Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

I need to buy a little sports car. Should be a good time up in snow country to start Miata shopping.

kyfdx

stickguy said:

I need to buy a little sports car. Should be a good time up in snow country to start Miata shopping.

I have a friend with a '98 Z3 2.8. Around 70K miles. (that's the bigger 6-cyl)

Just saying...

stickguy

If it’s a stick with tan interior I’ll take it!

stickguy

I do like those. Only drawback is the 25 YO BMW neediness. But hopefully those are before a lit if the complications. I can live with a 1.9 also. Not in a hurry!

kyfdx

stickguy said:

I do like those. Only drawback is the 25 YO BMW neediness. But hopefully those are before a lit if the complications. I can live with a 1.9 also. Not in a hurry!

Stick
White
Red interior

It's in great shape. (only 70K) Bought it from the 2nd owner, six years ago.
Literally, it costs no more to maintain than a Miata. He takes it to the same indy mechanic that I use.

189 HP, 5-speed.

stickguy

I would take that combo. Sounds nice. Wonder what that would go for?

I was thinking of something like this.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d22fbd22-0ef8-4648-8b6c-f4d5834c8085/

kyfdx

stickguy said:

I would take that combo. Sounds nice. Wonder what that would go for?

I was thinking of something like this.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d22fbd22-0ef8-4648-8b6c-f4d5834c8085/

He was thinking about selling it this Spring, but hasn't said much since. I know he took it on a 100 mile R/T, recently. (country roads). I drove it back from Terre Haute, when he bought it. And, since. It's very nice.

I'll guess he's around $10K. In the BMW world, white over red is a very desirable combo. It's a subtle red. Not burgundy, but not "shiny red", either.

qbrozen

He should put the Z up on C&B. Pretty sure a fight will break out and he’ll get big bucks.

kyfdx

qbrozen said:

He should put the Z up on C&B. Pretty sure a fight will break out and he’ll get big bucks.

I'll mention that..

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

I need to buy a little sports car. Should be a good time up in snow country to start Miata shopping.

You may be right about timing. I got the Sebring on August 22. I think the owner was starting to get nervous that he would have to store it another winter so he was reasonable.

Just remember that if you buy anything up here that’s more than a few years old to get it up in the air for a full rust check. I see Miatas on the road here in the winter all the time.

Maybe do like I do and search the listing on Craigslist in Florida.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

I would take that combo. Sounds nice. Wonder what that would go for?

I was thinking of something like this.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d22fbd22-0ef8-4648-8b6c-f4d5834c8085/

I don’t know what your milage anxiety level might be but this one is cheap relative to others I’ve seen. Those cars have the highest resale values I’ve ever seen other than Jeep’s or Corvettes.
https://albany.craigslist.org/cto/d/albany-2006-mazda-mx-miata/7521004399.html

graphicguy

I’ve noticed in general, new car interiors have vastly improved over the last 5 model years, or so. Even mainstream cars have pretty darned nice interiors. I’d say my Accord interior is every bit as nice as the one in my previous Acura, in some ways, better.

BTW, put down a $250 refundable deposit on a Nissan Z at MSRP. No idea when I will, or if, I get it. Dealership seems to think even if I decline it, they’d be able to sell it for at least MSRP, or more.

Could be well into next year, or longer before I know, however.

qbrozen

graphicguy said:

I’ve noticed in general, new car interiors have vastly improved over the last 5 model years, or so. Even mainstream cars have pretty darned nice interiors. I’d say my Accord interior is every bit as nice as the one in my previous Acura, in some ways, better.

BTW, put down a $250 refundable deposit on a Nissan Z at MSRP. No idea when I will, or if, I get it. Dealership seems to think even if I decline it, they’d be able to sell it for at least MSRP, or more.

Could be well into next year, or longer before I know, however.

Out of curiosity, what made you do that? What appeals to you about it vs other choices for similar or less money? It may sound like I'm criticizing, but I'm not. Honestly looking for a discussion about it.

laurasdada

My late father had a '74(?) 260Z (full disclosure, 2 + 2 and automatic). Brown over black. So, the new Z tugs at my heartstrings a bit.

stickguy

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

I would take that combo. Sounds nice. Wonder what that would go for?

I was thinking of something like this.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d22fbd22-0ef8-4648-8b6c-f4d5834c8085/

I don’t know what your milage anxiety level might be but this one is cheap relative to others I’ve seen. Those cars have the highest resale values I’ve ever seen other than Jeep’s or Corvettes.
https://albany.craigslist.org/cto/d/albany-2006-mazda-mx-miata/7521004399.html

Interesting. I could live with the miles if cheap and passes a PPI

stickguy

My sons friend will be selling a semi-project NB Miata shortly. Cheap. Gonna look at that I think.

jmonroe1

sb55 said:

Shoe talk now? I'm size 10 eee so need shoes that come in wide sizes. I used to love Merrell, but they don't seem to last like they used to. Oboz brand are my new go to hiker. They come in wide sizes and really hold up well.

————————————————
I’m not sure how this shoe talk started but dishwasher talk can’t be far behind.

jmonroe

breld

@graphicguy - nice on the Z deposit. I'm simply on a list at a local dealership - no assurance on pricing and certainly not on timing. I'd be happy to put a deposit down in exchange for MSRP pricing.

@qbrozen's question is a good and valid one. The Z took last place in C&D's recent comparison against the M240i, Supra and Mach 1. I've only watched/read a few other reviews, but it doesn't seem Nissan set a new benchmark with the Z. I think the chassis is largely unchanged from the previous one. And while BMW's 382 hp in the B58 seems to be underrated, Nissan's 400 horses appear the opposite.

But I think a lot of the criticism, as mild as it may be, speaks to the vehicles when driven to their limits. Given the way I drive, I imagine the Z would be quite thrilling. Assuming you can get to MSRP at some point, the $51k price tag for a well equipped Performance model is very attractive...heck, the same 400 hp V6 in the Sport model for $10k less seems like a steal.

And if I'm 100% honest, the styling is a real draw for me...especially those taillights. Overall, I prefer the cleaner lines of the Z over the Supra.

breld

@stickguy - a Miata is always a good choice.

Did I mention I drove an RF recently at Carmax to reacquaint myself? As I squeezed myself into it and adjusted the seat as far back as it would go...which wasn't very far, I was thinking, "How did I ever own and drive this?" Then I drove it and the pure joy of shifting and driving that lightweight vehicle all came flooding back.

jmonroe1

graphicguy said:

I’ve noticed in general, new car interiors have vastly improved over the last 5 model years, or so. Even mainstream cars have pretty darned nice interiors. I’d say my Accord interior is every bit as nice as the one in my previous Acura, in some ways, better.

BTW, put down a $250 refundable deposit on a Nissan Z at MSRP. No idea when I will, or if, I get it. Dealership seems to think even if I decline it, they’d be able to sell it for at least MSRP, or more.

Could be well into next year, or longer before I know, however.

————————————————-
Sounds like you’re thinking ahead for your 2023 Spring toy. You could have done a lot worse.

jmonroe

oldfarmer50

I found that I couldn’t recline the seat back enough to get comfortable. Seems to be designed for folks under 6’.

stickguy

I’ll try it but I never was comfortable in my NB. but it was wicked fun to drive. I fit a bit better in newer versions. Headroom is fine, with the top down!

28firefighter

Waned to get some feedback from this crowd. I'm going to be swapping out the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires from the Elantra for a set of all seasons - while I love how the summer tires handle, they throw a lot of road debris and won't be great for year round driving.

Anyone have any anecdotal experience between the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4 and the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06? Similar ratings, similar price etc.

stickguy

All your contenders.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testDisplay.jsp?ttid=280

roadburner

I have fitted the A/S 3 tires to a couple of my cars and couldn't be happier.

28firefighter

stickguy said:

All your contenders.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testDisplay.jsp?ttid=280

Yep I saw that - but I wanted my poster buddy non-expert opinions.

stickguy

I always read good things about the continentals. But never had to buy anything in this category.

They are $40 cheaper though, and on tire rack, available now. The pilots won’t be in until late October.

oldfarmer50

28firefighter said:

Waned to get some feedback from this crowd. I'm going to be swapping out the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires from the Elantra for a set of all seasons - while I love how the summer tires handle, they throw a lot of road debris and won't be great for year round driving.

Anyone have any anecdotal experience between the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4 and the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06? Similar ratings, similar price etc.

I have the PilotA/S 4 on the Mustang and I’m more than happy with them. Handling is much better than the OEM tires (Pirellis P zero). Time will tell if they wear properly.

Just curious, do you plan on driving in the snow? I didn’t think you got that where you live.

graphicguy

qbrozen said:

graphicguy said:

I’ve noticed in general, new car interiors have vastly improved over the last 5 model years, or so. Even mainstream cars have pretty darned nice interiors. I’d say my Accord interior is every bit as nice as the one in my previous Acura, in some ways, better.

BTW, put down a $250 refundable deposit on a Nissan Z at MSRP. No idea when I will, or if, I get it. Dealership seems to think even if I decline it, they’d be able to sell it for at least MSRP, or more.

Could be well into next year, or longer before I know, however.

Out of curiosity, what made you do that? What appeals to you about it vs other choices for similar or less money? It may sound like I'm criticizing, but I'm not. Honestly looking for a discussion about it.

Q…did not take it as a criticism. I owned a (Datsun) 260Z as one of the cars I went through after I graduated from college. It was a rusty rattle trap that had seen better days when it came into my possession. It was the red headed step child of the Z lineage. But, I absolutely loved that car.

Have made several runs at Z cars since then. Never pulled the trigger. Thinking this may be the last chance I get to do so.

So far, all I’ve read are the reviews, which seem to be all positive. I like the way it looks (at least on the internet). Drivetrain seems solid and proven. Clearly would be a toy for me.

stickguy

All those options in that test are great cars. Very fast, high handling limits, etc. for the majority of us that don’t track, at the limit is almost meaningless since they are so high likely won’t ever come close.

To me, these are certainly fun cars but style and emotional pull is a huge part of why you buy one. So get the one that “speaks” do you the most.

nyccarguy

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

I would take that combo. Sounds nice. Wonder what that would go for?

I was thinking of something like this.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d22fbd22-0ef8-4648-8b6c-f4d5834c8085/

I don’t know what your milage anxiety level might be but this one is cheap relative to others I’ve seen. Those cars have the highest resale values I’ve ever seen other than Jeep’s or Corvettes.
https://albany.craigslist.org/cto/d/albany-2006-mazda-mx-miata/7521004399.html

Stick gets anxiety about cars with black interiors

nyccarguy

Frustrating, but par for the course with current times I guess. My Dad is looking to get a new SUV as he no longer has an interest in driving his 2018 Yukon SLT too much longer with 102K miles on the clock. Sent an email to the salesman whom we bought the truck (and have serviced at the dealership too) from last time with a PDF of the build sheet of the Tahoe he wants. Got an email back from the salesman saying 3-6 months to order one and they sell at $5K over sticker.

I sent him to test drive a Wagoneer Series II which he said was "nice," but he'd prefer another GM Truck.

corvette

I don’t think he should have to pay over MSRP on an ordered car. Maybe try calling around. Has he considered the new Sequoia?

andres3

Took a few days off this week for a staycation and recharge. Spent some of the time shopping cars; mainly Macan's.

Figure the Macan S is the sweet spot.

Audi of San Diego has a $60K '18 Macan Turbo in blue which I'd like, but probably more than I want to spend. I was too honest with the dealership and he's like "we don't like having miles added to our used cars" so he was against me test driving it. I admitted at $60K I could get a similar Macan S model instead with much less miles (their Turbo had 45K and just out of warranty) and CPO 2 year unlimited mile coverage at similar price point. Getting a Porsche just out of warranty might not be that risky, but feels risky to me after recent used car debacles.

What says the peanut galley about the 3.6 Twin Turbo Porsche used in '18 on the Macan Turbo?

How about the 3.0 V6 vs. the newer 2.9 V6? I ended up test driving at the neighboring Porsche of San Diego a new '22 Macan S in Racing Green (fave color) that stickered for $99K.

I found the new uprated 375 HP to still be lacking in the big heavy SUV. Most of that 375 HP lies in the 5,500 to 7k RPM range. Wind it up, and you really take off near the red line with dual clutch fast shifts. Drive moderately where it shifts below 4K RPM and it's still underwhelming. I think the fabulous 3.0 Supercharger combo has spoiled me with tons of HP and Torque at all RPM's. Heck, I might like the older 3.0 V6 with 30 less HP due to more evenly distributed power.

Loved the cooled seats. Loved the nice interior, quietness, and adaptive suspension. Even had a SUV suspension lowering/rasing feature to make it feel more planted and wagon-like. You could tell the difference on the fly between the settings (3 for firmness, 2 for ride height). Had 21" wheels which are $$$. So did the Turbo '18 though. Ride was shockingly compliant in soft mode though; felt "Lexus-like."

Overall I think SUV's might not be for me; still didn't feel confident with the size, weight, and heft tossing it around; though it handled what I through at it really well; I was a bit hesitant with $99K of metal on the line.

Verdict: Undecided - I might like that Turbo model; but risk is much higher without warranty.

nyccarguy

corvette said:

I don’t think he should have to pay over MSRP on an ordered car. Maybe try calling around. Has he considered the new Sequoia?

I started calling around. Seems the going rate is between $5k & $7K over sticker. There is a broker on LH in NY that will order one at sticker plus a $500 broker fee. He will probably go that route.

qbrozen

graphicguy said:

Q…did not take it as a criticism. I owned a (Datsun) 260Z as one of the cars I went through after I graduated from college. It was a rusty rattle trap that had seen better days when it came into my possession. It was the red headed step child of the Z lineage. But, I absolutely loved that car.

Have made several runs at Z cars since then. Never pulled the trigger. Thinking this may be the last chance I get to do so.

So far, all I’ve read are the reviews, which seem to be all positive. I like the way it looks (at least on the internet). Drivetrain seems solid and proven. Clearly would be a toy for me.

I had my 350z, a 300z, and a stang GT. I liked my 350 the best overall. But, still, I can't get past the price on this 400.

ab348

nyccarguy said:

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

I would take that combo. Sounds nice. Wonder what that would go for?

I was thinking of something like this.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d22fbd22-0ef8-4648-8b6c-f4d5834c8085/

I don’t know what your milage anxiety level might be but this one is cheap relative to others I’ve seen. Those cars have the highest resale values I’ve ever seen other than Jeep’s or Corvettes.
https://albany.craigslist.org/cto/d/albany-2006-mazda-mx-miata/7521004399.html

Stick gets anxiety about cars with black interiors

Don't want black seats in a car you're going to be driving mostly with the top down.

I'd avoid that particular one since the seller describes it as "pretty rough" on the outside. Would make me wonder how rough it is where I can't see.

ab348

28firefighter said:

Anyone have any anecdotal experience between the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4 and the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06? Similar ratings, similar price etc.

I replaced the summer-only Bridgestones that came on the ATS with Pilot Sport A/S4s last year. Night and day difference. The Bridgestones seemed like a track tire, very sensitive turn-in and twitchy to the point of being dangerous and useless here for several months each year when it got cold. I really like the Michelins. I've never owned a set of Continentals so I can't comment there.

stickguy

The maintenance lusted sounded promising. Given a choice I would take that!

Black cloth seats are doable. Black leather would be no good.

laurasdada

For most of the summer, I've been jonesing for a vert; midlife crisis 2. I went and tried on a new Audi TT for size, dealer said they'd sell at msrp. Could be year round with quattro. But, for the $, surprisingly missing a couple of things I'd like, most notably memory seats and a heated wheel. But, heated seats and airscarf; Gray/black/brown, nice color combo.

2019 certified BMW 4 xdrive on the cape (Estoril...mmm...), 2015 Miata PRHT in RI or an RF (holy high prices, Batman!), 2015 Boxster in CT... Torn between simplicity of soft top and (perceived?) security and better year-roundability of hard top...

Was even going to inquire with new snowbird neighbor about her garage while she's in FL for the winter presumably with her red Lexus CT200h with FL plates (and the wife said I hope you're kidding, you're not going to really ask her about that! Why, yes, yes I am).

But, I think the Marge Simpson noise of disapproval from the wife has worn me down (you have a beautiful car! True, the A7 continues to grows on me daily; open the sunroof and roll down all the windows, that's close, right?), the desire seems to have faded. I was going to take a day off this week and do some road tripping to test drive the TT and the 4, maybe the Miata. But, now I'm not sure.

Apologies on being an embarrassment on this board.

stickguy

Year round is not important to me. It would go in the garage once the snow (and salt) arrives and stay there until something passing for spring.

breld

@laurasdada - coincidentally, I was getting some window tint done on the wife's new MINI and the front windows on my X5 and was browsing the inventory (this guy does the tinting at a broker location) and a 2020 TT 'vert caught my eye.

I was pretty high on getting a TT, or TTS, a few years ago. Never pulled the trigger, but I too have been hankering for a convertible.

laurasdada

A neighbor has a mini convertible, with Union Jack soft top. They love it (they also have white X5 and 540xi).
Successful realtors, bought two townhouses with ocean views here (one a possible flip). Maybe I'll ask him about his second home's garage...

I only mention the year roundability as that would allow freedom to do something with the A7 during winter months, should a circumstance occur, and still have a drivable car (without having to have winter tires).

breld

I also stopped at a Nissan dealership to ask about any list or process toward getting a Z...nope, no process until they have VINs allocated. Okay.

Stopped at Toyota to ask the same question on a GR86. They took my name down and said they'd call when they get an allocation.

Gotta appreciate the ordering system from BMW and other luxury makes.

The Toyota guy did tell me about the Supra they have though...this is the yellow one my wife and I inquired about a couple weeks ago, but they were at $5k over MSRP plus a protection package (clear mask, ceramic coat, etc.). Well, today, they're at MSRP (still plus the protection package). Still not a great deal, but I do find it interesting they're having a little challenge moving an available Supra.

Michaell

I think the economy has some folks spooked about buying a new car. Interest rates are going up...

laurasdada

Prices, new and used have me spooked. Got the A7 just before the levee broke (and the rebates faded, the tax credit became byzantine, msrp was still just a number to be brushed aside...)!

So, anyone have thoughts on the eternal convertible debate; soft vs. hard top? Any tales of woe for either, beyond the obvious for each?

stickguy

soft tops less complex and take up less room. Personally I want a manual one but that really limits you.

breld

I think it says something that BMW tried out the retractable hard top on the Z4 and 3-series and have since moved away from it.

tifighter

I do like the hardtop on the Z4, despite the obvious trunk space downside. It really feels like a coupe when it rains. My wife loves the perceived additional security, although that doesn't worry me too much (if someone wants in, just break a window).

The other thing I like about the Z4 is the addition of the small rear quarter windows. Not common on two seaters. It makes outward visibility feel about 2000% better vs my old Miata. Which, incidentally, also had the retractable hardtop.

tifighter

I will add that I've driven two TT convertibles and liked them both. While I'd prefer a manual, I could live with one. At least until I saw a 2 series convertible listing.