Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

breld

I haven't checked in here for a few months, but between my fiance and I we just purchased our third car since December.

Traded in my 2007 Highlander for a new CX-9 last December - wanted something nicer, and with a 3rd row (our combined family includes 4 kids).

Sold my 530xi in March and purchased a new Miata, wanting a more dedicated sports car for the second, fun car.

And today, we traded in my fiance's 2007 Jetta for a 2010 Honda Insight. With a 60 mile daily commute for work, the miles were piling up on the Jetta, making us increasingly nervous about maintenance/repair issues on the VW.

With the CX-9 being the comfortable, semi-luxurious ride, and the Miata being the fun sporty car, we felt the Insight would be a good commuter car for the long commute (we work at the same place). Great mileage, presumably strong reliability for those high miles.

So, it would seem I've run out of reasons (err, excuses) for any new cars. I think we will have to be content for a while now.

My fiance is apt to trade out cars about as often as I do. Not sure if that's a good or bad thing.

akangl

also, 60K on a timing belt? Is that some kind of ultra severe schedule due to the cold?

I'm not sure, the dealer told me that it needs to be done between 60-90k, but the sooner the better. Its an interference engine, so if the belt breaks its bye bye engine in a lot of cases. I've done some reading and everyone says the same, the sooner the better.

We had a mechanic look the explorer over from bumper to bumper the other day, the only things he could find wrong with it was a power steering line ($97 fix) and a little play in the upper left ball joint which accounts for the clunk when stepping on the brakes. He said that mechanically it was the cleanest 93 explorer he's ever seen.

Probably going to have him do the stuff the Pilot needs as well, will save a ton of $$$ in labor costs. He also said the sooner the better on the timing belt for the Pilot.

If things go well I should have the Pilot paid off by the first of the year......that could be dangerous.......

mark156

Akangl said...."If things go well I should have the Pilot paid off by the first of the year......that could be dangerous....... "

And, that would be a very smart move!!! You don't want to be in your 50's and owe and owe because off to work you WILL have to continue to go! Living on a cash basis is the ultimate freedom. :surprise:

Mark156

jimbres

Living on a cash basis is the ultimate freedom.

I couldn't agree more. The main reason why I'm a member of ICBA (Infrequent Car Buyers Anonymous- just 6 cars in the last 25 years for 2 drivers) is that I won't consider buying a new car until I've saved up the full purchase price.

I just despise monthly payments.

Sandman6472

We always pay cash & it is the best way to go...but we do that in life also. No car payments or mortgage is a dream come true & lets us just relax about those things. Sure I'd love to ditch the Civic for a new "toy", but won't be happening. Hoping the Mazda makes it till 2012, then we'll replace it g-d willing. I definitely agree with Mark156 about $...it's the only way to go. So Akangl, just suck it up and enjoy the Pilot and get the Exploder repaired...save those dollars you would be spending on a new vehicle and pay off all your other debt, years from now you & hubby will be glad you did this!!! Trust me, as I plan to retire in 3 months, so glad our overhead is as low as it is.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

akangl

So I'm still not conviced I want to keep driving the Pilot, but I'm not going to jump into a brand new truck, it would have to be used and around the Pilot's value, give or take a little bit. I looked at a really nice gmc tonight while killing some time waiting for an appt. The truck fit my needs perfectly and was very nice to look at.

On the way home the stereo blew in the Pilot.....maybe its a sign?

kyfdx

I've got Columbus Day...

tifighter

Oh yeah; its definitely on. I'll take Halloween.

Incidentally, I took my Pilot on a trail in the Sierras last weekend that was a bit of a push for a jacked-up minivan like the Honda. The trail was rated a category 3, which felt plenty risky on stock tires, but the Pilot managed to get through it with minimum issues. Much more trail would require more vehicle, but you do have a pretty versatile car there, Jolie.

fezo

but I'm not going to jump into a brand new truck, it would have to be used and around the Pilot's value, give or take a little bit.

It's only got a little bit of rat in it....

akangl

Much more trail would require more vehicle, but you do have a pretty versatile car there

They are very versitile, you should see some of the places I've taken the Pilot. I don't treat it any different then any other suv I've owned including a couple jeeps.

Its not gone yet, I fixed the stereo issue this morning, a bad fuse......which is odd because the fuse looked just fine, but swapped it out and that was the problem.

I've owned it for 38 months and 61k miles.......both a record for me.

fezo

Holy smokes! 36 months?!? :surprise:

mark156

Akangl, we've had our '07 CR-V for 42 months and 37,000 miles of driving and an additional 36,000 miles of towing (73,000 miles). That lil' Honda just keeps on going and doing everything right.

We just ended a 6,200 mile trip with the RV pulling the Honda. A good combo!

Mark156

billherrmann

I owned the 2010 BMW for exactly 91 days. Decided it was too small. Leased an
Infinity EX35 last month, This is my 3rd car in 2010. Love the Infinity.
Proud Member of CCBA

jayrider

Just traded my leased murano 1 year early. Actually had equity toward a 2010 prius. Like everything about this hybrid. My murono is languishing on the lot priced less than my trade-in allowance. Did well and very happy.

guss

should be cancelled for anyone that has not bought anything in the past 2 years.

Oh wait, that would be me, I am over 2 years now with the company owned Malibu. While I like it, I miss the allowance and freedom to choose, or at least the option to. I keep reading this thread but resist the urge to post in fear of being sucked into the switching cars every 2 years carousel.

I picked up the local AutoShopper for the first time in 2 years. For some reason the Mazda 5's are calling my name. They seem like an excellent deal\package for 6 person hauling, which I need frequently.

fezo

It's the Mazda 6 whose siren song has been reaching my ears. Trying to hold it off for a year....

corvette

Congratulations, I guess!

I kind of like the reviews I've been reading about the new Nissan Juke--if you can overlook the weird styling, it appears that it's a pretty sporty drive. I still like my Altima, though.

qbrozen

I like the styling of the Juke. Was on my list.... until they announced the price. Doesn't make much sense to me at $21k for the cheapest manual trans model.

corvette

There's an impressive list of standard equipment at that price, though. Keyless ignition, moonroof, suede seats, 17" wheels, leather wrapped steering wheel, etc.

rayainsw

I will be at 2 years in 60 days or so -
I am trying to stay focused on the ED
with my Daughter next Fall.....
- Ray
Still authorized to carry "The Card".....

michaellno

I guess my membership is in good standing with the MINI purchase back in April.

Hard to believe it's been 3 years (August '07) on the '08 VUE and over 4 years (June '06) on the ION.

Will be tough to not start searching for the "fun" car when the ION is paid off next year; I'm sure I'll continue to look on-line, just to see what's available.

Current working parameters:

> Under $25K
> Convertible
> Fun to drive
> While I'd like a stick, it may be easier to get the wife's buy in if I go slushbox

stickguy

well, I won't hit 2 years until mid-decmeber, but that is my son's TL.

for the "real" cars, the Odyssey will be 6 in December, and the Accord 5. And both are just about hitting 60K, so neither is actually requiring replacement. Good thing too, since there is no money in the budget for upgrades!

But, I am always open to a Jolie style "same price" swap, if I find something I like for me (or even cheaper, like the V70 I just missed out on).

stickguy

lets see, your criteria:

Current working parameters:

> Under $25K
> Convertible
> Fun to drive
> While I'd like a stick, it may be easier to get the wife's buy in if I go slushbox

You don't specify seats required, but I believe you are OK with 2.

If you want new, Miata is maybe the only fit. Or an EOS left over type?

little used, wait for a 1 series BMW CPO when they are 2-3 years old. Especially in the winter, in Colorado.

Could do a mini, but they are horrible to see out of. Even with the top down, you need a periscope!

Wanna try another Beetle?

My favorite would be the Z4 though.

qbrozen

Yes, it has a good bit.... so does the VW GTI, which would look more appealing to me for just a few grand more.

I wish all of these manufacturers would go back to offering stripper or at least decontented models. When the Juke was previewed, I imagined a 6-speed model with no moonroof for $18k. That would have appealed to me.

michaellno

You don't specify seats required, but I believe you are OK with 2.

Not sure about the number of seats ... I could go either 2 or 4.

If you want new, Miata is maybe the only fit. Or an EOS left over type?

Not married to the idea of new; in fact, given my wants, I suspect that I'll have to go CPO or used.

Agreed that a new Miata would fit the budget. And, after watching a recent episode of Wheeler Dealers, I have to admit that the sheer volume of aftermarket Miata parts makes it pretty intriguing. I have a neighbor who owns one, and it's a sharp little ride.

EOS, too, is on my list. I like the idea of the folding hardtop.

little used, wait for a 1 series BMW CPO when they are 2-3 years old. Especially in the winter, in Colorado.

Yeah, I figure that the first round of 1-series leases will come due in the next year or so, so I'm not ruling that out either. Don't care about RWD vs. FWD, as this is not a car that would see poor weather.

Could do a mini, but they are horrible to see out of. Even with the top down, you need a periscope!

When we bought the daughter's MINI in April, the wife about fell in love with a Hot Chocolate convertible. Of course, it was new and had a sticker price of over $32K, but, when the time comes, we'll drive one. Would have to be an S model, and the wife indicated that it might be one of the few cars she would prefer to have a stick.

Wanna try another Beetle?

Not particularly ...

My favorite would be the Z4 though.

Along with the 1-series, the Z4 is one that I kinda like. There are some CPO's for under $25K here in Denver. Not sure if the wife would go for the looks, but I know I fit behind the wheel and am reasonably comfortable in it.

The good news is that when the time does come, I'll have a lot of test drives to take!

28firefighter

I am a big fan of Wheeler Dealers. Their restoration of an old 6 series BMW was pretty cool.

I find watching that show helps with my CCBA by living vicariously.

qbrozen

Their restoration of an old 6 series BMW was pretty cool.

You mean there is a pair of episodes I missed? arg.

tjc78

I was thinking the same thing. I guess I have to put it back on the DVR

stickguy

I love that show. My family looks at me like I am insane when I try to put it on. so, it gets DVR'd.

They did a 2 parter of an 80s vintage red 635. Slushbox though. seems odd for the UK.

I also liked the one with the MGB GT. was funny seeing Ed try to fit in it.

qbrozen

OH! Now I think I remember. They swapped out the whole interior on that 6-series, right? The one he bought had a good body but cloth interior, so he found a doner with a leather interior.

stickguy

yeah. and it had some cheesey 80's style wheels, and he found better looking BMW ones from the same period.

28firefighter

Here is my question...On most of these he turns very little if NO profit on these cars when all is said and done. What is the point of that, besides doing it for the sake of the show? Not to mention, that the restoration price literally only includes the parts, not the labor. Tight business.

I also wanted the 1995 5 series touring wagon...

fintail

Certainly no profit once labor is factored in....all for the experience and to keep an old beast on the road, I guess.

But it's a fun show. Been quite a few cool cars, off the top of my head the shark, the 3er wagon, Lancia Delta, MB Cosworth.

stickguy

and for a car sales pro, he is an easy mark for a low ball offer.

One of the recent shows I saw they did a great job, and he said that one of those cars in that condition would go in the 8-10 range.

But, he had 3,500 in it, so listed at 3.950.

I ballparked the numbers out of memory, but is was something major like that.

On the MG, the mechanic Ed must have spent 50 hours on the stupid car, stripping the whole thing and prepping for paint, redoing the interior, etc.

whoosierdaddy

Glad there are people who love cars and do that, for those of us who love to drive but don't turn a wrench.

au1994

The Delta Integrale episodes were great. Another car I wish made it over here. I wish they would show some new episodes. Looking at the page on wikipedia, there are several seasons Discovery HD has not shown.

guss

also do a show called Auto Trader on Discovery. Half the show is about choosing between several used cars and the other half if how to fix fix up and sell a used car.

Neat to see some of the cars they get over there that we don't get here.

michaellno

Look them up on wikipedia ... there is a list of episodes, the buy price, the total investment, sell price and profit.

Turns out there are a few seasons that I've never seen aired here in the US.

I don't think it purely done for profit .. at the beginning of the show, Mike comments that it's more about restoring recent classics and getting them back on the road.

And, yes, if you factor in Ed's time, they are buried.

Enjoyable, nonetheless.

fezo

Just for Mark when he drops by.

Who else might have a Bentley being recalled?

au1994

I've watched Auto Trader as well. First time I watched it I was very confused with the lingo. They mentioned a guy (chap) that couldn't "shift" his car. I'm thinking to myself, hmmm...bad shift linkage?? To my surprise "shift" means sell in their lingo.

There are some really interesting cars on the seasons that have not made it over here. Wish they would hurry!

WD is an interesting story in markets when you think about it. Some of the crud they buy and sell at the 1000-3000 pound mark, I wouldn't give you a plugged nickel for here. But in the UK a rust spot, mismatched tires ripped seat etc seem to be ok.

Somebody mentioned it earlier and I agree the 3 Series Estate was beautiful.

qbrozen

And it was an E30 wagon with a stick! Yup, can't help but be envious of that one.

Maybe the point of the show is to demonstrate that so many beaters really aren't past their prime if you spend a little time and money on them. Not to make a profit, but to make your car "like new" again and keep driving it.

I also DVR Autotrader. Not nearly as good of a show, but I still like it. I like the "spot the lemon" segment. Anybody see the one where a poor sucker bought a Rover sedan and when he went to get the "MOT" (inspection) they found it was actually 2 cars welded together? Owner lost all his money as the government repossessed it for the crusher. Now THERE was a project someone lost money on. I believe it was something like 3500 quid he paid for it. So someone went through all that trouble, painted the car, etc, for that kind of money.

qbrozen

So I think I now have a reasonable number of cars. The 300z sold on Sunday and left the driveway last night. We are now at 4. A daily driver and toy for each of us.

My 4-year-old is quite wise, though. After the transaction, I finally pulled the wife's Saab into the vacant garage spot. I come inside, he looks out there and says, "Why did you do that? You will just have to move it when you buy another car."

Wow!

Anyhoo... was kind of my own Wheeler Dealers for a little while there, huh? The Bimmer, Benz, and Z all bought, fixed up, and sold for little-to-no profit. I did get to enjoy them all for a while, though, unlike in the show. And even did it with my father-in-law's Cadillac, although I never officially owned that one. The only car I really feel I lost on was the Mazda pickup. But, hey, they can't all be winners.

fezo

"Why did you do that? You will just have to move it when you buy another car."

Wise beyond his years!

corvette

And he thinks it's totally normal... I think qb may be raising a young CCB.

I watched the episode of Wheeler Dealers where they "refreshed" an LS400 by fitting it with an improper aftermarket HID bulb kit, and cut into the wiring harness to add a Bluetooth accessory that would be out of date a year later. They did some good things, too, like putting a nice set of wheels on it and repairing the climate control LCD, but overall I wasn't impressed. I'll try one or two more episodes, but this one left a bad taste in my mouth.

roadburner

I'm at 5 and holding. The latest addition was the 1975 2002, driven home on 10/18/08. I'm currently lusting after a 2002 M5 with 54K miles and a one owner 2006 Z4 coupe with 50K. Still, I'll probably stick with the Mazdaspeed 3; it's paid for and I HATE car payments

28firefighter

I saw that episode too and it was the only one I was completely disgusted with. Bluetooth was a great thought, the HID bulbs were ridiculously cheesy. If they would have just restored it to like-new condition, it would have been just fine.

The others really are pretty good.

lemmer

Your average dude with Bluetooth took almost instantly looking like an important businessman to looking like he is standing by to take our order for a shamwow.

I want that in my car about as much as I want I huge '90s cell phone holder mounted to the side of my console.

In any case, I love Wheeler Dealers despite the lapses in taste.

jayrider

The banter on wheeler dealers can be fun. Remember one show where Ed worked like a dog on some heap. After it was all done the host said everyone was happy -- the new owner , the bottom line and Ed who got a matchbox size replica for his efforts. Of course there is no factoring Ed's labor costs in the final price of the car. Gifted mechanic who loves fiddly bits.

lemmer

When things go well, Edd always gets chuffed.

michaellno

The thing to remember about WD is that the first series aired in 2003. The LS 400 was done in series 4, so that may have been 2005 or 2006, when BT was still a pretty new technology.

I've only ever seen episodes for series 1-4, though a total of 8 series have been aired in the UK.