Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

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  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,528
    Yup... '06 330Ci coupe.. Performance Package.. Imola Red with Black leather.. 40K miles..

    2 months left on the warranty, plus CPO warranty for 2 more years after that...

    Still have 3 months to go on my Subaru lease.. :(

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  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,389
    Congrats!!!
    Way, Way, Kewl!!! :D:D:D

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

  • krwest1krwest1 Member Posts: 79
    Nice. I always liked the Performance Package. 6 speed manual?
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,528
    Of course! :)

    ZHP
    Premium pkg, cold weather pkg, xenons..

    All leather interior including steering wheel, shift boot and e-brake handle (no alcantara). black cube trim (fake carbon fiber, where the wood or aluminum usually is).

    Perfect alloy wheels... not a scratch or rash anywhere.. no door dings or scratches... but, some rock chip action on the hood... might have to do some work there..

    So.. I'm pretty stoked about it... It will be my daily driver for the foreseeable future..

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  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,797
    Congrats!!

    I'll be the obligatory "This thread is worthless without pics" guy. So get on that... :P

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

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,528
    Geez... you and my wife... ;)

    Looks like I'll have to break down and buy a new digital camera.. :(

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  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    congrats, ky!

    The local used car place has a current generation 3-series coupe on the lot ... don't know if it's a 328, 330 or 335, but it's the Monaco Blue, I believe.

    Their web site doesn't list it yet ... darn.

    Anyway, I second (or third) the motion for pictures. Did you get it locally?
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,528
    Up the road about 60 miles... at a BMW dealer. They just took it in trade a week ago..

    I would just link the on-line ad, but it didn't have any pictures.. :(

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  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    Congrats! Sounds like a nice package!

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    We tented the whole time we lived in AK, but there's something psychological about having sheet metal around you in bear country, even though the bears can open the side of an RV like a can opener

    Well you know what bears say about a hard sided TT right? Crunchy on the outside with a soft chewy center! :P

    We tent camped for a long time, even in the brooks range (aka major grizzly country) with no issues. However, the TT did make camping so much easier with my daughter's medical problems. Not using it for 3 years kinda sealed the deal as far as selling it goes. Just not much point in keeping it around, especially now with nothing to pull it with.

    We'll tent camp or rent this summer, I know we can rent a small TT or a popup from services on base fairly cheap. Hmmm, I think I hear my Pilot protesting already!
  • gouldngouldn Member Posts: 220
    Two more bought! Nice cars too! Things are looking up!

    I'm getting more serious also. I test drove Subaru's this weekend, a 2010 Outback 3.6R Limited and a Forester Limited. The Outback was OK, but at $34K I kept thinking of how much more _used_ car I could get. The 2010 Forester was frankly less fun to drive than my 01 ... it's softer and heavier, with less overall pep (even if the numbers don't agree). Both cars also suffer from the same problem as my X3 ... too nice to leave at remote trailhead when hiking or running.

    I'm leaning more towards a ~12-15K used basic SUV to replace the aging Forester, plus maybe a 12K/ year mile lease of a 128 or similar. I haven't driven a 128 yet, and as I drive in nasty traffic, I want an automatic. A 128 with an automatic may be silly, I'll have to try it and see.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,528
    edited May 2010
    imageSee more Car Pictures at CarSpace.com

    Be kind.. this is the 1st time I've tried to upload pictures... :)

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  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    Good job on the upload ... and nice, nice, nice car.

    Does the Impreza even get driven anymore?
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,528
    Ha! All the time... I paid for those miles, and I'm using them! :surprise:

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  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    So, when the Impreza goes back, does the BMW become your daily driver?
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,528
    Yup... If I drive it for 4 years, it will be 8 years old with about 100K miles... It was cheaper than most new cars I was considering. I'll be eating a lot more maintenance and repair costs, but it should be a wash... I'll definitely be having more fun!

    28 years of Asian econoboxes for daily drivers (more or less).. not getting any younger.... lol.

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  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,054
    28 years of Asian econoboxes for daily drivers (more or less).. not getting any younger.... lol.

    What about that BMW you were driving when we met back in 2005, when I bought my '76 LeMans? Or was that the wife's?

    Wow, hard to believe that was FIVE years ago! :surprise:
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,528
    Yeah... '05.. That was my wife's '03 325i.. Steel Blue.. I was already on my 2nd CR-V by then...

    That has been a long time.... I think that was a few months before I got the demotion to Host... :P

    Also, I think I still owe you a milkshake... :blush:

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  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    Very nice car! Enjoy it!

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,352
    What a beaut! Love the color.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,389
    Beautiful car! Now, let's see it turn up at a Bluegrass or Buckeye Chapter drivers school...

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

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,528
    Geez... do you know what a new set of tires runs for this thing? :surprise:

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  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    Yup... If I drive it for 4 years, it will be 8 years old with about 100K miles... It was cheaper than most new cars I was considering. I'll be eating a lot more maintenance and repair costs, but it should be a wash... I'll definitely be having more fun!

    28 years of Asian econoboxes for daily drivers (more or less).. not getting any younger.... lol.


    I hear ya on that ... I know that the next car I buy will be a convertible. Don't know anything else beyond that. I'll keep the ION as my daily driver / winter car, and the convertible will be driven only on special occasions and nice days.

    I'd like a CPO 1 or 3 series convertible, or maybe a Mustang GT, but I've been poking around the web at all manufacturers, just to see what's available at the $15-25K price point.

    But, this is all a few years away. Perhaps when I turn 50 in 2013 .... yeah, that'd be a good birthday present.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,762
    Sure do!
    You can get a good set of summer rubber for less than $600. Not bad.

    :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

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,528
    Hmm... most of the tires that fit those wheels run about $1000 from tirerack..

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  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    Check discounttire.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,762
    That's where I went. Did you sort by price?
    General Exclaim UHP for $522
    Sumitomo HTRZ II for $540

    and more.

    I've had both the Generals and Sumitomos. They wear very well and are darned grippy for their pricepoint.

    If you are a label whore, there is a set of Dunlops for $572. ;)

    '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

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,528
    edited May 2010
    Label whore? hmmm... I could be...

    I am picky about tires... This won't be a garage queen (though, it will be garaged).. I drive 21 miles each way to work.. Every time that I've bought cheap tires, I've regretted it..

    EDIT: They do have a set of Goodyear Eagle F1s for about $840 including shipping, that gets you an $80 rebate... $760 total isn't too bad... better than $1000.. Hopefully, these will get me through this summer/fall season and next...

    First, I've got to find a couple of matching factory wheels to the two I already have.... so, I can mount winter tires... (17" X 7.5" 68M, in case anyone has a couple in their basement.. lol)

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  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    I've had both the Generals and Sumitomos. They wear very well and are darned grippy for their pricepoint.

    I've had the Sumitomos on my 330i & can vouch for them. Grippy on both wet & dry road surfaces.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,762
    edited May 2010
    I am also picky. But I also don't believe in overpaying for a label, especially since the established brand tires have disappointed me so often. I autoX my cars (also took the Sumitomos to a full-size track for a day on my G35X), so If the off-brands put up with my punishment, you can have faith they will suit your daily commuting.
    :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

  • oregonboyoregonboy Member Posts: 1,650
    just to see what's available at the $15-25K price point

    Am I the only one here that thinks that is an, ummm, odd thing to say? :blush:
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    Am I the only one here that thinks that is an, ummm, odd thing to say?

    OK, after reading your observation of my statement, I see your point.

    A point is a single place along a line.

    Perhaps I should have said $15-25K price range?

    Happy Friday, everyone ... hope y'all have a good weekend.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Gee and I have been pretty quiet recently. He did get rid of the 98 Prelude because it would not stop leaking oil. He replaced it with a 2003 Toyota RAV4 Limited with 100k for a daily driver. It's a nice ride. Silver, roof, alloys and was only 6500.

    I love, love, love my Camry. It is moving up the list of favorite cars of all-time pretty quick. It's not the sportiest ride ever, obviously, but it does it's job well. The suspension is firm without being too firm, it's quiet, stereo and seats are great, and it's getting almost 30 MPG in mixed driving. The paint seems to be holding up well compared to Hondas I have owned.

    The IS250 just passed it's 1 year anniversary and only has about 8,500 miles on it with 2,000 of those put on it taking trips. We bought the lease out because the credit union had a 3.74 refi rate that was hard to pass up. The payments only went up $30 compared to the lease and we will get it paid off quicker and cheaper than if we had paid off the lease and bought it for the residual.

    Michaell: I know your daughter is excited about the Mini. I recall years ago when she wanted a Mini and ended up with the Saturn instead.

    Stickguy: You are a chronic car shopper.

    kydfx: Congrats on the BMW. Should Gee decide to part with his RAV4, I am going to push for a BMW as a replacement. Wish me luck!

    I have learned I like the hunt of buying a car. I am trying to appease that side of me by helping friends sell their cars and looking for new daily drivers that are great deals.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    We're doing fine with my wife's Camry. Not exactly my cup of tea for every day but it's great for the family - particularly on long trips.

    Meanwhile, I gave a Mazda dealer a great shot at having me come in and buy a new Mazda 3 but over a series of several E-mails they got less rather than more specific and in the end it wasn't worth my time to go there and talk. Had they given me a price on the specific car I'd asked about they'd have had me. They should never have given me the weekend to reflect because now I'll probably either go used or just live with the Celica with the top that can't go down. There's nothing mechanically wrong with it and it's lost about as much value as it ever will.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,536
    don't worry fez, in a couple of days I will have you all revved up again, after I lay the groundwork. Give me your GG number, and I will see if I can get them below it on "your" car.

    and anony, thanks for the compliment. I think.

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

  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Our Camry is the SE model which has an almost VW feel. The suspension is very well sorted. The RAV4 has developed a seat creak. Its driving gee crazy so it may be on borrowed time. Would love to get a BMW or Mini to drive. At least until the first major repair sends us back to Toyota/Honda.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,536
    Wouldn't it be simpler to just tighten up or lube whatever needs it to eliminate the seat creak?

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    GG number? My head's not working. What was that?

    Our Camry is an XLE and Buick-like. I really should check out an SE as one of the possibilities of what to do. The next door neighbor has one.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,536
    graphicguy. His approach seems to be come up with the number you would buy at, and if they do it without slimy games, then you got a deal.

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

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,075
    I really should check out an SE

    My Mother has an 09 SE. It definately rides firmer than a normal LE/XLE Camry. It still is quiet and not overly harsh. Any handling gain is probably minimal, but it has a little more road feel. I am not sure if that is because of the larger 17" wheels and tires or if the steering gear is different.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Ah! Essentially the old bobst method!

    Call it $15K plus the Celica.

    Must head to the doctor's at the moment.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,536
    negotiating a car for a buyer I have never met in person, trying to trade in a car I have never seen!

    Can't wait to get going.

    although I think that Celica has to be a private sale job, so Iguesstimate $500 on the trade. So if I can get a new 3 hatch down to 15.5K, I am better than I thought!

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Now THAT would be amazing.

    I think despite its problem the Celica is worth a couple of grand. TMV trade-in with average condition is a bit over $2K. $3K private party sale.

    Go for it!

    Of course I'm looking at cheaper alternatives as well - including keeping the Celica.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Yeah, but that is no fun!

    Something weird happened to the RAV while Gee and I were out today. We had a random, heavy rainstorm and I drove through a puddle. The check engine light came on. AutoZone reset it, so we will wait and see if it comes back. I have driven through bigger puddles in lower cars so I'm not sure if that was the issue or if it was just a freak occurrence.
  • grandtotalgrandtotal Member Posts: 1,207
    What code was set? Or did they just reset it?
  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,797
    Ah! Essentially the old bobst method!

    Yeah, GG uses essentially the same thing. He does his research, and hits them with the one-time all or nothing offer.

    BTW, did anyone finally figure out what happened to Bobst? :confuse:

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Hey, stick! Some guy over in the prices paid says he got a 3 for $1,700 under invoice! If you can get that I'm there! He was in NJ to boot.

    He probably got $2,799 less than book on his trade.....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,352
    RAV4? Did you sneak a purchase in there without telling us?
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