Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

henryn

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

sda said:

stickguy said:

pretty sure the ford points can be used for service too.

My dealer must offer complimentary service (the first one). At least that is what the Email from the SA I got said. Though since I am only at 147 miles and it will be 4 weeks old this Friday, might not be an issue real soon.

No excuses…get out and drive, enjoy!

I need someplace to go!

actually was going to NY Saturday. But looks like the n'oreaster will be hanging around so that won't happen. Thought about going Friday instead but not sure I would make it back before the snow/ice moved in. which would be nasty.

might be going Monday instead!

Come on, there’s no place like NY in a blizzard to test your winter driving skills. Every year tons of people have fun seeing how far their car will slide on it’s roof as they view the woods from a new perspective.

Give it a go.

If you want to see some REAL fun, come south and watch what happens when people who have never seen frozen roads encounter them for the first time. It happens very rarely here in Houston, but when it does I just stay home.

stickguy

I have used Mavis around here, and they have done a very good job. I think only 1 brake job though. A few minor undercar items, and tires.

but dealers now offer cheap basic brake jobs to get you into the door. plenty of options, and won't cost much.

oldfarmer50

henryn said:

Greetings and salutations to all! I have been staying away from CCBA, waiting for the insanity to end. Most people I know are not paying any attention to car prices, so I haven’t been hearing much. I do read the news regularly, and they talk about supply chain problems, and I do purchase computer parts and build computer systems, so I’m aware the chip shortage is still a thing. This week I received another of those “private offers” from Ford, offering me $2,500 towards the purchase of a new F150.

This inspired me to get online and look around. Truecar says the average price paid for a new Supercrew F150 XLT is more than $800 over MSRP. Needless to say, that does not inspire me to buy a new truck. The old 2013 work truck that I bought last May is doing just fine. And Carvana says it’s increased in value by more than a thousand dollars since I bought it. Insanity! Who would have ever thunk that a car/truck would be an appreciating asset, like a house?

I just read through the last 10 pages of this forum, and I see many of you are buying cars despite the insanity. I also see speculation (both ways) on whether the situation will ever go back to where it was previously, large supplies of cars on the dealer lots and big discounts on many models. On that front, I did see an article recently, don’t remember where, about the car manufacturers wanting to move Americans in the direction of European car buyers who typically order their new cars instead of buying off the lot. If they could pull that off, it would deemphasize the role of the new car dealers, which is something the manufacturers have wanted to do for many years. Thoughts?

Personally I’d rather order a car to get just what I want as long as the price was the same as taking one off the lot.

explorerx4

I interpret the Carfax comment to mean Carfax indicates x,y, and z, but there was more.

graphicguy

ab348 said:

Listen to Carlos Ghosn; don't buy a Nissan (or a Mitsu):

https://www.thedrive.com/news/42611/carlos-ghosn-calls-nissan-thugs-says-theyll-pay-a-high-price-for-his-downfall

Really interesting interview.

Very interesting, article. Thanks.

This story has a “feature film” written all over it. Clooney would play Ghosn!

british_rover

@qbrozen said:
'99 had the troublesome ETM. '98 is the good one to have. Basically identical to your 850. A condensor failure does suck, as it involves removing the dash, so do check if the AC works. It is never "just needs a charge." lol. The other really common and guaranteed failure is the ABS module, which you have to send out to get rebuilt. It is cheap but a hassle nonetheless as the car can't be driven without it. Well, OK, it CAN be driven, but the headlights won't work, oddly enough, and of course no ABS nor traction control.

Spider was FOREVER ago. haha. Man... I've been through many project cars since then.

Oops you are right 98 was the cross over year for the S70.

So many ABS modules replaced on those. The ABS ony 850 actually works but the traction control does not. Only other thing that doesn't work is the drivers heated seat. I just haven't bothered to fix it.

corvette

I could probably just read the fine manual, but random question for the Maverick owner(s) or anyone familiar with Ford’s recent products: does the PRNDL dial have automatic park like some of the German makes? If it’s in D and stopped and you turn the ignition off, does it automatically switch to park, or do the electronics get mad?

stickguy

Yes it automatically switches to park when I push the stop button. Lariat has push button start and fobless doors. XLT and XL you need to use key fob or key to open door, and physical key to start but I assume still automatically puts the car into park.

explorerx4

If you are stopped and in Reverse or Drive and open the door, it will also go into park.
Possibly some other situations, too.

sda

I found it interesting when I bought the VW CPO '18 Passat that the VW dealer added verbiage in their disclaimer that even though a CarFax was provided, that does not guarantee that it is accurate and the dealer would not be held responsible if it wasn't. Thankfully, no issues with the car.

jmonroe1

@roadburner said:
I drove the Clubman to work today and when I switched it off I got the low battery warning. Last winter I had to charge it when I left it in the unheated garage for a week without driving it, so I decided not to tempt fate. Installation was uneventful and it only took a couple of minutes to let the IBS know a new battery was installed. The prior battery had lasted four years so the new battery should last comfortably past my January 2025 retirement date.

Gee, installing a new battery isn’t exactly the kind of retirement gift I’d want to look forward to a couple years after I retired.

When I retired I bought myself a new car. You otta set a higher bar for yourself.

jmonroe

corvette

Paid the $100 deposit on the Maverick. Dealer says the $750 private offer can’t be applied until the time of purchase. Hoping it still works then, the fine print seems to indicate I’m good so long as the order is placed before sometime in April.

28firefighter

Always wanted one of these, but seems like something waiting to break my heart...

https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/d/gig-harbor-2004-vwgti/7438227312.html

corvette

That one looks clean for its age. The VR6 of that generation is going to be more refined and have smoother power delivery compared to the 1.8T. Otherwise, it looks good, if you can deal with Y2K-era VW reliability.

au1994

28firefighter said:

Always wanted one of these, but seems like something waiting to break my heart...

https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/d/gig-harbor-2004-vwgti/7438227312.html

Oh c’mon. It can’t hurt too bad for 3 or 4 months while the new Jeep comes in.

stickguy

I’d buy that GTI for a toy.

sda

I had a 95 Jetta GLX and a 00 Jetta GLX, both 5sp with the VR-6. It's a sweet engine, smooth, powerful with a wonderful growl when spurred. They can be problematic with MAF, other sensors, headgaskets as they age. I had no issues with mine. A pic of my 95 GLX.

corvette

qbrozen

28firefighter said:

Always wanted one of these, but seems like something waiting to break my heart...

https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/d/gig-harbor-2004-vwgti/7438227312.html

I think the 1.8T isn't all that bad. IIRC, religious oil changes was a must to avoid sludging. I would pick one up for my son as his first car if I could find a decent one. Would much prefer the cloth seats, of course.

stickguy

Seats should be an easy swap. If you can find a decent set of course! Simple car to work on at least.

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

Always wanted one of these, but seems like something waiting to break my heart...

https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/d/gig-harbor-2004-vwgti/7438227312.html

This seems really cheap, even for an '04. Especially with just 101K miles

28firefighter

I sent a note - I'm worried there is something missing because it looks surprisingly clean.

roadburner

@jmonroe1 said:

@roadburner said:
I drove the Clubman to work today and when I switched it off I got the low battery warning. Last winter I had to charge it when I left it in the unheated garage for a week without driving it, so I decided not to tempt fate. Installation was uneventful and it only took a couple of minutes to let the IBS know a new battery was installed. The prior battery had lasted four years so the new battery should last comfortably past my January 2025 retirement date.

Gee, installing a new battery isn’t exactly the kind of retirement gift I’d want to look forward to a couple years after I retired.

When I retired I bought myself a new car. You otta set a higher bar for yourself.

jmonroe

I’m selling it after I retire. I bought a decent battery so that I won’t have to R&R it again- although it was a pretty simple procedure.

breld

28firefighter said:

I sent a note - I'm worried there is something missing because it looks surprisingly clean.

I'm guessing a 12 year old VW with 100k miles is not getting the same crazy offer from dealers as other certain brands and/or newer vehicles. So maybe this owner knows he can get a check for $3-4k from his local dealer, and figures he can profit another $1-2k easy from a private sale.

Or...it could be trash. Or a hoax. Or bait. Make sure to let us all know when you leave to go look at it and check in when you get back so we know you're safe.

I think it's amusing that he used his finger to cover up the license plate in pic #2 but then left it totally exposed in pic #3.

au1994

At least the GTI is “supper” clean.

I hate a dirty dinner.

28firefighter

You guys slay me.

xwesx

au1994 said:

At least the GTI is “supper” clean.

I hate a dirty dinner.

As clean as Salt and Pepper can get 'em!

qbrozen

breld said:

28firefighter said:

I sent a note - I'm worried there is something missing because it looks surprisingly clean.

I'm guessing a 12 year old VW with 100k miles is not getting the same crazy offer from dealers as other certain brands and/or newer vehicles. So maybe this owner knows he can get a check for $3-4k from his local dealer, and figures he can profit another $1-2k easy from a private sale.

Or...it could be trash. Or a hoax. Or bait. Make sure to let us all know when you leave to go look at it and check in when you get back so we know you're safe.

I think it's amusing that he used his finger to cover up the license plate in pic #2 but then left it totally exposed in pic #3.

Correction: 18 years old. Hence why even $5500 seems a little steep to me. Dealer MAY offer $2k, maybe $2500 given the silly market. I'd offer $4500 and possibly creep up to $5k if it truly is super clean and needs nothing.

28firefighter

qbrozen said:

breld said:

28firefighter said:

I sent a note - I'm worried there is something missing because it looks surprisingly clean.

I'm guessing a 12 year old VW with 100k miles is not getting the same crazy offer from dealers as other certain brands and/or newer vehicles. So maybe this owner knows he can get a check for $3-4k from his local dealer, and figures he can profit another $1-2k easy from a private sale.

Or...it could be trash. Or a hoax. Or bait. Make sure to let us all know when you leave to go look at it and check in when you get back so we know you're safe.

I think it's amusing that he used his finger to cover up the license plate in pic #2 but then left it totally exposed in pic #3.

Correction: 18 years old. Hence why even $5500 seems a little steep to me. Dealer MAY offer $2k, maybe $2500 given the silly market. I'd offer $4500 and possibly creep up to $5k if it truly is super clean and needs nothing.

I was thinking $4000...assuming big things like timing belt, tires, etc have been addressed and clutch isn't a disaster.

stickguy

$5,000 is the new $2,500. Something around that.

Seems like the days of a clean, solid cheap old car are over, with cheap creeping up!

venture

breld said:

28firefighter said:

I sent a note - I'm worried there is something missing because it looks surprisingly clean.

I'm guessing a 12 year old VW with 100k miles is not getting the same crazy offer from dealers as other certain brands and/or newer vehicles. So maybe this owner knows he can get a check for $3-4k from his local dealer, and figures he can profit another $1-2k easy from a private sale.

Or...it could be trash. Or a hoax. Or bait. Make sure to let us all know when you leave to go look at it and check in when you get back so we know you're safe.

I think it's amusing that he used his finger to cover up the license plate in pic #2 but then left it totally exposed in pic #3.

I thought he was pointing to the 2022 registration.

28firefighter

Sold already - holy crap.

stickguy

You might need to take a vacation day to go hunting!

au1994

28firefighter said:

Sold already - holy crap.

Wow. I guess you have to be sitting on ready with an envelope of cash these days.

28firefighter

Guess I'll need to find that shoebox under the mattress.

breld

28firefighter said:

Sold already - holy crap.

Unbelievable.

Sandman6472

Yep, we say the same thing in our van, we get paid to come in, drive nice vehicles on their dime & have a great time! It's like my ultimate dream come true really. The four of us get along so well, maybe too well at times, and we're always laughing. Being a music lover, I bring along my flash drive which has almost 900 tunes that I enjoy or can use Apple CarPlay with my iPhone. The day goes pretty quickly and I even like it so much, usually try to work an extra day on the weekend since my wife works weekends during tax season.
A great job for a retiree who needs something to do. It really is like play money as luckily, most of us have either social security or a pension to live our lives. This is just the little extra to play with which is o k with me. Honestly, I'm not ready to just stay home & do nothing so working three days a week is just perfect as I do have to deal with my chronic pain which at times can just be awful. Have missed a few days because of it but our boss is a really cool guy & gets it...never gives me a hassle.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

Yes it automatically switches to park when I push the stop button. Lariat has push button start and fobless doors. XLT and XL you need to use key fob or key to open door, and physical key to start but I assume still automatically puts the car into park.

Yikes, so many nannies. I assume you guys are in favor of the federal DOT proposals to, among other things, limit the speed of future cars.

explorerx4

Better than getting run over by your car while checking the mail, like what happened to some actor a few years ago.

oldfarmer50

28firefighter said:

Sold already - holy crap.

Next time skip the kid’s birthday party. There’s one every year but good car deals are once in a lifetime.

oldfarmer50

explorerx4 said:

Better than getting run over by your car while checking the mail, like what happened to some actor a few years ago.

Wasn’t that a design defect?

stickguy

I think they just left the car in gear. There have been some cases of shifters slipping out of park I think too, but not as common as dumb drivers.

stickguy

Here's something for Sandy's wish list!

https://automobiles.honda.com/future-cars/2023-hr-v

andres3

oldfarmer50 said:

explorerx4 said:

Better than getting run over by your car while checking the mail, like what happened to some actor a few years ago.

Wasn’t that a design defect?

I don't know, but it proves it doesn't take much speed to kill, doesn't it!

explorerx4

It supposedly indicated Park, but it wasn't.

stickguy

rescheduled my trip to NY to help my father buy out his lease. With iffy weather tomorrow, decided to go Monday. Should be less of a rush. So much cheaper than buying an identical car off the lot too!

I am supposed to get my license plates UPS tomorrow (dealer said they were getting today and would overnight them out). Temp tag expires Saturday so that would be convenient. Would be even nicer if they show up early enough that I can run out to the inspection station to get that sticker too so I am not running NJ tags with a PA inspection sticker.

explorerx4

@28firefighter,
Maybe you can register as an internet bidder and pick up a bargain at Barrett-Jackson this weekend.

stickguy

Maverick hitting the big time.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/30AebXX1/2022-ford-maverick-xlt-awd

nyccarguy

@stickguy said:
Maverick hitting the big time.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/30AebXX1/2022-ford-maverick-xlt-awd

Almost at MSRP and still 4 days to go!

Sandman6472

My co-worker who's a real car guy already sent me that link the other day. Funny but I was looking on Auto Trader and found a really clean 2019 HR-V EX for a decent price, has just under 5500 miles on it with a clean Carfax. Decent silver color but have never tried one of them for some reason. I should go over and give it a spin just to see how they drive. But not getting my hopes up to be honest. Just curious to see how they drive, hoping they have decent low end grunt.
My closest Toyota store, where I used to work, still has a good number of the new Corolla Cross but not many XLE models and none with the JBL audio option. My co-worker suggested I just try to go order one and see what happens. Not a bad idea really but before I do, need to bring one home and do the "garage test" to see if it'll even be an option. At just under 175", think it'll fit with a smallish bit of room. Have driven a few new Corolla's at work lately and the engine pulls pretty decently and don't miss not having the turbo engine.
Had an awful experience at the Goodyear dealer the other morning, just needed a rotation. The tire icon came on right about 5 minutes up the road and turns out they never calibrated the system. They over inflated the tires to boot so had to stop on the turnpike to rectify the situation. Easy to calibrate once the right amount of air is in each tire by going through the audio system. About to hit 70K within the next few weeks and all is fine except the strut that holds the hood up is toast. Also, the brake pedal is a bit low but no squealing as of yet, the brake fluid was changed a few months ago.