Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

qbrozen

My WRX was $29k.
Not a soft generic ride that fits everyone, I admit.

tjc78

@nyccarguy said:
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.

Still have two payments on the S60 before I do anything so I’m sure I’ll miss the bus on this one too.

I’m just intrigued by these 18 month deals. I really think a small pickup would be good for us and this would be a good test without being locked in too long. We don’t drive much so the gas mileage isn’t a huge deal even at these prices. I figure going back to regular would offset the better mileage on premium the S60 gets.

Nissan restricts third party buyouts so it wouldn’t be going anywhere.

I’m so all over the map… I should stand down and just not buy anything in August but what is the fun in that.

Michaell

tjc78 said:

@nyccarguy said:

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.

Still have two payments on the S60 before I do anything so I’m sure I’ll miss the bus on this one too.

I’m just intrigued by these 18 month deals. I really think a small pickup would be good for us and this would be a good test without being locked in too long. We don’t drive much so the gas mileage isn’t a huge deal even at these prices. I figure going back to regular would offset the better mileage on premium the S60 gets.

Nissan restricts third party buyouts so it wouldn’t be going anywhere.

I’m so all over the map… I should stand down and just not buy anything in August but what is the fun in that.

Grumble grumble grumble…

tjc78

Bougie on a budget.

What could go wrong? 💀

https://m.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2290076391146552/

stickguy

I got a nice Maverick for less than that!

28firefighter

Feature: turns into a bougie driveway ornament after 3 days of ownership.

stickguy

tjc78 said:

@nyccarguy said:

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.

Still have two payments on the S60 before I do anything so I’m sure I’ll miss the bus on this one too.

I’m just intrigued by these 18 month deals. I really think a small pickup would be good for us and this would be a good test without being locked in too long. We don’t drive much so the gas mileage isn’t a huge deal even at these prices. I figure going back to regular would offset the better mileage on premium the S60 gets.

Nissan restricts third party buyouts so it wouldn’t be going anywhere.

I’m so all over the map… I should stand down and just not buy anything in August but what is the fun in that.

a fine idea. can even come in handy with the beach house. I am quite fond now of having one, and have used its (admittedly lower than a bigger truck) capabilities. and even with a compact bed it holds quite a lot.

great to have as a spare car, though the Maverick is perfectly capable of being the primary car and doing the road trips too.

tjc78

@stickguy
I know … I just keep thinking how convenient it would be to just toss everything from the beach in the back and then hose it out.

I like the big trucks and big vehicles in general but parking a crew cab Silverado or F150 in season at the shore will be a major PITA. Luckily at the house parking isn’t a problem.

nyccarguy

@tjc78 said:
@stickguy
I know … I just keep thinking how convenient it would be to just toss everything from the beach in the back and then hose it out.

I like the big trucks and big vehicles in general but parking a crew cab Silverado or F150 in season at the shore will be a major PITA. Luckily at the house parking isn’t a problem.

18 months is perfect. You can fit some good beach stuff in there for sure.

pensfan83

At this point I would really miss the utility of having the truck, it's incredibly convenient to have around and as noted, impact from fuel prices is minimized due to working at home 2 or 3 days per week. There's a pretty good chance we re-up again, new Tacoma should be out by then too.

stickguy

I am planning to have one permanently now. in some form.

will just look to get a toy at some point once all the house stuff is taken care of. the truck will just have to sit in the driveway. Might be the time to trade the Maverick on a fun car and but a cheaper beater truck. Not that anybody can afford one of those right now! maybe some day if I stumble upon one I can snap it up, then start flipping.

or get a Rivian!

stickguy

pensfan83 said:

At this point I would really miss the utility of having the truck, it's incredibly convenient to have around and as noted, impact from fuel prices is minimized due to working at home 2 or 3 days per week. There's a pretty good chance we re-up again, new Tacoma should be out by then too.

another benefit to the Maverick, even the Ecoboost. I happened to check my lifetime MPG (I am at about 2,700 miles on it) and since I bought it, sitting at 27.2 on the trip computer (which based on manual calcs is very accurate). If I finally switch to a hybrid that should go way up too. but I can't complain about it.

stickguy

finally heard back from our agent about an hour ago (best and final offer deadline was at 6:00 tonight). took her a while to get some final official paperwork on offers in, and get it all organized.

ended up with about a 33% conversion rate (21 showings and 7 formal offers submitted). Place must have been popular! That and our hard work getting it showing nice paid off. even mother nature cooperated, since the 3 days it was listed were probably the 3 nicest days we will have all year.

now just have to move into the contracting and inspection phase of the process. and get a mover nailed down so I don't have to do it all myself.

Michaell

Did you get above asking?

stickguy

all 7 were over asking. It's crazy out there right now.

28firefighter

Congrats, @stickguy!

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

all 7 were over asking. It's crazy out there right now.

I’m happy you did so well but that’s the very definition of a bubble.

stickguy

if it is, I would have bought and sold on it, so at worst it is a wash.

I had this conversation with my agent for the new house. She thinks the market will cool off but the supply side will still be tight enough that prices might just flatten out, and there won't be these feeding frenzy bidding wars, but not a crash.

but nobody really knows for sure, so just make sure whatever you buy you like and want to stay in for a while.

stickguy

also, we got a ton of compliments on how well we spiffed the place up (our improvements over the years, and general clean up and presentation). so some of it was having one of the nicest, move in ready houses in a popular area. there are other places that are cheaper, for a reason!

xwesx

stickguy said:

also, we got a ton of compliments on how well we spiffed the place up (our improvements over the years, and general clean up and presentation). so some of it was having one of the nicest, move in ready houses in a popular area. there are other places that are cheaper, for a reason!

I must have missed the latest plan somewhere in the "lost 500." Where are you and the missus headed?

qbrozen

@tjc78 said:
Bougie on a budget.

What could go wrong? 💀

https://m.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2290076391146552/

That interior just confuses the hell out of me in so many ways

qbrozen

Congrats on the sale, @stickguy .
Condolences on the move.

tjc78

@qbrozen said:

@tjc78 said:
Bougie on a budget.

What could go wrong? 💀

https://m.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2290076391146552/

That interior just confuses the hell out of me in so many ways

I was waiting to see if someone else said it. It’s not a good look especially with that exterior color.

tjc78

@stickguy said:
all 7 were over asking. It's crazy out there right now.

I knew it.

@oldfarmer50
@stickguy lives in a very nice area with one of the best school districts in South Jersey. When we were shopping two years ago we were looking there but inventory was super low and many of the homes in budget were in serious need of updating and we had zero desire to do any of that.

If Stick was selling his place two years ago we very well may have had our first Edmunds member house sale.

stickguy

That could have been interesting!

Wes, we are moving to NY state up near old farmer. Around Saratoga. To be closer to all the family.

And packing, I shudder to think of how much we need to get done. At least I decided to spend the money to hire real movers instead of making. Couple of uhaul runs on my own (probably 2 with a 26’ truck). Easier to just have a crew show up And take it all out. I’m too old to do it myself. Just cheap!

ab348

Ah, I didn't know where you were moving to was up near Saratoga. I've been watching the current This Old House project which is in Saratoga Springs. Hope your new place there is built better than the ancient 1800s one they are taking on!

oldfarmer50

Yes, I knew a bunch of posters lived in New Jersey. I don’t know why anyone would want to pay those property taxes. Even NY’s sky high rates are cheap by comparison. That he got so many offers over asking indicates an imbalance in the market. It’s the same here and I assume in most parts of the country.

If I remember where he said he was moving it’s a fairly reasonable tax area (if one can call our taxes reasonable).

There’s a scene from the 2015 movie ‘The Big Short’ where Frontpoint Partners examines the housing bubble in Florida. It kind of makes my point. I’d post a YouTube clip but it involves dancing girls and profanity.

au1994

“involves dancing girls and profanity.“

Or just another Tuesday night back in college.

28firefighter

@au1994 said:
“involves dancing girls and profanity.“

Or just another Tuesday night back in college.

Memories…

stickguy

oldfarmer50 said:

Yes, I knew a bunch of posters lived in New Jersey. I don’t know why anyone would want to pay those property taxes. Even NY’s sky high rates are cheap by comparison. That he got so many offers over asking indicates an imbalance in the market. It’s the same here and I assume in most parts of the country.

If I remember where he said he was moving it’s a fairly reasonable tax area (if one can call our taxes reasonable).

There’s a scene from the 2015 movie ‘The Big Short’ where Frontpoint Partners examines the housing bubble in Florida. It kind of makes my point. I’d post a YouTube clip but it involves dancing girls and profanity.

One benefit of coming from NJ. Property taxes anywhere seem cheap! The new house is in a lower tax county. My total property taxes will be about $5,000 lower per year. Not complaining about that!

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Yes, I knew a bunch of posters lived in New Jersey. I don’t know why anyone would want to pay those property taxes. Even NY’s sky high rates are cheap by comparison. That he got so many offers over asking indicates an imbalance in the market. It’s the same here and I assume in most parts of the country.

If I remember where he said he was moving it’s a fairly reasonable tax area (if one can call our taxes reasonable).

There’s a scene from the 2015 movie ‘The Big Short’ where Frontpoint Partners examines the housing bubble in Florida. It kind of makes my point. I’d post a YouTube clip but it involves dancing girls and profanity.

One benefit of coming from NJ. Property taxes anywhere seem cheap! The new house is in a lower tax county. My total property taxes will be about $5,000 lower per year. Not complaining about that!

I get that, if you expect them to take an arm and a leg, you’re grateful if they only take the arm.

nyccarguy

tjc78 said:

@stickguy said:

all 7 were over asking. It's crazy out there right now.

I knew it.

@oldfarmer50
@stickguy lives in a very nice area with one of the best school districts in South Jersey. When we were shopping two years ago we were looking there but inventory was super low and many of the homes in budget were in serious need of updating and we had zero desire to do any of that.

If Stick was selling his place two years ago we very well may have had our first Edmunds member house sale.

You should have made him an offer he couldn't refuse.

My best friend and his family live in a town where the schools are excellent. His house is immaculate & nicely updated. He's decided he wants to move to a warmer climate. Other mutual friends of ours live in their town. Our mutual friend's house isn't updated at all. The mutual friend said they'd like to buy my best friend's house. My best friend's wife is a real estate agent. She told the mutual friends she'd waive her commission and sell to them for $X which is a very good price. The mutual friend's house had an over asking all cash offer. Everybody was happy. Then the mutual friend's had their house inspected and now their buyer backed out. So now my best friend and his wife are putting their house on the market.

henryn

For many years I used only a Credit Union account, no bank accounts, but about 10 years ago I opened a checking account with Chase. The agency that I was contracting through was not big enough to have conventional direct deposit, and as they used Chase bank, having an account there made it easier to get paid.

I have never used that account very much, even less since I retired, but I do have a Visa debit card which is handy at the many Chase branches and ATMs. And that card will also function as a credit card, so I have used it when some location won’t accept my Amex. The great majority of my spending is through Amex. This month, when I checked the account statement from Chase, I had 3 charges from Google Ad Services totaling about $500 on my debit card. Very weird business, but easily remedied. I contested the charges using the online tools provided by Chase, and they had the money back in my account in less than 24 hours.

I say “very weird” because I have not used the card recently, so I don’t see how anyone could have grabbed it using a card skimmer. I have read of “card skimmers” that can work reading cards in your hip pocket, but that seems to be almost “science fictiony” at this point in time.

Kudos to Chase for taking care of this easily and quickly, and everyone remember to check your accounts regularly.

ronsteve

@henryn said:

I say “very weird” because I have not used the card recently, so I don’t see how anyone could have grabbed it using a card skimmer. I have read of “card skimmers” that can work reading cards in your hip pocket, but that seems to be almost “science fictiony” at this point in time.

Kudos to Chase for taking care of this easily and quickly, and everyone remember to check your accounts regularly.

Glad to hear the issue was easily resolved. I’m not sure about the kind of skimmers you described, but a much less sci-fi scenario involves any retailer (online or brick and mortar) where you made a purchase with that card potentially having its data breached.

Just a few weeks ago we got some emails about a new account at Wells Fargo that neither one of us had opened. We contacted them and got that quickly shut down and fraud alerts placed with credit bureaus, but the misspelling of my wife’s name made it clear that the breach was from when she had our cable and internet switched to ATT U-verse back in 2014. ATT had misspelled her first name and that’s the last time she used her maiden name.

qbrozen

nyccarguy said:

My best friend and his family live in a town where the schools are excellent. His house is immaculate & nicely updated. He's decided he wants to move to a warmer climate. Other mutual friends of ours live in their town. Our mutual friend's house isn't updated at all. The mutual friend said they'd like to buy my best friend's house. My best friend's wife is a real estate agent. She told the mutual friends she'd waive her commission and sell to them for $X which is a very good price. The mutual friend's house had an over asking all cash offer. Everybody was happy. Then the mutual friend's had their house inspected and now their buyer backed out. So now my best friend and his wife are putting their house on the market.

Next time, just draw a flowchart

ronsteve

So with the trade value on my RDX going crazy high last month, I thought the delta on a new purchase might be viable. Yesterday I was looking to test drive a new Outback XT. Unfortunately the one that showed on my local dealer’s website was still in its bubble wrap. But he did have a 2020 XT Onyx Edition that I did test drive.

The turbo was more refined than any Subie that I had test driven before and played nicely with the CVT. Their fake shift points were a little more subtle than the previous generation, but with 8 ratios to choose from there was good smooth response. I think I would hope to spend a little more time with one than the short 4 turn test drive.

The interior had a good, not cheap feel but not as nice as the RDX, but I think a Limited would come closer. Still the steering wheel controls were a bit blocky and some of the switch gear didn’t feel quite as good. I’ll reserve judgement on the infotainment as I have never had something with those gadgets before.

But then the volatility of the used car market hit me. The time to make a move would have been last month when Carvana was in the 18s on my RDX. Now the best number is from Carmax who got in the 16s. If the Subie dealer can match, the sales tax credit brings it into my wheelhouse. If I dive into the expensive part of the maintenance cycle on the RDX, I’m probably committed to another 2 or perhaps 3 years with it.

henryn

ronsteve said:

@henryn said:

I say “very weird” because I have not used the card recently, so I don’t see how anyone could have grabbed it using a card skimmer. I have read of “card skimmers” that can work reading cards in your hip pocket, but that seems to be almost “science fictiony” at this point in time.

Kudos to Chase for taking care of this easily and quickly, and everyone remember to check your accounts regularly.

Glad to hear the issue was easily resolved. I’m not sure about the kind of skimmers you described, but a much less sci-fi scenario involves any retailer (online or brick and mortar) where you made a purchase with that card potentially having its data breached.

Just a few weeks ago we got some emails about a new account at Wells Fargo that neither one of us had opened. We contacted them and got that quickly shut down and fraud alerts placed with credit bureaus, but the misspelling of my wife’s name made it clear that the breach was from when she had our cable and internet switched to ATT U-verse back in 2014. ATT had misspelled her first name and that’s the last time she used her maiden name.

======================end quoted material================

I hadn't really considered the possibility that this could be from a data breach containing data from several years back. There's not much way to protect against such an eventuality, except just to stay on top of things and try to do business with people who are helpful when problems arise.

henryn

ronsteve said:

So with the trade value on my RDX going crazy high last month, I thought the delta on a new purchase might be viable. Yesterday I was looking to test drive a new Outback XT. Unfortunately the one that showed on my local dealer’s website was still in its bubble wrap. But he did have a 2020 XT Onyx Edition that I did test drive.

The turbo was more refined than any Subie that I had test driven before and played nicely with the CVT. Their fake shift points were a little more subtle than the previous generation, but with 8 ratios to choose from there was good smooth response. I think I would hope to spend a little more time with one than the short 4 turn test drive.

The interior had a good, not cheap feel but not as nice as the RDX, but I think a Limited would come closer. Still the steering wheel controls were a bit blocky and some of the switch gear didn’t feel quite as good. I’ll reserve judgement on the infotainment as I have never had something with those gadgets before.

But then the volatility of the used car market hit me. The time to make a move would have been last month when Carvana was in the 18s on my RDX. Now the best number is from Carmax who got in the 16s. If the Subie dealer can match, the sales tax credit brings it into my wheelhouse. If I dive into the expensive part of the maintenance cycle on the RDX, I’m probably committed to another 2 or perhaps 3 years with it.

I had a similar thought last week. I got a flyer in the mail (actual snail mail, full color, heavy stock) from a local Mopar dealer. They had individualized the mailing to reflect my ownership of a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica, and were (theoretically) offering me $26k for trading it in. And they showed a 2022 Ram 1500 crewcab, MSRP at $48k, for $10k off.

If all of the above were actually true and correct, I would have done the deal. But the odds are very very high that

1) they wouldn't give me that much on trade-in
2) they don't actually have that truck, and most definitely not at that price.

At any rate, it was a Memorial Day sale, and I didn't get down to check it out in person, so ...

ab348

stickguy said:

One benefit of coming from NJ. Property taxes anywhere seem cheap! The new house is in a lower tax county. My total property taxes will be about $5,000 lower per year. Not complaining about that!

Geez, man, if this was a tax dodge then you should have got @abacomike to look for a place in Florida for you. No state income tax there. No snow either. You'd be rich AND warm!

oldfarmer50

henryn said:

For many years I used only a Credit Union account, no bank accounts, but about 10 years ago I opened a checking account with Chase. The agency that I was contracting through was not big enough to have conventional direct deposit, and as they used Chase bank, having an account there made it easier to get paid.

I have never used that account very much, even less since I retired, but I do have a Visa debit card which is handy at the many Chase branches and ATMs. And that card will also function as a credit card, so I have used it when some location won’t accept my Amex. The great majority of my spending is through Amex. This month, when I checked the account statement from Chase, I had 3 charges from Google Ad Services totaling about $500 on my debit card. Very weird business, but easily remedied. I contested the charges using the online tools provided by Chase, and they had the money back in my account in less than 24 hours.

I say “very weird” because I have not used the card recently, so I don’t see how anyone could have grabbed it using a card skimmer. I have read of “card skimmers” that can work reading cards in your hip pocket, but that seems to be almost “science fictiony” at this point in time.

Kudos to Chase for taking care of this easily and quickly, and everyone remember to check your accounts regularly.

That card security is a double edged sword. I tried to buy a $2,200 piece of equipment over the phone and MasterCard froze my card. Pain in the neck to get it unsnarled.

stickguy

Ron, try again. It might have changed! and of course, run it through Carmax to see what they say. and also just let the sube dealer make their own offer. See if any combo of the used car trade and new car sales price make sense.

but I agree that you are probably right at a good point for jumping to brand new, and let the next guy dump money they won't see back into the Acura!

nyccarguy

ronsteve said:

So with the trade value on my RDX going crazy high last month, I thought the delta on a new purchase might be viable. Yesterday I was looking to test drive a new Outback XT. Unfortunately the one that showed on my local dealer’s website was still in its bubble wrap. But he did have a 2020 XT Onyx Edition that I did test drive.

The turbo was more refined than any Subie that I had test driven before and played nicely with the CVT. Their fake shift points were a little more subtle than the previous generation, but with 8 ratios to choose from there was good smooth response. I think I would hope to spend a little more time with one than the short 4 turn test drive.

The interior had a good, not cheap feel but not as nice as the RDX, but I think a Limited would come closer. Still the steering wheel controls were a bit blocky and some of the switch gear didn’t feel quite as good. I’ll reserve judgement on the infotainment as I have never had something with those gadgets before.

But then the volatility of the used car market hit me. The time to make a move would have been last month when Carvana was in the 18s on my RDX. Now the best number is from Carmax who got in the 16s. If the Subie dealer can match, the sales tax credit brings it into my wheelhouse. If I dive into the expensive part of the maintenance cycle on the RDX, I’m probably committed to another 2 or perhaps 3 years with it.

How many miles on your RDX?

andres3

Insurance question (Hypothetical). If your engine blows on the freeway, and your still going full speed (or almost full speed ahead), and someone rear-ends you and totals your car seconds after the engine blows, will the insurance company pay out in full for the total or deduct the value of the engine since that occurred first?

stickguy

If the car is totaled they probably will never know.

jmonroe1

@tjc78 said:
Bougie on a budget.

What could go wrong? 💀

https://m.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2290076391146552/

————————————————-
Where should I start? On second thought I better not. I’m pretty sure I’d get a lot of the comment “TL:DR” like what happened to one of our poster buddies on another site that some of us visit.

jmonroe

xwesx

andres3 said:

Insurance question (Hypothetical). If your engine blows on the freeway, and your still going full speed (or almost full speed ahead), and someone rear-ends you and totals your car seconds after the engine blows, will the insurance company pay out in full for the total or deduct the value of the engine since that occurred first?

Yeah, there is such a thing as TMI. Hahaha

jmonroe1

@au1994 said:
“involves dancing girls and profanity.“

Or just another Tuesday night back in college.

————————————————-
Dammit, that’s another thing I missed by going to night school.

jmonroe

ronsteve

nyccarguy said:

ronsteve said:

So with the trade value on my RDX going crazy high last month, I thought the delta on a new purchase might be viable. Yesterday I was looking to test drive a new Outback XT. Unfortunately the one that showed on my local dealer’s website was still in its bubble wrap. But he did have a 2020 XT Onyx Edition that I did test drive.

The turbo was more refined than any Subie that I had test driven before and played nicely with the CVT. Their fake shift points were a little more subtle than the previous generation, but with 8 ratios to choose from there was good smooth response. I think I would hope to spend a little more time with one than the short 4 turn test drive.

The interior had a good, not cheap feel but not as nice as the RDX, but I think a Limited would come closer. Still the steering wheel controls were a bit blocky and some of the switch gear didn’t feel quite as good. I’ll reserve judgement on the infotainment as I have never had something with those gadgets before.

But then the volatility of the used car market hit me. The time to make a move would have been last month when Carvana was in the 18s on my RDX. Now the best number is from Carmax who got in the 16s. If the Subie dealer can match, the sales tax credit brings it into my wheelhouse. If I dive into the expensive part of the maintenance cycle on the RDX, I’m probably committed to another 2 or perhaps 3 years with it.

How many miles on your RDX?

I'm at 94k. If I go 3 more years with it, I'll probably be 140k-ish, but there is plenty of "fun" at 105 (or now based on age) and 120.

nyccarguy

I’d dump it sooner rather than later if there is something out there that tickles your fancy, presses all your buttons, & isn’t outrageously priced.

I love Hondas, but like all cars they require a lot to keep them going from 100K - 150K.

sda

I knew I had to commit to longer ownership had I done the 100k maintenance on my 2013 Accord which I owned for 7 years and was ready for a change. I traded it with 99930 mi and was able to get a respectable trade value and for $10k difference a 5 yr newer car with 18k, a CPO warranty to 84k, 8/25. Thankfully I am satisfied with the Passat. And as it gets 30mpg+ in my regular driving on RUG, that is a huge plus.