think you answered it, but on another forum (I was a bit perplexed, too).
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,202

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  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,794
    I have a friend with a manual 9-3 aero sedan of that generation...bought it new and now has 190k miles. No troubles. Surprised me too...

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,372
    NICE!!! I love the color combination and the manual transmission.

    I'd probably jump on this puppy if I could get it for around $14,500. I love the color(Fjord Grey) and the M cloth/Alcantara manual seats.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,478
    Love the saab. Just not in bright red. or with the V6. Or at that price. Other than that, I love it.

    Also like the M5. Has everything you need, but it is still before cars (especially BMWs) became more electronically complicated (and overweight) than the space shuttle. Those seats look fantastic.

    Not something I personally should get involved with. And does being a federalized Euro create any problems (parts, stuff like that?)

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • ghuletghulet Member Posts: 2,564
    ....for an '02, but looks like a pretty clean little wagon, and the price is OK:

    link title
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    Yikes, 20K per year for 8+ years ... still, it shows well in pictures.

    I actually don't mind the red Saab wagon ... I've always had a soft spot for the latest generation combis. The 5-speed and V6 are an odd combination, however.

    I like the M5, though even at $15K it seems like a lot of $$$ for a car with 117K on the clock. But, I don't know BMW's that well, so perhaps I'm not the best person to pass judgment.

    fezo, have you heard back from the insurance company yet regarding the Camry? If it gets totaled, does that means the daughter will get the Accord I saw that night we had dinner?
  • kyllekylle Member Posts: 4
    hmmm..kind of interesting, thanks for the info :)
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,337
    I didn't know they offered the V6 wagon with a manual (or actually sold any). Looks interesting, but it is "arrest me red."
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,478
    the BMW wagon. Although that is an odd 9to me) color combo. Silver over light tan?

    Steep miles but that has to be highway commuting, just based on the condition (from the pics) I have to guess.

    Not sure what I would pay for it, or how much of a money pit it is about to become. But I do like it.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,752
    ugh, stick, you are just too damned slow!

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,752
    Damn. That's pretty surprising to me. Didn't know you could get such a car. And it certainly seems like alot of car for the money.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    That is really nice! I'm sure they probably paid in the low teens for it so you might have a shot there.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,752

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    michaelll - I just got a message from the adjuster telling me they are totaling it but without a number for how much they will pay on it. If we go the car for my wife then Jill would indeed inherit the Accord you saw. Still not sure which way we'll go though obviously things just accelerated.

    q - see if you can find things closer to Manahawkin. I have to work tomorrow so I'll be pretty limited to nights and I'm betting i don't have more than a week. We will see.

    Hey, you can ignore you wife and family for a night or two abd help me shop. I'm sure they'd appreciate that!
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,752
    well, keep in mind, if you limit the distance you are willing to go, you need to expand your options. Can't settle on one type of car and hope the perfect one pops up within 10 miles. :P

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Yeah, I get that....

    Well, the insurance company hasn't pegged a number on it yet so I don't really know my magic number yet. I'm also going to have to decide which route to go on this - new(er) vehicle for wife or daughter... I may actually check out a Focus if it's daughter.

    Part of me is saying for not a horrible amount I could set daughter up with a car that would take her beyond any responsibility of me to provide transportation (heck, that should already be). The other part is telling me anything better than a 99 Camry is rewarding her for driving into a flood....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    I'm also going to have to decide which route to go on this - new(er) vehicle for wife or daughter... I may actually check out a Focus if it's daughter.

    Part of me is saying for not a horrible amount I could set daughter up with a car that would take her beyond any responsibility of me to provide transportation (heck, that should already be). The other part is telling me anything better than a 99 Camry is rewarding her for driving into a flood....


    We had to make that decision when our daughter graduated from HS. We knew she was going to college about 100 miles away, and wanted her to have reliable transportation. Decided to go new and got her the ION (which she has affectionately named "Steve" --- don't ask).

    She graduates from college in a couple of months and the ION now has around 33K on it - mostly on trips to and from school (she's home every weekend). Not a problem to be had. Still has the original tires and there have been only a couple of mishaps, neither of which were her fault. Front bumper has a gouge in it that she acquired while she was parked at a movie theater - hit and run. And, someone decided to rip off the passenger mirror, which she was able to duct tape back into place - I just had it replaced a week ago while she's home on spring break.

    She'll probably drive the ION until it falls apart around her - being plastic, it won't rust away. I suspect she'll keep it for another 10 years and it will have well over 100K on it.

    As I see it, you've got two choices:

    1) Get your daughter something new (or gently used) that is reliable and will last her until she's on her own. You continue to drive the Accord / Celica, while the wife has the Odyssey.

    2) Give her the Accord, with the provision that if something "unfortunate" should happen to it, she's on her own for transportation. If she knows that Daddy will continue to fund her car needs, there isn't much incentive for her to take care of her car - or to avoid large bodies of water.

    Unless, of course, I'm missing part of the story.
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    Don't be surprised to get lowballed from the isurance company. Have your reseach on what it's worth when they call. You can negotiate on the value.
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    Shouldn't you get 'replacement value' - that is, what you would have to spend to get an equivalent vehicle?
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    If all models that year and miles were priced exactly the same -- probably. As you know there are at least 5 or 6 sources for setting replacement value. I totaled a 69 beetle and was offered $750. After a discussion got $1100. They usually lowball you -- setting the value is not cut and dried.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    New is out of the question unless we're looking at an Accent like the rental. Of course there are low mileage Corollas and sucg that would certainly do the trick.

    Actually the Ody is being driven my daughter #2. It's cheaper for me to subsidize her gas than it is to get her a car. That works at least for now.

    funny. i found a car that's perfect - another 99 Camry which would be almost a lateral move! But they want $7K for it which is off by a good $2K. Heck, I payed less than $7K for hers three years ago. 99 Camry
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    The Rolls Royce Phantom is due for a major makeover in 2016.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    A high mileage 99 Camry doesn't have a heck of a lot of value and tehre's a $500 deductible but we will see how we go.

    A friend who has been a poster in here but who I haven't seen here for a while has a 98 on his lot in NY just out of the city. I dropped a line to him. He's got an 05 that's not out of the question either.

    Of course now that jayrider is eying the new Rolls maybe he'll have something to sell me....

    Where the heck is mark 156? Maybe I could talk him out of his CRV....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • ghuletghulet Member Posts: 2,564
    edited March 2010
    hmmm....I don't like that this Woods' Auto place doesn't list the mileage (but it shows EPA highway, which is strange, and a whole lot less relevant to most buyers) in its ads; necessitates at least one annoying phone call or e-mail right off the bat if you have any interest.

    I just found out that one of my best friend's (I've known her since 8th grade) 15 year-old daughter (who has just enrolled in Drivers' Ed) has already been given an '03 Accord sedan w/60k by her grandma (who has been buying a new Accord every few years since the '80s). Something is not right with the world, I'm jealous of a 15 year-old. :P
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Dang! I should have talked to her grandma first.....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    edited March 2010
    Fezo, I'm keeping the CR-V as long as I keep the motorhome (at least 4-5 more years). The little bugger has 32,000 miles of driving PLUS 28,000 miles of towing (60,000 miles on the drive-train). The car still looks new! :blush:

    I saw on the TV last night where Honda is offering the Accord LX for nothing down, $250 a month for 36 months (lease). That seems like a pretty decent deal for a car like that.

    Mark156
    2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Ah! There he is!

    I knew there was no chance you were going to part with it but you can't blame a guy for trying.

    Yeah, there are a lot of nice lease deals out there right now. Not my cup of tea but what the heck.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,794
    Hey Mark. Good to see you.
    Now that you have a LR4, how was the reliability on the LR3?

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,478
    I see you are enabling again. Problem is, I don't actually need a car.

    Just put 520 miles on the Accord today. Zipped along quite well (NJ-work-Upstate NY-home) while picking up my son at college. Serves me right for not making him go someplace with actual public transit to near philly.

    Pretty much bopped along at 75 (And creep), and the trip up got 34.5mpg. Return trip probably close to that.

    Up to a whopping 55K on it or so now.

    But I still want a wagon. The 2004 would be very intriguing, if it was closer. And not white over black. I hate white cars. And no more black interiors unless the car is otherwise too fantastic to pass up.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,752
    Avoid that dealer, fez. I drive by it all the time and have stopped in many times over the years to take a look at something or other that catches my eye. Always overpriced and always rough examples. One time I even went so far as to talk to the guy and start going over a car very carefully (Sebring vert). It had been really badly repaired and as I was pointing this out to the guy (owner of the lot), his reaction was "eh, I couldn't tell ya. I'm not an expert." :sick:

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,478
    get the moondust 2000 XC that JRL has. looks like a nice car. But a tad pricey, but well sorted out.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    edited March 2010
    Hi tifighter, there's a little story with the LR3.

    Generally, the LR3 was a very good vehicle during the 4 yrs and 33,000 miles that I owned it. Right before I was going to trade, I took it to the California coast where I have a timeshare. I got the flu shot and it attacked my spinal cord paralyzing me for two weeks in the hospital. :sick: I'm about 85% back so far. The doctor gives me an 18 month window for a full recovery.

    Long story short (too late I know).... When I got out of the hospital, I took the LR3 back to TN to trade. My friend that was with me never told me the LR3 broke down while I was in the hospital. To this day, I'm not sure exactly what happened but it was in the shop for a couple of days. They gave my friend a loaner as the LR3 was still under warranty. It had something to do with the transmission making a terrible noise and something was corroded at the A pillar wiring (what was told to me).

    I was not told of this incident until after I traded it as my group of friends didn't want me to worry about it. I was livid when I found out because I told the salesman I had really good luck with the LR3. I guess just the one incident was not a big deal tho.

    One thing I can say about the LR3 is that the paint was very strong. I had NO paint chips. Very unlike my past Mercedes that I have owned. I drove this vehicle the same as my previous SUV's from CA to TN and no chips, not even in the windshield. Luck?? I don't know.

    I'm hoping the new LR4 is just as strong paint-wise.. I really like the updates on the new one too...
    -motorized tilt/telescoping steering wheel
    -heated steering wheel
    -headlights that turn with the steering wheel (like a '47 Tucker)
    -auto dimming high-beams (like a '59 Fleetwood)
    -redesigned dash
    -the memory seat buttons are on the door vs. on the side of the seat.
    -power locks were moved to the driver's door rather than on the center of the dash.
    -new ambient lighting on the front and back door handles and in the door bins.

    Mark156
    2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,202
    Getting my son's new ride tomorrow... It's been in the family since it was new... (My aunt bought it new, I owned it once after she was gone, then sold it back to my uncle)..

    '92 Acura Legend L sedan.. White w/taupe leather.. 36K miles..

    It's actually a gift from my uncle to my son.. :surprise:

    Someone in the house is really stoked.. ;)

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  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,202
    That Titanium Silver with Sand interior is actually a really common combination on BMWs.. I think it's because the BMW standard leatherette only came in black or sand.... So, if you didn't want to pay for leather, and didn't want black interior, you were stuck with it.

    Actually, that's my least favorite interior color on a BMW, especially with the matching carpets..

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  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    Very nice present for your son! Is he a new driver?

    Mark
    2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,202
    Very new... on his learning permit... Has to have the permit for 6 months in our state, before taking the driving test. About 6 weeks, so far..

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  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,478
    the 2001 5 series I almost bought new was dark blue over tan leather. I generally like the color, but for some reason the tan in the BMW was too bright/shiny (or something) and just looked/felt kind of "cheap". Not sure why. I do like the tan/taupe in Volvos though.

    I have, however, sworn off black interiors.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,202
    BMW has started using black carpets in their lighter colored interiors... not all the time, but more often.. I think that's an improvement...

    Ever see a Boxster with red interior? Carpets, dash, the works.. everything is red.. Only, once they are about five years old, the carpets all look pink... :(

    So..what's the issue with the V-6 in the Aero wagon? I like the Aero, because they are all loaded with options... and, of course, you get the Aero trim and wheels..

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  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    '92 Acura Legend L sedan.. White w/taupe leather.. 36K miles..

    Oh. My. God.

    Only 2,000 miles per year for the past 18 years? Seems like that car never got driven.

    I'm guessing that the mileage will double within 2 years once your son gets hold of it.

    Nice, nice ride. I hope he takes care of it.
  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,794
    Thanks Mark.

    I recall hearing about your hospital visit; I was the guy that incorrectly assumed it was Guillian-Barre. Glad to hear you are feeling better!

    I like the idea of the LR3/4, especially the tall roof, which might make it a good bike carrying vehicle. The Pilot does okay, but I have to remove the front wheel and seat every time I want to load the bikes upright. Its even more annoying with the tandem. Of course, an Odyssey would do this as well, but I do prefer 4wd when ski time rolls around. And a heated steering wheel :blush: Land Rover reliability is always a mixed bag, it seems. I guess removing the seats and wheels isn't too bad.

    Speaking of bikes, only 2 more weeks until my wife and I bicycle down the coast from Monterey to Santa Barbara. Can't wait!

    -Josh

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,202
    It had around 32K on it by 1999.. when my aunt passed away.. So..driven very little since then..

    But, it's been maintained, repaired, etc... Mechanic just serviced it, and gave it a clean bill of health.. It's a really nice car.. Probably worth an easy $4500-$5500... a very generous gift.

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