Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

corvette

kyfdx said:

Carmax: They need to see it: $25,500-$33,500. I think that's because listed as smoked in.

$8,000 will more than pay for a really nice detail and your own ozone generator to (hopefully) kill any remaining odors.

stickguy

day one of showings done. Ended up with 9 scheduled. Another 8 already booked for tomorrow but entirely possible some more come in. 2 more Monday and a stray Wednesday mid-afternoon (hopefully that one will just need to be cancelled!)

initial feedback positive!

now just need the actual offers to show up. chop chop people!

Michaell

stickguy said:

day one of showings done. Ended up with 9 scheduled. Another 8 already booked for tomorrow but entirely possible some more come in. 2 more Monday and a stray Wednesday mid-afternoon (hopefully that one will just need to be cancelled!)

initial feedback positive!

now just need the actual offers to show up. chop chop people!

When we sold our last house, we didn't schedule showings, we just had two days of open houses - one on Saturday, one on Sunday.

Had a full-price offer in hand by close of business Tuesday.

Good luck!

stickguy

our agent is not a big fan of open houses. She admits that is more for the agent to meet the neighbors (since few real buyers show up at the open house). And she has done so much in our area she already knows most of out neighbors! Probably did not want to have to spend 2 days here either!

they just use a portal website now. Pretty slick. our agent sees all the details (who the agent is, stuff like that) and the requests come to my phone to either accept or reject. so I know when somebody is supposed to be coming.

we took a drive to see my father and get good pizza and stopped at a brewery down by us on the way home. filled up the day since we had to be out by 8 and not back until 4:30. Tomorrow at least first showing is not until 9:30.

breld

Checked out the new Integra earlier today. I’d say it does look better in person than in photos. The white exterior sharpened it up, IMO.

This demo was pretty loaded with accessories including wheels, a spoiler, carbon fiber mirror caps, side sills, etc. The manager didn’t even know for sure, but guessed it was about $3,500 of add-ons.

This was the highest trim Aspec with tech (and manual). Sticker was like $37k, so let’s say right around $40k with the accessories.

Sounds like for new ones coming in they’re making money off a “standard” tint, clear bra and wheel lock package for $1k. So I don’t know, $1k over MSRP but they’re giving you something for it…not the worst deal.

Sharp car, but I’d hold out for the Type S. Or a Z.

Michaell

breld said:

Checked out the new Integra earlier today. I’d say it does look better in person than in photos. The white exterior sharpened it up, IMO.

This demo was pretty loaded with accessories including wheels, a spoiler, carbon fiber mirror caps, side sills, etc. The manager didn’t even know for sure, but guessed it was about $3,500 of add-ons.

This was the highest trim Aspec with tech (and manual). Sticker was like $37k, so let’s say right around $40k with the accessories.

Sounds like for new ones coming in they’re making money off a “standard” tint, clear bra and wheel lock package for $1k. So I don’t know, $1k over MSRP but they’re giving you something for it…not the worst deal.

Sharp car, but I’d hold out for the Type S. Or a Z.

Courtesy didn't have any?

corvette

Spotted at the business next door to my hotel.

mjfloyd1

@breld said:
Checked out the new Integra earlier today. I’d say it does look better in person than in photos. The white exterior sharpened it up, IMO.

This demo was pretty loaded with accessories including wheels, a spoiler, carbon fiber mirror caps, side sills, etc. The manager didn’t even know for sure, but guessed it was about $3,500 of add-ons.

This was the highest trim Aspec with tech (and manual). Sticker was like $37k, so let’s say right around $40k with the accessories.

Sounds like for new ones coming in they’re making money off a “standard” tint, clear bra and wheel lock package for $1k. So I don’t know, $1k over MSRP but they’re giving you something for it…not the worst deal.

Sharp car, but I’d hold out for the Type S. Or a Z.

Excellent self restraint…🤣😂

benjaminh

breld said:

....Sticker was like $37k, so let’s say right around $40k with the accessories....

Almost four years ago I got $8k+ off of list for my TLX, driving down the price from an msrp almost 38k to 29 and change + fees and taxes. The incentive from Acura on my car was $6250. Obviously a very different era.

In spite of high gas prices, I'm now planning on taking a big car trip with my 84-year old Mom. In about ten days she's going to fly out to Louisville, and then with stops along the way with friends and relatives, we are we are going to drive to Fort Collins, where one of my sisters lives. My Mom will then fly back from Denver, and I'll continue on seeing friends and relatives in Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, etc. Total round trip for me will be about 4500 miles, which (knock on wood) will take my TLX beyond 60,000 miles. My spouse needs to stay home because of work. My Mom and I will have audiobooks, SiriusXM, and some nice sights along the way, which I think should keep us amused. I plan to do all the driving. I still really like my almost new Michelin tires, which enhance driving safety in pretty much all conditions.

stickguy

nice car. I do kinda miss mine. though if I had kept it (definitely would have bought the lease at the end last December) would not have the quite handy truck. But it was a very nice car. and last of a breed.

xwesx

henryn said:

I would agree with that. My house is now worth so much I'm tempted to sell, except where would I live then?

Move to Portland, Oregon. No housing necessary.

corvette

xwesx said:

henryn said:

I would agree with that. My house is now worth so much I'm tempted to sell, except where would I live then?

Move to Portland, Oregon. No housing necessary.

Or Provo, Utah.

Michaell

benjaminh said:

breld said:

....Sticker was like $37k, so let’s say right around $40k with the accessories....

Almost four years ago I got $8k+ off of list for my TLX, driving down the price from an msrp almost 38k to 29 and change + fees and taxes. The incentive from Acura on my car was $6250. Obviously a very different era.

In spite of high gas prices, I'm now planning on taking a big car trip with my 84-year old Mom. In about ten days she's going to fly out to Louisville, and then with stops along the way with friends and relatives, we are we are going to drive to Fort Collins, where one of my sisters lives. My Mom will then fly back from Denver, and I'll continue on seeing friends and relatives in Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, etc. Total round trip for me will be about 4500 miles, which (knock on wood) will take my TLX beyond 60,000 miles. My spouse needs to stay home because of work. My Mom and I will have audiobooks, SiriusXM, and some nice sights along the way, which I think should keep us amused. I plan to do all the driving. I still really like my almost new Michelin tires, which enhance driving safety in pretty much all conditions.

Any chance for a meet up?

benjaminh

Thanks! But we're going around Denver rather than through it, and our schedule is tight that day. It may well be that this trip is a one-time thing, and I'll be saying to myself "what was I thinking?" But if it works out there's a chance I'll do it again in maybe a year or so, and if so maybe we can get coffee or something in Denver. I still haven't seen the big museum there, which is on my bucket list.

Any experienced road-trippers have suggestions for things to put in the car for an epic trip? It worried stickguy, but my TLX doesn't have a spare tire, and so I won't be bringing that. But I'll have on board the fix-a-flat kit that Acura provides as well as my AAA card.

Speaking of which, I stopped by my local AAA office yesterday to pick up a North American Road Atlas, which was a bargain at the $7 member price (the Rand McNally equivalent is $34 from amazon). For filling out a little card asking for a car insurance quote AAA also threw in a free picnic blanket that's waterproof on one side. The Atlas might seem silly in these days of CarPlay/AndroidAuto, but actually I've found out that when driving outside of cell tower range AndroidAuto sometimes becomes useless. The built-in navi in my TLX still works in those situations, because it works from satellites, but the interface is cumbersome. And so some old fashioned maps as a back-up seemed like a good idea. I'll put it in the pocket behind the driver's seat.

I'm also going to put some extra bottles of water and granola bars in that hidden storage area in the trunk, where the spare tire is on most cars, along with the picnic blanket.

tommister2

I’d say make sure you have warmth (blankets) and water, just in case you are stranded somewhere cold for an extended period of time. Probably a flashlight too. Others here will have insightful suggestions. Sounds like a great road trip!

stickguy

Portable power (jump) pack. Small garbage bags (we have a roll of bags on board doggie poop bags. Unused of course). Glass cleaner and paper towels.

sda

Boy, $29k seems like a dream price today. What can you buy for $29k, a market price adjusted Jetta S, Civic LX, if you can find one? Not anything near as nice as the TLX. Your trip sounds great. Check your tire pressure (easy on the TLX), fluid levels, a quick look over before you leave to catch any obvious issues.

benjaminh

I recently got an oil change service + alignment + tire rotation. My tire pressure is at c. 34 psi all around (appreciate the individual tire sensors). My oil change level is at 80%, which I think should be good for a 4500 mile trip, although in the unlikely event my percentage goes below 15% or so I'll just look for a local Acura or Honda dealer for another oil change. Good catch on the glass cleaner, paper towels and trashbag stickguy, and yeah I should put in a flashlight too tommister. Appreciated.

xwesx

When it comes to road trips, I probably do it a lot different than a "normal" person. So, that disclosure being given, here are a few of the things that I will always, or try to always, have with me:

1. Body pillow. Seems silly to be top on the list, perhaps, but I find that regardless of when or where I must sleep while tripping, this handy jewel keeps me feeling at my best. Even one night without it can lead to days or even weeks of pain (back, primarily), and that's certainly no fun.
2. Oil, washer fluid, coolant, head lights, and a tire plug kit (these are so incredibly handy!)Yes, all of these things can be picked up along the way if/when needed, but you might be surprised at just how often they aren't readily available, and you're almost never likely to find "the right stuff" out on the road. Also, a heavy duty garbage bag and a sturdy rag (or old T-shirt). Why the bag? For the times when you might have to get down on the ground to fish something out from under the car, fix something, etc.
3. Basic emergency supplies: Flares, heat blankets, hand warmers, water, small first aid kit, jumper cables, towing supplies.
4. Small cooler or similar with meals/snacks to minimize the need for impromptu stops or restaurants.
5. Hand sanitizer, along with soap, nitrile gloves, wipes, small wastebasket liners, etc., for, uh, well, the less "civilized" places in the world.
6. A day bag with a change of clothes and toiletries in it so that I don't need to access luggage any more than necessary. I can refresh the clothes in the day bag when and where it is convenient or when I need to take a break.

tifighter

Yesterday’s cars and coffee-

kyfdx

The slate blue 911 targa is identical to the '84 that I had, except mine had a tail.

28firefighter

Just modified our MYLR order to an MYP with tow hitch. Moved our estimated date of delivery up to July which should hopefully mean we can take advantage of the high value on the 3.

tifighter

kyfdx said:

The slate blue 911 targa is identical to the '84 that I had, except mine had a tail.

That one does as well.

mjfloyd1

@28firefighter said:
Just modified our MYLR order to an MYP with tow hitch. Moved our estimated date of delivery up to July which should hopefully mean we can take advantage of the high value on the 3.

Anything on the 4xe?

kyfdx

tifighter said:

kyfdx said:

The slate blue 911 targa is identical to the '84 that I had, except mine had a tail.

That one does as well.

Ah, yeah.. I see it now.

28firefighter

@mjfloyd1 said:

@28firefighter said:
Just modified our MYLR order to an MYP with tow hitch. Moved our estimated date of delivery up to July which should hopefully mean we can take advantage of the high value on the 3.

Anything on the 4xe?

Scheduled for build. That’s it.

Michaell

I know this is the Delta 88 of BMW's, but I'm curious if this is a good deal, assuming the cooling system has been attended to:

525i

stickguy

page won't open for me.

Michaell

stickguy said:

page won't open for me.

It did for me ... hmmm.

roadburner

stickguy said:

page won't open for me.

Same here. Is it an E39? Those are considered to be the best iteration of the 5 Series. Not a lot of issues save the cooling system. I'd want a PPI and service records.

28firefighter

Depending on mileage and where it lived you may be looking at end links, bushings, etc for the suspension, too.

xwesx

tifighter said:

Yesterday’s cars and coffee-

Did you take the Montero?

qbrozen

@roadburner said:
Same here. Is it an E39? Those are considered to be the best iteration of the 5 Series. Not a lot of issues save the cooling system. I'd want a PPI and service records.

Won’t open for me, either, but he wrote 525, so I’d assume it can’t be an e39. (Unless grey market car)

kyfdx

qbrozen said:

@roadburner said:

Same here. Is it an E39? Those are considered to be the best iteration of the 5 Series. Not a lot of issues save the cooling system. I'd want a PPI and service records.

Won’t open for me, either, but he wrote 525, so I’d assume it can’t be an e39. (Unless grey market car)

'01-'03 E39s were 525i. Wagons or sedans

Michaell

Argh - sorry nobody can get to the ad.

2007 525i with 158K, dark blue over tan. Supposedly only 2 owners.

qbrozen

kyfdx said:

'01-'03 E39s were 525i. Wagons or sedans

Huh. Odd.

Did the 525 have the VANOS seal issues like the 530?

28firefighter

@qbrozen said:
Huh. Odd.

Did the 525 have the VANOS seal issues like the 530?

07 should have the N52 and not the M54, so no vanos seals.

28firefighter

I got an EDD of June 19 to July 3 for the MY.

kyfdx

qbrozen said:

kyfdx said:

'01-'03 E39s were 525i. Wagons or sedans

Huh. Odd.

Did the 525 have the VANOS seal issues like the 530?

They both had an M54 engine. Just different displacement. So, I'd guess the same issues.

28firefighter

kyfdx said:

qbrozen said:

kyfdx said:

'01-'03 E39s were 525i. Wagons or sedans

Huh. Odd.

Did the 525 have the VANOS seal issues like the 530?

They both had an M54 engine. Just different displacement. So, I'd guess the same issues.

For some reason I thought the 07 525 had a detuned N52 - was that only the 530?

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

kyfdx said:

qbrozen said:

kyfdx said:

'01-'03 E39s were 525i. Wagons or sedans

Huh. Odd.

Did the 525 have the VANOS seal issues like the 530?

They both had an M54 engine. Just different displacement. So, I'd guess the same issues.

For some reason I thought the 07 525 had a detuned N52 - was that only the 530?

We are talking about two different questions. Our conversation is about the E39

stickguy

Great colors but that body style never looked right to me. Miles scare me. And I’m sure it’s a slush box.

Michaell

stickguy said:

Great colors but that body style never looked right to me. Miles scare me. And I’m sure it’s a slush box.

It is an automatic, yes.

I'd be wary if the maintenance hasn't been done.

stickguy

Yup. Could be reliable if everything done and the preventative stuff. But unlikely so you could easily get a deferred maintenance nightmare.

nyccarguy

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

Great colors but that body style never looked right to me. Miles scare me. And I’m sure it’s a slush box.

It is an automatic, yes.

I'd be wary if the maintenance hasn't been done.

'07 I think had the same "lifetime fill" transmission fluid as our '07 X3.

tjc78

Broker on LH has a 45K Frontier Pro 4X for $497 / $497 OOP and $499 fee with 6.625% tax included for 18M/7500

Not all together horrible in this market.

Sandman6472

Inspection guy just left...passed with flying colors! Only found 3 cracked tiles on the barrel tile roof, out of about 1000 tiles. Roof looked very good so happy about that. Hot water heater passes as did the washing machine hook-ups and the pipes under all the sinks. Lastly, electrical panel was in great condition, inspector gave us all thumbs up. Our current hurricane insurance provider is leaving the state so we needed o find another company to insure the house. Which meant among other things, a 4 point inspection was needed. Due to Saturday's tropical storm, re-scheduled inspection for today at 3. He showed up exactly at 3 and and all went well.
Hurricane insurance is going up an average of 20% to 30% which sucks but, one must have insurance just in case a big storm hits us. So glad I'm still working because this was an expense I wasn't counting on. Seems to be one thing after another but we're good as I'm saving as much as possible just in case.

Sandman6472

Got to drive a few new Toyota Corolla's this past week & can safely say that I'd have no problems owning the new Corolla Cross as my next vehicle. Surprised at how well the low end torque ain't that bad considering there's no turbo and it has a 2.0 liter engine. Didn't really miss the turbo I've got now as there's zero lag accelerating. Figure on waiting till 2024 to do anything at this point. Am still considering either the Chevy Bolt or Nissan Leaf if decide on going the EV route and hopefully by that time, the chip shortage should be done with.

nyccarguy

tjc78 said:

Broker on LH has a 45K Frontier Pro 4X for $497 / $497 OOP and $499 fee with 6.625% tax included for 18M/7500

Not all together horrible in this market.

I saw that. Pro 4X at sticker is a good deal. Just make sure you test drive thoroughly before you sign on the dotted line. My Tacoma was good for the 2 1/2 years I had it and overlooked a the ride quality (not bad, but you notice it when you get out of something else and back into the pickup) because of the $325 per month payment. If it were closer to $450/$500 I'm not sure how tolerant I would have been.

andres3

sda said:

Boy, $29k seems like a dream price today. What can you buy for $29k, a market price adjusted Jetta S, Civic LX, if you can find one? Not anything near as nice as the TLX. Your trip sounds great. Check your tire pressure (easy on the TLX), fluid levels, a quick look over before you leave to catch any obvious issues.

$29K can get you a nice used car prior to the current bubble. Still can get something fairly good for that though; I'm sure.