Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

breld

tifighter said:

breld said:

This has been sitting at a local Audi dealer for months now. At least since the end of October...I know that 'cause my wife and I saw it when looking at their lot days before she bought her m340i.

The price is getting a bit more palatable, especially considering the low miles. But still $6-8k higher than pre-COVID times. Question is, will we even return to those pre-COVID pricing?

Personally, I think we will...perhaps evidenced by this M2 sitting so long.

https://www.audiflatirons.com/used/BMW/2018-BMW-M2-683e91030a0e09b16138c82c7278e510.htm

I don't know. That car would be gone at that price in the PNW. Many a 2017 pre-LCI with similar miles for $55k have come and gone here. I do think the M2 in general is on a lot more people's radar screen, now with people realizing what the new 2-series is and is not. Especially if you want a manual.

Here too...there was a similar one, but with 10k more miles that was listed at $54k recently that is gone (that's the one I almost bought for $45k last March).

Maybe there's something wrong with this one that isn't showing up on the Carfax.

Or maybe I should just go "look" at it.

tifighter

I found a car I rather liked recently until I saw this-

I hate the ambiguity around “minor damage.” It might be nothing but the label will follow it for life. Given the front/under/back description, I’d guess someone drove it over a curb.

au1994

breld said:

tifighter said:

breld said:

This has been sitting at a local Audi dealer for months now. At least since the end of October...I know that 'cause my wife and I saw it when looking at their lot days before she bought her m340i.

The price is getting a bit more palatable, especially considering the low miles. But still $6-8k higher than pre-COVID times. Question is, will we even return to those pre-COVID pricing?

Personally, I think we will...perhaps evidenced by this M2 sitting so long.

https://www.audiflatirons.com/used/BMW/2018-BMW-M2-683e91030a0e09b16138c82c7278e510.htm

I don't know. That car would be gone at that price in the PNW. Many a 2017 pre-LCI with similar miles for $55k have come and gone here. I do think the M2 in general is on a lot more people's radar screen, now with people realizing what the new 2-series is and is not. Especially if you want a manual.

Here too...there was a similar one, but with 10k more miles that was listed at $54k recently that is gone (that's the one I almost bought for $45k last March).

Maybe there's something wrong with this one that isn't showing up on the Carfax.

Or maybe I should just go "look" at it.

Oh boy…a 2 punch week

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

Here’s some.

Got a moonroof! Can’t Lose at this price.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/3b7a900b-c289-4855-87f7-54711ae80f12/

This is practical. Everybody likes SAABs

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/34a619e1-9d8c-4dce-bee6-a9c989693dae/

One more. Great price. Impressive miles. Don’t blow it up, and can’t lose. Blow it up, still won’t lose much.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/006b1a2a-764a-4fea-877e-b81a8926b790/

Wow, what a market. I sold my 2009 PT last year with 62k miles for $2500. Before you buy that 2001 make sure the timing belt service was done (104k) because it requires the engine out.

tifighter

tifighter said:

I found a car I rather liked recently until I saw this-

I hate the ambiguity around “minor damage.” It might be nothing but the label will follow it for life. Given the front/under/back description, I’d guess someone drove it over a curb.

Actually, what are the general thoughts here on minor reported damage like this? Would it stop you from considering a car? In this case, the carfax later shows it was sold CPO. We all flip through cars and are more sensitive to resale factors than the average person, no doubt. But what if it's a hard to find car? Just curious.

oldfarmer50

“ Given the front/under/back description, I’d guess someone drove it over a curb”

Or off a cliff.

xwesx

stickguy said:

watch the video!

but quick recap, Ford discovered the off-site sub contractor that did the bed liners made a goof. They did not take the time to plug the drain holes before spraying. At least they realized the mistake and cleared them out. The problem is, they did it with a drill. and the gas tank is right below some of the holes. Meaning they drilled holes in some of the tanks. Plant (or dealer if already shipped) had to drop the tanks to inspect before they could sell the truck/

I had checked and mine was after the recall period. Though pretty much not an issue since I forgot to order it.

I did learn from the issue, and made sure to mention it to the place I am going to use. And will remind them a few times when it finally goes in. I did vet the place (I have used them before) and got referred to them by a high end installer of custom builds, that just does not do liners. They do work for a number of local car dealers too.

I tried, but the dude didn't get to the point fast enough, and it was like nails on a chalkboard to my consciousness. Honestly, an 8 minute video should clearly explain the issue in the first twenty seconds followed by every detail you might ever want to know about it. /facepalm

xwesx

breld said:

my snow tires off the Volvo fit the X5

That's gotta be some sort of miracle! Mark that event on the calendar for historical purposes!

28firefighter

kyfdx said:

@28firefighter I certainly wouldn't buy a "stopgap" new car, just to hedge against loss of value in the Jeep. If the Jeep can go down in three months, so can any other vehicle.

Yes, yes - you have made it abundantly clear that you are the voice of reason on this one.

xwesx

tifighter said:

tifighter said:

I found a car I rather liked recently until I saw this-

I hate the ambiguity around “minor damage.” It might be nothing but the label will follow it for life. Given the front/under/back description, I’d guess someone drove it over a curb.

Actually, what are the general thoughts here on minor reported damage like this? Would it stop you from considering a car? In this case, the carfax later shows it was sold CPO. We all flip through cars and are more sensitive to resale factors than the average person, no doubt. But what if it's a hard to find car? Just curious.

Depends on the age and asking price of the car. The older it is, the less I care (and the longer ago the event happened, the less I care!). I also don't necessarily care if there's a minor blip on a newer car, but it should be reflected in the price of the car.... A major event? Major discount!

stickguy

tifighter said:

tifighter said:

I found a car I rather liked recently until I saw this-

I hate the ambiguity around “minor damage.” It might be nothing but the label will follow it for life. Given the front/under/back description, I’d guess someone drove it over a curb.

Actually, what are the general thoughts here on minor reported damage like this? Would it stop you from considering a car? In this case, the carfax later shows it was sold CPO. We all flip through cars and are more sensitive to resale factors than the average person, no doubt. But what if it's a hard to find car? Just curious.

I’m ok if the price is reasonable and the car checks out, and no accident listed. But if a common car, I would take the clean sheet for same price.

Though very likely on a newer car, the ding might not show up until later.

28firefighter

tifighter said:

tifighter said:

I found a car I rather liked recently until I saw this-

I hate the ambiguity around “minor damage.” It might be nothing but the label will follow it for life. Given the front/under/back description, I’d guess someone drove it over a curb.

Actually, what are the general thoughts here on minor reported damage like this? Would it stop you from considering a car? In this case, the carfax later shows it was sold CPO. We all flip through cars and are more sensitive to resale factors than the average person, no doubt. But what if it's a hard to find car? Just curious.

Generally the same way people think of stick shifts...on resale "nobody wants a car with a dirty carfax" and you get lowballed; when it comes to selling said car and asking top dollar, "no big deal! very minor!"

Michaell

@fintail - you've got mail!

corvette

@oldfarmer50 said:
“ Given the front/under/back description, I’d guess someone drove it over a curb”

Or off a cliff.

“Ran when parked.”

mjfloyd1

@breld said:
This has been sitting at a local Audi dealer for months now. At least since the end of October...I know that 'cause my wife and I saw it when looking at their lot days before she bought her m340i.

The price is getting a bit more palatable, especially considering the low miles. But still $6-8k higher than a year ago. Question is, will we even return to that pricing?

Personally, I think we will...perhaps evidenced by this M2 sitting so long.

https://www.audiflatirons.com/used/BMW/2018-BMW-M2-683e91030a0e09b16138c82c7278e510.htm

That was a Canadian car originally. What’s the warranty coverage? Does it transfer to US?

laurasdada

qbrozen said:

@roadburner said:

Ferrari, Lambo, McLaren, Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Rolls, and Porsche need more representation here.

I may yet end up with a DB7 or Cayman S

I am forever working on a Maserati or Porsche deal I can stomach. Aston and Ferrari will likely never be in reach.

Add to my wishlist: Renault, Citroen, Peugeot, Seat, Lancia, Skoda ….almost any forbidden fruit, really.

What? No Borgward?
The first car I remember was my father's red Isabella.

laurasdada

And, once we've completed the move (end of the month!? Maybe a week later), I haven't given up on the "mid" life crisis part deux 911 or DB11.
Of course, an F-Type would allow me to continue to wear my Jag attire; there was a spiffy used one in Providence recently with a Leaper on the hood! Not of interest to me, a hood Leaper, as I imagine it would be stolen at some point. Paranoid? Just because everyone is out to get me does not make me paranoid.

The range extender A7 continues to do its duty; I do note the range falling with the temperature. Getting 17-20 miles on a tank of shock vs. 20-24 in the more temperate months past. But, I'm trying not to fill the batteries with too much excitement as long as I know I'm not road-tripping. To try to extend the life of the D cells... So, YMMV. Car does get some compliments, and surprised looks when I plug it in.

au1994

Somebody needs to get a Countach. The first 4 minutes of Cannonball Run made me tingly in special places.

mjfloyd1

@laurasdada said:
And, once we've completed the move (end of the month!? Maybe a week later), I haven't given up on the "mid" life crisis part deux 911 or DB11.
Of course, an F-Type would allow me to continue to wear my Jag attire; there was a spiffy used one in Providence recently with a Leaper on the hood! Not of interest to me, a hood Leaper, as I imagine it would be stolen at some point. Paranoid? Just because everyone is out to get me does not make me paranoid.

The range extender A7 continues to do its duty; I do note the range falling with the temperature. Getting 17-20 miles on a tank of shock vs. 20-24 in the more temperate months past. But, I'm trying not to fill the batteries with too much excitement as long as I know I'm not road-tripping. To try to extend the life of the D cells... So, YMMV. Car does get some compliments, and surprised looks when I plug it in.

It’s an A7 so it has A cells

explorerx4

I knew a guy that owned a bar that had a Countach. Prior to that he drove a Chevy pickup.
Shortly after buying the Lambo, he ended up in federal prison for substance trafficking.

qbrozen

au1994 said:

Somebody needs to get a Countach. The first 4 minutes of Cannonball Run made me tingly in special places.

Pretty sure that had less to do with the car and more to do with the pilots.

mjfloyd1

@qbrozen said:
Pretty sure that had less to do with the car and more to do with the pilots.

Ewww. That’s awkward

roadburner

breld said:

tifighter said:

breld said:

This has been sitting at a local Audi dealer for months now. At least since the end of October...I know that 'cause my wife and I saw it when looking at their lot days before she bought her m340i.

The price is getting a bit more palatable, especially considering the low miles. But still $6-8k higher than pre-COVID times. Question is, will we even return to those pre-COVID pricing?

Personally, I think we will...perhaps evidenced by this M2 sitting so long.

https://www.audiflatirons.com/used/BMW/2018-BMW-M2-683e91030a0e09b16138c82c7278e510.htm

I don't know. That car would be gone at that price in the PNW. Many a 2017 pre-LCI with similar miles for $55k have come and gone here. I do think the M2 in general is on a lot more people's radar screen, now with people realizing what the new 2-series is and is not. Especially if you want a manual.

Here too...there was a similar one, but with 10k more miles that was listed at $54k recently that is gone (that's the one I almost bought for $45k last March).

Maybe there's something wrong with this one that isn't showing up on the Carfax.

Or maybe I should just go "look" at it.

Stretch for a Comp or just find a nice 2020 M240i.

roadburner

tifighter said:

tifighter said:

I found a car I rather liked recently until I saw this-

I hate the ambiguity around “minor damage.” It might be nothing but the label will follow it for life. Given the front/under/back description, I’d guess someone drove it over a curb.

Actually, what are the general thoughts here on minor reported damage like this? Would it stop you from considering a car? In this case, the carfax later shows it was sold CPO. We all flip through cars and are more sensitive to resale factors than the average person, no doubt. But what if it's a hard to find car? Just curious.

It wouldn't bother me if the repairs were done property. My M6 was rear ended a couple of months before I bought it. The only things damaged were the bumper(scratched) snd the exhaust (kinked/crushed). The entire exhaust from the headers to the chrome exhaust tips were replaced- $5,000 in 1992 dollars. Didn't stop me for a nanosecond.

au1994

qbrozen said:

au1994 said:

Somebody needs to get a Countach. The first 4 minutes of Cannonball Run made me tingly in special places.

Pretty sure that had less to do with the car and more to do with the pilots.

Well thats probably true…

oldfarmer50

roadburner said:

tifighter said:

tifighter said:

I found a car I rather liked recently until I saw this-

I hate the ambiguity around “minor damage.” It might be nothing but the label will follow it for life. Given the front/under/back description, I’d guess someone drove it over a curb.

Actually, what are the general thoughts here on minor reported damage like this? Would it stop you from considering a car? In this case, the carfax later shows it was sold CPO. We all flip through cars and are more sensitive to resale factors than the average person, no doubt. But what if it's a hard to find car? Just curious.

It wouldn't bother me if the repairs were done property. My M6 was rear ended a couple of months before I bought it. The only things damaged were the bumper(scratched) snd the exhaust (kinked/crushed). The entire exhaust from the headers to the chrome exhaust tips were replaced- $5,000 in 1992 dollars. Didn't stop me for a nanosecond.

I think for most people the thought of damage is worse than the actual damage. It’s the not knowing how twisted or busted something was that causes insomnia.

I know if I was selling a car that had an accident under my ownership I’d try to provide plenty of before/after pictures to reassure the buy of how minor the damage was. Just as you’d provide a list of oil change receipts.

andres3

mjfloyd1 said:

@andres3 said:

Sorry if I don't take the Government at its word. Have you even read one supporting document for rear-facing?

It is about the spreading of forces and neck safety with an infant / small child that can’t support their head.

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-seats/why-kids-should-stay-longer-in-rear-facing-car-seats/

If you are in the business of ramming other vehicles and/or walls front first and rear-ending things, by all means. But if you are more likely to be rear-ended, then you've just reversed the forces on the head in the wrong direction....

I know which one has happened more often in my lifetime. As I said, it's based on a pathetic "average" driver that causes far too many collisions.

corvette

laurasdada said:

Getting 17-20 miles on a tank of shock vs. 20-24 in the more temperate months past.

Are you sure you're filling it up with premium?

corvette

explorerx4 said:

Shortly after buying the Lambo, he ended up in federal prison for substance trafficking.

Cocaine Cowboys on Netflix made reference to a formerly-sleepy Mercedes-Benz dealership in south Florida that was greatly expanded due to the prevalence of drug money (and I think also, their willingness to accept paper bills).

stickguy

oldfarmer50 said:

roadburner said:

tifighter said:

tifighter said:

I found a car I rather liked recently until I saw this-

I hate the ambiguity around “minor damage.” It might be nothing but the label will follow it for life. Given the front/under/back description, I’d guess someone drove it over a curb.

Actually, what are the general thoughts here on minor reported damage like this? Would it stop you from considering a car? In this case, the carfax later shows it was sold CPO. We all flip through cars and are more sensitive to resale factors than the average person, no doubt. But what if it's a hard to find car? Just curious.

It wouldn't bother me if the repairs were done property. My M6 was rear ended a couple of months before I bought it. The only things damaged were the bumper(scratched) snd the exhaust (kinked/crushed). The entire exhaust from the headers to the chrome exhaust tips were replaced- $5,000 in 1992 dollars. Didn't stop me for a nanosecond.

I think for most people the thought of damage is worse than the actual damage. It’s the not knowing how twisted or busted something was that causes insomnia.

I know if I was selling a car that had an accident under my ownership I’d try to provide plenty of before/after pictures to reassure the buy of how minor the damage was. Just as you’d provide a list of oil change receipts.

carfax would be a lot more useful if those accident or damage notifications linked to pictures, or repair reports that detail what was done.

the only thing like that I ever remember seeing is a link to an inspection report (like what you get done before returning a lease) that gave all the inspection details and stats.

mjfloyd1

@andres3 said:
If you are in the business of ramming other vehicles and/or walls front first and rear-ending things, by all means. But if you are more likely to be rear-ended, then you've just reversed the forces on the head in the wrong direction....

I know which one has happened more often in my lifetime. As I said, it's based on a pathetic "average" driver that causes far too many collisions.

There are both coup and contra coup forces.

I don’t think anyone is “in the business of ramming other vehicles”, but I digress.

Perhaps the NHTSA should consult @andres3 for an in depth analysis of crashes caused by pathetic average drivers?

sda

Some years ago my 06 Passat 2.0t was lightly rear ended by a car that was pushed into mine by another car that was hit hard by a car three cars back. It did very minor damage, essentially a little crease on the lower bumper from the license plate of the offending car. Unfortunately it meant me waiting for the police to investigate and make their report. The minor bump showed on the Car Fax. When I went to trade the car, the dealer wanted to deduct over $1000 for that. I had the sales manager walk out and showed him the minor ding. No deduction, but what a pain.

tjc78

@stickguy said:
carfax would be a lot more useful if those accident or damage notifications linked to pictures, or repair reports that detail what was done.

the only thing like that I ever remember seeing is a link to an inspection report (like what you get done before returning a lease) that gave all the inspection details and stats.

The guys that do the lease turn in inspections are pretty thorough. I was surprised they caught the tiny bit of paint work on my Enclave when I turned it in.

roadburner

stickguy said:

oldfarmer50 said:

roadburner said:

tifighter said:

tifighter said:

I found a car I rather liked recently until I saw this-

I hate the ambiguity around “minor damage.” It might be nothing but the label will follow it for life. Given the front/under/back description, I’d guess someone drove it over a curb.

Actually, what are the general thoughts here on minor reported damage like this? Would it stop you from considering a car? In this case, the carfax later shows it was sold CPO. We all flip through cars and are more sensitive to resale factors than the average person, no doubt. But what if it's a hard to find car? Just curious.

It wouldn't bother me if the repairs were done property. My M6 was rear ended a couple of months before I bought it. The only things damaged were the bumper(scratched) snd the exhaust (kinked/crushed). The entire exhaust from the headers to the chrome exhaust tips were replaced- $5,000 in 1992 dollars. Didn't stop me for a nanosecond.

I think for most people the thought of damage is worse than the actual damage. It’s the not knowing how twisted or busted something was that causes insomnia.

I know if I was selling a car that had an accident under my ownership I’d try to provide plenty of before/after pictures to reassure the buy of how minor the damage was. Just as you’d provide a list of oil change receipts.

carfax would be a lot more useful if those accident or damage notifications linked to pictures, or repair reports that detail what was done.

the only thing like that I ever remember seeing is a link to an inspection report (like what you get done before returning a lease) that gave all the inspection details and stats.

One M2 I found had a Carfax that noted the repair cost was $9,000 Canadian.

nyccarguy

@roadburner said:
One M2 I found had a Carfax that noted the repair cost was $9,000 Canadian.

That’s like fifty bucks

28firefighter

@nyccarguy said:

@roadburner said:
One M2 I found had a Carfax that noted the repair cost was $9,000 Canadian.

That’s like fifty bucks

I wish I could laugh at this twice.

xwesx

roadburner said:

One M2 I found had a Carfax that noted the repair cost was $9,000 Canadian.

Darn scratched paint!

xwesx

nyccarguy said:

That’s like fifty bucks

Your quip is so much better than mine. I feel ashamed now.

stickguy

SDA, that is why if I have to get any kind of touch up work done (minor ding repair or scratch fixed, or bumper clean up) I will make sure the shop won't report that kind of non-accident work. And of course gives a cash discount.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

oldfarmer50 said:

roadburner said:

tifighter said:

tifighter said:

I found a car I rather liked recently until I saw this-

I hate the ambiguity around “minor damage.” It might be nothing but the label will follow it for life. Given the front/under/back description, I’d guess someone drove it over a curb.

Actually, what are the general thoughts here on minor reported damage like this? Would it stop you from considering a car? In this case, the carfax later shows it was sold CPO. We all flip through cars and are more sensitive to resale factors than the average person, no doubt. But what if it's a hard to find car? Just curious.

It wouldn't bother me if the repairs were done property. My M6 was rear ended a couple of months before I bought it. The only things damaged were the bumper(scratched) snd the exhaust (kinked/crushed). The entire exhaust from the headers to the chrome exhaust tips were replaced- $5,000 in 1992 dollars. Didn't stop me for a nanosecond.

I think for most people the thought of damage is worse than the actual damage. It’s the not knowing how twisted or busted something was that causes insomnia.

I know if I was selling a car that had an accident under my ownership I’d try to provide plenty of before/after pictures to reassure the buy of how minor the damage was. Just as you’d provide a list of oil change receipts.

carfax would be a lot more useful if those accident or damage notifications linked to pictures, or repair reports that detail what was done.

the only thing like that I ever remember seeing is a link to an inspection report (like what you get done before returning a lease) that gave all the inspection details and stats.

I think some CarFaxs make reference to police reports of the accident so if someone was really ambitious they could get more detail but that seems like a lot of work unless it’s a high end car.

oldfarmer50

“ There are both coup and contra coup forces.”

That brought back memories of my days working in head injury rehabilitation. Some sad stories there for sure.

sda

stickguy said:

SDA, that is why if I have to get any kind of touch up work done (minor ding repair or scratch fixed, or bumper clean up) I will make sure the shop won't report that kind of non-accident work. And of course gives a cash discount.

It was lesson learned. As multiple cars were involved, all except mine suffered significant damage, prompted an insurance adjuster to look at the damage. I received a small check. I assume the insurance company reported to Car Fax. The damage was so minor I thought it was best to leave as is rather than risk a poor paint match.

oldfarmer50

sda said:

Some years ago my 06 Passat 2.0t was lightly rear needed by a car that was pushed into mine by another car that was hit hard by a car three cars back. It did very minor damage, essentially a little crease on the lower bumper from the license plate of the offending car. Unfortunately it meant me waiting for the police to investigate and make their report. The minor bump showed on the Car Fax. When I went to trade the car, the dealer wanted to deduct over $1000 for that. I had the sales manager walk out and showed him the minor ding. No deduction, but what a pain.

This nearly invisible ding cost $800 to fix. I paid my body guy in cash and he said it would never show up on CarFax.



I was sideswiped by a chair being operated by one of my son’s idiot friends so no police report but I wonder if a UCM could detect something with a paint meter.

corvette

28firefighter said:

I wish I could laugh at this twice.

You could, if you laughed in Canadian currency.

explorerx4

@oldfarmer50,
That would have been an easy paintless dent removal fix, maybe $200.

corvette

oldfarmer50 said:

I was sideswiped by a chair being operated by one of my son’s idiot friends so no police report but I wonder if a UCM could detect something with a paint meter.

Likely. Non-OEM paintwork generally increases the thickness of the coating, which is what a paint meter measures, plus it tends to have a more variable thickness than OEM, even if you can't see any signs of orange peel with your naked eye. But, if the color matches the rest of the car and there aren't any obvious quality issues, not likely to be an issue on trade in.

corvette

Another coworker in my small office wrecked her car in the snow last week. Not sure if totaled. Her rental is a green (possibly BRG) MINI Countryman. I had no idea those were in rental fleets.

Michaell

corvette said:

Another coworker in my small office wrecked her car in the snow last week. Not sure if totaled. Her rental is a green (possibly BRG) MINI Countryman. I had no idea those were in rental fleets.

I think I've seen one or two here in Colorado.

Michaell

Every now and again, an ad for a car pops up on my FB feed.

1994 MB SL500 with 93,000 miles. Been in storage in Aspen for the last few years.

Seller says the car runs and drives, but needs TLC.

One interior picture shows a pretty substantial gash in the drivers seat.

Red over beige.

I pinged @fintail offline to get his .02. Suggested that the TLC could be a lot, and that the wiring harness is suspect. A PPI would be absolutely necessary.

Asking $3650.

corvette

Michaell said:

Every now and again, an ad for a car pops up on my FB feed.

If it's that infrequently, they may come to confiscate your CCBA card. I see car ads multiple times per day.